Avios and Radisson Rewards launch two-way
Avios, through Finnair Plus, has launched a reciprocal transfer partnership with Radisson Rewards, plus a one-way status match offer.
Avios, through the Finnair Plus loyalty scheme, has launched a two-way transfer partnership with Radisson Rewards. The partnership, which briefly appeared and then vanished three weeks ago, is now officially active according to a report on Head for Points.
The transfer rates between the two programmes are fixed. Members can convert their points in either direction.
| Transfer Direction | Conversion Rate |
|---|---|
| Finnair Avios to Radisson Rewards | 3 Avios = 5 Radisson points |
| Radisson Rewards to Finnair Avios | 10 Radisson points = 1 Avios |
Analysis of Point Values
The Head for Points analysis values a Radisson Rewards point at 0.15 pence and an Avios at 1 pence. Based on these valuations, transferring from the hotel program to the airline program involves giving up 1.5 pence worth of hotel point value for 1 pence of Avios value. The site calls this acceptable if a member has no immediate need for hotel stays.
Critique of Transfer Rates
The site is highly critical of the reverse transfer rate. Converting Avios into the hotel chain's points means surrendering 3 pence of estimated Avios value to receive just 0.75 pence worth of hotel points. The report describes this rate as shocking and very, very poor. It notes a discrepancy in the terms, with the hotel group's site listing a 4:5 transfer rate while Finnair's site states 3:5, but concludes that either way, it is a poor deal.
Status Match Details
The partnership includes a status match, but it only works from Finnair Plus to the hotel loyalty program. This limits its utility for UK-based travellers who are more likely to hold status with the hotel group. The match offers specific tier upgrades for Finnair members.
Finnair Plus Silver, Gold, or Platinum status holders can claim complimentary Radisson Rewards Premium status. According to the source, this tier is comparable to the benefits provided by The Platinum Card from American Express and includes access to a Discount Booster for extra savings on stays.
Finnair Plus Platinum Lumo members are eligible for a match to the hotel program's VIP status. This top tier provides benefits like free breakfast and an upgrade to the best available room at check-in, which can sometimes include suites. The report mentions that many readers acquired this status through a past Club Avolta promotion.
The source points out another conflicting detail in the terms. It states that the hotel group's fine print suggests Finnair Platinum members would get VIP status, while the main promotional pages and Finnair's site indicate they would receive Premium. The analysis assumes the latter, more restrictive, match is correct.
For travellers who have chosen to credit British Airways flights to Finnair Plus to earn status more easily, this new status match is presented as a useful additional perk. The partnership adds a new connection between airline and hotel loyalty currencies, albeit with transfer values the source heavily questions.
