Avios vs. Bonvoy: Which Loyalty Points Get You Further?

As a seasoned travel hacker, I'm constantly looking for the best ways to stretch my hard-earned points and miles. Today, we're pitting two of my favorite loyalty currencies against each other: British Airways Avios and Marriott Bonvoy points. Both are incredibly versatile, but they excel in different areas. Let's dive into which program might be the better choice for your next adventure, assuming you've got a stash of either 50,000 Avios or 100,000 Bonvoy points to spend.

Quick Comparison at a Glance

Getting There: Where Do Your Points Take You?

This is where the fundamental difference lies. British Airways Avios are primarily for flights. With 50,000 Avios, you're looking at some fantastic short-haul redemptions, especially within the US on American Airlines or on British Airways' own network to destinations like Bermuda or the Caribbean. The sweet spot here is often off-peak travel. For example, 50,000 Avios could get you a roundtrip business class ticket from New York to London on British Airways during an off-peak date, which is an incredible value, easily netting you over 2 cents per point. Even a standard economy ticket to Europe can be a great deal if booked smartly. Marriott Bonvoy points, on the other hand, are predominantly for hotel stays. 100,000 Bonvoy points can secure you a significant number of nights, depending on the hotel category and location. You might get two to three nights at a solid Category 4 hotel in a major city like Chicago or Denver, or potentially four to five nights at a Category 1 or 2 property if you're willing to venture slightly off the beaten path. Remember, booking four consecutive nights gets you the fifth night free, which is a massive perk that stretches those points even further. While you can transfer Bonvoy points to airline partners, the conversion rate (3:1) is generally not favorable unless you're taking advantage of a transfer bonus.

Accommodation: Your Home Away From Home

With 100,000 Marriott Bonvoy points, you're in a prime position to experience some truly excellent hotels. Think about a stay at a JW Marriott in a bustling city center or a beautiful Westin resort. You can often use points for suite upgrades, especially if you have Marriott Bonvoy elite status (which you can earn through credit cards or by staying enough nights). This means you could be enjoying a spacious living area and premium amenities, truly elevating your travel experience. The ability to earn elite night credits with Marriott credit cards is another huge draw, bringing you closer to benefits like room upgrades and late checkout. Avios don't directly cover accommodation, but they can indirectly help. By using Avios for flights, you save money that can then be allocated to a hotel. Furthermore, British Airways partners with various hotel booking sites, and sometimes you can earn Avios on hotel stays booked through them, though this is rarely the most efficient use.

Things to Do: Experiences to Cherish

Your choice of points will dictate your activities. If you've used Avios for a flight to a European city like London or Dublin, your 50,000 points have essentially unlocked access to those destinations. From there, your budget of $750 can cover a few days of exploring. Think museum hopping in London, catching a West End show, or enjoying traditional pub fare. If you've opted for a Caribbean escape, your Avios have funded your journey to white sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and opportunities for snorkeling or diving. With 100,000 Bonvoy points, your accommodation is largely covered, freeing up your $1000 budget for activities. Staying at a Marriott property in a city like Rome might mean you're walking distance to the Colosseum and Roman Forum. The points you've saved on the hotel can be used for guided tours, cooking classes, or indulging in the local culinary scene. A resort stay in Mexico, funded by Bonvoy, allows your budget to be spent on spa treatments, excursions to ancient ruins, or simply enjoying the resort's amenities.

Food and Dining Scene

The food and dining scene is entirely dependent on your chosen destination, not directly on the points currency. However, the value you get from your points can influence your dining budget. If you scored a "free" flight with Avios, you have more of your cash budget to spend on delicious meals. Imagine exploring the vibrant food markets of Southeast Asia or savoring authentic pasta in Italy, knowing your flight was covered. Conversely, if your Bonvoy points have secured you a luxurious hotel stay, you might be tempted by the hotel's upscale restaurants. While convenient, these can be pricey. However, the savings on accommodation might allow you to splurge on a few memorable meals without guilt.

Budget Breakdown: What to Expect

* **Avios (50,000 Points + $750 Budget):** This combination is best suited for a shorter trip or a destination where your Avios can be maximally leveraged for flights. For example, a 3-4 day trip to Europe in economy or off-peak business class, with the remaining $750 covering basic accommodation, food, and activities. You're likely looking at mid-range hotels and a mix of eating out and more casual dining. * **Bonvoy (100,000 Points + $1000 Budget):** This scenario leans towards a more comfortable hotel experience. You might get 3-4 nights at a nice hotel in a major city or even a higher-end resort. Your $1000 budget will then be for flights (if not using separate flight points), activities, and dining. This allows for a more relaxed pace and potentially some nicer dining experiences.

Best For Different Traveler Types

* **The Short-Haul Specialist:** If you live near an airline hub and often fly within North America or to nearby international destinations, 50,000 Avios can be incredibly potent. Think weekend getaways to Mexico City or a quick trip to see family on the other coast. * **The Luxury Seeker:** If your goal is to experience premium accommodations and potentially secure suite upgrades without breaking the bank, 100,000 Bonvoy points are your ticket. This is for travelers who value comfort and amenities as much as the destination itself. * **The Value Optimizer:** For those who love calculating cents-per-point and finding those "sweet spot" redemptions, Avios often offer better per-point value on specific routes and dates. * **The Consistency Hunter:** Marriott Bonvoy offers a predictable redemption value for hotels, and the added benefit of elite status and free night awards makes it a solid choice for frequent travelers who prioritize a consistent hotel experience.

Final Verdict: My Recommendation

For pure value and unlocking aspirational travel experiences, **British Airways Avios often win** if you can nail a sweet spot redemption. A 50,000 Avios roundtrip business class ticket to Europe during off-peak season is hard to beat and offers incredible value. However, if your priority is a comfortable and potentially luxurious hotel stay, and you value the perks that come with hotel loyalty programs like elite status and suite upgrades, then **Marriott Bonvoy points are the clear winner**. 100,000 Bonvoy points can significantly elevate your accommodation experience, making a good trip great. Ultimately, the "better" program depends on your travel style and priorities. But for maximizing the thrill of travel hacking, I'm always keeping an eye out for those Avios sweet spots!