One of the most popular features of the British Airways American Express credit cards is the Companion Voucher, which allows cardholders to bring a travel companion on a British Airways Reward Flight using just their Avios.
This means you can effectively get two tickets for the price of one Avios fare, paying only the taxes and fees for both passengers. Depending on which British Airways Club BA American Express card you have, it can help you bring someone along on your travels without burning through all your Avios.
Understanding British Airways Companion Vouchers
If you have the free British Airways Club BA American Express card and spend £15,000 in a membership year, you earn a Companion Voucher that allows you to book two seats in the same cabin on a British Airways Reward Flight for the price of one Avios fare, or if you’re flying solo, you can get a 50% discount on the Avios price for your ticket.
If you’ve got the British Airways Club BA American Express Premium Plus card, things get even better. You pay £300 a year for the card, but the voucher lets you book seats in any cabin, including Business or First Class. And if you’re travelling alone, you get a 50% discount on the Avios cost for any seat.
Just remember, even though one ticket might be free or half off in Avios, you still need to pay the standard taxes and fees for both passengers. So, make sure to save a little extra for those.
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Once you've earned a BA Companion Voucher and saved up 400,000 Avios, it’s time to think about where you want to go. First, a good tip is to make sure you’re getting good value from your Avios — aim to get at least 1p in value for each Avios you spend before you even use your voucher. This ensures you’re using your points wisely.
For this blog, let's talk about a Companion Voucher earned through the British Airways Club BA American Express Premium Plus card. Below is a list of the best places you can fly to with a Companion Voucher when you have 400,000 Avios to spend.
British Airways American Express Credit Card at a glance
The free British Airways American Express Credit Card earns 1 Avios per £1 spent, plus 5,000 bonus Avios after you spend £2,000 in your first three months. You get a Companion Voucher each membership year when you spend £15,000, redeemable on British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus Reward Flights in economy, Euro Traveller, and World Traveller cabins subject to availability, with taxes, fees, and carrier charges per person.
The card has no annual fee and a representative 29.1% APR variable on purchases, with a 2.99% foreign transaction fee and a 3% cash advance fee. There are no intro balance transfer or annual fees, and a late payment fee of £12 applies where relevant.
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card at a glance
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card offers 1.5 Avios per £1 spent on general purchases and 3 Avios per £1 spent with British Airways or BA Holidays. You can earn 30,000 bonus Avios after spending £6,000 in your first three months, and a Companion Voucher each membership year after you spend £15,000.
These vouchers are valid for 24 months and can be used in any cabin on British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus Reward Flights, including Club (business) and First Class, with additional Club World seats often available when booking with a Companion Voucher, subject to availability. Taxes, fees, and carrier charges apply per person.
The card has a £300 annual fee and a representative 135.7% APR variable (29.1% variable on purchases, with a 36.3% cash advance APR). There is a 2.99% foreign transaction fee, a 3% cash advance fee, and a £12 late payment fee. There are no intro balance transfer or annual fees.
Business Class Destinations
Buenos Aires
Often called the "Paris of South America," Buenos Aires is a blend of European charm with a Latin twist. Picture streets graced with grandiose European-style architecture where cafes spill over with lively chatter and tango dancers stealing the show on the sidewalks.
You can explore colourful neighbourhoods like La Boca, where houses are painted in bright colours and the streets feel like an open-air museum. Or visit the San Telmo Market for a taste of local life, where you can find everything from vintage clothes to antiques and handmade crafts. And don’t forget to try some Argentine specialties like empanadas or the world-famous Argentine steak at a local "parrilla" (steakhouse). For the sports enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like the electric atmosphere of a Boca Juniors football game at La Bombonera stadium. The local fervour for fútbol here can be felt deep in the bones.
