Ever dreamed of flying First Class with your partner, loved one, family member or friend without breaking the bank?
Picture this: sipping champagne at 30,000 feet, enjoying gourmet meals, relaxing in the most elite and exclusive airport lounges, like the uber-elite Concord Lounge at Heathrow, and stretching out on a lie-flat bed, all the while knowing you scored one of the seats for free.
Sounds too good to be true?
Not with one of the best flight and point hacks know – using the American Express British Airways Pro Plus credit card to earn a coveted 2 for 1 cabin voucher.
Let’s dive into how you can transform your high-flying dreams into reality.
Understanding the 2 for 1 Voucher Magic
The 2 for 1 voucher is your golden ticket to luxury. By spending £15,000 on the Amex BA Pro Plus card within a calendar year, you unlock the ability to book two first class seats for the number of points required for just one.
This feature isn’t just a neat trick; it’s a strategic move designed for point-savvy travellers who aim to maximize their rewards.
Breaking Down the Costs
While the second ticket might not require additional points, you should remember that fees and taxes are still on the bill.
A typical first class flight to New York, for instance, incurs fees of approximately £850 per person flying with British Airways.
If these costs look a little high, it’s worth noting that the 2 for 1 cabin voucher isn’t exclusive to First Class. It can be used in all cabins. Business Class typically costs approx… £450 per person in fees, it’s £225 per person in Premium Economy and typically £100 per person in Economy.
For such a sought after voucher, and the effort involved, it’s better to use for as high up the cabin classes as you are able to.
These costs are unavoidable but pale in comparison to the retail price of a first class ticket costing thousands or even tens of thousands, making this hack a steal for those looking to indulge in the finer aspects of travel.
The Card That Unlocks First Class for Two
Alright, so you’re sold on the idea of flying First Class for half the Avios, thanks to the legendary British Airways Companion Voucher. But how do you actually get your hands on one of these golden tickets? Enter the American Express British Airways Premium Plus Credit Card—arguably one of the best travel hacks out there for Avios collectors who want luxury for less.
What’s the Deal with This Card?
This isn’t just any credit card; it’s your fast track to a 2-for-1 First Class experience. Here’s how it works:
- Spend £15,000 in a year, and you’ll unlock a Companion Voucher that lets you book two reward seats for the Avios price of one (taxes and fees apply for both passengers).
- New to the card? You get a 30,000 Avios welcome bonus if you spend £6,000 in the first three months. That’s already a solid boost toward your First Class dream.
- Boost your Avios balance effortlessly with 3 Avios per £1 spent on British Airways and BA Holidays, and 1.5 Avios per £1 on everything else.
Put simply, if you’re serious about traveling in style, this card is one of the fastest ways to build up Avios and unlock the biggest perk in the game.
Why It’s a Game-Changer for First Class Flyers
Let’s do some quick math. A First Class return flight from London to New York costs 160,000 Avios per person. With the Companion Voucher, you’d get a second seat for the same number of Avios, cutting the cost in half. Now, 160,000 Avios might sound like a lot, but when you factor in:
- 30,000 Avios from the welcome bonus (if you’re a new cardholder)
- At least 22,500 Avios from hitting the £15,000 spend requirement (assuming 1.5 Avios per £1)
- Extra Avios from flights, BA Holidays, referrals, and shopping
You could realistically hit the Avios needed for two First Class seats in under two years without changing your spending habits.
What’s the Catch?
Like all good things, there are a few trade-offs:
- The annual fee is £300, but for the value of a First Class seat, this is a no-brainer.
- Taxes and fees aren’t covered by Avios, so expect to pay around £850 per person for First Class to New York. Still, compared to a cash ticket that would normally cost £4,500+ per person, this is a steal.
- You’ll need to book early to get those coveted First Class reward seats. But thanks to the Premium Plus card, you get exclusive access to extra Club World (Business Class) reward seats, increasing your chances of finding availability.
Important!
It’s really important to note here that taking out a credit card to earn points comes with big responsibilities. Unless you can be disciplined enough to pay off your balance every month before you are charged any interest or fees, then it makes no sense to do it.
