Kelly's Affordable Luxe

Flying Heathrow–Miami round-trip in peak season (June/July) usually costs a small fortune, especially out of London Heathrow, one of the world’s priciest airports. Here’s how I turned everyday spending into 92,500 Avios and then used a companion voucher to upgrade from business to first class—paying just £824.09 all in.

Earning 92,500 Avios with Everyday Spending

• American Express Membership Rewards: By charging groceries, bills, and online shopping to my Amex card (and paying in full each month), I steadily accumulated Avios Rewards points.
• Avios eStore Shopping Portal: Every time I shopped through the British Airways eStore, whether for shoes, homeware, or electronics – I earned extra Avios on top of my usual Amex points.
• Cashback Platforms: I paired those portals with TopCashback and Quidco for bonus cashback (when I couldn’t use the Avios shopping portal) —then transferred those savings into Avios via purchase vouchers or gift cards.

The result? 92,500 Avios sitting in my Executive Club account—more than enough for a business class reward seat LHR–MIA

From Business to First with the Companion Voucher

As an Amex British Airways cardholder, I qualified for an annual companion voucher after spending over a threshold in a card year. This voucher lets me book a second reward seat in the same cabin for just taxes and fees, or I can use it for a full cabin upgrade (thank god I travel solo!).

First Class Perks at Heathrow

British Airways First Class isn’t just a seat, it’s an entire experience:

• Concorde Room Access: Before departure, I relaxed in the Concorde Room, enjoying à la carte dining, champagne, and private seating. This is the lounge of all lounges
• Priority Everything: From check-in, security to baggage, I bypassed queues and stress. I went from arriving at the airport to the lounge in under 20 minutes and didn’t even have to walk through duty free. BA has a dedicated space that goes direct from check in to the lounge
• Flat-Bed Suite: Onboard, my suite converted to fully flat beds with luxury bedding.
• Gourmet Menu: Multi-course meals paired with premium wines.

You can read the full perks of flying BA first here

Why This Strategy Works

• Compound Rewards: Every swipe, every portal click, every referral added up.
• Strategic Upgrades: Companion vouchers transform business redemptions into first class for no extra cost.
• Timing: Peak-season travel can even be done on miles. Don’t listen to what everyone else says, I booked this on 6th June and flew out on the 21st June – it is possible!

Ready to Fly Luxe for Less?

• Sign up for an Amex card that earns transferable points. Only if you can pay it off in full every month
• Activate the BA Avios eStore before every online purchase.
• Stack cashback platforms (TopCashback, Quidco) under each shopping trip.
• Plan ahead to snag business class award availability, then apply your companion voucher.

This post contains affiliate links, but you are free to google and not use them. My goal is to help you get the most of out your everyday spending and living the luxe life you want to live.