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Travelling with a companion

If you need to travel with a companion, you need to have a card with the C+1 logo on it. 

If your card has this logo, your companion can travel with you for free. Your companion cannot use the card without you.

When you apply for your card , you need to give extra information to show you qualify for a companion.

Who can get free travel for a companion

You can get free travel for a companion if you:

• get Attendance Allowance  
• get the standard or enhanced rate of daily living component of Personal Independence Payment  
• get the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance 
• get the higher or middle rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment  
• get the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of Adult Disability Payment 
• get Pension Age Disability Payment 
• get War Pensions Constant Attendance Allowance
• have confirmation that you are registered blind or severely sight impaired

If you live in a care or residential home or hospital and your benefit has been suspended, you can still get a companion card. You will need to get a letter from the care home or hospital that confirms that you:

• are eligible for the benefit
• live in the care home or hospital
• receive 24 hour care

Visit the Transport Scotland website for more information on free travel for companions .

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11 things you should know about the British Airways Travel Together Ticket

The British Airways Travel Together Ticket is one of the best ways to maximize your Avios. It can be used to book two passengers on the same British Airways flight for the Avios required for one person (though you will have to pay the fees, taxes and surcharges for both passengers), or you can use it to get a 50% discount on the Avios cost of a ticket if traveling solo.

This is valid for anywhere British Airways flies, so long as you're on a round-trip ticket going to or from the U.S. Better yet, you can use it in any class of service and on any date when there are two Avios redemption seats available.

There are some important rules, as well as some tips you should know to maximize your travel.

Related: Maximizing British Airways Avios: Travel Together companion ticket

There's only 1 way to earn a Travel Together Ticket

The only way to earn a Travel Together Ticket in the U.S. is to spend $30,000 in a single calendar year on the British Airways Visa Signature Card .

All Travel Together certificates are valid for 24 months from the date they are issued.

Related: Combat high fuel surcharges, earn flexible Avios: British Airways Visa Signature credit card review

You must book and travel before the expiration date

Be aware that you must book and travel at least the outbound leg before your voucher expires. For example, if you earn a voucher in January 2023, you must fly the outbound leg before January 2025. Thankfully, your return ticket can be after the expiration date.

You must book a round-trip ticket, but open jaws are OK

You can now book round-trip tickets that originate anywhere in the world with the Travel Together Ticket, you can also book an open-jaw return redemption, where you fly into one city and out of another . This means you could use your Travel Together Ticket to book a flight from O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Heathrow Airport (LHR) and return from LHR to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). Or, you can fly from ORD to Frankfurt Airport (FRA) via LHR and return to ORD from Prague Airport (PRG) via LHR.

Related: Maximizing the British Airways distance-based award chart

You can use it for British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus-operated flights

As much as you might love to use a Travel Together Ticket for BA's partner airlines , such as flying Qatar Airways' amazing Qsuite business class , you can only use it for flights operated by British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus-operated flights.

You can only earn 1 Travel Together Ticket per card per year

You can only earn one Travel Together Ticket per year with the British Airways Visa Signature Card . So even if you spend five times the required amount to trigger the voucher, you'll only earn one.

You could, however, have two Travel Together tickets in your Executive Club account at once if you earned one toward the end of the year and the other at the start of the next year. In turn, you could use both for the same trip for a family of four, provided they were both still valid when you commenced travel.

Related: Here's how to score a private cabana and spa treatments at British Airways' most exclusive lounge

You can only start and end your journey anywhere

You can only start and end your Travel Together Ticket journey anywhere British Airways, Iberia or Aer Lingus flies, provided there is award availability.

Related: How to avoid British taxes and fees on award trips

Some routes are easier than others

There's no blanket rule for finding award space; however, it's far easier to find availability for using a Travel Together Ticket on some routes than others, especially in Club World/Club Suite and First. This can be because there are more frequencies on some routes (like JFK to LHR) so there are plenty of seats each day, or because the route is less popular than those from nearby cities (for example, BWI to LHR).

You'll still need to pay the fees, taxes and surcharges for both passengers

A Travel Together Ticket allows you to book two passengers on the same flight for the Avios needed for only one person. In that sense, it is a 2-for-1 voucher. However, you must pay both passengers' full fees, taxes and surcharges. This can be expensive depending on the class of service you're booking, but you may be able to lower the cost by paying more Avios to book a long-haul Reward Flight Saver ticket that lowers the price of fuel surcharges .

As well as earning enough Avios for your Travel Together Ticket, remember to factor in the cost of the fees, taxes and surcharges you will also be required to pay.

It rarely makes sense to use it for a long-haul economy redemption

Because of the fees, taxes and surcharges, it won't usually be a great deal to use a Travel Together Ticket on a long-haul economy redemption.

Using the JFK-to-LHR example, on a standard date, you could book two round-trip tickets in World Traveller using a companion voucher for 60,000 Avios plus $200 plus $200 (the fees, taxes and surcharges for both people). Note that this is the Reward Flight Saver pricing.

The problem with this value proposition is that while you're not paying any Avios for the second traveler, you're still paying $200 in fees, taxes and surcharges for each person — $400 total. We regularly see economy sale fares to New York for $400 or less, meaning you're paying as much as a cash ticket just in fees, taxes and surcharges for your "free" seat.

In this instance, it would be better to buy a cheap cash fare for both passengers and save the Avios for a more valuable use.

You can now redeem it for solo travel

While the name suggests it's designed for two people traveling together, solo travelers can also redeem a Travel Together Ticket to save Avios.

Rather than a second person not paying any Avios, as with two people traveling together, a solo traveler would only need half the Avios required when redeeming the Travel Together Ticket.

So, with a redemption costing 100,000 Avios, using the voucher for solo travel would only require 50,000 Avios. The full fees, taxes and surcharges for the solo traveler are still payable.

Related: When does it make sense to use the British Airways Travel Together Ticket?

It can be extremely valuable when used properly

So, with plenty of rules and warnings, what's the big deal about this thing? We love it because you can get so much value from it if you use it properly.

Yes, you may be shocked at having to pay $1,000-plus in fees, taxes and surcharges for the second passenger for a first-class, long-haul return flight, but a cash fare on that same flight could easily cost over $5,000, saving you over thousands of dollars by redeeming a Travel Together Ticket.

Bottom line

We are big fans of the British Airways Travel Together Ticket because we know how much value you can obtain from it. Do your homework, remember the rules and the benefits, work out when and how it is most advantageous to use it and maximize your travel. And if you're interested in earning a Travel Together Ticket, consider applying for the British Airways Visa Signature Card .

Additional reporting by Andrew Kunesh.

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Welcome to the Help Centre

How do I get a Companion Voucher?

The Companion Voucher you hold will depend on the Card product you earned it with. See below for details of the benefits of each Companion Voucher type, as well as the latest updates that will allow you to get away, your way. Please note that the below applies to Companion Vouchers earned after 1 September 2021. For information relating to Companion Vouchers earned before 1 September 2021, please visit here . British Airways American Express(r) Credit Card Get a British Airways American Express Credit Card Companion Voucher when you spend £12,000 each membership year on the Card. Companion Vouchers can be used when you redeem Avios for a British Airways Reward Flight in Euro Traveller or World Traveller (Economy) cabins. Reward Flights and Companion Voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees, carrier charges apply per person. The British Airways American Express Credit Card Companion Voucher is valid for 12 months from issuance. 1. Ways you can redeem your Companion Voucher Travel with a companion The British Airways American Express Credit Card Companion Voucher entitles you to receive a second economy class seat for a companion travelling on the same flight as you for no additional Avios when you make a Reward Flight booking on a British Airways flight. OR Choose to fly solo You can use your Companion Voucher as a solo adult travelling on a Reward Flight booking in Euro Traveller or World Traveller (Economy) cabins and receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for the flight.

British Airways American Express® Cards

There’s a little holiday in the things you buy.

Executive Club Exclusive: Collect 60,000 Avios

Log in and apply  via our exclusive offer page for a BA Amex ® Premium Plus Card, and spend £3,000 in your first three months to get this supercharged welcome bonus of 25,000 60,000 Avios.

Only available to Executive Club Members through the exclusive offer page via the link below until  11 June 2024 .

Rep 139.9% APR Var.

New Cardmembers only. Annual fee applies. Terms apply. 18+ UK residents only, subject to status.

Not ready to apply just yet?

We can send the details of our personal British Airways American Express ® Cards straight to your email inbox so they’re ready when you are. 

British Airways American Express® Credit Card

Representative 31.0% APR variable. No annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 31.0% per annum variable purchase rate. T&Cs apply.

• Welcome bonus : Get 5,000 bonus Avios when you spend £1,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only¹
• Earn rate : Collect 1 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases¹
• Rewards:  Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £12,000 each membership year which is now more flexible than ever. From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each membership year to earn a Companion Voucher. T&Cs apply.

Don’t forget if you’re an Executive Club member, you could get an increased Welcome Bonus of 5,000 7,000 Avios when you login to BA.com & apply through our exclusive offer page .

Companion Voucher

Companion Vouchers are even more valuable and flexible than ever and can now be enjoyed with a companion or solo. Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £12,000 each membership year on the Card, which you can use to either take a companion with you in economy only on  the same flight or, if travelling solo, get a 50% discount on the Avios price when you book a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia Reward Flight. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person 4 . 

*From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each anniversary year to earn a Companion Voucher. For example, if your next anniversary date is 1 Feb 2025 you would need to either spend £12,000 by 31 October 2024 or spend £15,000 by 31 January 2025 to earn your Companion Voucher for this membership year.

Ways you can redeem your Companion Voucher 

Travel with a companion : The British Airways American Express Credit Card Companion Voucher entitles you to receive a second economy class seat for a companion travelling on the same flight as you for no additional Avios when you make a Reward Flight booking on a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia flight 4 .  

