Alfursan
Saudi Arabian Airlines
VS
Avios
Qatar Airways
Alfursan vs Avios: which loyalty program wins?
We score Alfursan and Avios on the same five factors — earning rate, redemption value, partner network, ease of use, and point expiry — to help you choose the right program for how you actually spend.
Verdict
Alfursan is best for Frequent flyers, while Avios is best for Frequent travelers.
Skip Alfursan if Occasional travellers - miles expire after 24 months, and skip Avios if Saudi residents who don't travel internationally.
Overall rating
| Alfursan | Avios | |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.6 / 5 | 4.4 / 5 |
| Earning | 3.0 / 5 | 3.0 / 5 |
| Redemption | 4.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Network | 3.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
| Ease of use | 4.0 / 5 | 4.0 / 5 |
| Expiry | 4.0 / 5 | 5.0 / 5 |
Earning structure
| Alfursan | Earn miles based on flight distance and cabin class — from 25% of miles flown on Economy Saver up to 250% in First Class. Also earn miles via co-branded credit cards (Al Rajhi, Riyad Bank, Alinma, SNB, BSF, SAB, AmEx) and SkyTeam partner airlines. | |
|---|---|---|
| Avios | Members earn Avios on Qatar Airways flights - earning rates vary by route, fare class, and booking class. Earnings also accrue on flights with oneworld alliance partners (American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qantas, Iberia, Finnair, Royal Jordanian, and others) and on 90+ global partners including hotels (Marriott, IHG), car rentals (Hertz, Avis), retail, dining, and financial services. Avios are credited up to two hours before takeoff after check-in. Members can also purchase Avios to top up their balance, gift them to family and friends, or transfer between accounts. There is no Saudi bank co-branded credit card for Avios as of 2026. |
Redemption structure
| Alfursan | Redeem for SAUDIA and SkyTeam award flights starting at 4,500 miles (one-way domestic Economy), cabin upgrades from 3,750 miles, extra baggage, and lounge access. Miles expire if a user is not active for 2 years. | |
|---|---|---|
| Avios | Avios redeem on Qatar Airways and oneworld alliance flights worldwide - economy, business, and first class. Cabin upgrades to Business class on Qatar Airways are available. Cash + Avios allows part-payment for flights, giving flexibility on Avios-poor or last-minute bookings. At Qatar Duty Free in Hamad International Airport (Doha), Avios redemptions save up to 20% on luxury brands and dining. Members can also redeem at the Privilege Club Collection (lifestyle merchandise) and convert Avios with partner programs. Expired Avios can be revalidated at USD 0.015 per Avios - unique flexibility among airline programs. |
Partner network · Tiers & status · Point expiry policy
| Alfursan | Avios | |
|---|---|---|
| Number of partners | 0 | 0 |
| Partners | — | — |
| Number of tiers | 3 | 4 |
| Top tier | Gold “Elite Plus” | Platinum |
| First-tier qualification | 20 flights | 150 points |
| Point expiry | 24 months inactivity (reset on earn) | 36 months inactivity (reset on earn) |