Virgin Atlantic Reward Voucher vs British Airways Companions Voucher: One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other!

Ah, the glamorous world of airline loyalty schemes. British Airways and Virgin Atlantic both promise you little golden tickets for being loyal customers. But while BA’s Companion Voucher is the sensible workhorse of the loyalty world, Virgin’s Flying Club Reward Voucher is more like a glittery scratchcard! Looks exciting, but you’ll be lucky if it pays out more than a packet of crisps.

First, if you don't know what either of these vouchers are, they are vouchers given to holders of their respective credit cards promising heavy discounts of flights. For more information on the BA Companion voucher, click here for our guide, and likewise for the Virgin Atlantic Flying Club Reward voucher, you can click here! Now, where were we...

The Voucher That Doesn’t Quite Vouch

Virgin call it an “upgrade voucher” or a “companion voucher.” Sounds marvellous, doesn’t it? Until you realise that half the time it doesn’t actually cover an upgrade, and your “companion” may still have to stump up extra points just to sit down. It’s like being promised two-for-one at Pizza Express, only to discover the deal’s only valid on Tuesdays in November when there’s a full moon.

Status Snobbery, Virgin Style

Here’s where it gets even dafter. If you’re a humble Red member, your shiny voucher is worth 75,000 Virgin Points. But if you’ve clawed your way up to Silver or the heady heights of Gold, suddenly it’s 150,000. Because clearly, a voucher can tell the difference between you and your neighbour in seat 32B.

Imagine if Boots Advantage points worked like that: “Oh sorry, you’re not Gold, so your points only get you a packet of tissues instead of a bottle of perfume.” Utter nonsense.

I just want to clarify one little thing... I have been very fortunate and previously held Gold status and now I'm Silver. However, I find it so incredibly frustrating and unfair that those who may save up their points or their money for one holiday every two years, and who have worked so hard to get the voucher only get 75,000 points worth if they don't hold status. I am all for rewarding loyalty, but differing voucher worth's are not the right way to do it!

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Dynamic Pricing: The Plot Twist No One Wanted

Just when you thought you’d got your head around it, Virgin throw in dynamic pricing. Which basically means your voucher covers… well, who knows? Today it might buy you an upgrade, tomorrow it might barely cover the tea and biscuits. It’s like playing supermarket sweep, only to discover the rules change every time you reach the checkout.

... the audacity from Virgin Atlantic

Meanwhile, Over at BA HQ…

Now, British Airways aren’t exactly the fairy godmother of loyalty either, but credit where it’s due: their Companion Voucher is blessedly straightforward, as is their upgrade voucher.

Use Avios for one seat, get the second for zero Avios. Book a ticket in one cabin, upgrade to the next one.

Yes, you’ll still have to pay through the nose in taxes and surcharges, but at least you know the deal. BA is like the trusty old kettle that might rattle and steam but makes a proper cup of tea every time.

Virgin? Virgin’s is the flashy new coffee machine that promises the world and then produces a lukewarm espresso with no crema.

Virgin Atlantic Reward Voucher vs British Airways Vouchers: Let’s Just Be Honest

So here’s the thing: Virgin Atlantic, stop trying to dress this up as an “upgrade” or “companion” voucher. It’s not.

It’s just a Virgin Points voucher with a status-based ceiling. And that’s fine — just call it what it is. Because right now, it’s the loyalty equivalent of promising a Champagne brunch and serving sparkling water and a slice of toast.

Helena

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