Avios for Beginners
If you’ve seen me flying Business Class with my family, booking long-haul flights for a fraction of the usual cash price, or talking about Companion Vouchers and wondered “but HOW?” — Avios are a big part of the answer.
And no, you don’t need to fly every week or be a points expert to start collecting them.
So, what actually are Avios?
Avios are the reward currency used by the British Airways Club and several other airline loyalty programmes.
You collect them and can then use them towards things like flights and upgrades.
Think of them a little like a travel savings pot — except instead of putting cash into it, you build up points through things you may already be doing.
How do you collect Avios?
Flying with British Airways is only one way.
You can also collect Avios through everyday spending, shopping via partner retailers and, one of my favourite methods, using an Avios-earning credit card for purchases I'd be making anyway.
The key for us is that we don't spend money just to earn points. We simply try to make our normal spending work harder.
Over time, those Avios can add up to some pretty incredible travel opportunities.
Where it gets REALLY interesting: the Companion Voucher 👀
One of the biggest reasons I use a British Airways American Express card is the ability to earn a Companion Voucher when you meet the relevant spending requirement.
Depending on the card and voucher you hold, this can make Avios redemptions significantly better value.
It's one of the tools we've used to make trips and premium-cabin travel that might otherwise have been prohibitively expensive much more achievable.
You still have to pay the applicable taxes, fees and carrier charges on reward flights, and availability isn't guaranteed — so this isn't "free Business Class".
But used strategically? It can completely change what your travel budget can achieve.
Want to start collecting Avios?
If you're considering a British Airways American Express card, you can check the current referral offer using my link below.
👉 START EARNING AVIOS WITH BA AMEX REFERRAL OFFER HERE
Apply through the link on the page by 6 October 2026 and if approved, you will collect 31,000 60,000 bonus Avios when you spend £6,000 on your Card within the first three months of Cardmembership. Offer available to eligible new Cardmembers only. Annual fee applies. Terms apply, 18+, subject to status.
Referral offers and eligibility can change, so always check the current terms, eligibility requirements, annual fee (where applicable) and welcome-bonus conditions directly with American Express before applying.
Important: I may receive a referral bonus if you're approved through my link. Please only use a credit card for spending you would make anyway and aim to repay your balance in full each month. Credit cards aren't the right choice for everyone.
The Travel Savvy Mumma approach
For me, this isn't about travelling as cheaply as humanly possible.
It's about being savvy with the money we're already spending so we can afford the experiences that matter to us.
Save where it works.
Splurge where it's worth it.
And make every pound — and every Avios — work harder. ✈️
Next up: I'll show you how we collect Avios, how Companion Vouchers actually work, and some real examples of the reward flights we've booked as a family.
This page is based on my personal experience and is for general information only. It isn't financial advice. Credit is subject to status, eligibility and applicable terms.
