britishairways

British Airways companion voucher can be used to fly solo

To the point It is now possible to take advantage of the British Airways Executive Club companion voucher as a solo traveller, and not just for a second passenger.
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RBC British Airways Visa Infinite cardholders will be delighted to learn that the companion voucher can now be used to save on solo travel.

Cardholders who spend more than $30,000 in the same year on the card earn a travel companion voucher. However, it is now possible to use this voucher to get a 50% discount on the fare of the award flight purchased with Avios points. All you have to do is pay the carrier’s taxes fees and charges.

Here are two scenarios for using the British Airways Executive Club companion voucher:

  • Two tickets for the price of one in Avios points + carrier fees, taxes and charges (for two passengers)
  • One ticket at 50% of the fare in Avios points + carrier fees, taxes and charges

This new usage policy applies to companion vouchers issued from July 4, 2023. As a reminder, a companion voucher must be used within 24 months of receipt, so you have two full years to use it.

Companion voucher - Example of use

Let’s take the example of a flight from Montreal to London on October 2. The award fare for one person in economy class is 25,000 Avios + $348.41.

Montreal London Avios British Airways

For two passengers, the total fare would be 50,000 Avios + $696.82. Using the companion voucher, you could get two tickets for 25,000 Avios + $696.82.

If you decide to use your companion voucher in solo mode, i.e. for a single ticket, it will cost you 12,500 Avios + $348.41, since you will save 50% on the Avios fare.

Since a companion voucher can only be used once, we advise you to use it for a round trip to get the most out of it.

Companion voucher - Earn Avios points

Avios points can be earned and used in a number of ways, including transferring RBC Avion points to the British Airways Executive Club program.

However, it is important to note that the only way to get a companion voucher with this program in Canada is by fulfilling the conditions of the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card. You can still use these different transfer partners to earn enough Avios points to buy your next award tickets, and take advantage of occasional transfer promotions to earn even more points:

What’s more, Avios points are even more flexible, as they can now be shared with Qatar Airways Privilege Club points.

Companion Voucher - RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card

With this exceptional welcome offer for the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card, you can earn up to 60,000 Avios!

With this card, you get a Companion Award eVoucher (when you spend $30,000 or more in any calendar year). You can also take advantage of a 10% discount on British Airways flights when you book with your RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card.

With the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite Card, you get:

  • 3 Avios per dollar spent with British Airways and BA Holidays
  • 2 Avios per dollar for grocery, dining and food delivery purchases
  • 1 Avios per dollar for all other purchases

What’s more, you benefit from a wide range of insurance coverages:

  • Out-of-Province/Country Emergency Medical Insurance
  • Travel accident insurance
  • Flight delay and essential items insurance
  • Hotel or motel burglary insurance
  • Collision and damage insurance for rental vehicles

Bottom line

This change to companion voucher of the British Airways Executive Club adds great flexibility to its use. It remains to be seen whether other airlines like Air Canada and WestJet will follow suit and add this option to their companion pass.

Find out more about other companion passes :

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Marie-Ève
Travelling is a way of life for Marie-Ève, who spends almost six months a year abroad. She's always looking for waves to surf, great coffee and the best strategies to travel longer. You'll probably find her in a coworking space with other digital nomads, or by the sea watching the sunsets.

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