Ever felt like a high-roller, stepping onto the tarmac with your plus-one, ready to jet off on an Avios reward flight? Well, you're not far from it. We're going to discuss the best ways to use a British Airways Companion Voucher.
Imagine entering a swanky eatery and being told that, for each luxurious steak dinner you order, another one will be gifted to you!
The British Airways Companion Voucher is just that - but for flights! It lets two people fly together on Avios redemption reward flights while paying Avios points for only one seat.
Ready for more? Let's explore the best ways to use a BA Companion Voucher, whatever your preference. Whether you prefer travelling alone or in a group, whether long-haul luxury cabins tickle your fancy or short European trips are more your thing – we've got all bases covered.
Table Of Contents:
Understanding the British Airways Companion Voucher
The British Airways Companion Voucher is a golden ticket for savvy travellers. Think of it as an invite to bring along your favourite travel partner on Avios redemption flights without shelling out more Avios points.
The Basics of the Companion Voucher
If you're into globetrotting, this voucher lets you do just that, but with a twist. It allows 2-for-1 travel on reward flights booked using Avios. So when you book your seat using Avios, you can bring someone else along at no extra cost in terms of air miles.
You might be wondering how this works exactly. Well, say you've got enough Avios points to get yourself a round trip from London to New York in business class - fantastic news.
This is where our trusty companion voucher comes into play; it simply doubles up the fun and cuts down costs by letting another person fly with you on those same dates and flights for zero additional Avio points. Yes mate, two posh seats for one set price.
Check out our YouTube video where we show you our experience on a business class seat from London to Cape Town.
Solo Travel with the Companion Voucher
Even solo flyers can make use of this nifty little bonus. A single traveller pays only 50% of the required number of Avios rewards program. Imagine flying halfway across the world alone and saving half your hard-earned loyalty points - sounds like music to my ears.
But before you start packing your bags, remember to keep an eye on the availability of redemption seats.
Key Stats
The Companion Voucher lets two people fly for the price of one on Avios redemption flights.
Solo travellers can also benefit from this by redeeming only 50% of the required Avios points.
Adequate planning is needed due to limited reward seat availability.
To sum it up, making use of a British Airways Companion Voucher feels like the best of both worlds. It's not just about flying; it's an experience that gives you more.
Earning through BA Amex Card
Obtaining a Companion Voucher is easier than expected. All it takes is spending the required spend of £10,000 in one card year on your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card. That's right - just use your credit card for everyday purchases and watch those spending levels rise.
This might seem like quite an ask but consider the fact that this includes all sorts of spending – from weekly grocery shopping to filling up your car or even booking holidays. You'd be surprised at how quickly it adds up.
Redeeming for Group or Family Travel
A common question we hear is "Can I use two vouchers together?" Yes, absolutely! If both travellers have earned a voucher each, they can book four people into one itinerary. This means big savings when planning group outings or family trips.
Note though, if more than two adults are travelling then additional adult passengers would need to pay the full Avios fare. Still not bad when you've already got half the crew flying free.
Booking Avios Seats with the Voucher
Redeeming these vouchers online couldn’t be simpler; once logged into ‘My Executive Club’, click ‘Book with Avios’ and select the option to use a Companion Voucher.
Keep in mind that voucher availability matches up with reward flight seat availability, so you’ll need to be quick off the mark when booking popular routes. The key is flexibility; consider travelling during less busy periods or on less popular routes for best results.
The BA Companion Voucher isn’t just for round-trip bookings either - one-way flights are also fair game. So whether it's an impromptu weekend away or planning your next big adventure, these vouchers offer fantastic value.
Maximising Value from the Companion Voucher
The BA Companion Voucher, when used smartly, can let you squeeze out more value than a fresh lemon in a Mojito. To get the most out of your voucher, it's essential to know how and where to use it.
Using the Voucher for Long-Haul Premium Cabins
You might feel like Jack Sparrow finding hidden treasure when using your voucher for long-haul premium cabins. Here's why: You get two seats while parting with Avios just for one. Now that's what I call a cracking deal.
A cheeky little example here: A return flight to New York in First Class usually costs around 180k Avios points plus taxes per person. But hold onto your hats - with this golden ticket of yours (the companion voucher), you're getting two posh first-class tickets at the cost of one.
Intra-European Flights and Cash Flights
Moving closer home, using vouchers on intra-European flights or ones you were planning to pay cash can also yield great savings.
We recently flew from Heathrow to Dusseldorf for a grand total of £0.50 per person. For both of us, our return flights came to £2.00! That's less than buying a cup of tea. And we had access to the business class lounges in both airports. Fabulous!