Choose to fly solo : You can use your Companion Voucher as a solo adult travelling on a Reward Flight booking in Euro Traveller or World Traveller (Economy) or other economy cabins and receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for the flight. 

More Avios Pricing Options : Whether you’re planning on travelling with a companion or flying solo, you can access all Avios and Money and Reward Flight Saver (RFS) options, meaning your trip could cost as little as £1 in cash 6

Travel benefits

From Travel Accident insurance cover to preferential travel arrangements, we’ll help you along the way*:

• Global Assist® provides help when you travel outside of the UK, in your own language, 24/7  7 .
• Travel accident insurance protects you for up to £75,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket on your Card 7 .

*When enrolled in No Additional Charge Insurance

Eligibility

To save you time before applying for your British Airways American Express Credit Card, it's worth making sure you can say yes to all the following:

• I am aged 18 or over
• I have a current UK bank or building society account
• I have a permanent UK home address
• I have no history of bad debt
• And if self–employed, I have been working for more than one year
• I understand I will not be eligible for any Welcome Bonus award if I hold or have held any personal American Express ®  Cards in the past 24 months.

If you've said yes to all of these, then step this way. Your application could take less than 10 minutes and we may be able to give you a response in less than 60 seconds.

British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card

Representative 139.9% APR variable. £300 annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 31.0% per annum variable purchase rate. T&Cs apply.

• Welcome bonus:  Get 25,000 bonus Avios when you spend £3,000 in the first 3 months of Cardmembership. New Cardmembers only. 2
• Earn rate:  Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on purchases 2
• Rewards: Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £10,000 each membership year which is now more flexible than ever. From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each membership year to earn a Companion Voucher. T&Cs apply.
• Go further: Collect 3 Avios for every £1 spent on British Airways flights and holidays 2

Don’t forget if you’re an Executive Club member, you could get an increased Welcome Bonus of  25,000  60,000 Avios when you login to BA.com & apply through our  exclusive offer page .

Companion Vouchers are even more valuable and flexible than ever and can now be enjoyed with a companion or solo. Get a Companion Voucher when you spend £10,000 each membership year on the Card, which you can use to either take a companion with you in the same flight and cabin or, if travelling solo, get a 50% discount on the Avios price when you book a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia flight. British Airways American Express ®  Premium Plus Cardmembers will have access to additional British Airways Reward Flight seats within business (Club World) when booking with a Companion Voucher, subject to availability. Taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person 5

*From 1 November you will need to spend £15,000 within each anniversary year to earn a Companion Voucher. For example, if your next anniversary date is 1 Feb 2025 you would need to either spend £10,000 by 31 October 2024 or spend £15,000 by 31 January 2025 to earn your Companion Voucher for this membership year.

Travel with a companion:  The British Airways American Express ®  Premium Plus Companion Voucher entitles you to receive a second seat for a companion travelling on the same flight as you for no additional Avios when you make a Reward Flight booking on a British Airways, Aer Lingus or Iberia flight.

Choose to fly solo:  You can use your Companion Voucher as a solo adult travelling on a Reward Flight booking in any cabin and receive a 50% discount on the Avios price for the flight. 

More Avios Pricing Options:  Whether you’re planning on travelling with a companion or flying solo, you can access all Avios and Money and Reward Flight Saver (RFS) options, meaning your trip could cost as little as £1 in cash 6 . 

Enhanced availability in Club World:  Cardmembers who have earned a Premium Plus Companion Voucher can access tens of thousands of extra Reward seats in Club World (long haul Business Class) when booking a Reward Flight with their Companion Voucher. So whether you're choosing to treat yourself or take a lucky companion with you, you'll be travelling in style. 

Enjoy our travel protection benefits when you travel with us*:

• Global Assist® provides help when you travel outside of the UK, in your own language, 24/7 7 .
• Travel accident insurance protects you for up to £250,000 on public transport when you buy your ticket on your Card 6 .
• Travel inconvenience insurance covers flight cancellations, delays and delayed luggage when you pay with your Card. exclusions that may apply 7 .
• £200 for flight delay, overbooking or missed connection.
• £750 for baggage delayed by airline for 6 hours.
• An additional £1,000 for extended baggage delay by airline.

To save you time before applying for your British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card, it's worth making sure you can say yes to all the following:

• I understand I will not be eligible for any Welcome Bonus award if I hold or have held any personal British Airways American Express Cards in the past 24 months.

British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card

Representative 108.4% APR variable. £250 annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 28.5% per annum variable purchase rate. T&Cs apply.

• Welcome bonus: Collect 30,000 bonus Avios when you spend £5,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership 1
• Earn rate: Collect 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent 2
• Rewards: Receive an extra 10,000 Avios for every £20,000 spent, up to 3 times a year 3
• On Business: Earn 2 On Business Points for every eligible £1 spent with on qualified British Airways Flights purchased with your Card 4

Reward your business every calendar year

With a tiered Avios annual bonus, for every £20,000 spent on the Card, you will receive 10,000 bonus Avios, up to 3 times each year. From everyday business expenses to larger supplier items you'll earn Avios in line with your business spend. With three individual tiers, your rewards balance evolves with your business. Your Avios Annual Bonus resets on 1 January each year, helping you to keep track of your rewards and maximise Cardmembers’ bonus earning potential.

Flexible cashflow management 

Your Credit Card gives you access up to 56 calendar days without interest payment terms (when you pay your balance in full) or the choice to pay your balance over time with interest 5 .

Double On Business Points

Exclusively with this Card, earn 2 On Business Points for every £1 spent with British Airways, This is in addition to your everyday Avios and annual bonus. Change, cancel or upgrade your flight booking up to 24 hours before departure of your first flight at no extra charge 6 .

PLEASE NOTE: The On Business platform is currently unavailable. When you apply for a British Airways American Express Accelerating Business Card, if you don’t have an On Business Account already, you'll automatically join our loyalty programme for your business, and receive your On Business number from British Airways. To service your On Business Account and/or redeem your On Business Points, please call the On Business team on 0344 493 0748.

Visit the On Business FAQs .

To save you time before applying for your British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card, it's worth making sure you can say yes to all the following:

• The business has a current UK Bank or Building Society account
• You/The business have/has no County Court Judgements for non-payment of debt
• You are aged 18 or over
• You have a permanent UK home address
• You will pay the annual Cardmembership fee of £250 7

To access the On Business benefits, your company must not be a travel agency, ticket brokerage firm or consolidator AND your company does not have an existing corporate incentive agreement with British Airways, Iberia or American Airlines. When enrolling into the On Business programme through this British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card application progress, there is no requirement for your business to be VAT registered. (Visit  ba.com/onbusiness  for more information).

A Companion Voucher makes your Avios go further

You can get away for fewer Avios than you might think with a British Airways American Express Companion Voucher.

Use your Companion Voucher to either take someone with you on your Reward Flight for no additional Avios or reduce the amount Avios needed for a Reward Flight by 50% as a solo traveller. 

How would you use yours?

10,000 avios.

Enjoy the freedom of a solo getaway to one of 25 exciting European destinations for only 9,250 Avios + £1 return. 

20,000 Avios

Escape the everyday with a continental city break for two. Return flights to Europe for two people start at just 18,500 Avios + £2.

50,000 Avios

Jet off with that special someone to see the bright lights of New York or Dubai for just 50,000 Avios + £200 all in.

*Applies to off-peak return Reward Flight Saver flights paid in full with Avios.

Service like no other

Enjoy refund protection on all eligible items you buy using your Card in the UK.

We cover items up to 90 days and will replace or refund items up to a maximum of £200 on the British Airways American Express® Credit Card and £300 on the Premium Plus Card and the Accelerating Business Card, even if the retailer won’t.

Collect up to 90,000 Avios by inviting your friends

You can collect up to 90,000 Avios per calendar year when you refer friends to take out a BA Amex Card as soon as they’re approved. We’ll also welcome them with bonus Avios too. Terms apply. See link for full details. 

Find out more

Collecting avios, spending avios, buying avios.

Updates to the Companion Voucher

From 1 November 2024, the required spend to qualify for a Companion Voucher will increase from £10,000 (British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card) or £12,000 (British Airways American Express® Credit Card) to £15,000 within a membership year. This change will be relevant to the Amex Cardmembership year applicable on 1 November 2024 and thereafter.

Until 31 October 2024, existing Cardmembers can obtain their Companion Voucher by reaching the current spend target of £12,000 (Credit Card) or £10,000 (Premium Plus). From 1 November 2024, Cardmembers will need to reach the new £15,000 target, regardless of which Card type is held, before their membership year ends to earn their Companion Voucher. Purchases already made in the current membership year count towards the new target. 

