How Can You Get a Free Flight?
Earning free flights probably sounds too good to be true for the majority of people, but with the right credit card strategy, it’s a reality many are living. Airlines and banks offer lucrative reward programs that allow cardholders to accumulate points and miles, which can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and more. Using credit cards strategically, can significantly cut down your travel costs—even flying in premium cabins without paying out of pocket.
But how exactly do you turn everyday spending into free flights? The key lies in understanding travel credit cards, maximising their benefits, and avoiding common pitfalls.
This guide breaks down the best ways to leverage credit cards for free flights in the UK, ensuring you earn and redeem rewards efficiently.
Understanding Travel Reward Credit Cards
What Are Travel Reward Credit Cards?
Travel reward credit cards offer points, miles, or cashback on purchases, which can then be used to book flights, hotels, and other travel expenses. The two primary types of rewards are:
- Miles & Points: These are tied to specific airlines or transferable rewards programs, allowing you to redeem flights with various carriers.
- Cashback: Instead of travel rewards, cashback cards return a percentage of your spending as a statement credit, which can indirectly fund flights but lacks travel-specific perks.
Unlike cashback, miles and points often provide outsized value when redeemed for premium flights or long-haul travel, making them the preferred option for frequent flyers.
How Do Travel Credit Cards Work in the UK?
The UK market offers several credit cards tailored for travel, each with unique earning structures and redemption options. Three of the most valuable travel reward systems in the UK include:
- Avios (British Airways Executive Club, Aer Lingus, and Iberia Plus): Used across multiple airlines, Avios points are among the most versatile, allowing redemptions for flights, upgrades, and even Eurostar tickets.
- Virgin Points (Virgin Atlantic Flying Club): These are best for flights with Virgin Atlantic and its partners, including Delta, KLM, and Air France.
- American Express Membership Rewards: A flexible points system that transfers to multiple airline partners, including British Airways, Emirates, and Singapore Airlines.
Credit cards from providers like American Express, Barclays, and HSBC cater to different traveler needs, from casual holidaymakers to frequent business travelers.
Benefits of Using Travel Credit Cards for Flights
The advantages of using travel credit cards extend beyond just free flights:
- Earn Points on Everyday Spending: Whether it’s groceries, bills, or dining out, each purchase brings you closer to a free flight.
- Sign-Up Bonuses: Many cards offer introductory bonuses worth thousands of points—sometimes enough for a round-trip ticket.
- Travel Perks: Premium travel cards come with extra benefits such as:
- Lounge access at airports worldwide.
- Complimentary travel insurance.
- Hotel elite status for added luxury.
- Priority boarding and free checked baggage.
Choosing the right travel credit card and using it wisely, can help you maximise rewards and enjoy the perks that make flying more affordable and comfortable.
The 9 Best Ways to Get Free Flights with Credit Cards
Earning free flights isn’t just about having a travel credit card—it’s about using it strategically. While some people take years to accumulate enough points for a flight, others manage to fly business or first class regularly without spending a fortune. The difference? Knowing exactly how to maximise rewards.
1. Maximise Sign-Up Bonuses
The fastest way to earn enough points for a free flight is by taking advantage of generous welcome bonuses. Many UK travel credit cards offer thousands of points when you meet a minimum spending requirement within the first few months.
For instance, the British Airways American Express Premium Plus often grants a bonus of up to 30,000 Avios, enough for an off-peak return flight to New York (excluding taxes and fees). Similarly, the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold card provides 20,000 Membership Rewards points, transferable to various airlines, making it a flexible option for those unsure which carrier they’ll fly with.
To ensure you qualify, plan major expenses—such as bills, groceries, or travel bookings—within the required timeframe. If you fall slightly short, prepaid services like topping up Amazon gift cards or paying council tax in advance can help bridge the gap.
2. Use Your Card for Everyday Spending
Many people sign up for travel credit cards but fail to use them to their full potential. Regular, everyday spending is key to accumulating enough points for free flights.
Certain categories tend to offer higher reward rates, depending on the card:
- Supermarkets & dining: Some cards, such as the Amex Gold, offer additional points for spending at restaurants and grocery stores.
