British Airways American Express Companion Voucher

Frequently asked questions

The British Airways American Express Companion Voucher entitles you to receive a second seat for a companion on the same flight as you and in the same cabin when you make a Reward booking on a British Airways flight with a BA flight number. All you’ll have to pay is the Taxes, Fees and Charges for you and your companion’s tickets.

You can earn one Companion Voucher each year.

How do I qualify for a Companion Voucher?

To qualify, you must reach the required spend threshold for your Card, as shown below, within a 12-month period ending on the anniversary of the date of issue of your BA/AMEX Card (excluding Cash Withdrawals, Interest, Balance Transfers or Fees).

Required spend collected in one 12-month period cannot be carried over into the next 12-month period.

When will I receive my British Airways American Express Companion Voucher?

Your voucher will be posted to your British Airways Executive Club account automatically once American Express has advised us that you have reached the required spend. Your Voucher will normally reach your account within 10-15 working days.

How can I get the most out of my Companion Voucher?

Be flexible with your dates and destinations. Have a list of preferences and book as far in advance as possible.

When is the best time to redeem my Companion Voucher?

As soon as you can. Start to make a rough plan of your preferred destinations and dates of travel before your Companion Voucher is issued. Your ideal destination, dates and times may not always be available so being flexible reduces disappointment. Outbound travel must be taken before the expiry date of the voucher, which is 12 months from issue for Classic and Premium Cardmembers and 24 months from date of issue for Premium Plus Cardmembers.

When is the best time to travel?

Although seats are available for redemption throughout the year, you may benefit from planning your trip during quieter times, such as midweek and during school terms.

When should I try to avoid?

Our busiest times are during the school holidays and at weekends, so avoiding these periods will give you more flexibility and choice.

If I can’t redeem my Voucher for the destination I want, can I get the voucher extended?

Unfortunately, this is not possible, but with over 125 different destinations you are sure to find one that’s right for you.

Do I have to return during the lifetime of the Voucher?

Although your outbound journey must be completed before the voucher expires, you are free to return any time afterwards. However, you must book your return flight at the same time as making your outbound reservation.

I’ve just realised that my Voucher has expired. Can I get it extended?

Unfortunately, this is not possible. Vouchers must be exchanged for an outbound ticket departing before the expiry date on your voucher, which is 12 months from date of issue for Classic cardmembers and 24 months from date of issue for Premium Plus cardmembers.

Can I redeem a Companion Voucher when I pay with Avios and Money?

No, the Companion Voucher is only valid when you pay fully with Avios. However, you can purchase up to 24,000 Avios per annum, per account, if you don’t have enough Avios for your chosen reward flight.

Can I make a booking through my Travel Agent?

No, the booking must be made directly with British Airways.

Can I make my booking online?

Yes, you can redeem and manage your Companion Voucher online. Simply log in to ba.com using your membership number and pin.

Does it matter that the Voucher number that appears on ba.com is different to the paper voucher I received?

No, as part of the process of migrating the paper Vouchers on to ba.com a new system generated number has been allocated. It will not affect your ability to book your flight on ba.com.

I have a joint Card with someone else, but the Voucher has been issued in his or her name instead of mine, even though I do most of the spending on the Card.

The Voucher will be issued in the name of the Basic Cardmember, regardless of who spends the most on the Card.

Is it possible to allow someone else to use my Voucher?

The person whose name is on the Voucher must make the booking. The Reward Flight made using Avios must also be in the same name, although the additional ticket can be for your chosen companion.