BA Amex Card (UK) Discount?
Aug 24, 2016, 4:07 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LON
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 75
BA Amex Card (UK) Discount?
Sorry if this is addressed elsewhere - I searched and didn't see it - but is there a discount associated with the UK Amex card? I am an American Expat in the UK and applied for/will receive a British Airways Premium Plus Credit Card. I know that in the U.S. there were discounts with Chase's BA card (10% or $50 off) is there something similar with this card?
Thanks in advance!
Thanks in advance!
Aug 24, 2016, 4:08 am
#2
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Glasgow / London
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 3,457
No, but you do earn a companion voucher after spending £10,000 in a year on the Premium Plus card or £20,000 on the standard card. This allows you to book one flight on Avios and get another free (subject to taxes). You also earn double Avios for spend with BA.
Aug 24, 2016, 4:09 am
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LON
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 75
Thank for this info. Actually according to terms I saw you earn 3 avios for every pound spent with BA.
Aug 24, 2016, 4:10 am
#4
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Glasgow / London
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 3,457
Aug 24, 2016, 4:11 am
#5
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 168
EDIT: Beaten by seconds by Filthy Monkey.
Aug 24, 2016, 4:12 am
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LON
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 75
Right. I read too quickly - I thought you were saying 2 avios per £1 spent. 3 is nice. Although annual fee is high, I plan some extensive BA purchases over next year. I think I'll hit 10k and most of that on BA. might be work some nice Avios...
Aug 24, 2016, 4:18 am
#7
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Glasgow / London
Programs: BA GGL
Posts: 3,457
The fee is high, but I think the benefits are still worth it, certainly for me anyway. I earn over 100k Avios annually on the card, which is nice, and while I don't always get to use the companion voucher, the fact that it's valid for two years (when you have the Premium Plus card) gives you a lot more flexibility. Also useful to note that, if you don't use it one year, you can actually use two vouchers on one booking, so buy two Avios flights, get two free...
Aug 24, 2016, 4:20 am
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LON
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 75
The fee is high, but I think the benefits are still worth it, certainly for me anyway. I earn over 100k Avios annually on the card, which is nice, and while I don't always get to use the companion voucher, the fact that it's valid for two years (when you have the Premium Plus card) gives you a lot more flexibility. Also useful to note that, if you don't spend one a year, you can actually use two vouchers on one booking, so but two, get two free...
Also, I've never understood how those work. I've seen chatter that I have to book a relatively high priced fare class (Y in economy for example) in order to use the companion. Is that correct? Or am I able to book a good deal and use the companion.
Thanks.
Last edited by jhjunc; Aug 24, 2016 at 4:22 am Reason: clarifying companions comment.
Aug 24, 2016, 4:32 am
#9
Join Date: Oct 2014
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 168
Just to clarify, I still have to book 2 tickets to use the 2 companions, correct?
Also, I've never understood how those work. I've seen chatter that I have to book a relatively high priced fare class (Y in economy for example) in order to use the companion. Is that correct? Or am I able to book a good deal and use the companion.
Thanks.
Also, I've never understood how those work. I've seen chatter that I have to book a relatively high priced fare class (Y in economy for example) in order to use the companion. Is that correct? Or am I able to book a good deal and use the companion.
Thanks.
Specifically what you have to pay is the "taxes and fees" for 2 people, just not the avios cost for 2.
Aug 24, 2016, 4:41 am
#10
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 561
Aug 24, 2016, 4:53 am
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LON
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 75
That is really annoying. But did you know that if you have a credit card with a U.S. address associated with it, there's no fee? Silly or perhaps related to differences in U.S. & UK CC processing fees.
Aug 24, 2016, 4:56 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 7,464
Aug 24, 2016, 5:04 am
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: LON
Programs: BA Bronze
Posts: 75
You can use it on almost any selection of flights advertised *and* operated by BA that have the necessary 2 award seats available in the class you want. I think you can also use combinations of Jokers and things to open up space but I've never earned enough tier points to look into that.
Specifically what you have to pay is the "taxes and fees" for 2 people, just not the avios cost for 2.
Specifically what you have to pay is the "taxes and fees" for 2 people, just not the avios cost for 2.
Another Q on this if I may: Can I make a cash booking and get the companion ticket for free or is it only when redeeming avios?
Last edited by jhjunc; Aug 24, 2016 at 5:05 am Reason: Adding question.
Aug 24, 2016, 5:06 am
#14
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,225
The 2-4-1 voucher is the best perk of any credit card in the UK and is very valuable and easy to use. Let me know if you need a referral link. Rather than the standard 25k bonus from their website you can get 26k if referred by someone else (in the interests of full disclosure I would also receive 9k).
Aug 24, 2016, 5:07 am
#15
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,225
It is only when redeeming Avios and the entire booking has to be made in Avios (ie. no part Avios, part cash bookings). One ways are permitted but you must start your journey in the UK. Open jaws are also permitted.