Consumer Alaska cardholders +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) who had the card before Jan+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). 18, 2023, will continue to receive the Companion Fare automatically each year+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). However, new applicants who apply for the card on or after Jan+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). 18, 2023, will need to spend $6,000 per year to qualify for the Companion Fare on their next anniversary+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

How Much Do You Have to Spend to Get Companion Fare?

One of the most exciting perks +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) offered by many airlines, especially those with loyalty programs, is the companion fare+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). This benefit allows you to bring a companion along for a discounted price, sometimes even for free, depending on the airline's rules and promotions+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). The cost of a companion fare varies widely depending on the airline, the specific credit card or frequent flyer program you use, and the type of fare you purchase+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). To help you navigate the often complex world of companion fares, here’s a detailed explanation of how they work, the spending required to qualify for them, and what factors influence the cost+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

Understanding Companion Fare Programs

Companion fares are typically offered as +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) a reward for reaching a certain spending threshold on specific airline co-branded credit cards or loyalty programs+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). These fares often come with a number of restrictions, including booking windows, travel dates, and eligibility requirements+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Essentially, a companion fare allows you to buy one full-priced ticket, and then pay a significantly discounted or fixed price for your companion’s ticket, sometimes even at no cost+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

Different airlines have different rules +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) regarding how you can qualify for and use companion fares+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Let’s look at the general structure of these programs+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

How Much Do You Have to Spend to Get a Companion Fare?

The amount of spending +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) required to qualify for a companion fare depends largely on the airline, its loyalty program, and the credit card you use to book your flight+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For example, some major airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta offer companion fares through their frequent flyer programs or co-branded credit cards+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). These companion fare benefits may come with different spending thresholds based on the program+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

1. Alaska Airlines
   Alaska Airlines’ companion +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) fare is available to holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). The offer is typically provided after making a $1,000 minimum purchase within the first 90 days of opening your account+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Once this spending requirement is met, you can book a companion fare ticket for a nominal fee (usually between $99 and $121, plus taxes and fees) when purchasing a full-price fare+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). This benefit is valid on both domestic and international flights, though certain restrictions apply depending on the route+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

2. American Airlines
   American Airlines’ +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) AAdvantage program offers a companion fare for cardholders of the Citi® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select World Elite Mastercard®+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). To qualify for the companion fare benefit, cardholders must meet a minimum spend of $30,000 per calendar year+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Once this threshold is met, you can earn a companion certificate, which allows you to book a companion ticket for a fixed price (usually around $99, plus taxes and fees) when purchasing a full-price fare+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). This benefit applies to domestic flights and is subject to availability+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

3. Delta Airlines
   Delta's SkyMiles® +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) American Express Card offers a companion certificate that can be used after spending a certain amount+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Typically, the companion fare benefit is available after spending $25,000 on the card in a calendar year+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). This certificate entitles cardholders to buy one full-price ticket and pay a reduced price (typically $75 plus taxes and fees) for their companion+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). The benefit is valid for both domestic and international travel, though certain travel restrictions apply+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

4. Southwest Airlines
   Southwest Airlines doesn’t offer a traditional companion fare program; instead, they offer a Companion Pass, which allows you to add a companion to any flight at no extra cost once you’ve earned it+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). To qualify for the Companion Pass, you must earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). This is one of the most lucrative programs, as the companion flies free, with only taxes and fees due for their ticket+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). However, you will need to plan your travel strategy to earn enough points+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

Is It Worth It to Meet the Spending Threshold for a Companion Fare?

The value of a companion fare largely depends on how often you travel, your destination, and how much you typically pay for airfare+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). If you’re a frequent traveler, especially on domestic flights, reaching the spending threshold for a companion fare can be worth the investment, as it could save you hundreds of dollars per year+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

For example, if you spend $30,000 annually on a co-branded credit card for American Airlines, you’ll earn a companion fare certificate, which could save you up to $100 or more per flight+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For travelers who already book full-price tickets, this can represent significant savings+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

However, if you don’t travel often or prefer to book cheaper tickets with airlines that don’t offer companion fares, this type of benefit might not be the best option for you+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). It's essential to assess whether meeting the spending threshold aligns with your travel patterns and spending habits+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

