How to earn and use the most valuable British Airways perk: Gold Upgrade Vouchers
Airlines reward their frequent flyers with status — not just to thank them for their loyalty, but also to incentivize them to keep flying. Such status can bring tangible benefits that can save money as well as come with perks to make travel more comfortable.
Status in the British Airways Executive Club (BAEC) is based on Tier Points, which are earned for flights taken with British Airways or Oneworld alliance partners. The longer the flight and the higher the cabin, the more Tier Points earned.
The different status levels are Blue, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Guest List. In order to move up levels, members need to achieve certain Tier Point thresholds, as well as take a minimum of four flights with British Airways or Iberia flight numbers: 400 for Bronze, 600 for Silver and 1,500 for Gold. In order to achieve Gold Guest List, a member needs to earn a staggering 5,000 Tier Points in one year.
There are additional benefits that can be earned between 1,500 and 5,000 Tier Points, though. And one of those benefits is arguably one of the most — if not the most — valuable perks of the British Airways Executive Club for frequent flyers: Gold Upgrade Vouchers.
What are Gold Upgrade Vouchers?
Gold Upgrade Vouchers are one of the more valuable perks of reaching a certain number of Tier Points. They can be used for a single-cabin class upgrade on a single or return booking.
For example, you can upgrade from Euro Traveller to Club Europe or from Club World to first. The latter of those two is likely more valuable.
Gold Upgrade Vouchers can only be used on British Airways and franchise-operated flights, meaning partner and codeshare flights are not eligible.
Earning British Airways Gold Upgrade Vouchers
At 2,500 Tier Points, you'll earn one Gold Upgrade Voucher for two (generally referred to as GUF2). And at 3,500 Tier Points, you'll earn two Gold Upgrade Vouchers for one (known as GUF1).
How specifically can British Airways Gold Upgrade Vouchers be used?
British Airways recently changed the rules of when and how GUFs can be used. A GUF can be applied on top of the following examples:
A new or existing Avios redemption, provided there is reward or redemption availability in the higher class — So you've scored those Avios seats for yourself and your other half in Club World but noticed that first class reward space has opened up on both the outbound and return flights. A GUF2 will allow you to upgrade that booking into first without needing to spend any additional Avios. The same works for upgrades from World Traveller Plus to Club Wold or even from World Traveller to World Traveller Plus. For upgrades to Club World, additional taxes are payable, as taxes for premium cabins are higher than economy cabins. The GUF2 upgrades two passengers both ways; a GUF1 upgrades 1 passenger both ways.
A new or existing cash booking — This is where it gets interesting. Previously, in order to upgrade a cash booking there needed to be award availability in the higher class. That has recently changed, and now, a GUF can now be used to book into the lowest first, Club World and World Traveller Plus cash classes, which are much more readily available than redemption seats.
You'll need space in A class for first, I class for Club World and T class for World Traveller Plus (rather than Z, U and P, which are the corresponding redemption classes for those three classes). That has dramatically changed the value of GUFs. Whilst A, I and T classes will fill up first so you may not be able to find last-minute availability, with a bit of planning ahead, you'll likely be able to find flights with P, I or A class availability even to those destinations that are notoriously difficult for Avios seats. There's no cost in doing this apart from applying the GUF, though you'll have to pay additional tax if moving above World Traveller Plus.
A new or existing Travel Agent (TA) cash booking — BA used to be unable to upgrade travel agent (TA) bookings, meaning that any flights booked via a corporate travel agent or any other online (or offline) travel agent were un-upgradable with GUFs. That's changed now, and GUFs can be applied on bookings made by TAs — and again, they can take advantage of revenue classes in each cabin.
Planning the best use of GUFs requires some visibility of which flights have those A, I or P class seats available. A great tool to use for checking this availability is ExpertFlyer, which is owned by our parent company and part of the TPG family.
How much is a GUF worth?
Value can be tricky to calculate and depends on the GUF's use. Generally speaking, I'd avoid using GUFs for short-haul flights. In the past, I've used a GUF on a reward ticket to Sydney, and the GUF saved me 100,000 Avios (the difference between Club World and First on this route). I've also applied a GUF on top of a cash booking to end up flying in First even when there was no award space available. So depending on use, you could save up to 100,000 Avios per person — and that's ignoring the value of being able to access A, I and P class seats.
GUFs can also be used together with British Airways Companion Vouchers. For example, a flight to Sydney in first for two people can be had for 300,000 Avios (the cost of a single Club World seat) when used with a Companion Voucher and a GUF2 — of course, you'll have to pay the taxes for both passengers. While not cheap, it's fun to spend 24 hours in first class.
Bottom line
Earning 2,500 and 3,500 Tier Points in a year is no easy task, but the value of Gold Upgrade Vouchers is significant. Arguably, they're one of the most valuable perks of the British Airways Executive Club for very frequent flyers. In fact, they are so valuable that some people actively aim to hit the 2,500 or 3,500 Tier Points threshold to earn them — especially if normal travel patterns bring you close to them anyway.
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits.Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.