The BA Companion Voucher is a hidden gem, tucked away in the perks of the British Airways Club. Essentially, it allows you to take a companion on your flight without any additional Avios cost, as long as they're travelling with you in the same cabin. This means you can double your travel rewards, and experience memorable journeys with a loved one or a friend. Imagine globetrotting with your favourite travel partner without having to shell out additional Avios for their ticket - that's the Companion Voucher in a gist.
Confusingly, when you consider the name BA Companion Voucher, you can also use your voucher to make a solo British Airways reward seat booking and get 50% off the Avios points required for your trip, as long as you earned the voucher from 1 September 2021 onwards.
When you use a BA Companion Voucher, all taxes and fees are still payable in full for both solo and companion seat bookings.
Which Companion Voucher?
Depending on your American Express credit card, you’ll earn different types of BA Companion Vouchers, which can be redeemed in other cabin classes.
If you have the free British Airways American Express credit card, you’ll need to spend £15,000 in a 12-month period on your card to earn yourself a Companion Voucher that entitles you to book two Economy (World Traveller) seats on the same flight for the cost of one Avios reward seat booking or snap up an economy (World Traveller) seat as a solo traveller and get 50% off the Avios cost.
For those of you with a British Airways American Express Premium Plus credit card, you’ll pay £300 a year in credit card fees, but you’ll earn a BA Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 in a 12-month period. You’ll also get more redemption options for your voucher - you can book seats in any cabin class, as long as both seats are the same, which means that premium cabins are up for grabs. This also applies to solo travel - you can book reward seats in any class and get that juicy 50% points discount.
So, how can I use my 100,000 Avios?
It all comes down to how many Avios points you have. Having a pool of 100,000 Avios at your disposal can open up a world of travel possibilities as vast as the globe itself. From the distant shores of Sydney to the exotic landscapes of the Caribbean, your Avios balance can take you and your travel partner to remarkable destinations. One question that pops up more often than any other is: "How can I optimally use my Companion Voucher?"
To help navigate these waters, we'll focus on the art of using your BA Companion Voucher when your Avios meter reads 100,000.
From long-haul economy reward flights to luxurious business class journeys on shorter routes, these Avios points can be used across a range of options. You'll need to consider factors like timing, availability, and potential destinations that align with your budget and travel preferences. While your strategy will largely depend on your travel preferences, the fundamental approaches boil down to:
- Embarking on ultra-long-haul flights in Economy
- Securing a Premium Economy return flight during off-peak times to moderately long routes
- Opting for off-peak Business Class return flights to a selection of mid-haul destinations
For the purpose of sharing these tips, we’ve worked on the basis of two travellers using a voucher. But, if you’re a solo traveller all you need to do is half the Avios points costs we quote in the article.
Long Haul Routes in Economy
This strategy comes into play when you've set your sights on a far-off city like Sydney. By using your British Airways Companion Voucher booking and 100,000 Avios, you can get return Economy seats. However, this option might not offer the highest comfort, given the gruelling 24-hour flight duration. The economy seating will provide little comfort for such a long trip, and the chances of getting a good sleep are slim. Nonetheless, if the destination is your prime focus, this strategy can make your dream trip a reality.
Long Haul Routes in Off-Peak Premium Economy
Securing a Premium Economy return flight off-peak to destinations such as the US, Asia, or the Caribbean may be a great use of your Avios and Companion Voucher. The Premium Economy class, with its suite of perks like additional baggage allowance, priority boarding, and enhanced seating comfort with wider spaces and extended recline, ensures a comfortable journey. Even though lounge access isn't included, the tranquility of a less crowded cabin and the prospect of restful sleep can be more than adequate compensation.
For high-demand routes such as the Bahamas, securing two premium class reward seats can be challenging, but is possible if you book 7-10 months ahead. Other destinations like Montreal, where the flight duration is roughly 8 hours, predominantly during daylight hours, are also a good choice. If you're accumulating points for a grander trip and are operating within a stringent budget of 100,000 Avios for a return trip, opting for long-haul Premium Economy daytime flights could be a smart move. This allows you to book an additional holiday while preserving your Avios for a more lavish redemption, perhaps even in Business Class for a special occasion.
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Let's explore some destinations reachable with an off-peak Premium Economy return and Companion Voucher for 100,000 Avios:
London - Antigua:
Dive into the vibrant Caribbean culture for just 47,500 Avios + £165 each way.
London - Bangalore:
Explore the buzzing tech hub of India for 47,500 Avios + £165 each way.
London - Dubai:
Experience the fusion of modernity and tradition in this Middle Eastern gem for 42,500 Avios + £140 each way.
London - Grenada:
Savour the 'Spice Isle' of the Caribbean with its pristine beaches and lush landscapes for 47,500 Avios + £165 each way.
Mid-Haul Routes in Off-Peak Business Class
You can experience the mid-haul journey of a lifetime while luxuriating in Business Class, made accessible by your Companion Voucher. When you elevate to Club World, you're stepping into an elite realm of air travel. Enjoy the luxury of lounge access, priority services, complimentary champagne, and the freedom to stretch out in lie-flat beds in the sky.
Consider these exciting off-peak destinations for your Business Class return journey with a Companion Voucher for 100,000 Avios:
London - Crete:
Immerse yourself in the blend of ancient and modern on this island gem, where Minoan ruins meet vibrant nightlife and stunning beaches. Set off to Crete for only 24,250 Avios + 50p each way.
British Airways
London - Istanbul:
A city that straddles two continents, Istanbul is a melting pot of cultures where East meets West. Experience its charm for just 24,250 Avios + 50p each way.
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London - Santorini:
The epitome of a Greek Island paradise, Santorini offers stunning sunsets, whitewashed houses, and unique beaches. Enjoy this for 24,250 Avios + 50p each way.
British Airways
London - Tirana, Albania:
Explore the lesser-known but equally captivating Tirana, Albania's capital, rich in history and culture, for only 24,250 Avios + 50p each way.
British Airways
Maximising Your Companion Voucher Benefits
When used strategically, a Companion Voucher can add significant value to your Avios balance, transforming it into a tool that unlocks a world of travel opportunities. Understanding the sweet spots and intricacies of this reward scheme is crucial, whether the priority is looking to economise with a long-haul economy flight or spoil yourself with a luxury business class experience.
In planning your Avios and Companion Voucher use, it's important to remain flexible and proactive. Keeping an eye out for off-peak dates, exploring various destinations, and maintaining a vigilant watch on seat availability can pay off substantially.
Ultimately, the value of a Companion Voucher is maximised when used thoughtfully and creatively. Travel is a journey, and we encourage you to embrace the adventure that comes with navigating the world of rewards.
