How to Fly Anywhere in the World for Almost Free (Starting from Just £1!)

Flying is not just transport. It's an enriching experience. However, the price tag for the luxury that is air travel, whether you are in economy, business, or even first class, can be a barrier for many.

But what if I told you there's a simple, high-value hack that lets you fly for almost nothing? I'm talking about tapping into the power of the British Airways American Express Card and Avios (subject to availability in your country) to unlock a two-for-one flight voucher.

I recently found flights to Istanbul for only 27,500 Avios and £1! And the one that still makes my head spin: flying to Nigeria for only £200 for two people on a direct flight. As I write this post for Naija Girl Abroad, I am on an eight hours and 55 minutes flight from London Heathrow to Kenya's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Nairobi. This is the ultimate way to travel like a big girl without the big budget or like a financially-savvy traveller.

The Open Secret to Nearly Free Flights: Avios and the Companion Voucher

The Star of the Show: The Companion Voucher

American Express, in partnership with British Airways, offers card members the opportunity to secure one of two incredible rewards annually:

1. Fly with a companion for no added Avios (This means that card members can purchase two flight tickets for the Avios price of one. For this benefit, the main card holder and companion are required to fly on the same flight).

2. Fly solo for a 50% discount on the Avios required for your ticket.

The benefits relate to the British Airways American Express® Credit Card (this card does not have an annual fee). American Express also offer the Premium Plus Card, which has an annual fee but offers an even better voucher valid for 24 months, which can be used in any cabin, including Business and First Class unlike the 12 months expiry for the British Airways American Express® Credit Card, which can only be used in Economy.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Flying for Free

Now that you know the benefits that are available, I have outlined the simple plan for converting your everyday spending into incredible travel rewards.

Step 1: Apply for the British Airways American Express ® card.

I highly recommend starting with the British Airways American Express® Credit Card.

Referral Promotion: Get an Extra Head Start! When you click on the referral link in this blog post and apply for the British Airways American Express® Credit Card, you will receive 8,000 bonus Avios after satisfying the terms and conditions (mainly spending £2,000 within the first three months of your card membership. This can also be a boost toward your first or next flight.

Step 2: Hit the Spend Target Wisely

To earn the companion voucher, you must spend £15,000 in a year on the card.

It is important that you do not overspend! This is key. Use your new credit card for everyday expenses like your quick run to your local grocery store; Target, Waitrose, Morrisons, fuel and other utilities (if the supplier accepts Amex), new essential purchases, and major purchases. Additionally, expenses on big occasions like weddings, birthday parties, or even booking a large holiday will all add up quicker than you think. This is where your British Airways American Express® Credit Card becomes a double incentive.

Step 3: Track and Earn More Avios

The goal is to rack up as many Avios as possible to cover the flight portion of your travel. Using the British Airways American Express® Credit Card, you will earn 1 Amex Point for every £1 you spend on the card. You can also earn Avios for single purchases by connecting your Avios account with Avios Partners like Uber, Pizza Express, Nectar (via Sainsbury's shopping), and the British Airways eStore (for online shopping with stores like Apple, John Lewis,. This is how you double-dip on points by not only receiving "AMEX Points" as regular points would appear on your Avios account but also receiving additional Avios.

Step 4: Become Eligible for a Companion Voucher

Once you hit the £15,000 spend threshold within your card year, the voucher will automatically be added to your British Airways Executive Club and Avios accounts.

What Happens When You Are Ready to Travel

When you are ready to travel, visit the "Reward Flights" section of your British Airways Account via the App or the British Airways website.

You will pay the required Avios for the journey and a fixed fee for the taxes, fees, and carrier charges (this is what the £1 or £200 covers for example).

For the best value, look for destinations on the Reward Flight Saver scheme, which caps the cash you pay for the taxes, allowing you to pay as little as £1 plus Avios.

What are you waiting for? Apply for your credit card, spend wisely, and start earning points towards your next short-haul or long-haul trip to Africa, Asia, Europe or anywhere else in the world.

Important Disclaimer

This post is for general information purposes only and is based on my personal travel hacking experience. It does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research, understand the terms and conditions, and ensure you can pay off your credit card balance in full every single month to avoid interest. While you should 'not live life without it', If you cannot afford an item, do not buy it.