• Terms, taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. For the Credit Card Terms and Conditions apply. Introductory offers are not available if you currently hold or have held any personal American Express Card product in the past 24 months. Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 years old or over and are subject to approval. For the Credit Card, 5,000 bonus Avios will be awarded onto your Account once you have been approved and you have spent and charged a minimum of £1,000 on goods and services to the Account within three months of Account opening. For the Credit Card, you will be awarded 1 Avios for every £1 spent and charged per transaction. Avios are not earned on Balance Transfers, Cash Withdrawals, American Express Travellers Cheques purchases, Foreign Exchange, interest, any spending in excess of your credit limit, charges for returned payments, late payment or referral charges and American Express Credit Card finance charges. Written details available on request. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend. New Cardmembers only. Please note this offer is subject to change.​
• Terms, taxes, fees and carrier changes apply per person. For the Premium Plus Card Terms and Conditions apply. Introductory offers are not available if you currently hold or have held any personal British Airways American Express Card product in the past 24 months. Applicants must be UK residents aged 18 years old or over and are subject to approval. For the Premium Plus Card, 25,000 bonus Avios will be awarded onto your Account once you have been approved and you have spent and charged a minimum of £3,000 on goods and services to the Account within three months of Account opening. For the Premium Plus Card, you will be awarded 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent and charged per transaction. Avios are not earned on Balance Transfers, Cash Withdrawals, American Express Travellers Cheques purchases, Foreign Exchange, interest, any spending in excess of your credit limit, charges for returned payments, late payment or referral charges and American Express Credit Card finance charges. Written details available on request. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend. New Cardmembers only. Please note this offer is subject to change.​
• Supplementary Cards allow you to share the benefits of your American Express Card with others close to you. You will be the main Cardmember and will be liable for all charges made on the Supplementary Card(s). Additional Cardmembers must be 18 years or over. Written details available on request.
• BA American Express Credit Card Terms and Conditions apply to Avios redemptions. Reward Flights and Companion Voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. Companion Vouchers can only be used when redeeming Avios for a British Airways Reward Flight seat in economy only, paid with Avios. Detailed information on Companion Vouchers  can be found here  or by calling 0844 493 0750 (calls cost 7p pm plus your telephone company access charge). Companion Vouchers earned from 1 September 2021 can be used on bookings departing from outside of the UK as well as allowing the Companion Voucher holder to benefit from a 50% reduction in Avios when making a Reward flight booking with their Companion Voucher as a solo traveller. Only vouchers earned after 1 September 2021 can be used on Iberia and Aer Lingus. Visit here for full  Companion Voucher Terms and Conditions .
• BA American Express Premium Plus Card Terms and Conditions apply to Avios redemptions. Reward Flights and Companion Voucher bookings are subject to availability and taxes, fees and carrier charges apply per person. Companion Vouchers can only be used when redeeming Avios for a British Airways Reward Flight seat in any cabin, paid with Avios. Detailed information on Companion Vouchers  can be found here  or by calling 0844 493 0750 (calls cost 7ppm plus your telephone company access charge). Companion Vouchers earned from 1 September 2021 can be used on bookings departing from outside of the UK, as well as allowing the Companion Voucher holder to benefit from a 50% reduction in Avios when making a Reward Flight booking with their Companion Voucher as a solo traveller. Access to Reward Flight seats within Club World (business class) is available for British Airways Premium Plus Companion Vouchers earned from 1 September 2021. Only vouchers earned after 1 September 2021 can be used on Iberia and Aer Lingus. Visit here for full  Companion Voucher Terms and Conditions . 
• Reward Flights are available to any Executive Club Members with an Avios balance. In addition to your Avios, the only cash amount required for  Reward Flights is to cover the taxes, fees and carrier charges. Reward Flights are subject to availability. To find out more about Reward Flights and/or Reward Flight Saver  visit here .
• Terms and Conditions apply to the British Airways American Express credit card insurance. Please see the Insurance  Terms and Conditions . Please read this to understand the limits and exclusions that may apply. Terms and Conditions apply to the British Airways American Express  Premium Plus Card insurance. Please see the insurance  Terms and Conditions  for full details. Please read this to understand the limits and exclusions that may apply. 

Applicants must be 18 years old or over. Approval subject to status and Terms and Conditions apply.

The information relating to the financial benefits and services of the Card is the responsibility of American Express Services Europe Limited and British Airways accepts no responsibility for inaccuracies.

British Airways Plc registered in England and Wales company no.1777777 of Waterside, PO Box 365, Harmondsworth, West Drayton, Middlesex UB7 0GB, is an introducer appointed representative, for insurance mediation activities only, of American Express Insurance Services Europe Limited.

American Express Services Europe Limited has its registered office at Belgrave House, 76 Buckingham Palace Road, London, SW1W 9AX, United Kingdom. It is registered in England and Wales with Company Number 1833139 and authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.

1. The 30,000 bonus Avios will be awarded once you have been approved and you have spent and charged a minimum of £5,000 on goods and services to the Account within three months of Account opening. If you have held a British Airways American Express® Accelerating Business Card or any other American Express® Business Card within the last 12 months, you will not be eligible for the Avios Welcome Bonus. Interest, fees (including default fees), balance transfers, cash advances (including transactions treated as cash), loading of prepaid cards, American Express Travellers Cheque purchases or foreign exchange transactions and any amounts that are subsequently re-credited to your Card Account by way of refunds or other types of credit, are not eligible towards the bonus. Your Account must be in good standing at the time of earning the bonus. All introductory offers are subject to change and can be withdrawn at any time. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend. 

2. Avios for Accelerating Business Card: You will be awarded 1.5 Avios for every eligible £1 spent and charged per transaction. Avios are not earned on interest, fees (including default fees), balance transfers, cash advances (including transactions treated as cash), loading of prepaid cards, American Express Travellers Cheque purchases or foreign exchange transactions; and any amounts that are subsequently re-credited to your Card Account by way of refunds or other types of credit. Please refer to full benefit terms and conditions associated with your Card Account for all eligibility criteria. Avios are issued and redeemed subject to British Airways Executive Club  terms and conditions  and will be reflected on your British Airways Executive Club account.

3. Accelerating Business Card Annual Bonus: You will be awarded 10,000 bonus Avios (Avios Annual Bonus) once you have spent and charged £20,000 on purchases on your Card, up to three times each calendar year. Interest, fees (including default fees), balance transfers, cash advances (including transactions treated as cash), loading of prepaid cards, American Express Travellers Cheque purchases or foreign exchange transactions and any amounts that are subsequently re-credited to your Card Account by way of refunds or other types of credit, are not eligible towards the bonus. Your Account must be in good standing at the time of earning the bonus. Please note, it can take up to one month for the bonus Avios to be awarded to your Account once you have met the required spend.

4. On Business Accelerator: Your Company will earn Two (2) On Business Points for every eligible £1 spent on qualifying flights directly with British Airways on the Card. For illustrative purposes, One (1) On Business Point comprises the additional earn for purchasing a qualifying flight with this Card Account (the Amex Accelerator), the other On Business Point is your base On Business Point earn. Please refer to full benefit terms and conditions associated with your Card Account for all benefit eligibility criteria. On Business Points are issued and redeemed subject to On Business Programme terms and conditions.

5. Cashflow for Accelerating Business Card: The maximum amount of time for interest free payment on purchases is 56 calendar days and is obtained only if you spend on the first day of the new statement period and repay the balance in full on the due date. If you only make a minimum payment every month, then interest rates will apply, and it will take you longer to pay off your balance.

6. On Business: Find out more about the On Business Programme, the booking process, and terms and conditions on  ba.com/onbusiness . Flights can be redeemed on British Airways, Iberia and American Airlines; cabin upgrades can be redeemed on British Airways and Iberia flights. On Business flights and cabin upgrades are subject to applicable taxes, fees, carrier charges and surcharges.

7. Annual Fee: BA Accelerating Business Card: An annual Cardmembership fee of £250 will apply for each membership year. We'll charge it for each year starting on the date of your first statement and then every year after that on the same date.

How to book companion reward seats with Virgin Atlantic

If you've booked your next flight, or you're looking to book one, and you want to take your favourite person with you, you can do just that by spending your Virgin Points. 

With so many sublime destinations to travel to with Virgin Atlantic , why not experience them with someone else? Whether you want to shop ‘til you drop and explore ‘til your feet hurt in New York , or chase the sunshine to Barbados , Virgin Atlantic has it all. 

You can book an Economy Classic, Premium or Upper Class companion seat for a loved one, so learn how to do it, and get globe-trotting with a special someone. 

How to earn a companion reward seat

Virgin Atlantic offers three main types of Companion Rewards: 

Standard Companion Seats – this permits a companion to travel with a Flying Club member at a preferential points rate plus taxes, fees and surcharges.

Gold Renewal Companion Reward – this allows a companion to travel points free, however taxes, fees and surcharges are payable. 

Credit Card Companion Reward – as part of the Virgin Atlantic Reward and Reward + Credit Card, a companion can travel points free, but taxes, fees and surcharges are payable.You can earn a companion reward if you spend £20,000 in a year on the Virgin Atlantic Reward Credit Card, or £10,000 in a year on the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card. 

You, as the Flying Club member, need to travel on the same flight as your companion, whoever that may be. If you want to upgrade, you can with Virgin Points or money.

However, the person you’re travelling with can only be upgraded if you pay with money, not points – provided there is space in the cabin. You’ll get a discounted rate (plus taxes, fees and surcharges) for your travel buddy. If you upgrade with points, unfortunately they need to stay in the lower cabin.

What do you need to know before you book a companion seat?

Before booking a companion seat, here’s the lowdown: 

You must book your companion reward seat by calling the Virgin Atlantic Customer Centre - they cannot currently be booked online.

When you earn a companion reward seat, taxes, fees and surcharges are still applicable for both you and your companion and booking is reliant on reward seat availability for both passengers.

As the Flying Club member, you must be travelling in one of the seats.

From the date the voucher is issued, you have 24 months to take the outbound flight. The Gold Companion vouchers are valid for 12 months.

They are also flexible like reward seats, so can be changed or cancelled for £30 per person and have no minimum or maximum stay.

Companion reward seats are based on return tickets. 

You can take a child as a companion. However, a child cannot be fared so they will be fared as an adult and then a refund of overpayment of taxes must be requested. 

There are also some restrictions on booking companion reward seats for some Flying Club members.

Companion seats are subject to reward availability, so they are not necessarily available on every flight.

If you’re a Red tier member, you can only use the companion voucher earned through the Virgin Atlantic Reward, or Reward+ Credit Card in Economy or Premium Economy.

