Airline companion passes are valuable travel perks that allow passengers to bring a companion on flights at a significantly reduced cost or even for free, excluding taxes and fees. These passes are often associated with airline loyalty programs or co-branded credit cards, making them an attractive benefit for frequent travelers. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the most popular airline companion passes, their benefits, and how to earn them.
What Are Airline Companion Passes?
An airline companion pass is a travel benefit that enables a passenger to book an additional seat for a companion at little to no cost. The specifics of companion passes vary by airline, including eligibility requirements, validity periods, and applicable routes. Some airlines offer them as part of their frequent flyer programs, while others provide them through premium credit card memberships.
Companion passes are a fantastic way to maximize travel rewards, especially for those who travel frequently with a partner or family member. However, earning them typically requires meeting specific spending or flight requirements.
Southwest Airlines Companion Pass
One of the most well-known and valuable airline companion passes is the Southwest Companion Pass. This pass allows the holder to bring a designated companion on any Southwest flight for free (excluding taxes and fees). The pass is valid for the remainder of the year in which it is earned, plus the entire following year, making it one of the longest-lasting companion passes available.
How to Earn the Southwest Companion Pass
To qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass, you must either:
- Earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points within a calendar year.
- Complete 100 qualifying one-way flights within a calendar year.
There are multiple ways to earn Rapid Rewards points that count toward the companion pass:
- Flying with Southwest – Paid Southwest flights earn qualifying points.
- Southwest Rapid Rewards Credit Cards – Southwest co-branded credit cards from Chase offer sign-up bonuses and ongoing point-earning opportunities.
- Partner Activity – Hotel stays, car rentals, and purchases through the Southwest shopping portal can help accumulate qualifying points.
By strategically using credit card bonuses and flight activity, many travelers can earn the Southwest Companion Pass early in the year, maximizing its value.
Delta Air Lines Companion Certificate
Delta offers a Companion Certificate, which allows eligible cardholders to book a round-trip domestic ticket for a companion, only paying taxes and fees (typically as low as $22). This benefit is available to certain Delta SkyMiles American Express cardholders.
How to Earn the Delta Companion Certificate
The Delta Companion Certificate is an annual benefit for cardholders of the following credit cards:
- Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card– Provides a Companion Certificate each year upon card renewal.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – Also includes an annual Companion Certificate, which can be used for First Class, Comfort+, or Main Cabin.
These certificates can be particularly valuable when used on higher-priced domestic routes, helping travelers save hundreds of dollars.
American Airlines Companion Certificate
American Airlines offers a Companion Certificate to eligible credit cardholders, allowing them to book a companion ticket at a significantly reduced cost.
How to Earn the American Airlines Companion Certificate
You can earn an American Airlines Companion Certificate through the following co-branded credit cards:
- AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® – Earn a Companion Certificate after spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
- Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Elite Mastercard® – Similar eligibility, with a Companion Certificate available after meeting spending requirements.
The Companion Certificate is typically valid for domestic flights within the U.S. and requires a nominal fee (often around $99) plus taxes and fees.
British Airways Travel Together Ticket
British Airways offers the Travel Together Ticket, a companion benefit provided to holders of the British Airways Visa Signature® Card. This pass allows a cardholder to bring a companion on a round-trip award flight originating from the U.S., with the only costs being taxes, fees, and carrier surcharges.
How to Earn the British Airways Travel Together Ticket
To earn a Travel Together Ticket, a cardholder must spend $30,000 on purchases within a calendar year using the British Airways Visa Signature® Card. The ticket is valid for two years from issuance and can be used for any class of service.
While this companion ticket is an excellent benefit, British Airways flights often have high taxes and fees, which can sometimes reduce the value of the pass.
Lufthansa Companion Ticket
Lufthansa provides a Companion Ticket through the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®, allowing a cardholder to book a companion ticket for select international destinations.
How to Earn the Lufthansa Companion Ticket
To receive a Lufthansa Companion Ticket, you must hold the Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® and make at least one purchase per year. The ticket is valid for economy class travel from the U.S. to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the Far East.
The primary limitation of the Lufthansa Companion Ticket is that it applies only to certain fare classes, typically excluding lower-priced economy fares.
Pros and Cons of Airline Companion Passes
While airline companion passes offer significant savings, they also come with limitations. Understanding the pros and cons can help travelers maximize their benefits.
Pros:
- Substantial Cost Savings – Many companion passes offer a second ticket at little to no cost.
- Long Validity Periods – Some, like Southwest’s, are valid for over a year.
- Flexibility – Some passes allow changing the designated companion throughout the year.
Cons:
- High Earning Requirements – Some passes require significant spending or frequent travel.
- Taxes and Fees – Most companion passes still require paying government-imposed fees.
- Limited Availability – Some passes have blackout dates or apply only to specific fare classes.
For travelers who frequently fly with a partner, companion passes can be a game-changer in reducing airfare expenses.
Maximizing the Value of Companion Passes
To make the most of airline companion passes, consider the following strategies:
- Time Your Earning Period – If possible, earn the pass early in the year to maximize its validity.
- Use on High-Value Routes – Companion passes provide the best value on expensive or long-haul flights.
- Pair with Other Travel Rewards – Using travel points and miles in conjunction with companion passes can further reduce travel costs.
Additionally, travelers can explore wedopoints.com for more insights on maximizing travel rewards.
Conclusion
Airline companion passes are an incredible way to save money while flying with a companion. Whether through a loyalty program or a premium credit card, these passes can significantly reduce travel costs. By understanding the requirements and strategies for earning them, travelers can unlock substantial savings and enjoy more travel opportunities.
For further guidance on earning and maximizing airline companion passes, visit wedopoints.com and explore expert strategies for travel rewards. companion for a fraction of the cost.