If you don’t, the interest you will pay will start exceeding the benefits you earn through collecting points. It’s not worth it.
We’re not recommending readers go turbo charge out to the banks and take out credit cards, this is merely information on the best hacks and ways to get in to the higher elite cabin classes – and if you do this wisely you’ll pay little more than the annual £300 fee of the card to do so.
Some real point masters pay off their credit card every single day. They make a purchase and at the end of every day they pay it off. No interest, no fees, no more than they would usually pay (apart from the £300 annual fee) but they still earn tons of points.
Remember: Pay off the credit card before interest and fees are owed. Be a Points master, not a credit card slave!
If you’re serious about experiencing First Class without the crazy price tag, this card is the key. It’s designed for travelers who want to maximize Avios, unlock top-tier perks, and fly in ultimate comfort—all while taking someone along for the ride. Whether it’s a bucket list trip, honeymoon, or anniversary getaway, using the 2-for-1 voucher with First Class redemptions is easily one of the smartest (and most luxurious) ways to use Avios.
And let’s be honest—there’s no better feeling than sipping champagne in the BA Concorde Room, knowing you just hacked First Class.
The Points Game: How to Rack Them Up Fast
Earning 160,000 points might seem daunting, but it’s surprisingly achievable with the right strategy. Here’s how you can fast-track your way to that 2 for 1 voucher:
- Sign-Up Bonus: If you’re new to the Amex BA card, there’s a lucrative sign-up offer that you can’t ignore. Spend £3,000 in the first three months and bag yourself a whopping 30,000 bonus points. It’s a substantial boost that slices months off your points collecting journey.
- Monthly Spending: With an average monthly spend of £1,500, reaching the £15,000 mark just to unlock the voucher becomes a matter of routine budgeting. Every grocery run, petrol fill-up, or dinner out can contribute to your goal, provided you charge it to your card. Your Personalised Points Plan can guide you on spend, and exactly how to get the maximum amount of points for every £1.
- Strategic Purchasing: Beyond everyday spending, use your card for larger expenses or planned purchases. Booking flights, upgrading tech gadgets, or even paying insurance premiums can all rack up points quickly.
Making the Most of Your Voucher
Once you’ve earned your voucher, the next step is redemption, which requires a bit of savvy planning:
- Book Early: First class cabins have limited seats, and availability for voucher use can be tight. Booking as soon as your travel window opens maximizes your chances of getting your desired flights.
- Flexibility: Being flexible with travel dates and destinations can help you find the best availability. Sometimes, flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons offers better options for voucher use.
It really is worth noting at this stage that First Class seats can be challenging to find.
Some routes simply do not open up First Class seats to point redemption. In the U.S., for example, the only routes available to fly First using points are New York, Boston, Washington D.C., Houston and Chicago.
Fortunately, availability to many more destinations in Business Class are available as a plan B.
Beyond the Flight: The Full First-Class Experience
First class isn’t just about a comfortable seat. It’s about the entire experience:
- Airport Lounges: Arrive early and unwind in the exclusive airport lounges, where complimentary food and beverages set the tone for the journey ahead.
- Onboard Dining: Enjoy a menu curated by top chefs and a selection of fine wines and spirits that elevate dining at altitude to new heights.
- Privacy and Comfort: With more space and superior service, you can relax or sleep in a private, comfortable environment that feels worlds away from the bustling economy cabin.
Wrapping Up: Is It Worth It?
For those who relish the thought of luxury travel but not the extravagant cost, this travel hack is a game-changer. The Amex BA Pro Plus card offers more than just travel rewards; it provides a pathway to experiences that are usually reserved for the ultra-wealthy. Whether it’s turning a special occasion into an unforgettable splurge or simply deciding to travel in style, the 2 for 1 voucher can open doors to memorable journeys across the globe.
In conclusion, if luxury travel has been on your wish list, the American Express British Airways Pro Plus credit card and its 2 for 1 voucher feature might just be your best travel companion. So why wait? Start planning, start spending, and soon, you’ll be flying high – quite literally – in the lap of luxury.