The British Airways American Express credit cards offer an exciting feature known as the Companion Voucher that allows cardholders to bring a companion on their travels for a fraction of the usual cost.
This means you can bring someone along on your journey, essentially getting two flights for the price of one in Avios points. This perk makes it easier to plan those dream trips, whether it's a romantic getaway or a fun adventure with a friend.
Types of British Airways Companion Vouchers
The type of British Airways Companion Voucher you receive depends on which BA American Express card you hold, as each offers unique redemption opportunities.
Holders of the free BA American Express card must spend £15,000 within 12 months to earn a Companion Voucher. This voucher is valid for 12 months from issue and can be used to book two BA reward flights for the price of one in Economy (World Traveller), or it can be used by solo travellers for a 50% reduction in Avios on Economy bookings. Both seats must be on the same BA flight number and in the same cabin class.
On the other hand, if you have the British Airways American Express Premium Plus card, there's an annual fee of £300, but the rewards are more generous. By spending £15,000 within 12 months, you earn a Companion Voucher that is valid for 24 months and can be used in any cabin, provided both seats are in the same class. This makes premium cabins a lot more accessible for your travels and is especially valuable if you frequently book long haul reward flights. Solo travellers also benefit, as they can book reward seats in any class and enjoy a 50% discount on Avios. All seats
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About the British Airways American Express Credit Cards
British Airways American Express Credit Card
The British Airways American Express Credit Card has no annual fee and is ideal if you mainly want to collect Avios on everyday spending and secure a Companion Voucher without paying a yearly charge.
APR and duration: Representative 29.1% APR variable (purchase rate 29.1% variable). Cash advance APR is 36.3% variable. There is no annual fee, and a 2.99% foreign transaction fee applies to non‑sterling spend. Typical card fees include a 3% cash advance fee, a £12 late payment fee and a £12 return payment fee, with a minimum payment due of £25 per month.
Welcome offer: Collect 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership.
Avios earn: 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases. You can also earn Avios on shopping through shopping.ba.com and other BA‑linked offers.
Companion Voucher: You earn a Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 each Cardmembership year, which you can use to take a companion on the same flight and cabin or, if travelling solo, to get a 50% discount on the Avios price for your flight. Vouchers are valid for 12 months and are redeemable on British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus Reward Flights in Euro Traveller / World Traveller / economy class only. Reward flights and voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person.
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
The British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card has an annual fee of £300 and is designed for frequent flyers who want higher Avios earning, a 24‑month Companion Voucher and access to premium‑cabin reward seats.
APR and duration: Representative 135.7% APR variable (purchase rate 29.1% variable). Cash advance APR is 36.3% variable. The card has a 2.99% foreign transaction fee on non‑sterling transactions, a 3% cash advance fee, a £12 late payment fee and a £12 return payment fee, with a minimum payment due of £25 per month.
Welcome offer: Collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership.
Avios earn: 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on general purchases, and 3 Avios for every £1 spent with British Airways or BA Holidays.
Companion Voucher: You earn a Companion Voucher when you spend £15,000 each Cardmembership year, valid for 24 months. You can use it to travel with a companion in the same flight and cabin, or as a solo traveller get a 50% discount on Avios. The voucher is valid on British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus Reward Flights in any cabin. Cardmembers also get access to additional Club World (business class) reward seats when booking with a Companion Voucher, subject to availability. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person.
Other benefits: The card includes complimentary supplementary cards for family members or partners and travel accident and travel inconvenience insurance. You can also use Avios for flight upgrades, including part‑payment or full upgrades to business or first class.
Exploring Destinations with a Companion Voucher
Once you’re eligible for a Companion Voucher and have accumulated 300,000 Avios, it’s time to choose a destination. First off, our advice is to always aim for a redemption value of at least 1p per Avios before even applying the Companion Voucher. This helps ensure you get the maximum real‑world value from your points.
For this blog, we’ll take the example of a couple with a Companion Voucher from a Premium BA Amex card, as it offers better benefits and more value, especially when booking long-haul Business Class flights. Below, we’ve outlined some of the best destinations you can visit with a Companion Voucher and a balance of 300,000 Avios, based on typical British Airways award pricing and availability:
London to Antigua
Swaying palm trees lining sugar-soft sands, turquoise waters lapping at your feet, and a gentle Caribbean breeze – that’s Antigua in a nutshell. Beyond the postcard-perfect beaches, Antigua offers exciting activities. Kayak through hidden coves teeming with colourful fish, hike to panoramic viewpoints like Shirley Heights for breathtaking sunsets or indulge in a couples massage under swaying palm trees. History buffs can also explore the UNESCO-listed Nelson's Dockyard or visit the Museum of Antigua and Barbuda to learn about the island's past. Antigua packs beaches, sailing trips, heritage sites and slow resort days into a single Companion Voucher trip.Take a look at some of Sandals best resorts and offers for a luxurious stay in the Caribbean
With your Premium BA Amex Companion Voucher, you and your travel partner can enjoy Business Class return flights to Antigua for just 180,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes instead of the usual 360,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes. BA reward seats can be difficult to get for this destination as they are hugely popular with Avios collectors. We’d always recommend setting up Reward Flight Finder (RFF) Alerts at least 8 to 10 months in advance for your best chance of snapping up these reward seats.
