The Ultimate Guide to British Airways Companion Vouchers
- Helena
- Aug 8
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 4
If you've been collecting Avios with a British Airways American Express Card, you might have heard of the exciting Companion Voucher, a golden ticket to getting far more value from your points.
But what exactly is a Companion Voucher? How do you get one? And how can you make the most of it?
Whether you're a seasoned Avios collector or just getting started, this guide to British Airways Companion Vouchers will walk you through everything you need to know, and how to make them work for you.
What is a British Airways Companion Voucher?
In simple terms, a Companion Voucher lets you do one of two things on a British Airways Reward Flight (paid for with Avios):
Bring a travel companion for no extra Avios, you’ll only pay the Avios for one seat, plus taxes and fees for both passengers.
Fly solo for half the Avios, ideal for those who travel independently, as the voucher gives you a 50% discount on the Avios needed for your flight.
It’s an exclusive perk available to British Airways American Express Cardmembers and works on flights operated by British Airways, Iberia, and Aer Lingus.
How Do I Get a Companion Voucher?
You’ll receive a Companion Voucher when you hit a specific annual spend on your British Airways American Express Card:
£15,000 spend on the British Airways American Express Credit Card (the free version)
£10,000 spend on the British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
The more premium the card, the more flexibility and value the voucher offers, more on that below.
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The Two Types of Companion Vouchers
Not all Companion Vouchers are created equal. The benefits vary based on which card you hold:
British Airways American Express Credit Card
Validity: 12 months
Cabin restriction: Economy only (Euro Traveller and World Traveller)
Availability: Standard Reward Flight availability
Annual Fee: None
Earning threshold: Spend £15,000 per year
British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
Validity: 24 months
Cabin access: All cabins including Club World and First
Enhanced availability: More Club World seats are unlocked when using your voucher
Annual Fee: £300
Earning threshold: Spend £10,000 per year
The biggest and key difference is which cabin you can use your Companion Voucher. As you can see above, the free card give you a voucher which can only be used in Economy. If, however, you have the Premium Plus card, you will be able to utilise this voucher for either Business or First.
How Do I Use a Companion Voucher?
Once you’ve earned your voucher, using it is fairly straightforward:
Visit ba.com/bookwithavios and log in to your Club account.
Select your destination and travel dates.
At the top of the page, ensure your Companion Voucher is applied.
Choose your flights and complete the booking.
Note: The voucher holder must be one of the passengers travelling.
Top Tip:
You can also use your voucher for flights departing from outside the UK, giving you flexibility on your travel plans, especially if you’re looking to save on UK departure taxes.
Flying Solo? Get 50% Off Avios
Flying solo doesn’t mean missing out. If you're travelling alone, you can still redeem your voucher for a 50% reduction in the Avios required for your Reward Flight. This is a fantastic option for solo adventurers looking to make their Avios go further.
To use it:
Search for a Reward Flight as usual.
Select one adult.
Apply your Companion Voucher at checkout.
Taxes, fees, and carrier charges still apply.
Can I Use My Voucher on Iberia or Aer Lingus?
Yes, if you earned your Companion Voucher after 1 September 2021, you can use it on flights operated by Iberia and Aer Lingus in addition to British Airways.
You can book these flights through:
The British Airways website
The Avios app
The British Airways Contact Centre (note that booking by phone comes with a service fee)
Can I Combine Companion Vouchers?
Only vouchers of the same type can be combined, and you can combine up to two, allowing four passengers to travel on one booking.
You cannot combine:
Vouchers earned from different card types (e.g. Credit Card + Premium Plus)
A solo-travel voucher with any other Companion Voucher
If you’ve got a mix of vouchers, you’ll need to make separate bookings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which voucher do I have?
Check your Club account. Vouchers earned before 1 September 2021 are labelled differently and come with different rules. Anything earned after that date follows the current guidelines listed above.
Do I still pay taxes and fees?
Yes. Whether you’re flying with a companion or solo, you still need to cover the full taxes, fees, and carrier charges.
Do I need to have enough Avios for both people?
Nope, just for one person if you’re flying with a companion. If you’re using the voucher solo, you’ll pay half the Avios normally required for that flight.
Can I use my voucher on Avios-only flights?
Yes. As long as Reward Flight seats are available and your voucher is valid for the route and cabin you’re booking, you’re good to go.
Final Thoughts: The Ultimate Guide to British Airways Companion Vouchers
British Airways Companion Vouchers are one of the most powerful tools in an Avios collector’s arsenal. Whether you’re planning a luxury getaway for two or a solo escape at half the cost, the right Companion Voucher can take your travel further—for fewer points.
The key is knowing which card to choose, how to earn your voucher, and when to book to get the best value. So whether you're dreaming of a Club World seat to New York or a European break for two, make those points work harder. After all, a holiday shared, or savoured solo, is always better when you fly smart.
Helena
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