However, Silver and Gold tier Flying Club members can use it in Economy, Premium Economy or Upper Class.

If you’re a Red tier Flying Club member and you want to fly Upper Class, you can still redeem this way, but your companion will have to pay 50% of the points required for the reward seat.

Economy Light tickets are not eligible for the Companion Reward.

Companions in Economy are available in Economy Classic service only. A revenue ticket can be purchased in Economy Delight, but the companion will only be eligible for Economy Classic service. 

Standard Companion Seats: How many points do I need to take someone with me?

If you’ve got Virgin Points to spend and fancy taking a friend on your next flight, it’ll cost you a different amount of points, depending on whether your travel in standard or peak season.

For example, if you and your friend want to fly to New York, it'll cost you from 10,000 points each if you fly during standard season, but from 20,000 points each during peak season – so you could nab a great deal if your travel dates are flexible.

Virgin Atlantic guarantees a minimum of 12 reward seats on every flight , helping you to book your dream trip. These seats will be allocated as reward seats when the flight is put on sale. Book fast to reserve your reward seat, so you don’t miss out. If there are not reward seats available when you’re looking to book, check back because often more do get released during the flight selling period. If these reward seats are sold out you can still use your points as part payment on a normal flight from 3,000 Virgin Points with Points Plus Money .

If you’re not sure you’ve got enough points, visit the Virgin Atlantic website and calculate what you need.

Please note: Taxes, fees and carrier imposed surcharges apply to all reward flights and vary according to choice of cabin, departure airport, destination and date(s) of travel and are subject to change. All points shown above are per roundtrip. For one way, the points are simply half of the round trip. All Reward Flights are subject to availability and can only be used on Virgin Atlantic flights. 

So, get booking, sit back and enjoy your flight!

Terms and conditions

We always do our best to include the most up to date information, but our offers do change from time to time. Click on each offer for the current points price and all the details. 

Virgin Atlantic Flying Club membership is required for upgrades and reward flights. Take a look at the Flying Club terms and conditions .

Reward flights are subject to availability.

How to spend points on Virgin Atlantic Reward Seats

How to upgrade a flight with Virgin Points

How to spend your Virgin Points with Points Plus Money

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bristol.gov.uk

• For residents
• Streets and travel
• Bus passes (Travelcard)
• Free companion travel

Who can apply for free companion travel and how to apply

Who can apply

You can apply if you're unable to :

• travel on public transport for the whole journey without help from a companion
• walk to a bus stop and get on or off a bus without help

If you dont have a travel card you can ask for a companion card when you apply for a:

• Disabled person's bus pass
• Older persons bus pass

If you do have a travel card and you feel that you need help to travel fill in our pdf companion form ( 89 KB ) .

What you need to know

You'll need medical evidence that you need help to travel. Your GP may charge you for this. We can't reimburse you if they do. 

Your companion must travel with you for the whole journey. They dont need to come with you every time.

Free travel for your companion may not be available outside of Bristol, South Gloucestershire, Bath and North East Somerset and North Somerset. You must check with the area you're travelling in.

Free travel for a companion will be added to your bus pass. You won't get a separate bus pass for your companion.

• Get an older person's bus pass
• Use your bus pass
• Change details on pass
• Replacement bus pass
• Cancel a bus pass

• Book Travel
• Credit Cards

The Best Credit Cards with Companion Fares

While award chart sweet spots and premium class redemptions tend to attract most of the spotlight, one less-discussed way to save money on travel is by taking advantage of the annual companion fares that get offered as a perk on certain credit cards. 

Like the name suggests, companion fares are redeemable when at least two people are travelling together, offering a free or discounted ticket for the second passenger.

If you tend to travel as a couple, companion fares can be a fantastic way to essentially get up to a 50% discount on your flights. Furthermore, loading up on more than one companion fare and “multiplying” their benefit is one of the best ways to reduce costs if you regularly travel together as a family or party of four, six, eight, etc.

Let’s take a look at some of the best available companion vouchers being offered as a credit card perk.

In This Post

The westjet annual round-trip companion voucher, the air canada annual worldwide companion pass, the british airways companion award evoucher.

WestJet’s annual round-trip companion voucher comes as a perk of the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard . As part of signing up for this card for an annual fee of $119, you’ll earn WestJet dollars (WSD) redeemable towards the cost of any WestJet flight, free checked bags on WestJet flights, and a companion voucher.

When redeeming the companion fare, the cardholder will pay full price for the round-trip ticket, while the second guest will pay:

• $119 for travel within Canada and the continental US
• $399 for travel to/from Hawaii, Mexico, or the rest of the WestJet network

Note that the above amounts cover the base fare only, and you must still pay for the taxes and fees on the ticket separately. 

The companion voucher expires one year after it’s issued (you have to book by this date), and at that point you’ll be given a new annual companion voucher for the following year. Therefore, as long as you can save more than $119 by using the companion voucher every year, you’re getting great value out of holding onto the WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard for the long term.

The WestJet dollars you earn as a signup bonus can also be combined with the companion voucher to achieve even greater savings. The signup bonus can be used towards either the first traveller’s full fare, or the second traveller’s discounted base fare.

However, it’s important to note that the guest travelling on the companion voucher is not eligible to earn WestJet dollars from their travel. And unfortunately, the companion voucher can neither be redeemed in conjunction with Member Exclusive fares , nor can it be redeemed towards business class tickets in WestJet’s Dreamliners .

To redeem the companion voucher, you simply tick the “Companion voucher” box when searching for flights on the WestJet website.

You’ll then have the option to apply your companion voucher if you’re searching for at least two passengers.

One of the best uses of the companion voucher is within North America, where the second guest travels for only $119 in base fare. For example, let’s consider using the voucher on a transcontinental flight between Toronto and Vancouver, booked a few weeks in advance.

The total fare prices out at around $940, as broken down on ITA Matrix .

You’ll notice in the screenshot that the base fare comprises $705 of the $940 total fare, with the remaining $235 consisting of various taxes and fees. If you were to redeem your companion voucher to travel as a duo on this fare, you’d end up only paying $119 + $235 = $354 for the second traveller, thus incurring a savings of $940 – $354 = $586.

Clearly, the higher the original fare, the greater “value” you’re getting from the companion fare.

Therefore, in situations where base fares tend to be much higher, such as during last minute travel or peak travel periods, you stand to garner more value from your companion voucher by redeeming it during these times. Indeed, this is a general tendency with companion vouchers.

You can also use the companion voucher for WestJet flights to other destinations, such as Europe. You’d have to pay a higher amount of $399 for the second traveller, but it’s not necessarily the case that you’ll wind up saving money this way.

To see why, look at how WestJet’s European fares are constructed.

Notice how the base fare only comprises $280 ($140 + $140) of the overall $1,060 fare. That’s actually less than the $399 you’d have to pay when redeeming the companion fare, and you’d still be on the hook for the remaining $780 in taxes and fees.

So, be sure to look at the breakdown of the fare to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal with the companion voucher from WestJet.

It also appears that WestJet levies an extra $20 fee for some companion voucher bookings , which is buried in the “Other ATC” line on the fare breakdown page. 

Lastly, while these examples were designed with a travelling couple in mind, they can certainly be generalized to a family of four or more that needs to travel together. If, say, both parents were to pick up a WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard , you could double-up on the savings for the entire family.

In many regards, the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is similar to the WestJet companion voucher , in that it reduces the base fare for a second passenger, and it may be used across Air Canada’s entire flight network. 

The Companion Pass allows a second passenger to travel on a discounted base fare when the first passenger pays full price for an Air Canada economy class ticket to anywhere in the world.

The Companion Pass can be redeemed on any Air Canada flights between Canada or the United States and one of the following regions:

• Canada or the United States (excluding Hawaii): $99 base fare
• Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean: $299 base fare
• South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa: $499 base fare
• Asia, Australia, and New Zealand: $599 base fare

The Companion Pass can only be used with economy fares, including Economy (Standard), Economy (Flex), Economy (Comfort), and Economy (Latitude). It may not be used for premium economy or business class flights.

Likewise, Companion Passes may not be combined with Aeroplan points, and may not be used for any codeshare flights with partner airlines.

The Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is a benefit afforded to certain credit cardholders who meet an annual minimum spending requirement. It’s neither given as part of a welcome bonus, nor is it guaranteed to be renewed year after year.

Rather, upon spending $25,000 each year on a premium Aeroplan credit card, eligible cardholders will have an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass deposited into their Aeroplan account.

If you can save at least $599 by using the Companion Pass strategically, you’ll have saved the equivalent of your premium credit card’s annual fee.

Once you’ve met the spending requirement, which depends on your card’s annual renewal date and not by the calendar year, it will show up in the “Benefits” tab of your Aeroplan account within 10 weeks. It’s valid for one year from the date of issue, but can be used to book flights beyond its validity date.

To use the Companion Pass, simply search for cash flights for two people on Air Canada’s website. At the bottom of the screen, you’ll see a “Credits and discounts” blurb, which you’ll need to click on.

If there are eligible flights for the Companion Pass, you’ll see the base fare clearly marked. Be sure to check off the box next to your Companion Pass, and then click “Apply”. 

Once you click “Apply”, the search results will repopulate, and eligible flights will have a small ticket symbol next to them.

While the base fares with the Companion Pass aren’t free, they can still offer up some great value. The usual scenarios for maximizing other companion vouchers apply here, too – you’re more likely to get good value out of the card by using it when base fares tend to be higher. 

One compelling use of Companion Passes may be in conjunction with eUpgrades on long-haul flights. Despite base fares of up to $599, if you’re able to get an upgrade to premium economy or business class, you’d have saved a significant amount compared to booking in a higher class of service to begin with.