- Travel bookings: Flights, hotels, and train tickets often earn extra points when booked through the credit card’s travel portal.
- Bills & subscriptions: Paying for utilities, streaming services, and mobile contracts with your credit card helps boost your balance effortlessly.
To ensure you’re maximising rewards, always use your travel credit card where possible. However, be mindful of merchants that charge extra for credit card transactions, as these fees could outweigh the benefits.
3. Take Advantage of Companion Vouchers
Companion vouchers allow you to bring a travel partner on the same flight for free (excluding taxes and fees). These vouchers can significantly enhance the value of your points and work best for long-haul premium flights.
British Airways American Express Companion Voucher
One of the most valuable perks in the UK, the BA Amex companion voucher, is earned when you spend £12,000 in a year on the British Airways American Express Premium Plus card. It lets you book a second ticket in any cabin—Economy, Premium, Business, or First—for no additional Avios.
The standard British Airways American Express card (free version) also offers a companion voucher but only for Economy class.
Virgin Atlantic Credit Card Companion Voucher
Virgin Atlantic’s Reward+ Mastercard grants a companion voucher after spending £10,000 in a year. Unlike BA’s voucher, Virgin’s allows you to either:
- Bring a companion for free (same cabin, taxes apply).
- Get a discount when flying solo, requiring fewer points for the same ticket.
Choosing the right companion voucher depends on your airline preference, spending habits, and how you like to travel.
4. Transfer Points to Airline Partners
Not all travel credit cards lock you into one airline’s rewards program. Some of the best UK credit cards allow you to transfer points to multiple airlines, giving you the flexibility to choose the best redemption option.
Best UK Credit Cards for Flexible Points Transfers
The American Express Preferred Rewards Gold and Platinum Card are among the best options for this strategy. They earn Membership Rewards points, which can be converted into miles for numerous airline programs, including:
- Avios (British Airways, Iberia, Aer Lingus)
- Virgin Points (Virgin Atlantic)
- Flying Blue (Air France/KLM)
- Emirates Skywards, Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer, and more
How to Move Amex Membership Rewards to Avios or Virgin Points
Transferring Membership Rewards points is simple and usually takes 24-48 hours:
- Log in to your American Express account.
- Go to the Membership Rewards section and select “Transfer Points.”
- Choose your airline partner (e.g., British Airways Executive Club or Virgin Atlantic Flying Club).
- Link your frequent flyer account and complete the transfer.
Transfers typically occur at a 1:1 ratio, meaning 1,000 Amex points become 1,000 Avios or 1,000 Virgin Points. This flexibility allows you to wait for airline promotions where transfers come with a bonus (e.g., 30% extra Avios), maximizing your rewards.
5. Earn Extra Points from Referral Bonuses
Most people focus on earning points from spending, but referral bonuses can be an even faster way to rack up rewards. Many UK credit cards, particularly those from American Express, offer lucrative referral bonuses when you invite friends or family to apply for a card.
How to Refer Friends and Earn More Rewards
Referral links can be found in your online banking portal or the Amex mobile app. When a friend applies through your link and is approved, you earn bonus points—sometimes as much as 12,000 Membership Rewards points per referral.
Amex Referral Program: How Much Can You Earn?
Referral bonuses vary depending on the card, but here’s an example of how much you can make:
| Card | Referral Bonus per Approved Friend | Maximum Per Year |
| Amex Platinum | 12,000 MR points | 90,000 MR points |
| Amex Gold | 9,000 MR points | 90,000 MR points |
| BA Amex Premium Plus | 9,000 Avios | 90,000 Avios |
By combining referrals with sign-up bonuses and everyday spending, you can significantly speed up your journey to a free flight.
6. Stack Your Rewards with Online Shopping Portals
One of the most overlooked yet effective ways to earn more points is through online shopping portals. Instead of shopping directly with retailers, going through airline-affiliated portals earns bonus points on top of your regular spending.