While it might not sound as grandiose as the transatlantic example, remember every penny saved is a penny earned. Or in this case, Avios earned.
Bear in mind, there's always a snag. BA Companion Vouchers are only valid for specific uses.
Real examples of how the BA companion voucher works
Let’s dive into some real-world examples of how this works.
First, though, some things to keep in mind.
All flight costs are one-way only. For a return, double the cash cost.
Flights are based on off-peak dates. Peak dates will cost more (if there are reward seats available).
Flight tiers are based on miles covered by the flight.
When using the Amex Companion Voucher, the cash price doubles but the Avios costs stay the same.
Restrictions and Expiry of the Companion Voucher
From expiry dates to restrictions on routes, let’s dig into what you need to be aware of.
Expiry Dates of the Voucher
A crucial detail about the BA Companion Voucher is that it comes with an expiration date. You've got 24 months from when you earn your voucher until it expires. But remember - outbound travel must take place before this deadline.
If you’re thinking ‘what if I want to travel after my voucher has expired?’, don’t worry. If there are seats available in the Avios reward flight inventory, then they can be booked for return flights even if those fall beyond the voucher’s validity period.
This approach lets you squeeze out a bit more value from your companion pass but do make sure not to cut things too close – airline schedules change and last-minute surprises can occur.
Route Restrictions: What Can & Can’t You Do?
Your dreams might be filled with visions of using this magic ticket anywhere around the globe...but hold onto your horses. The reality is a little less rosy as some restrictions apply.
You're allowed only one route per booking which means no multi-city adventures.
Additionally, both passengers must fly together on all legs of their trip - no splitting up mid-journey or taking separate connecting flights. So pick wisely who gets that golden second seat next to yours.
Taxes And Charges Still Apply
We hate being party poopers but we have another heads-up: taxes and carrier charges still apply when redeeming a companion voucher (though they usually come at a reduced rate). So while you're getting two seats for the price of one in terms of Avios, you'll still need to cough up some cash.
The charges can vary depending on your destination. It's always worth doing a bit of homework before deciding where to jet off with your voucher – BA’s website gives more information about this so do give it a peek.
Ideal Users of the Companion Voucher
Ever wondered who gets the most out of a BA Companion Voucher? Let's talk about that. The ideal users are typically BA Executive Club Members. But why is that?
BA Executive Club Members
The answer lies in how you earn these vouchers. As an executive club member, when you spend significantly on your BA branded credit card, it lets you get one.
You see, for every pound spent using this card, Avios points rack up. Reach a specific threshold and bingo - hello companion voucher. This scheme makes it highly attractive to those already spending big on their BA cards.
This isn't just beneficial for frequent flyers though. Families planning vacations can also benefit greatly from having an executive club membership and associated credit card because they'll likely hit that spend mark over time too.
Making Your Spend Count More
A word here about making sure your spending earns as much reward as possible; not all purchases offer equal returns when it comes down to earning Avios points towards your next Companion Voucher. Certain types of expenditure give more bang for your buck than others.
Purchases directly from British Airways like flights or BA holidays tend to give a higher return on Avios points.
Similarly, foreign transactions can earn more points than domestic ones. This makes the card an excellent companion for international travellers or businesses with overseas expenditures.
This way, every pound you spend not only brings you closer to your next trip but also increases your chances of earning another Companion Voucher.
Strategic Planning For Best Returns
It's important to plan strategically when using these vouchers. They're valid for travel completed within 24 months from the date they were earned. Therefore, make sure that big-ticket purchases coincide well with potential travel plans in mind - ensuring maximum value extraction.
FAQs about the Best Ways to Use a BA Companion Voucher
How do I get the best out of my companion voucher?
To maximise your companion voucher, use it for long-haul premium cabin flights. Also, consider combining two vouchers for group travel.
What is the best use of a companion ticket?
The best use of a companion ticket is on expensive or international routes where you'll save the most. It's also great for solo travellers as they can redeem 50% of Avios points.
Can I use my companion voucher for something else?
No, BA Companion Vouchers are specifically designed to let you bring someone along on an Avios redemption flight without needing extra Avios points.
Are British Airways companion vouchers worth it?
Absolutely. If used wisely - think high-value flights and large groups - these vouchers can help make big savings on your travels with British Airways.
Conclusion
That's it, folks! We've covered the best ways to use a BA Companion Voucher. A game-changer for travel lovers and savvy spenders alike.
We used our voucher to fly from London to Cape Town, business class. It was a game-changer. Being able to sleep horizontally and have all that space meant we were both fresh and relaxed when we landed to explore without the need for a power nap.
If you want to join in the flying fun, get your BA American Express Credit Card. Terms and conditions apply.
コメント