Just be sure to check out the breakdown of the fare, perhaps by using ITA Matrix , to ensure that you’re getting a good deal. If the base fare is low, and most of the ticket’s cost is in the taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges that you’d have to pay anyway, you could wind up being disappointed.

Finally, it’s worth mentioning that the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite† grants you a Companion Award eVoucher when you spend $30,000 (CAD) on the card within a calendar year.

Unlike the other two companion tickets on this list, the British Airways Companion Award eVoucher is usable only when you’re redeeming Avios for a British Airways flight originating from and returning to Canada, not when you pay for a revenue ticket.

When you redeem Avios for two passengers travelling on British Airways, the second passenger won’t have to pay any Avios at all. For example, if a round-trip flight costs 160,000 Avios for one person, applying the voucher will result in round-trip flights for two pricing out at 160,000 Avios, too.

The Companion Award eVoucher has also become applicable to solo travellers, too. If you redeem it as an individual, it will reduce the cost in Avios by 50% for a booking. 

For example, if a round-trip booking costs 160,000 Avios without the voucher applied, it would only cost 80,000 Avios with the voucher applied.

While that might sound like a good deal on the surface, anyone familiar with the British Airways Executive Club program will know that the fuel surcharges on British Airways long-haul flights can be quite substantial. Indeed, RBC even mentions this in the RBC British Airways Visa Infinite’s terms and conditions, so as to avoid giving cardholders the wrong idea that they’re getting anything close to a “free” ticket:

At time of publication, all Reward Flights and Companion Tickets are subject to taxes, fees, & carrier charges of approximately $600 per person based on return travel from Vancouver to London in economy class and approximately $1,000 per person based on business class travel. 

That definitely takes most of the excitement out of this perk, because if you’re paying $600 in taxes and fees per person to get to London (in addition to the Avios required for the first passenger’s ticket), then you may as well just buy an economy class ticket for about $700–900 per ticket.

This voucher could potentially being useful for someone who wants to fly business class direct from Canada to London. For example, a round-trip from Toronto to London Heathrow in British Airways business class would cost between 100,000 and 120,000 Avios, depending on whether it’s peak or off-peak .

If you paid 100,000 Avios, plus around $2,000 in taxes and fees, to book round-trip non-stop business class flights for two people in total, it wouldn’t be the worst deal in the world compared to the retail price.

Keep in mind that British Airways made Reward Flight Saver options available on long-haul routes in December 2022. This means that you can choose to pay more in Avios and less in taxes and fees on flights.

When used in conjunction with a Companion Award eVoucher, and especially if you leveraged a transfer bonus to earn extra Avios, you could wind up getting a great deal on a redemption.

However, aside from these very niche redemptions, you’d likely be better off redeeming, say, Aeroplan points or Air France KLM Flying Blue miles to get to Europe instead.

Overall, it’s fair to say that the Companion Award eVoucher on the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite† is rendered less effective by the surcharges that British Airways is known for. Considering also that you need to spend $30,000 on the card to get it in the first place, and it’s most likely not going to be something that most cardholders pursue in earnest.

The WestJet RBC® World Elite Mastercard , various premium Aeroplan co-branded credit cards , and the RBC® British Airways Visa Infinite† offer companion vouchers as part of their benefits. The best ways to use each voucher vary, but they are all valuable in specific circumstances.

Sure, using points for travel is always preferred, but it may make sense to pay cash for flights in some circumstances. If you’re travelling as a pair, you can make use of companion vouchers for when you’d otherwise have to pay cash. 

Be sure to check the price breakdown of your desired flights to make sure you’re actually getting a good deal, as sometimes you’d be better off paying full price to begin with.

• Earn 250 WestJet dollars upon making your first purchase†
• Plus, earn 200 WestJet dollars upon spending $5,000 in the first three months†
• Plus, receive an annual companion voucher for discounted travel on WestJet flights, with a co-pay starting at $119 plus taxes and fees†
• Minimum income: $80,000 personal or $150,000 household
• Annual fee: $119

14 Comments

@Amy, The AC WWCP is one-way or round trip, no open-jaw.

That said, I still got excellent return on YYC-LHR/DUB-YYC using two passes. Save over $1,900 with confirmed upgrade to J with Latitude fare. All in $5,100 for what would be ~ $17K. Excellent value.

@Ricky, is this a reposted article? If so, please. Please include a disclaimer. Maybe consider deleting 5-year-old comments.

I was able to usean Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass for a trip with my son from YVR to YUL during the Easter break. I was able to use the Latitude Attitude strategy with 2-eupgrades to obtain 2-business class seats on the A330 aircraft. I surprised my son for his 1st J-lie flat cabin seat! Made his two older sisters very envious!

Next, I’d like to use the same strategy for a trip to Hawaii which qualifies as a North American flight.

I am at a loss as to why Air Canada only offers narrow body 737max planes for YVR-HNL!?

Ricky, Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass – can it be used as open-jaw ticket? Or only round trip? Thanks!

don’t forget another important factor about the BA tickets, whether free or paid: you have to pay to select a seat in business class. otherwise you’ll get stuck in a middle seat rubbing elbows with a stranger. Add the Airport Passenger Duty which punishes fliers in premium cabins if they wish to begin or end their journey in London (or UK, i’m not sure). Double whammy that will add another grand to your cost. The Avios program really, really sucks.

Hi Ricky, Could you please advise if my daughter applies for Alaska MsCard with my Alaska membership number will Alaska deposit miles to my account? Thank you.

I was under the impression that Amex biz platinum had some sort of companion fare program. If true, I assume it’s not a great program otherwise I’d be mentioned here.

Thanks for this great post!

You might be thinking of the International Airline Program, which gets you discounts on certain airlines in business class or First Class (though not usually by a significant margin). It’s not a companion ticket though, since it’s valid for up to eight passengers on the same itinerary.

Is there a way to extend the companion voucher? ie: If you book before the 1yr expiry say 330 days out and then change the itenerary to yet a further date?

You could possibly generate more "value" since the ticket would likely have to be reprcied at current fares if you had to make a last minute change.

Does the WJ voucher apply to round-trip tickets to the same destination only, or can it be used on an open jaw? I.e yyz-yvr;yyc-yyz. The T&Cs of the voucher don’t really clarify this. Thanks.

It’s my understanding that the companion voucher can indeed be used on an open-jaw, although it needs to be booked through the call centre.

There can be solid value in stacking WJ dollars with the companion fare on a premium fare… while premium isn’t anything overly special, it definitely is better than straight economy for anything domestic. I use it as a cheap-ish (points wise) way to travel with friends/family when they join me on trips… for people that have only ever flown economy they definitely appreciate it.

I was lucky enough to get the BMO Air Miles card with the companion voucher prior to them discontinuing that benefit. I’m hoping to find a good redemption in the next year or so.

Thanks for your post! As a person who has used many Alaska companion vouchers, I would add 2 important points about it, which differ from Westjet:

• The person who holds the voucher does not need to be one of the travellers, they just need to be the person paying for the ticket.
• Alaska companion vouchers do not expire when the associated credit card is cancelled, they accumulate in your account and expire after 1 year.

Excellent input, Laura!

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60+ or disabled

If you are over 60 or have a disability, you could be eligible for free bus travel to get around Scotland and your local area. You can access this via the National Entitlement Card, your pass to free bus travel in Scotland.

The National Entitlement Card scheme also allows for free travel for companions where required by eligible disabled people of any age (including children under 5).

How to apply

To apply for a National Entitlement Card, you should contact your local authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) for details of the application process in your area. There may be a different process if applying on age grounds as opposed to grounds of disability. Your local authority will be able to tell you if you need to complete an application form and what you need to do when you apply.

We are unable to send out forms as these should be obtained from your local authority/council office. It is not possible to download forms from the website or send these by email.

In order to make the application process as smooth as possible, you will need:

• a completed application form (not all local authorities require this, check with yours to confirm the process in your area)
• a recent passport type photograph
• proof of age or disability
• proof of your current address

Check the National Entitlement Card website for more information on proofs required to confirm your identity and address.

If applying on grounds of disability, check the eligibility section on the Transport Scotland website for more information on proofs required.

Objectives and benefits

The scheme provides free travel on registered local and long-distance bus services throughout Scotland, at any time of day for any number of journeys, for those aged 60 and over, as well as for eligible disabled people who live in Scotland.

Cardholders living in Orkney, Shetland and the Western Isles receive two free return ferry journeys each year to the Scottish mainland.

The key objectives of the concessionary travel scheme are to:

• allow older and disabled people, improved access to services, facilities and social networks, promoting social inclusion
• improve health by promoting a more active lifestyle for the elderly and disabled
• remove the restrictions of the previous local off-peak concessionary fare scheme which was limited in offering access to facilities
• promote a modal shift from private cars to public transport
• maintain a viable position for bus operators with a standard reimbursement rate
• provide opportunities for improvements to public transport, such as assisting development of multi-operator ticketing and the use of electronic ticket machine technology
• facilitate a more effective administration of the system by adopting a standard reimbursement rate and shifting operational responsibility from local authorities to Transport Scotland
• provide a stimulus to the introduction of smart ticketing

Where can I travel?

Almost everywhere in Scotland and as far as Carlisle and Berwick-upon-Tweed.

Your National Entitlement Card gives you free travel throughout Scotland on nearly all local registered and long-distance scheduled bus services. Only a few services, such as premium-fare night buses and City Sightseeing buses, do not accept the card.

So many of Scotland's major towns and cities are easily accessible with the National Entitlement Card. Use the Visit Scotland website to find out how you can reach some of the country's best attractions by bus.

Some local authorities offer other discounts on rail, tram or subway for their card-holders. Your card-issuing Local Authority can tell you more – a contact number can be found on the back of your card when you receive it.

