Avios Updates: Pizza Express, Accor Bonus, Plus Zipcar & Ivy News
The article highlights several consumer and travel loyalty updates. Avios has re-established a partnership with Pizza Express, enabling members to earn 3 Avios per £1 spent by linking a credit or debit card through the Avios app, including payments made via the Pizza Express app. However, redeeming Avios for Pizza Express digital gift cards offers a poor value of 0.5p per Avios, consistent with conversions to Nectar or seat selection. This redemption is generally discouraged unless the goal is to deplete small, otherwise unusable Avios balances, such as a family member's 2,900 Avios.
A significant update involves the improved two-way partnership between Avios (via Qatar Airways Privilege Club) and the ALL Accor Live Limitless hotel loyalty program. The Avios to Accor transfer rate has improved from 4,500 Avios for 1,000 Accor points, to 3,500 Avios for 1,000 Accor points. Accor to Avios transfers also improved, now yielding 1,500 Avios for 2,000 Accor points. Despite these rate enhancements, the standard transfer value remains low, at around 0.50p per Avios, given Accor points' fixed value of 2 Eurocents. A limited-time bonus, active until December 20th, offers a 30% bonus on Avios transfers to Accor points, increasing to 35% for members with linked Qatar Airways and Accor accounts. With this 35% bonus, 3,500 Avios can translate to 1,350 Accor points, equivalent to €27 or £23.73 in hotel credit, boosting the value to 0.68p per Avios. While better than the Pizza Express redemption, this transfer is primarily beneficial for preventing Accor points expiry.
In other news, car-sharing service Zipcar unexpectedly announced the closure of its UK operations on December 31st, discontinuing a popular service, particularly for one-way airport trips. Lastly, The Ivy is running a promotion offering half-price wine and champagne with a main course purchase at most branches. This offer is valid Monday to Wednesday, from 11:30 am to 6 pm, for the current and following week, appealing to American Express Platinum Card holders looking to use their dining credit. Customers should verify participation with their specific branch.
(Source: https://www.headforpoints.com/2025/12/02/use-avios-at-pizza-express/)