If you’re thinking about visiting Buenos Aires and have a BA Companion Voucher with 400,000 Avios, here’s how you can use it: An off‑peak return flight in Business Class from London to Buenos Aires costs 210,000 Avios plus about £1200 in taxes and fees. This covers the Avios for one person’s fare, and the £1200 covers the taxes and fees for both passengers. You only pay the Avios for one ticket, but both of you can fly.
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Mauritius
Mark Twain once said that heaven was modelled after Mauritius, and it's not hard to see why. No larger than a speck on the global map, this island paradise provides an astonishing variety of experiences packed into its 720 square miles. Here, you can lounge on sugary beaches that feel straight out of a dream, with turquoise waters so clear you'd think they were curated for Instagram.
Mauritius is a mix of African, Indian, French, and Chinese cultures, and that’s reflected in everything from the architecture to the food. Activities on the island are as diverse as its culture. You can start your day with a sunrise dive among coral reefs teeming with colourful marine life and end with a hike through the Black River Gorges National Park, where lush forests provide a cool retreat from the sun-soaked coast.
For those who thrive on thrills, zip-lining through the treetops or skydiving over the breathtaking coastline gives an adrenaline rush like no other. If relaxation is more your style, the luxurious hotels of Mauritius, such as Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, offer world-class amenities with stunning sea views, gourmet dining, and soothing spa treatments.
When travelling with a BA Companion Voucher, a Business Class off‑peak return ticket from London will cost 200,000 Avios plus about £1100 in taxes and fees, covering the Avios for one person’s fare and the taxes and fees for both passengers.
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São Paulo
Often underrated, São Paulo surprises first-time visitors with its sophisticated infrastructure, the warmth of its people, and a cosmopolitan vibe that rivals any global city. With a population larger than that of New York City, this metropolis has an international culinary scene second to none in Brazil. Trips built around in the mood for sushi, traditional pastries, or local delicacies lead to the same point: são Paulo's restaurants and street food can satisfy any palate.
The city is also a hub for culture and arts with numerous museums, cultural centres, and galleries. One must-visit spot is Beco do Batman in the Vila Madalena neighbourhood, where alleyways explode with colourful graffiti, transforming the area into a dynamic open-air gallery. This artistic enclave attracts locals and tourists alike, who come to enjoy the art and trendy cafes and boutiques that line the streets. Despite its vast size, São Paulo provides countless pockets of charm and character that make it a must-visit destination.
An off‑peak return Business Class flight from London to São Paulo costs 200,000 Avios plus about £1100 in taxes and fees, which covers the Avios for your ticket and the taxes and fees for both passengers.
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Sydney
This Aussie stunner is a state of mind. Famously sketched against the backdrop of its Opera House and the Harbour Bridge’s sweeping arcs, Sydney teases out the adventurer in everyone. From the sun-drenched shores of Bondi Beach to the secret garden paths of the Royal Botanic Garden, the city has a laid-back yet lively rhythm.
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The city's skyline is a masterpiece, best viewed from the top. Climb the Harbour Bridge for the best views, a feat that'll leave you breathless, literally. Bronze yourself at Bondi Beach, surf 'til you're sore, or simply watch the world go by with a cold one in hand. And if you think Sydney nights are for winding down, think again — Sydney’s nightlife is filled with rooftop bars and music-filled basements.
A Business Class off‑peak return flight from London costs 290,000 Avios plus about £1500 in taxes and fees, allowing you and a companion to experience this extraordinary city with the added luxury and comfort of premium travel, courtesy of a British Airways Companion Voucher.
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First Class Destinations
Maldives
Visiting the Maldives is like stepping into a dream. Imagine waking up each morning on your own slice of paradise, surrounded by palm trees and the gentle lapping of waves against white sands. Whether you choose a cosy guesthouse, a plush hotel, or a luxurious resort, you're assured of an escape that detaches you from your daily routines.
Known as one of the best snorkelling and diving destinations in the world, the waters here teem with colourful corals, graceful rays, playful sea turtles, and even the mesmerising reef sharks. For those looking to dive deeper, many diving centres offer the chance to get certified right in the heart of the ocean’s splendour.
