The BA Companion Voucher explained
The British Airways American Express Companion Voucher — often called the "BA 241" — is widely regarded as one of the most valuable benefits available on a UK credit card. Used well, it can save thousands of pounds on a long-haul business class redemption.
The two cards
The voucher is earned on either of two American Express cards:
- British Airways American Express Credit Card — no annual fee. Voucher valid for 12 months, economy only. 1 Avios per £1 on all purchases. No elevated rate on BA spend. Additionally, you will get 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £2,000 in your first three months of cardmembership
- British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card — £300 annual fee. Voucher valid for 24 months, any cabin, plus enhanced Reward seat availability in Club World. 1.5 Avios per £1 on general spend, 3 Avios per £1 on British Airways and BA Holidays spend. With this, you will get 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 in your first three months of cardmembership
Both require £15,000 of spend in a single membership year to earn the voucher. Spend resets on your card anniversary and does not carry over.
| Feature | BA Amex | BA Amex Premium Plus |
|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | Free | £300 |
| Earn rate (general) | 1 Avios per £1 | 1.5 Avios per £1 |
| Earn rate (BA spend) | 1 Avios per £1 | 3 Avios per £1 |
| Sign-up bonus | 5,000 Avios (£2,000 in 3 months) | 30,000 Avios (£6,000 in 3 months) |
| Spend for voucher | £15,000 per year | £15,000 per year |
| Voucher validity | 12 months | 24 months |
| Voucher cabins | Economy only | Any cabin |
| Enhanced Club availability | No | Yes |
How to redeem
Two ways to use the voucher on a Reward Flight booking (BA, Iberia or Aer Lingus metal):
- Travel with a companion — the second passenger flies for no additional Avios. Taxes still apply per person.
- Travel solo at 50% Avios — you pay half the standard Avios cost. Taxes still apply at full rate.
Since 20 May 2026, the voucher can also be used on a BA Holidays package, which we have written about previously, for a 25% Avios rebate (capped at 200,000 Avios for Premium Plus, 50,000 for the free card). The new option allows you to book any British Airways Holidays package (Flight + Hotel or Flight + Car), pay with Avios, and get 25% of those Avios back.
The noteworthy Premium Plus feature
Arguably the most important difference between the two vouchers is enhanced Club World availability.
Standard Avios redemptions on long-haul business class are heavily supply-constrained. BA releases a handful of seats per flight; on the most popular routes and dates, they can disappear within minutes of release. Premium Plus voucher holders may see additional Club World reward availability that is unavailable to other members. You only see them when you have a valid voucher in your account, search for exactly two people, and tick the Companion Voucher box.
This is what justifies the £300 annual fee. Without enhanced availability, the voucher is theoretically valuable but often practically unusable on the redemptions where it would save the most.
Things to know:
- Both passengers must travel together — same flights, same cabin, same dates.
- The outbound flight — for standard Reward Flights, the outbound flight must depart before the voucher expires—not just be booked, but actually taken. (Note: For the new BA Holidays option, the voucher only needs to be valid on the day you book)
- Reward seat availability is the binding constraint, especially on standard (non-enhanced) availability.
- You do not earn Avios or Tier Points on voucher flights — these do not count toward BA status.
How to think about it
The voucher is an option, not a benefit. Its value depends entirely on how well you use it.
In many cases, the highest value comes from using it for an expensive long-haul redemption rather than replacing a flight you would happily have paid cash for. Save it for the trip you would not otherwise have booked — the dream holiday, the family business class trip, the Club World honeymoon.
Disclaimer: RewardGoose is an independent information website. This article is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Credit cards carry risks, and terms can change. Always read the full terms and conditions on the provider's website before applying for any financial product.
