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The British Airways American Express 2-4-1 Companion Voucher has long been viewed as one of the most valuable credit card benefits for points/miles collectors in the UK. Although it was fantastic for couples, it had less appeal for people who normally travel alone. Happily, that situation has now changed:

“Cardmembers who have earned a Companion Voucher since September 2021 on either the British Airways American Express® Credit Card or the British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card can choose to redeem it when booking a solo trip, receiving a 50% discount on the Avios cost of the booking.

Cardmembers can still choose to use the Companion Voucher to travel with a friend as they would have previously – receiving a second seat for a companion travelling on the same Reward Flight booking as them for no additional Avios.”

Note that this new option is already live, but that it only applies to vouchers earned since September 2021. If your voucher is older than that, the old rules still apply.

As a reminder on how the two different BA Amex cards work these days,

“British Airways American Express Credit Card Companion Vouchers can be redeemed in economy cabins, while British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card Companion Vouchers can be redeemed across all cabins. Extra availability in Club World (long-haul business class), exclusive to those using the Companion Voucher, was added last year to make redemptions even easier. This extra availability is for those using a Companion Voucher earned since September 2021 either as a solo traveller or travelling with a friend.”

Bottom line

This is a massive improvement. It provides much more flexibility for all cardholders, but is particularly welcome for solo travellers.

What do you think about the change?