Finnair Increases Award Rates for American Airlines Flights
Finnair has updated its award chart for American Airlines flights, leading to higher redemption rates for Avios members. The changes, effective late 2024, impact U.S.-based flyers using Finnair Avios to book American Airlines seats.
Before the devaluation, redeeming 11,000 Finnair Avios secured an economy award within the U.S. and Canada. Now, it costs 16,500 Avios, a 50% increase. First class awards in the same region have also risen, from 30,000 to 40,000 Avios, a 33% jump.
Finnair adopted Avios in March 2023, joining a vast Avios ecosystem with other international airlines. This change allows members to transfer Avios between Finnair and British Airways at a 1:1 rate, and Capital One miles to Finnair Avios at the same rate. However, booking award flights on American or Alaska Airlines with Finnair Avios requires using online chat or calling Finnair, as online booking is not available.
Finnair's new award chart for American Airlines shows higher award prices, up to 50% more. This devaluation makes it less convenient to book seats on American Airlines with Finnair Avios, potentially impacting U.S.-based flyers. While Finnair offers different award charts for each partner airline, reflecting devalued prices for American Airlines, redeeming partner miles to fly on American Airlines has become less advantageous due to the recent update.
