Last Updated: 29 Sep 2024
Ever thought of tagging a buddy along on your next adventure but worried about the extra cost? Well, there's an affordable way to make that happen. The British Airways American Express Avios credit cards provide a valuable perk called the Companion Voucher that allows you to book a seat for a friend on the same flight as yourself, often for just the cost of the taxes and fees, effectively halving the cost when two people are flying together. It’s a fantastic way for couples or friends to reduce their travel expenses.
Types of British Airways Companion Vouchers
The type of Companion Voucher you receive depends on which American Express Avios credit card you hold. Each offers unique benefits and redemption options:
- British Airways American Express Card (Standard)
The standard British Airways American Express Card is free of any annual fees and earns its holders a Companion Voucher when they spend £12,000 within a 12-month period. The voucher obtained through this card is primarily applicable to Economy class (World Traveller). When booking, you can book two reward flights for the price of one in terms of Avios, although all taxes and fees must be paid for both tickets. Alternatively, a solo traveller can use this voucher to halve the Avios cost of an Economy seat. - British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
The Premium Plus version of the card, which carries an annual fee of £300, demands a spending threshold of £10,000 within 12 months but offers a more versatile Companion Voucher. This can be redeemed across any travel class, which means passengers can experience BA’s Business Class at a significantly reduced cost. The flexibility extends to solo travellers as well, who can enjoy a 50% reduction in Avios required for a seat in any class.
Choosing Your Destination
Once you've secured a Companion Voucher and earned 50,000 Avios, the next step is selecting where to go. Here's a look at some of the best destinations you can explore with your Companion Voucher and a stash of 50,000 Avios:
London - New York, US
New York City never sleeps, and neither will you. Here, the buildings are tall, the bagels are fresh, and the possibilities are endless. From the electric buzz of Times Square to the peaceful paths of Central Park, every corner provides a unique slice of the Big Apple flavour. Each of its neighbourhoods tells its own story: SoHo exudes artistic flair, the Upper East Side showcases layers of history alongside its trendy eateries and boutiques while Lower Manhattan is a financial hub, home to Wall Street and the Ground Zero memorial.
Food lovers will find themselves spoiled for choice. Whether it’s indulging in Michelin-starred cuisine or grabbing a bite from a famed street cart, every meal can feel like a discovery. Culture enthusiasts will also find a lot to enjoy, including Broadway’s dazzling shows, the modernistic exhibits at the Museum of Modern Art, and the authentic jazz sessions that light up the nights in Harlem.
Flying from London to New York takes about eight hours, which is quite a stretch to spend in Economy. However, BA provides a strong flight schedule with ample availability of reward seats, particularly on daytime flights. This means you can travel during the day and arrive refreshed, without needing the overnight sleep that might make a lie-flat Business Class bed more appealing.
Using a British Airways Companion Voucher on this route is exceptionally cost-effective. For those comfortable in Economy, a round trip from London to New York for two people costs just 50,000 Avios and £200 during off-peak times.
London - Dubai, UAE
Dubai takes luxury to new heights — quite literally, with the world’s tallest building, Burj Khalifa towering above the cityscape. The city’s futuristic skyline is also dominated by other architectural icons like the sail shaped Burj Al Arab and the sprawling Dubai Frame.
The city is famous for blending luxury with tradition. Here, you’ll find everything from the world’s biggest shopping mall to ancient souks and secluded beaches. Travellers can visit the Dubai Museum to explore the region's history, sail along the historic Dubai Creek in a traditional dhow, and explore the colourful alleyways of the gold and spice souks to bargain for treasures.
The flight from London to Dubai clocks in at just under seven hours. With BA providing numerous daily flights, you have the flexibility to choose daytime journeys that make travelling in Economy a more comfortable experience. Leveraging your Companion Voucher here means you can secure a round-trip for two to Dubai for only 50,000 Avios and £200 during off-peak times.
London - Palermo, Sicily
Described by the trendy folks at Conde Nast as inspiring "obsessive devotion," Palermo is a mix of ancient streets and busy modern life. A typical day for a tourist here includes wandering through markets that brim with the freshest produce, discovering baroque churches tucked away in narrow lanes, and dining under the stars in Piazza Pretoria.