Using your card

You can use your National Entitlement Card to get a ticket in advance or on the bus. Advance tickets must be collected in person.

When you get on the bus, look for the electronic ticket machine by the door to the driver's compartment. Place your card on the machine with your photograph facing up and tell the driver your stop. The driver will help you if you need assistance. If there isn't a ticket machine like this, just show the driver your card and tell them your stop.

Remember you can only use your most recently issued National Entitlement Card on the bus. Any other cards will not work and you will not be allowed free bus travel.

If the electronic ticket machine did not recognise your card it may have expired or be damaged. If this is the case, please contact your Local Authority immediately to arrange a new card. You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will tell you about this when you apply.

If the card appears to be valid but does not work on the machine, the driver will give you the option to pay the full fare and keep your card or hand over your card in exchange for a seven day temporary pass. The temporary pass will be valid for free travel for you but the companion element will not be available. You should then contact your Local Authority immediately to request a new card. You should allow at least two weeks to receive your card. If this will take longer, your local council will tell you about this when you apply.

Eligibility

Over 60s eligibility.

To be eligible for the NEC, you must be:

• Aged 60 or older
• A resident of Scotland

Disabled people eligibility

If you're a resident in Scotland and meet one of the following criteria, you're entitled to free bus travel with the National Entitlement Card:

• You receive a qualifying DWP benefit - Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, War Pension Constant Attendance Allowance, or the  higher  rate of the mobility component or the  higher or middle  rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance.
• You receive a qualifying Social Security Scotland benefit - Pension Age Disability payment, Adult Disability Payment, or receive the higher rate of the mobility component or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Child Disability Payment.

When applying you will need to take along a copy of your benefit award letter from the DWP or Social Security Scotland confirming your eligibility.  The letter must be dated within the last 18 months and confirm the length of benefit entitlement. For details on getting your award letter, please contact the DWP or Social Security Scotland. 

• You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for Attendance Allowance, Personal Independence Payment, Adult Disability Payment, Pension Age Disability Payment or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance or Child Disability Payment. In many cases a DWP or Social Security Scotland benefit may be suspended whilst someone is in care or hospital – in that case you can provide a letter from the hospital/care home confirming that you are eligible for one of the above benefits, you live there, and receive 24 hour care.
• You are a Blue Badge holder . Take your Blue Badge, or your latest V11 vehicle licensing reminder from DVLA or DLA404 from the Department for Work and Pensions when you apply for your card. Please note that a valid Blue Badge issued outside Scotland, in the rest of the UK or by the authorities of another EU member state will be acceptable.
• You are profoundly or severely deaf . Take along a recent letter from your Audiologist, Hospital Consultant or Registered Society for the Deaf when you apply. The letter must show that you have bilateral hearing loss greater than or equal to 70dBHLs averaged over 1, 2 and 4KHz. If you have been deaf since birth, a letter from your GP confirming this is fine too.
• You have a sight impairment . If you are aged 16 and over you will need to provide a copy of  the Certificate of Vision (CVI) Scotland form.  As of 1 April 2018 the CVI Scotland form replaced the previous BP1 form.

If you are aged under 16 you should provide a letter from a VINCYP team member Visual Impairment Network for Children and Young People . You can also provide a letter from a health professional such as an ophthalmologist or paediatrician which states that you ‘meet the criteria for visual impairment as defined by VINCYP'. In addition, parents / carers of children and young people under 16 with a visual impairment may be able to use letters from other registered societies or voluntary sector organisations supporting people with sight loss (where they are happy to provide such a letter).

• You have been told not to drive based on medical grounds . Take the DVLA confirmation letter as evidence when you apply showing that your licence has been revoked or your application has been refused on medical grounds. If you have epilepsy and been told not to drive because you have had a seizure in the last 12 months, you should use the NCT003 certificate. The NCT003 certificate is only valid where the applicant is 16yrs and over (the earliest date they can apply for a provisional licence). Collect the certificate from your Local Authority and ask your Hospital Consultant, GP or Epilepsy Specialist Nurse to sign. For other medical conditions where you have been told you would not be allowed to drive and if you were to apply for a licence, would be refused, you may be able to provide a recent letter from your GP or Hospital Consultant depending on your circumstances to confirm this. For further information, please check with your local authority.
• You have a mental health condition that is recognised under the Mental Health (Care and Treatment) (Scotland) Act 2003 and has lasted for more than a year. You must need to travel to health or social care appointments as part of treatment activities, care or a rehabilitation programme. Your ability to travel must also be impaired. Please contact your Local Authority for advice on how and where to apply using the NCT002 form.
• If you have a learning disability and you need to travel to see a Support Worker or get to appointments or activities you will need to get a NCT002a form. Read our guide on how to apply
• Please note: The BASRiS form will replace the DS1500 for Scotland's new forms of Disability Assistance
• Read Social Security Scotland’s guide on when to complete a BASRiS form
• You have a progressive degenerative condition . Conditions such as Parkinson's Disease that severely impede your mobility may entitle you to free bus travel. Ask your hospital consultant or other specialist medical professional who is responsible for providing any treatment and support (such as your Specialist Nurse), to provide a letter confirming that your diagnosed health condition is considered ‘progressive degenerative' and that it severely impedes your mobility and ability to carry out day to day activities. Any letter from a medical professional must clearly confirm these qualifying criteria otherwise it cannot be accepted.
• You have lost one or more limbs . If you have lost one or both legs, both arms or an arm and a leg you are entitled to free bus travel. Request a letter from your prosthetic clinic/centre, physiotherapist or rehabilitation centre for your application.
• You are an injured veteran with mobility problems. Provide a Veterans UK or Ministry of Defence letter certifying award of lump sum payment within Tariff levels 1-8 under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme , or provide a letter from Veterans UK or Ministry of Defence certifying award of a lump sum payment due to a permanent and substantial disability causing inability to walk or considerable difficulty in walking.
• You receive a War Pensioner Mobility Supplement. Please provide a letter from Veterans UK or Ministry of Defence confirming receipt of this benefit in your application.

The National Entitlement Card scheme also allows for free travel for one companion where required by an eligible disabled person of any age (including children under 5).

Companions can make travel much easier, helping you to get on and off buses, carrying shopping and communicating with the driver. You can stay free and mobile, while making full use of your NEC.

Companions can travel for free with all NEC holders that have the +1 logo on their card.

Your companion and journey can vary, but your companion can only travel for free when they are with you. You are not obliged to travel with a companion, but the entitlement is there for when you need it.

Please note that companions must be aged 5 or over .

Your companion is entitled to travel for free if you meet one of the following criteria:

• You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for Attendance Allowance, the higher or lower rate of the daily living component of the Personal Independence Payment or the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance. In many cases DWP benefit may be suspended whilst someone is in care or hospital – in that case you can provide a letter from the hospital/care home confirming that you are eligible for one of the above benefits, live there and receive 24 hour care.
• You live in a care/residential home or hospital and are eligible for the higher or middle rate of the care component of the Child Disability Payment or are eligible for the standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component of the Adult Disability payment or are eligible for the Pension Age Disability Payment. In many cases Social Security Scotland benefit may be suspended whilst someone is in care or hospital – in that case you can provide a letter from the hospital/care home confirming that you are eligible for one of the above benefits, you live there and receive 24 hour care.
• You receive the higher or middle rate of the care component of Disability Living Allowance
• You receive the higher or lower rate of daily living component of Personal Independence Payment
• You receive Attendance Allowance
• You receive the Child Disability Payment – higher or middle rate of the care component.
• You receive Pension Age Disability Payment
• You receive Adult Disability Payment – standard or enhanced rate of the daily living component
• You are severely sight impaired (blind)
• You receive war pensions constant attendance allowance

If you receive one of the qualifying benefits you'll need a letter to confirm your eligibility. The letter must be dated within the last 18 months and confirm the length of benefit entitlement. For details on getting your letter, please contact the DWP or Social Security Scotland. If you live in a care or residential home or hospital and your qualifying benefit is suspended a letter from them is needed confirming that you are eligible for the benefit, you live there and receive 24 hour care.

If you are severely sight impaired (blind), please provide a copy of your registration certificate - CVI Scotland form if aged 16 or over.  If aged under 16, you must provide a letter from VINCYP/medical professional or other registered society or voluntary sector organisation stating that you have a severe sight impairment that has been confirmed by an ophthalmologist or paediatrician.

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

If you are a disabled veteran, you could qualify for free travel with a National Entitlement Card.

You will qualify if you have received a lump sum benefit under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme within tariff levels 1 - 8 (inclusive) and the Secretary of State certifies that you have a permanent and substantial disability which causes inability to walk or very considerable difficulty in walking.

You will need to produce a certification letter from Veterans UK. You will also qualify under the same criteria if your injuries do not hinder your mobility but the injury can be cross referenced to the descriptors within the AFCS Injuries Table as detailed below.

Getting and using your card

When you get your card.

Please check that the photograph and personal details on your new card are correct. If any are not, or if this card is for someone who is no longer at the address, telephone the number on the back of the card to report this. If your new card replaces an existing card,  you need to start using it immediately and destroy any old cards you have as these will not work on the ticketing machines.

Using the card

Your card has been issued to give you free bus travel throughout Scotland under the concessionary travel scheme. In some areas your card may get you discounts on other modes of transport depending on where you live.  For information and advice on local non-bus concessions you should phone the number on the back of your card. It is possible to book in advance with your National Entitlement Card but you may incur a booking fee. Some bus operators may waive the fee, check before you book.

This card has been issued to you and should only be used by the eligible person named on the card. It is for your safekeeping and it should not be given to anyone else. Transport Scotland has a fraud policy and any person(s) found to be misusing any aspect of the scheme may have their entitlement to free bus travel withdrawn and incidents of misuse may also be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.

