Even Iberia (finally) has the shared account, here's how to take advantage of it in the family

Iberia has just made a move very clever (and finally "user friendly") for those who accumulate points: comes the Family account of Iberia inside Iberia Club, a shared account that allows you to pool Avios with whoever you want - not only relatives, but also friends, fellow travelers, partners, even the next-door neighbor. And therein lies the real novelty: zero kinship ties or age.

As we shall see, the rules are very similar to the British Club's shared account, but this does not surprise me; rather, what was perhaps surprising was the fact that BA had it and IB did not.

What really changes 

Until now, in the Avios world, "making critical mass" often meant trudging through transfers, separate accounts and cumbersome strategies.

With the Family account instead. pooling: sum the Avios of several people in a unique balance, so it becomes much easier to arrive at a meaningful redemption sooner (award flights, discounts, upgrades/services, hotels, cars, experiences).

Key rules, no fluff

• From 2 to 7 people: 1 administrator + up to 6 members.
• Invitations and activation: The account is activated when at least one person accepts; the invitation must be accepted by 7 days.
• Avios already present + future: everything flows into the shared balance (those you had and those you earn later).
• "Fair" spending: when someone uses Avios, the expense is allocated proportionally Among members.
• 12-month blockade: once inside, you stay there at least 12 months (early exit only for "justified" reasons by going through customer service). This is to avoid scams.
• Total control to the administrator: only the owner can add/remove members and close the account.
• Avios expiration: Family Account Avios do not expire if at least one member has status Plata or higher; otherwise the standard rules apply (in general, need activity within 36 months).
• "Geek" note: Family account Avios. are not used on Avios.com for transfers between accounts such as for British, Qatar and Finnair.

Because this thing is very more important than it seems

Because it shifts the needle on the thing that really matters to people who use points: Accumulate faster in one place.

If everyone at home (or in your travel group) does a few flights, a few partners, a few promos--now stop having "unusable piles" and start building a balance that really leads to an award ticket.

And yes: "Family account" in name, but in practice it is a "Friends account". And it's about time

• Avios