Food here is an art form, with local dishes that are as bold in flavour as they are in history. From the street food delicacies like panelle (chickpea fritters) and arancini (stuffed rice balls) to high-end seafood that’s fresh off the boat, your taste buds are in for a treat. For the culture enthusiasts, the city is filled with stunning architecture, like the majestic Palermo Cathedral and the Norman Palace, with lively festivals that fill the streets with music and dancing.
According to our Reward Flight Finder, you and a friend can jet off to Palermo in off-peak Economy for just 23,500 Avios plus £2. Fancy a bit more comfort? Upgrade both tickets to Club Europe for 40,000 Avios plus just £2.
London - Rhodes, Greece
Pack your sunglasses and your sense of wonder — Rhodes is a full-blown adventure with plenty to do. Wander through the old town of Rhodes, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with its winding alleys and the towering Palace of the Grand Master set against the deep blue of the Aegean backdrop. Or venture beyond the mediaeval city to where Rhodes really shines: its endless coastlines and sun-soaked hills. Climb the Acropolis of Lindos early in the morning before the crowds (the views are worth the leg workout) or find your zen in the Valley of the Butterflies.
Whether it’s basking under the Mediterranean sun at Tsambika Beach or savouring fresh seafood by the harbour in Mandraki, you'll find yourself stepping back in time, surrounded by remnants of civilisations that have left their mark on this storied island.
You and your travel buddy can secure round-trip tickets to Rhodes in off-peak Economy for only 27,500 Avios and a mere £2. Upgrade to Club Europe for just 48,500 Avios plus £2.
London - Chania, Crete
Sun, sea, and souvlaki — Chania is your gateway to exploring the treasures of Crete. The city's Old Town is a mix of Venetian, Ottoman, and Greek influences, making it an ideal spot for history enthusiasts and culture seekers. You can explore the labyrinthine alleys, soak in the views from the Venetian Harbour, or just enjoy the local cuisine that reflects Crete's rich culinary heritage.
For a more relaxed experience, Chania's beaches like Nea Chora and Agioi Apostoloi are perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the Mediterranean's crystal-clear waters. These beaches are just a short distance from the city and provide a range of amenities for a comfortable day out by the sea.
When it comes to making the most of your Avios, a round trip for two from London in off-peak economy is just 27,500 Avios plus £2. Feeling fancy? Upgrade to Club Europe for 48,500 Avios plus £2 and travel in style. Either way, you're in for a treat that's rich in history, flavour, and wallet-friendly adventures.
London - Agadir, Morocco
Agadir is not your usual Moroccan city but a sunny coastal escape that flips the script on the traditional desert narrative. Forget about souks and camels; here, it's all about soaking up the sun and enjoying the Atlantic breeze.
Located on Morocco’s southern coast, Agadir is a reborn city, full of new developments after being rebuilt following a devastating earthquake in the 1960s. Today, it showcases a different kind of Moroccan charm with its modern resorts, seafront cafes, and the serene Agadir Oufella ruins that provide panoramic views — perfect for those Instagram moments. It’s a spot where you can unwind with a glass of mint tea, watching the surfers or exploring the marina.
Grabbing a seat to this sunny enclave won't drain your Avios stash. A round trip from London to Agadir in off-peak Economy for two will only set you back 27,500 Avios plus a mere £2. Or upgrade to Club Europe for just 48,500 Avios plus £2.
London - Bahrain, Persian Gulf
This island nation in the Persian Gulf packs a punch with its modern skyline, ancient history, and an open nightlife, which is rare to find in the Gulf.
Bahrain might be tiny, but it’s mighty in offerings. Zip around the Bahrain International Circuit, home to Formula One, explore history at the ancient Bahrain Fort, or indulge in some pearl shopping — yes, this place is famous for its pearls! Stroll along the Corniche to enjoy waterfront views or relax in one of the city’s many parks that provide a green escape from the urban buzz.
After a day of exploring, unwind in a chic cafe or try your hand at haggling in the Manama Souq – a must visit if you want to experience the heart of Bahraini culture.
According to our Reward Flight Finder, a round trip to Bahrain in off-peak Economy for two will only run you 50,000 Avios plus £200. With flight time being approximately six and a half hours, you can always opt for daytime reward flights for a more comfortable journey.
Planning your next getaway?
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