In our search to find a young gun who has spent their twenties building major Avios kudos, we met 28-year-old Silver Member Jordan McGurk from Newcastle. Here, Jordan reveals how he’s utilised his Executive Club experience – resulting in epic savings and spectacular trips

What got you started on your Executive Club journey?
I’ve been an avid Avios collector for approximately seven years, initially prompted by a welcome offer for the British Airways American Express^® Premium Plus Credit Card, which has provided a significant boost to my balance over the years. My passion for maximising Avios began to intensify after discovering several blogs showing how individuals were able to traverse the globe (often in the front of the plane) through Avios alone.

What is your favourite way to collect Avios today?
It has to be my BA Amex Premium Plus Card, which I’ve found to be worth the annual fee – the accelerated 3 Avios per £1 earning rate on British Airways flights and holidays has significantly contributed to my balance and the Companion Voucher has been so valuable in allowing me to treat loved ones to unforgettable trips. Utilising the free supplementary Cardmember (you can have up to five for free) with someone that I really trust means I collect Avios even faster.

Top tip for those already using the Card?
Don’t overlook the opportunity to refer friends and family (noting that they can apply for any card – annual fee or not), as both parties benefit from an Avios bonus. And remember to funnel as much expenditure through it as possible (you will be surprised how quickly a daily coffee or tapping on to the Tube can add up). Also, if you’re shopping online, use British Airways’ Avios-accruing shopping platform with your Amex for double Avios all round. 

What was your first big redemption?
Treating my Mum to a once-in-a-lifetime journey to India, travelling in First for the long-haul segments. Our itinerary took us from Newcastle to Mumbai, with a return journey from Delhi to Newcastle. India had always been a destination she dreamed of visiting and, thanks to Avios, we were able to do it in style. It was, in a word, unforgettable. We began in the serene Concorde Room at Heathrow T5 during our layover, where attentive staff were able to craft any cocktail we desired.

On board, our incredible experience continued. We were greeted with luxurious pyjamas, an amenity kit filled with high-end products, and comfortable slippers. Our seats could be converted into beds with duvets and pillows. One of the highlights was being able to dine together on board. Paying in cash for this trip would have been out of the question, so Avios truly made the whole thing possible – my only payment for this return trip was the tax: £524 each.

Do you have a current Avios goal?
I try not to let my balance drop too low. I like to have a buffer in my Household Account (a great way to pool Avios – mine includes my partner and my parents) that can be used for those last-minute journeys, when travel can be at its most expensive. Last year, I secured a Harry Styles ticket in Lisbon at the 11th hour and, thanks to there being last-minute Avios availability, I was able to fly there to see him perform for the night!

What is the most Avios you’ve ever collected at one time?
I once saw an offer on the shopping portal for 72 Avios per £1 at a new retailer that was doing a special promotion that day. I was able to collect a whopping 78,264 Avios by purchasing items I had been thinking about for a long time anyway. It’s fair to say this was an excellent deal, although, sadly, I’ve not come across anything like this since!

What is the most Avios you’ve ever spent at one time?
I would say the trip to India was a big one. More recently, my partner and I have spent 110,000 Avios, £450 and used a Companion Voucher for a journey to Toronto for a friend’s wedding. Outbound flights are in Club World, and then it’s World Traveller on the way back aboard the spacious A380. One of the best perks of my Silver tier is that I’ve been able to select seats for free, meaning we’re on the upper deck of the A380 for the return.

Do you have any more Companion Voucher experiences?
My partner and I travelled to Santorini over the busy summer period last year for 36,000 Avios, £100 and a Companion Voucher in the Club Europe cabin. We spent four stunning nights on the idyllic island, staying in a hotel overlooking the Aegean Sea, and exploring the island with a little hire car booked through Avis (yet another Avios collector).

Although we took Avis up on the free additional driver perk, my partner enjoyed being a passenger princess by being in control of the music and attempting to direct us around the narrow island roads. Having the vehicle meant we stayed in the much quieter side of the island away from the vast summer cruise ships and day-tripping crowds. Highlights included watching Mamma Mia! under the stars in the Kamari open-air cinema, watching the sun go down at Oia castle and cruising around the island on a catamaran trip.

Has oneworld® played a part in any of your bigger trips?
Last year I took some time away from work to travel Australia, something I had wanted to do for many years. With Avios in the bank, I found myself with the flexibility to utilise last-minute flight bookings using Avios for flights with British Airways’ oneworld partner, Qantas. 

During my time in Australia, Avios played a pivotal role in shaping my itinerary. I often found myself planning my travels just a week in advance, knowing that Reward Flights offered flexibility, with minimal change or cancellation fees. Among the notable redemptions during my journey were flights from Melbourne to Perth in business class aboard a wide-body plane, priced at 22,000 Avios and £21.80. I also flew from Sydney to Brisbane for a mere 6,000 Avios in economy, and from Hamilton Island to Melbourne via Sydney for just 12,000 Avios.

One of the most unforgettable experiences of my journey was venturing up the untouched west coast of Australia. Here, I discovered the pristine turquoise waters of the Ningaloo Reef, where I had the awe-inspiring opportunity to swim with magnificent whale sharks and majestic manta rays. Encounters with these gentle giants are something I will never forget. I continued my journey to Monkey Mia, where I saw wild dolphins playing in the crystal-clear waters. Finally, I explored the vast expanse of Kalbarri National Park.

One of the most significant benefits of using Avios became apparent during this leg of my journey. By spending Avios, I was able to call up and book with QantasLink (an owned subsidiary of Qantas) from the extremely remote Exmouth Airport back to Perth, bypassing the multi-day car journey through the outback. Since the route was so out of the way, flight prices tend to be higher. With Avios, I saved time and money, and was able to maximise my exploration of Australia’s west coast. By using Avios in conjunction with the oneworld network, the world is really your oyster.

British Airways American Express Premium Plus Card
Representative 139.9% APR Variable. New Cardmembers only. £300 annual fee. Assumed £1,200 credit limit with 31.0% per annum variable purchase rate. 18+ UK residents, subject to status. T&Cs apply.

Up to five Supplementary Cards are complimentary on the British Airways American Express Cards, subject to approval. Supplementary Cards can be requested for anyone aged over 18 or over. If approved, the main Cardmember will be liable for all charges made by the Supplementary Cardmember.

Disclaimer
Please spend responsibly and only buy what you can afford to repay.

Reward Flights
Reward Flights are subject to availability and prices are subject to change.

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This article has been tagged BA, Avios