Using British Airways eStore and Virgin Shops Away for Extra Points
Both British Airways eStore and Virgin Shops Away allow you to earn extra miles when shopping with major UK retailers like Apple, John Lewis, and ASOS.
For example:
- Shopping at Currys via the BA eStore could earn 6 Avios per £1 spent instead of the usual 1 Avios per £1 on your card.
- Booking a hotel through Expedia via Virgin Shops Away might yield up to 4 Virgin Points per £1 spent.
How to Stack Multiple Offers for Maximum Savings
To double or even triple dip on rewards:
- Go through a shopping portal (e.g., BA eStore) to earn extra points.
- Use a travel rewards credit card to earn base points on the purchase.
- Pay with a retailer’s gift card bought at a supermarket (if your card offers extra points for grocery spending).
This method turns routine purchases into significant rewards without extra effort.
7. Book Flights in Off-Peak Seasons
Timing is everything when it comes to redeeming points for flights. Airlines divide their reward flight availability into peak and off-peak seasons, with off-peak flights requiring significantly fewer points.
How Airlines Price Their Reward Flights
Most airline loyalty programs, including British Airways Executive Club (Avios) and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club, use a dynamic pricing system where redemption rates vary depending on demand.
For example, a British Airways economy flight to New York might cost:
- 13,000 Avios + taxes in off-peak times
- 20,000 Avios + taxes during peak periods
That’s a nearly 35% reduction in points simply by choosing the right time to book.
When to Book Avios and Virgin Points Flights for the Best Deals
British Airways (Avios) Off-Peak Calendar:
- January to mid-March
- Late April to June
- September to early December
Virgin Atlantic (Virgin Points) Best Redemption Times:
- Avoid school holidays and summer months
- Look for mid-week departures (Tuesdays and Wednesdays often require fewer points)
If your schedule is flexible, using reward flights outside peak travel periods ensures you get the best value for your points.
8. Avoid Foreign Transaction Fees
Many UK credit cards charge a 2.99% foreign transaction fee, which can wipe out any travel rewards earned. Using a fee-free travel credit card ensures that every purchase abroad contributes to your next free flight rather than adding unnecessary costs.
The Best UK Credit Cards for Free International Spending
American Express Platinum:
- No foreign transaction fees
- Earns Membership Rewards points for travel redemptions
- Comes with extensive travel perks
- 5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or via Amex Travel (up to £500,000 per year)
Barclaycard Avios Plus:
- No fees on foreign spending
- Earns 1.5 Avios per £1 on all purchases
- Includes an annual BA cabin upgrade voucher
- 25,000 Avios welcome bonus when you spend £3,000 in the first three months
- Costs £20 per month (£240 annually)
If you frequently travel outside the UK, having one of these cards ensures every pound spent counts towards free flights, rather than being wasted on currency conversion fees.
9. Use Lounge Access to Save on Airport Expenses
Flying for free is great—but it’s even better when you can relax in an airport lounge instead of paying for expensive food and drinks in the terminal.
How Free Lounge Access Offsets Travel Costs
Airport lounges provide:
- Complimentary food and drinks (avoiding £10+ airport sandwiches)
- Comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi
- Shower facilities (ideal for long layovers)
If you frequently travel, the savings on food, drinks, and even workspace access can add up to hundreds of pounds per year.
UK Credit Cards That Include Priority Pass and Amex Centurion Lounge Access
American Express Platinum:
- Unlimited access to Priority Pass lounges worldwide
- Entry to Amex Centurion Lounges in Heathrow and other global airports
HSBC Premier World Elite:
- Complimentary LoungeKey membership
- Access to over 1,000 airport lounge
Barclays Avios Plus Mastercard:
- Access to select lounges when flying with British Airways
Using a credit card that includes lounge access, will enhance your travel experience and also offset unnecessary expenses—further stretching the value of your free flights.
The Best UK Credit Cards for Free Flights
Not all travel credit cards are created equal. Some are better suited for frequent flyers who want premium perks, while others are ideal for beginners looking to earn their first free flight. Below are the top UK credit cards that can help you accumulate points and miles faster while enjoying valuable travel benefits.