Cardholders also have a duty to report any changes of circumstances which may affect their entitlement, including changes of address, to the local authority. Check the back of your card for the right number.

You can use your card on any local or long-distance registered bus service throughout Scotland, excluding late night services where a premium fare is charged, tours or excursion services and group hire services.

Full details of the NEC terms and conditions

Travel using a National Entitlement Card is subject to the normal regulations and conditions of carriage of each transport operator. Your card gives you the same rights as a full-fare paying passenger.

Tickets for Concessionary Bus Travel

The National Concessionary Travel Scheme legislation does not require paper tickets to be issued to cardholders for concession journeys. The issuing of paper tickets to passengers is an operational decision at the discretion of the bus operator.

When a National Entitlement Card is placed on the ticket machine this will automatically record the boarding stage, to receive reimbursement for the journey the driver must accurately record the requested destination stage. Whilst this information forms the record of this journey, all concession claims undergo comprehensive audit compliance and analysis checks before any reimbursement is made.

Concerns of misuse of the Concessionary Travel Schemes should be reported to our 24-hour dedicated Freephone line 0800 328 5690. If you have any other questions about concessionary bus travel, please email us at [email protected]

Travel outwith Scotland

Your National Entitlement Card is valid for services that operate wholly within Scotland or northern England only, you can use it on services to and from Carlisle and on services to and from Berwick-upon-Tweed from anywhere in Scotland, however, your card is not valid for travel within these towns or anywhere else out with Scotland.

Please note, National Express services operating in Scotland unfortunately do not meet this criteria as they do not operate wholly within Scotland or Northern England, as such, they do not accept National Entitlement Cards on their services. National Express previously allowed concession cardholders to travel for free covering the costs themselves, however, in 2019 they made a business decision to remove this provision and Transport Scotland cannot influence their company operational decisions.

Lost, stolen and damaged cards

If your card is lost, stolen or damaged you should contact your Local Authority to request a replacement. This applies to all cardholders whether your card is issued on grounds of age or disability.

If you change address, phone the number on the back of your card to let your card issuer know. However, if you move to another Local Authority to live you must also let the new authority know.

For any questions please contact the number printed on the back of your card.

Renewing and replacing cards

Contact your Local Authority or Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT) Travel Card Unit if:

• your National Entitlement Card is lost, stolen or damaged
• the card did not work when you used the ticket machine
• you want to change your name, address or photo

Your National Entitlement Card may have an expiry date on the front. If you're 60 or over, your new card won’t have an expiry date on it and is valid for life, providing you continue to live in Scotland.

If you have a card on grounds of disability, it will have an expiry date - your local authority may be in touch 4-6 weeks before the card runs out. If you don't hear from them, or need assistance renewing your card, contact them directly. Please note that SPT no longer send out renewal forms to cardholders. You should provide an acceptable proof of eligibility document at least five weeks before the card expires to allow time for this to be processed and a new card to be issued.

If you apply to renew a card for Disabled Concessionary Travel before the expiry date, your previous card will stop working a few days after your new card is processed so please start using your new card as soon as it arrives and destroy your old card.

Concessionary travel contacts

Your local authority can provide further information on the eligibility criteria, offer advice on the application process and how to report lost or stolen cards and vouchers.

• Contact telephone numbers and links to local authority websites

General enquiries

For general information on the concessionary travel scheme for those aged 60 and over and disabled people, or if there's anything you're not sure about, contact:

Concessionary Travel and Smart and Integrated Ticketing, Transport Scotland, George House, 2nd Floor, 36 North Hanover Street, Glasgow, G1 2AD.

Email: [email protected]   

Policy and legislation

Agreements with the bus industry.

Transport Scotland and the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) agreed terms in January 2019 setting budgets and reimbursement rates to operators under the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme for Older and Disabled People for 2019-2020.

Building on agreements reached in 2013, 2015, 2017 and 2018, the new agreement ensures bus operators continue to be fairly reimbursed for carrying passengers under the scheme and safeguards free bus travel for older and eligible disabled people living in Scotland.

Similar to the 2013 agreement, changes were required to the legislation underpinning the scheme. Amended legislation detailing changes to the budget and reimbursement rates to operators  came into force on 1 April 2019.

Under 5s Extension to Disabled Companion Concessionary NECs

Transport Scotland has extended the existing Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme to disabled children under 5.

The Scottish Parliament passed legislation, on 3 March 2021, that extends the existing National Concessionary Travel Scheme (NCTS) to eligible disabled children under the age of five, allowing free bus travel for them and an accompanying companion.

This new entitlement is available from 1 April 2021.

2019 Agreement with the Bus Industry

• Transport Scotland agreement letter to CPT
• CPT agreement letter to Transport Scotland
• The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2019

Past agreements

2018 agreement with the bus industry.

• The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2018

2017 Agreement with the Bus Industry

• (Draft) The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2017

2015 Agreement with the Bus Industry

• CPT agreement response to Transport Scotland
• The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Amendment) Scotland Order 2015

2013 Agreement with the Bus Industry

• CPT response to Transport Scotland
• The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Amendment Order 2013 from 1 April 2013

Background to the scheme

In 2004, the Confederation of Passenger Transport (CPT) and the Scottish Executive committed to an unrestricted scheme providing free bus travel for people living in Scotland aged 60 and over, as well as eligible disabled people. The process is documented in the agreement letter from the Scottish Executive and the response from the CPT.

• Scottish Executive agreement letter to CPT
• Agreement response from CPT

In 2005, a public consultation exercise followed these initial agreements. The consultation asked questions that covered topics such as proposed eligibility criteria and technical aspects of the scheme.

Following on from the consultation and stakeholder discussions, the Scottish Executive prepared two Scottish Statutory Instruments that underpinned the terms of the scheme. These were approved by the Scottish Parliament and came into force from 1 April 2006.

• SSI 2006/107 - The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Scotland) Order 2006
• SSI 2006/117 - The National Bus Travel Concession Scheme for Older and Disabled Persons (Eligible Persons and Eligible Services) (Scotland) Order 2006

Changes to legislation for welfare reform

As part of the UK Government’s welfare benefit reforms Disability Living Allowance has been replaced by Personal Independence Payment. Receipt of certain components and rates of Disability Living Allowance are included in the eligibility criteria for the concessionary travel scheme.

To mitigate the effects of these reforms and ensure that eligible disabled people continue to have access to the scheme, the Scottish Government extended the scheme’s eligibility criteria to include recipients of Personal Independence Payment. The changes to the eligibility criteria are set out in legislation which came into force on 8 April 2013 and are described below:

• The extension of the eligibility criteria to include Personal Independence Payment maintains access to concessionary travel for eligible disabled people in Scotland.
• All recipients of Personal Independence Payment (or PIP) are eligible for concessionary travel and all recipients of the Daily Living component of PIP will be eligible to receive a companion card (enabling a companion to travel free with them).
• If when reassessed for PIP you find you are not eligible for that benefit, you are able to continue using your concessionary travel card until its expiry date.

Passenger feedback

Following an Audit Scotland review in 2010, Transport Scotland commissioned research in 2012 to gather feedback and develop an understanding of the views of older and disabled people who are eligible and have applied to access the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel scheme.

The research project, by Research Resource and ODS Consulting, took place over two years (2013-2014), with telephone surveys of over 3,000 representative NEC holders in each year to collect feedback, alongside a series of focus groups.

Card holders were asked about:

• their use of the NEC in daily travel
• the value they placed on the NEC
• their views on misuse or abuse of the scheme
• the difference the scheme made to their lives

The findings, documented below, are being used to inform and improve the scheme.

• In 2014, 99% of respondents stated that they were either very or fairly satisfied with the scheme overall. Satisfaction with bus travel generally was also high with over 9 in 10 respondents (93%) expressing satisfaction when travelling by bus.
• There was also evidence that the Scheme is encouraging modal shift, with 41% stating that they use the car less. It is also encouraging some cardholders to walk more to and from bus stops.
• 48% of respondents said they now make journeys that they would not previously have made.
• For respondents with a Disabled or Visual Impairment card, the provision of independence was a key benefit. Younger participants in particular, felt that having the card gave them the opportunity to get out and about without relying on parents or carers for support.
• The research confirmed the Scotland-wide Free Bus Travel Scheme is greatly valued and works well for card holders for a number of reasons including financial savings, reducing isolation, engendering a sense of greater independence and increasing confidence in their own ability to travel.
• The research highlighted how cardholders perceive the scheme as having improved their mental and physical well-being.

For full feedback, you can read the reports below.

The findings from the year one research can be found on the Customer Feedback Research - Year One Report and from year two on the Customer Feedback Research - Year Two Report .

Concessionary travel privacy policy

This Privacy Policy outlines how we use, store and share the personal information we hold about you in connection with our national concessionary travel schemes.

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Travelling Companions programme

The Travelling Companions programme at Age UK supported older people who were feeling lonely or struggling to get out and about. 

What is the Travelling Companions programme?

The impact of the programme, where did the programme run.

In June 2022, Age UK set up a pilot programme to support lonely and isolated older people to get out and about, by matching them with trained volunteers or staff members called Travelling Companions. The pilot programme ended in July 2023.

The pilot was interested in exploring the link between transport and loneliness. When older people don't have the knowledge or confidence needed to access local transport links, they then may be unable to access local services that can build social connections and help to reduce feelings of loneliness. Therefore, helping older people with transport and travel was the first step to improving access to the support and services that local Age UKs and their community offer. 

In total, the service supported 320 older people over the course of 679 sessions. Each older person was matched with a Travelling Companion, to receive personalised and specific one-to-one support to help them achieve their travel goals. The outcomes of these sessions found:

• Using the bus and walking were the most popular ways to travel.
• In most cases, older people wished to use the service to learn how to travel to a specific destination (for example a service, activity or club).
• The most popular referrals that were made after older people finished their Travelling Companions sessions were Age UK clubs, befriending services and exercise classes.

