Membership Rewards transfers: the best airline partners for Belgians
You've accumulated thousands of Membership Rewards points, but how do you extract maximum value from them? For Belgian travellers, not all airline partners are created equal. Discover which transfers get you into business class for free from Brussels Airport.
The top 3 airline partners for Belgian travellers
With 15+ airline partners to choose from, it's crucial to transfer strategically. From Belgium, these three partners offer the best combination of route network, availability and point value:
1. Flying Blue (Air France-KLM)
- Direct flights from both Brussels and Amsterdam
- Promo Rewards: regularly 25-50% discount on award flights
- Transfer ratio: 1:1 (1 MR point = 1 Flying Blue mile)
- Sweet spot: 53,000 miles for business class return to New York
2. British Airways Avios
- Excellent for short European flights (distance-based)
- Partner awards on Iberia and Qatar Airways
- Transfer ratio: 1:1
- Sweet spot: 13,000 Avios for business class London return
3. Emirates Skywards
- Luxurious first & business class products
- Daily direct flights Brussels-Dubai
- Transfer ratio: 1:1
- Sweet spot: 85,000 miles for business class Dubai return
With the American Express Platinum card via our referral link you'll receive up to 150,000 Membership Rewards points, enough for a free business class return to New York or Dubai.
How do you maximise the value of your points?
Not every transfer delivers the same value. Follow these golden rules:
Rule 1: Book premium cabins. Business and first class offer 2-5x more value per point than economy.
Rule 2: Wait for transfer bonuses. Airlines regularly offer 20-30% bonus miles on transfers.
Rule 3: Always compare. Check both Flying Blue and Avios for the same route, prices vary considerably.
With the Booster option (€10/month) you earn 4 points per €1 spent. That means €2,500 in spending already earns you 10,000 extra points, perfect for that upgrade to business class.
Brussels Airlines & Lufthansa Miles & More
As the home base for Brussels Airlines, the Miles & More programme is particularly relevant for Belgian travellers:
Miles & More benefits
- Direct flights to 80+ destinations from Brussels Airport
- Star Alliance partners for worldwide coverage
- Transfer ratio: 1:1 to Lufthansa Group miles
- Combine with Senator status for lounge access
Don't forget: your Amex Platinum also gives you access to 1,550+ airport lounges via Priority Pass, including a complimentary guest. The perfect complement to your award tickets.
Start with 150,000 points
Via the TravelLux.be referral link you'll receive the maximum welcome bonus, more than when applying directly with American Express. That's enough points for a free business class flight to New York.
✦ Apply via referral link. 150,000 points€65/month • Points never expire • View all details at americanexpress.com/be
Frequently asked questions
How many Membership Rewards points do I need for a business class flight?
For a business class return flight to New York you need on average 90,000-120,000 miles. With the welcome bonus of 150,000 points via the TravelLux.be referral link you'll fly for free straightaway.
To which airlines can I transfer Membership Rewards points?
Belgians can transfer points to 15+ airline partners including Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France-KLM, British Airways, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Etihad, Singapore Airlines and Turkish Airlines.
What is the best transfer ratio for Membership Rewards?
Most transfers occur at a 1:1 ratio (1 MR point = 1 mile). British Airways Avios and Flying Blue (Air France-KLM) often offer the best value for European flights from Belgium.