American Express Platinum Card (The Ultimate Travel Card)
For those who travel frequently and want access to luxury perks, the American Express Platinum Card is unmatched.
Why It’s Great for Free Flights
- Huge Sign-Up Bonus: The Platinum Card typically offers 30,000–60,000 Membership Rewards points when meeting the spending requirement, enough for a long-haul flight in economy or a one-way business class redemption.
- Flexible Transfers: Membership Rewards points can be converted to Avios, Virgin Points, and multiple other airline programs, offering maximum flexibility when booking flights.
- Airport Lounge Access: Includes unlimited Priority Pass membership and access to Amex Centurion Lounges, making travel much more comfortable.
- Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Covers trip delays, cancellations, and medical emergencies worldwide—ideal for frequent travellers.
💡 Best for premium travellers who want lounge access, luxury perks, and flexible airline redemptions.
British Airways American Express® Premium Plus Card
If you want to earn Avios quickly and make the most of British Airways’ Companion Voucher, this is the best card on the market.
Key Benefits for Free Flights
- Earns 1.5 Avios per £1 spent and 3 Avios per £1 on BA flights, making it one of the fastest ways to accumulate Avios.
- Companion Voucher: Earned after spending £10,000 per year, allowing you to book a second flight for just the taxes and fees. This is incredibly valuable for business class and long-haul travel.
- Welcome Bonus: Usually 25,000+ Avios, enough for an off-peak return flight within Europe.
💡 Best for Avios collectors who want to unlock long-haul redemptions and maximise the BA Companion Voucher.
Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Credit Card
If you prefer Virgin Atlantic over British Airways, this card is an excellent choice for earning Virgin Points and accessing premium cabins.
How to Maximise Free Flights
- Earns 1.5 Virgin Points per £1 spent and 3 points per £1 on Virgin Atlantic flights.
- Sign-Up Bonus: Typically 15,000–30,000 Virgin Points, which can be used for transatlantic flights or upgrades.
- Companion Voucher Alternative: After £10,000 annual spend, you can either take a companion on a Virgin Atlantic flight for free or get a discount on solo redemptions.
- Partner Airlines: Virgin Points can be used for flights with Delta, Air France, KLM, and Singapore Airlines, opening up more international routes.
💡 Best for those who prefer flying with Virgin Atlantic and its partner airlines, especially for premium cabin redemptions.
American Express® Preferred Rewards Gold Card
If you’re new to travel rewards and want a no-annual-fee (first year) option, the Amex Gold Card is a strong contender.
Why It’s a Great Starter Card
- Sign-Up Bonus: Earn 20,000 Membership Rewards points after meeting the spending requirement, which can be transferred to Avios, Virgin Points, or other airline programs.
- Bonus Categories: Earns double points on dining, travel, and foreign spending, making it ideal for those who spend on experiences.
- No Annual Fee (First Year): Unlike premium cards, this one is free for the first year, allowing you to test the rewards program without commitment.
💡 Best for beginners who want to start collecting airline miles without paying high fees.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
Earning free flights with credit cards can be highly rewarding, but only if you avoid common mistakes that reduce or even eliminate the benefits. Here are the biggest pitfalls to watch out for.
Paying Interest and Fees That Cancel Out the Benefits
One of the biggest mistakes people make with travel credit cards is carrying a balance. While these cards offer fantastic rewards, they typically come with high interest rates—often 22% APR or higher.
Why Carrying a Balance Ruins the Value of Rewards
- If you don’t pay your full balance each month, interest charges quickly wipe out any rewards earned.
- A sign-up bonus worth £300 in flights can easily be negated by £300 in interest fees if you carry a balance for a few months.
- Some cards also charge annual fees, so if you’re paying interest on top of that, your rewards lose value even faster.
💡 Solution: Always pay your balance in full each month to ensure you’re earning rewards without unnecessary costs.
Missing Out on Sign-Up Bonuses
Many of the best travel credit cards offer generous sign-up bonuses, but failing to meet the minimum spending requirement means you won’t receive them.