In terms of the difference the service made to older people, we found that:

• Overall, 44.6% increased their level of reported social interaction and travel-related confidence increased whilst travel-related anxiety decreased. 
• On average, the number of journeys completed per week by walking and public transport increased. 
• Statistically, we are 95% confident that the programme supported older people to reduce their feelings of loneliness.  

Want more information about Age UK transport services?

Age UK runs a number of transport services for older people across the country, such as door-to-door wheelchair-accessible minibus services to take older people to attend GP appointments or go to the shops.

• Find out more about Age UK transport services

In the video below, you can hear from Catherine and her travelling companion Andrew, about the Travelling Companions service and what it means to them.

For a version of the video with audio description, please click here

Hear from Catherine and her travelling companion Andrew, about the service and what it means to them.

Read our reports.

We've brought together an Evaluation report and a Data report following the conclusion of the Travelling Companions pilot in July 2023. We explored data collected over the course of the pilot programme and at its conclusion – through interviews, focus groups, goal setting and session data.

Download the Evaluation report (PDF, 908 KB)

Download the Evaluation report (executive summary) (PDF, 543 KB)

Download the Data report (PDF, 1.4 MB)

Download the Data report (executive summary) (PDF, 31 KB)

The Travelling Companions programme was delivered by 7 local Age UKs. 

Contact details

Email: [email protected] [email protected]

Phone number: 01422 252 040

Top of section

Email:  [email protected]

Phone number:  01305 296444

Contact details 

Email:  [email protected]  

Phone number:  0300 500 1217

Email:  [email protected]  

Phone number:  020 8744 1965

Email:  [email protected]

Phone number:  0161 480 1211

Email:  [email protected]

Phone number:  07500 137 135

Email:  [email protected]  

Phone number:  0168 456 0666

For more information about the programme, please email [email protected] . 

Age UK is grateful to the Department for Transport for funding the Travelling Companions' pilot programme as part of His Majesty's Treasury's Shared Outcomes Fund. 

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Last updated: Nov 24 2023

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Disabled Person's with Companion Concessionary Travel Card

Apply for a disabled person's with companion travel card, make an application for a disabled person’s with companion concessionary travel card., lost, stolen or damaged concessionary travel card, report your concessionary travel card lost, stolen or damaged and apply for a replacement travel card..

Your Concessionary Travel Card

Apply for or Manage your Card

If your primary address is in Wales and you’re either aged 60 and over or meet the Government’s disability eligibility criteria , you can travel for free on most bus services in Wales and the borders and get discounted or free travel on many rail services

If you've already applied and you’d like to track your application or have a card and you’d like to update your details, please select “Manage my card or application” below. You’ll be asked to enter your National Insurance number or card number, along with your Date of Birth and Postcode.

Apply for a 60 and Over Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

You're entitled to a Concessionary Travel Card if you're at least 60 years old and your primary residence is in Wales.

Apply for a Disabled Person's Welsh Concessionary Travel Card

You're entitled to a Concessionary Travel Card if you're an eligible disabled person and your primary residence is in Wales.

If you're a disabled person and your condition limits your ability to travel alone you may be able to get a companion card that will allow someone else to travel with you for free.

My existing card or application

If you've just applied, view your application details and upload additional documents if we've asked you to.

If you already have a card, let us know if you want to change your card details or report a card lost/stolen.

Renew my card

If you have received a letter advising your card is due to expire or has expired, please log into your account to request a renewal. Your card expiry date is printed on the front of your card. You can only apply for a renewal a maximum of 6 weeks before your card is due to expire.

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Free travel for companions

How to travel

What you need to know to travel with a Companion Card

How to apply

Check your eligibility and how to apply

about Companion Card

Under the National Companion Card Scheme, your carer or companion can travel free on public transport in NSW when they travel with you. You pay your normal fare, which will depend on your concession status.

The Companion Card is valid on most public transport in NSW, including NSW TrainLink Regional services . Companion Cards from other states and territories in Australia are also accepted in NSW.

How to travel with a Companion Card

Your Companion Card gives your carer or companion free travel on most public transport in NSW. You still need a valid ticket or free travel pass for your journey, depending on your concession status .

You must carry your Companion Card as proof of entitlement or your carer or companion may be fined.

You and your carer or companion must travel together. You need to show your Companion Card to public transport staff as proof of free travel or if asked. Your carer or companion is responsible for looking after you when travelling and is to follow transport staff directions relating to your safety.

Only one carer or companion can travel with you for free at any one time. You cannot use other entitlement cards to gain free travel for more than one person.

Travelling in Sydney

Your Companion Card provides free access to Sydney Airport train stations for your carer or companion.

The Companion Card is valid on most public transport in NSW. Free travel is not available on fast ferry services between Manly and Circular Quay and on chartered bus services.

NSW TrainLink Regional services

When booking a seat on NSW TrainLink services, make sure you provide details of your concession card (if you have one) as well as the number of your Companion Card. You also need to mention any requirements you may have, such as needing a wheelchair space.  Bookings using a companion card can be made in person or over the phone.

Free travel does not apply when booking sleeping berths or travelling interstate on NSW TrainLink Regional services.

Your NSW Companion Card can be used in other states and territories that have a Companion Card scheme, such as Victoria and South Australia. However, free travel is not available on Great Southern Rail services.

Eligibility and how to apply

Eligibility for a NSW Companion Card is determined by the Department of Communities and Justice, which manages the NSW Companion Card Program . The NSW Companion Card is issued free of charge by the Department of Communities and Justice.

To apply, download, print and complete the application form on the Companion Card website .

For replacement cards, follow the same process. A replacement fee may apply.

Find out more at the NSW Companion Card website . Or call the NSW Companion Card information line on 1800 893 044 .

If you reside outside of NSW, you must apply for your Companion Card in your home state or territory. For further information, visit the National Companion Card Scheme .

Find out more

Find out more at the NSW Companion Card website . Or call the NSW Companion Card information line on 1800 893 044 . For interstate Companion Cardholders please visit the National Companion Card Scheme .

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How to qualify for Southwest Companion Pass with one credit card sign-up bonus

MSN has partnered with The Points Guy for our coverage of credit card products. MSN and The Points Guy may receive a commission from card issuers.

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with the latest information and offers.

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to bring a designated travel companion at no additional cost on all your Southwest flights. And that’s on both paid and award tickets (but you must pay taxes and fees.).

For frequent Southwest flyers, this can easily be worth thousands of dollars in annual value.

And now, with a best-ever sign-up bonus on the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card, you can entirely qualify for the Companion Pass through the end of 2024 by meeting the spending requirements on this card.

Earn a Companion Pass with one card bonus

There are two ways to qualify for the Companion Pass: earning 135,000 qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying, one-way flights. You must meet either of these requirements in a calendar year. Southwest’s cobranded credit card welcome bonuses count toward the 135,000 qualifying point Companion Pass requirement. 

Through Aug. 28, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card is offering 60,000 points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, you’ll earn an additional 60,000 points after you spend $15,000 on purchases in the first nine months.

This is the best offer we’ve seen on this card and is worth a whopping $1,800, per our TPG valuations . That’s fantastic value for a $99 annual fee.

So if you got the card now and met the $15,000 spending requirement by the end of the year, you’d enjoy a Companion Pass through the rest of 2023 and all of 2024.

Breaking down the points you’ll earn: You’ll receive a total of 120,000 points from the sign-up bonus. By spending $15,000, you’ll also earn at least 15,000 points through the regular earning rate (or more points if your spend category earns more than 1 point per dollar.) So that’s at least 135,000 points so far.

Add on the 10,000 bonus points boost that all Southwest credit cardholders Southwest cardholders toward Companion Pass qualification every year, and you’ll have at least 145,000 qualifying points — thereby granting you a Companion Pass for the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024.

Since the Companion Pass qualifying point restarts resets on Jan. 1, you’ll want to ensure you reach the spending requirement — and have all your points post — before the new year. So make sure you reach the $15,000 target ideally by October or November, at the latest.

Related: How to quickly earn the Southwest Companion Pass

Other notable card perks

As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card cardholder, you’ll also receive these benefits:

• Two EarlyBird check-in passes per year
• 1,500 tier qualifying points toward A-List status for every $10,000 you spend on the card
• Up to a $500 fee credit per year for transferring your points to another Rapid Rewards member’s account
• 25% back on inflight purchases
• No foreign transaction fees
• 6,000 bonus points every year on your cardmember anniversary

Here’s what you’ll earn when you use the card on purchases:

• 3 points per dollar on Southwest Airlines purchases
• 2 points per dollar on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2 points per dollar on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
• 1 point per dollar on all other purchases

Related: Who qualifies for a business credit card?

Get extra points to use with Southwest

You can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points from cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve to Southwest Rapid Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. However, unlike the points earned from the Southwest branded credit cards, these points do not count toward earning the Companion Pass.

That said, you can transfer those points to Southwest and have even more Rapid Rewards points at the ready to “pay” for your tickets, and then your designated companion can come along paying just taxes and fees, starting at $5.60 per flight.

Related: Your complete guide to maximizing Southwest Rapid Rewards

Bottom Line

With the current welcome bonus on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card, you can qualify for the Companion Pass with no flight requirements if you apply for the card by Aug. 28 and complete the (admittedly high) spending requirement by the end of the year.

As a reminder, you can change your companion up to three times in a calendar year but not until you’ve completed all travel with your current companion.

You can read more about the Premier Business card in our full card review.

Application link: Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Business Credit Card

Additional reporting by Summer Hull.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.