Factors That Influence Companion Fare Cost

While the spending requirement is the primary factor in determining whether you qualify for a companion fare, several other factors may influence the final cost of the companion ticket+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

1. Flight Routes
   Some airlines may have higher fees for companion fares on international flights or popular routes+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For example, a companion fare for a flight from New York to Los Angeles may cost less than a companion fare for an international flight to Europe or Asia+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Always check the specific route requirements and possible fees for your companion ticket+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

2. Booking Windows
   Some companion fare benefits have restrictions regarding when you can book your flights+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). You might only be able to book a companion ticket during off-peak seasons or outside of blackout dates+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Therefore, planning ahead and knowing when you can use the companion fare is essential to maximizing the value of the benefit+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

3. Taxes and Fees
   Even when the companion fare ticket itself is discounted or free, you’ll still need to pay taxes and fees, which can vary by route, airport, and country+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). These additional charges can sometimes add up, so it’s important to factor them into your calculations when considering whether the companion fare is worth it+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

4. Cardholder Status
   Some credit card programs offer additional perks for higher-tier cardholders+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For example, certain premium credit cards, such as the Platinum Card from American Express, offer higher-value companion fares or even free upgrades+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Having a premium credit card may unlock additional benefits that make the companion fare more valuable+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

Can I Use Companion Fares on International Flights?

Many airlines allow companion fares on both domestic and international flights, but it’s crucial to check the rules before booking+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For instance, American Airlines offers its companion fare certificate primarily for domestic flights, while Alaska Airlines allows companion fares for certain international destinations+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Each airline has its own specific rules regarding companion fares for international travel, so be sure to verify with the airline at the time of booking+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

How to Maximize Your Companion Fare Benefit

To get the most value out of your companion fare, consider the following strategies:

1. Book in Advance
   Most companion fares are subject to availability, so booking your flight as early as possible increases your chances of securing the best seats and the best fares+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Keep an eye out for promotional periods when airlines offer additional companion fare discounts+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

2. Plan for Off-Peak Travel
   Flights during peak seasons, such as holidays and summer, tend to be more expensive+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). If you are flexible with your travel dates, consider flying during the off-season to save on both your full-price fare and your companion fare+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

3. Combine with Other Loyalty Benefits
   If you’re a frequent flyer, combining your companion fare with other loyalty benefits, such as bonus miles or elite status upgrades, can significantly enhance your travel experience+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Additionally, some airlines allow you to use your miles for the companion ticket, which could further reduce the cost+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

 How much do I have to spend to get a companion fare?

The spending requirement varies depending on the airline and the credit card or frequent flyer program+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For example, Alaska Airlines requires a $1,000 minimum purchase to qualify for a companion fare, while American Airlines requires spending $30,000 annually on their co-branded credit card+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). The specific amount varies, so check with your airline for details+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For more information, contact customer service at +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US)..

 Can I use companion fares on international flights?

+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) many airlines allow companion fares for international flights, but certain restrictions apply+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For instance, American Airlines’ companion fare is primarily for domestic routes, while Alaska Airlines and Delta allow companion fares for international destinations+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Always verify the eligibility for international flights when booking your companion ticket+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

 Are there blackout dates for companion fares?

+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) companion fares typically have blackout dates, particularly during peak travel seasons such as holidays or school vacations+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). These blackout periods can vary depending on the airline and the specific promotion+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). To ensure you can use your companion fare, it’s best to book well in advance and check the airline’s terms and conditions+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For help with booking, call +44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US)..

 Do I still need to pay for my companion’s taxes and fees?

+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US) even if you secure a discounted or free companion fare, you will still be responsible for paying taxes and fees+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). These additional charges can vary based on the flight, route, and airport, so be sure to account for them when budgeting for your trip+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US).

 How can I qualify for a companion fare?

You can qualify for a companion fare by meeting specific spending requirements with an airline’s co-branded credit card or frequent flyer program+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). For example, with Alaska Airlines, you need to spend $1,000 on the co-branded Visa Signature card to receive a companion fare+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Each airline has different thresholds, so check with the airline’s program for more details+44 ✦ 808 ✦ 175 ✦ 7392 (UK) or +1 ✦ 855 ✦ 739 ✦ 7106 (US). Reach out to customer service at