Common Mistakes That Prevent You from Getting the Bonus
- Underestimating the spending requirement: If a card requires you to spend £3,000 in three months, but you fall short, you lose the bonus entirely.
- Delaying card activation: If you apply for a card but don’t start using it immediately, you might miss the spending deadline.
- Spending in categories that don’t count: Some cards exclude certain transactions (e.g., cash withdrawals, gambling, or government payments) from counting toward the minimum spend.
💡 Solution: Plan your spending in advance and use your new card for all major purchases to hit the spending requirement before the deadline.
Letting Points Expire
Many travel reward programs have expiration policies, meaning your hard-earned points could disappear if your account remains inactive.
How to Keep Your Avios, Virgin Points, and Amex Rewards Active
- Avios (British Airways Executive Club): Avios expire after 36 months of inactivity. Any activity—earning or spending points—resets the clock.
- Virgin Points (Virgin Atlantic Flying Club): Never expire as long as your account is active, making them more flexible.
- Amex Membership Rewards: Don’t expire as long as your American Express account is open, but closing your card without transferring the points means you lose them permanently.
💡 Solution: Even if you’re not booking a flight soon, keep your account active by earning a few points through a small purchase, an online shopping portal, or transferring points between accounts.
Advanced Strategies for Maximising Free Flights
Once you’ve mastered the basics of earning points and redeeming them efficiently, you can take things a step further with advanced travel hacking strategies. These methods can help you earn even more free flights, access premium experiences, and unlock exclusive perks.
Using Multiple Cards for Maximum Points
Instead of relying on a single travel credit card, savvy travellers combine multiple cards to optimise their earnings across different spending categories.
The Best UK Card Combinations to Optimise Rewards
- Everyday Spending + Travel Perks:
- Use the Amex Preferred Rewards Gold (2x points on travel & dining) for general spending.
- Pair with the British Airways Premium Plus Card (3 Avios per £1 on BA flights) to accelerate Avios collection.
- Luxury Travel & Lounge Access:
- Use the Amex Platinum for airport lounges, travel insurance, and hotel elite status.
- Pair with the Virgin Atlantic Reward+ Card to accumulate Virgin Points for Upper Class redemptions.
- Fee-Free Foreign Spending:
- Use the Barclaycard Avios Plus or Chase UK debit card abroad to avoid foreign transaction fees.
By using different cards for different types of spending, you can earn more points without changing your spending habits.
Taking Advantage of Status Matches and Hotel Perks
Many travel credit cards offer elite status with airlines and hotels, which can translate into free upgrades, priority boarding, and bonus points.
How Elite Status from Amex Platinum Helps with Upgrades
- Automatic Hilton Gold & Marriott Gold Status: Get free breakfast, late checkout, and potential room upgrades.
- Fast-Track to Airline Status: Some airlines offer status match programs, allowing you to convert hotel elite status into frequent flyer status.
💡 Pro Tip: Check airlines like Finnair, Virgin Atlantic, and British Airways for periodic status match offers that could get you lounge access and seat upgrades for free.
Joining Frequent Flyer Forums and Telegram Groups
Keeping up with the latest points promotions, secret redemption tricks, and airline loopholes can make a huge difference in maximising your travel rewards.
- Flyertalk & Head for Points: These forums are filled with experienced travellers sharing tips on maximising Avios, Virgin Points, and Amex Rewards.
- Telegram Groups: Many UK-based points hackers use Telegram groups to share error fares, last-minute points deals, and limited-time credit card promotions.
💡 By staying active in these communities, you’ll always be ahead of the game when it comes to finding the best redemption opportunities.
Conclusion
Earning free flights with credit cards is more than just signing up for a card and spending—it’s about using the right strategies, timing, and optimisations to maximise every pound you spend.
By following this guide, you now know how to:
✔ Choose the best UK credit cards for free flights
✔ Avoid common pitfalls that reduce the value of your rewards
✔ Use advanced strategies like stacking multiple cards, leveraging status perks, and staying up to date with deals
With the right approach, you can fly further, in more comfort, and for less money—turning everyday spending into extraordinary travel experiences.