Cultural experiences in the Maldives add another layer to its appeal. Engage with local traditions by watching a Bodu Beru performance — an energetic local dance accompanied by drumming, often performed on the beach under the stars. Or, set sail on a sunset Dolphin Cruise aboard a traditional Maldivian Dhoni to connect with the sea and its creatures.
For those planning this dream holiday with a Companion Voucher, an off‑peak First Class return trip from London to Male will cost 170,000 Avios plus approximately £1400–£1800 in taxes and fees. This includes the Avios for one person’s fare and the taxes and fees for both passengers.
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Santiago
Santiago serves as the gateway to Chile and is likely your first stop on any adventure in the country. Wine enthusiasts will find Santiago a paradise. The region is dotted with renowned vineyards like Odjfell, DeMartino, and Concha y Toro, the largest wine producer in Latin America. A day trip to the Maipo Valley Wine Region with a certified sommelier could be the perfect way to indulge in some of the world’s most appreciated wines and learn about their intricate production processes.
For the thrill-seekers, the Valle Nevado ski resort offers a pristine winter sports environment just 60 kilometres from the city centre. Standing at about 3200 metres above sea level, Valle Nevado provides spectacular views and caters to all levels, from beginners taking their first ski lessons to seasoned snowboarders looking for challenging slopes. It's an ideal spot for those who love the crisp mountain air and the thrill of gliding down snow-covered hills.
For panoramic views of the city, head to Cerro San Cristóbal. After a fun tram ride to the summit, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of Santiago spread out beneath you. If you're looking for an even higher vantage point, visit Sky Costanera, South America's tallest building. You can enjoy a 360-degree view of the sprawling cityscape from the observation deck on the 62nd floor — perfect for those postcard-worthy snapshots.
If you're planning to explore Santiago using a Companion Voucher, an off‑peak First Class return flight from London to Santiago costs 238,000 Avios plus between about £1400–£1800 in taxes and fees. This covers the Avios for one person’s fare and the taxes and fees for both passengers.
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Shanghai
As an economic powerhouse and a cultural melting pot, Shanghai is all about pace, the contrast between the ultra-modern and the deeply traditional. The architecture is a mix of art deco buildings from its colonial past and futuristic skyscrapers that symbolise its rapid growth. This mix provides a visually stunning backdrop for the city.
For those interested in the arts, Shanghai is home to the latest galleries and museums that showcase contemporary art and performances that push the envelope. Travellers can also dive deep into the local culture by exploring the historic Bund, strolling through the lush Yuyuan Gardens, or cruising down the Huangpu River to see the city from a different perspective. Shanghai's nightlife is a mix of upscale rooftop bars and intimate jazz clubs, perfect for unwinding after a day of sightseeing.
For those using a Companion Voucher, an off‑peak First Class return flight from London to Shanghai is 204,000 Avios plus about £1400–£1800 in taxes and fees for both passengers.
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Tokyo
Tokyo is a mix of the old and the new. Take Shibuya, for example, where the famous Scramble Crossing floods with people against a backdrop of neon billboards and modern architecture — it feels like stepping into the future. Yet, just a short journey away, you’ll find serene parks like Shinjuku Gyoen with their seasonal flowers and traditional garden designs.
Pop culture thrives in districts like Harajuku, the heart of quirky fashion trends, and Akihabara, the epicentre for anime and gaming enthusiasts. For a taste of local nightlife, head to Shinjuku, home to the iconic Omoide Yokocho, a narrow alley of traditional izakaya (Japanese pubs) that serve up a genuine local dining experience amidst a lively atmosphere. Tokyo provides an interesting journey through high-tech districts and serene, traditional spots, catering to all interests.
For those planning a trip using a Companion Voucher, an off‑peak First Class return flight from London to Tokyo costs 204,000 Avios plus between about £1400–£1800 in taxes and fees for both passengers.
Aim high with 400,000 Avios
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