Hey - I am ressurecting this post because they have a similar promo out now for this card if you apply by Nov. 30th. I applied and should receive my card by the end of the week (took over a week just to get approved! What's up with THAT?!).

Anyway, I am new to BA and I am still learning how it all works with Avios redemption. I typically redeem Aeroplans.

I have a question about the free companion ticket: I'd most likely be using my Avios on a partner (like AA/Alaskan) for a flight from Seattle to Hawaii for the family. In reading the fine print, it appears as though the companion ticket is only good for BA flights (not OneWorld partner flights). I think maybe I misinterpreted this originally when I applied. I am wondering if I should bother with the $30,000 spend next year to get this, when I will likely not even use it (since I never fly BA, specifically). I have other cards that I would probably use to collect points, then (to transfer to BA during bonus times). Can someone confirm exactly what the companion ticket can be used for?

I also thought this card provided trip cancellation insurance, so I could get my BA points reinstated if we needed to cancel/change days before flights for an emergency. But...I read here that it doesn't offer that. Can anyone confirm if you can get your BA points back or change a flight if a medical emergency prevents your family from travelling days/hours before a flight? Aeroplan allows you to change the ticket, so I thought BA would allow that too?

I am a little bummed that I am stuck paying the $165 annual fee if I can't get the companion ticket or the cancellation insurance, but I guess it's still a good value for the 50,000 points. That'll get two of us to Hawaii!

I am also curious about hearing how long the bonus points actually took to post for everyone - or if everyone had to call (that's soooo insulting to have to CALL!!!).