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London to Cancun
Cancun is renowned for its stunning beaches. Sink your toes into the soft sand of Playa Delfines or snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of Isla Mujeres. For a unique experience, visit the underwater museum, MUSA, and explore sculptures beneath the sea.
If you’re into history, discover the ancient Mayan civilisation with a visit to the archaeological site of Tulum, perched on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean. And don't miss the awe-inspiring Chichen Itza, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
With your Companion Voucher, you and your partner can enjoy Business Class for the price of one. That’s 180,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes for a round trip ticket for two instead of the usual 360,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes.
British Airways
London to Delhi
Pack your bags, your appetite, and your sense of adventure – India’s capital is full of history, culture, and culinary delights waiting to be discovered. Explore the grandeur of the Red Fort, marvel at the intricate architecture of Humayun's Tomb, and visit the Jama Masjid, one of India's largest mosques. Don't forget to take a stroll through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, where you'll encounter vibrant bazaars and street food galore.
Delhi is a food lover's paradise. Indulge in mouth-watering street food like chaat, kebabs, and parathas. For a royal dining experience, try the traditional thali at a heritage restaurant. And of course, savour a cup of masala chai at a roadside tea stall.
Using your Companion Voucher, you and your partner can get a Business Class return trip for 180,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes instead of the usual 360,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes.
British Airways
London to San Francisco
Imagine starting your day with a heart-pumping hike up Twin Peaks among panoramic views of the city, only to wind down with a stroll along the iconic Golden Gate Bridge at sunset. For those who prefer their adventures indoors, don't miss the chance to get lost in the labyrinth of modern art at SFMOMA, or take a time-travel trip through the historic Alcatraz Island. And no trip to San Francisco is complete without a ride on the clanging cable cars.
When it comes to using your Companion Voucher for your British Airways reward flights, San Francisco offers fantastic value for your points. You can get a Business Class return for two for 180,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes instead of the usual 360,000 Avios plus £900 in taxes.
London to São Paulo
São Paulo is a city where the energy is infectious, and the adventure is around every corner. This Brazilian powerhouse marries chaotic charm with a cosmopolitan spirit. Stroll down Avenida Paulista – a smorgasbord of shops, museums, and cafes – or explore the São Paulo Museum of Art, an architectural marvel. And for a taste of Tokyo in Brazil, hit up Liberdade.
Foodies, get your forks ready. São Paulo's Municipal Market is a culinary jackpot. And as the sun dips, Vila Madalena calls. This neighbourhood is where São Paulo lets its hair down – think streets pulsing with bars, music, and the clink of caipirinha glasses.
As for BA reward flights, you can get Business Class return flights for two for just 200,000 Avios plus £1,100 in taxes instead of the usual 400,000 Avios plus £1,100 in taxes.
British Airways
London to Sydney
Visit Sydney to defy your expectations about Australia. The action starts at first light - kick off your day riding waves at the world-famous Bondi Beach, then swap the surfboard for a seat at the Sydney Opera House. Looking for a thrill? Conquer the Sydney Harbour Bridge climb and get rewarded with jaw-dropping city views. And when hunger strikes, Sydney's food scene delivers. Think fresh seafood by the harbour and busy night markets that are a flavour fiesta.
With your BA Amex Companion Voucher, you can swap 580,000 Avios for a mere 290,000 plus £1,500 in taxes for a return Business Class flight for two. Sydney is one of the most in–demand reward seat destinations available to Avios collectors. If it’s your holiday of choice, we’d recommend setting up RFF Alerts at least 10 months in advance for your best chance to get these reward seats.
British Airways
London to Tokyo
Tokyo: a neon-lit, sushi-slinging powerhouse. This city is a blend of the ultra-modern and the traditional. Zip through streets lined with skyscrapers, then duck into a centuries-old shrine for some peace. Start your day at the Tsukiji Fish Market, then get lost in the electric buzz of Shibuya Crossing, the world’s busiest intersection.
Culture vulture? Immerse yourself in the history at the Imperial Palace, or get a pop culture fix in the anime and manga haven of Akihabara. When night falls, explore Tokyo's food scene. From street food stalls serving up piping hot takoyaki to high-end restaurants where master chefs craft perfect omakase menus, Tokyo is a feast for the senses.
As for British Airways reward flights, you can get Business Class return flights for two for 200,000 Avios plus £1,100 in taxes instead of the usual 400,000 Avios plus £1,100 in taxes. As with Antigua and Sydney, BA reward seats are notoriously difficult to find for Tokyo. Set up RFF Alerts at least 10 months in advance for your best chance to snap up these reward seats.
Put your Companion Voucher to work
While you explore our travel tips, check out Last Minute for fantastic hotel deals to complete your perfect trip. Book now and find great rates on hotels across top destinations!
And don’t forget, Flight Centre is here to help with incredible flight deals to match your travel plans. Beach escapes, city breaks, and long-haul trips are all covered by Flight Centre's current flight rates. Book your flights today.
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