Traveling with a partner, friend, or family member often means double the cost. However, several airline credit cards offer companion tickets or passes that can dramatically reduce expenses, making it possible to bring someone along for just taxes and fees. This strategy is particularly valuable for frequent travelers, as the annual savings can easily outweigh card fees.
This guide breaks down the best airline credit cards for companion benefits, covering Alaska Airlines, Delta, Frontier, Hawaiian, and Southwest. Understanding these perks requires knowing how they work, including spending requirements, annual fees, and redemption rules.
Alaska Airlines: Companion Fares Made Easy
Alaska Airlines offers companion tickets through its Atmos Rewards credit cards. The Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature provides a $99 companion fare (plus $23 in taxes and fees) annually after spending $6,000. This is a straightforward benefit; the cardholder and companion must be on the same itinerary, but the cardholder isn’t required to be one of the travelers.
For higher-end travel, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite offers a 25,000-point Global Companion Award yearly, applicable to Alaska, Hawaiian, or partner award tickets in any cabin class. The annual fee is $395, but the flexibility in redemption makes it worthwhile for frequent premium-cabin travelers.
A business version, the Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card, also provides the $99 companion fare with $6,000 in annual spending.
Delta Air Lines: Premium Companion Benefits
Delta offers companion certificates through its SkyMiles credit cards. The Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express Card provides an annual companion certificate for travel within the U.S., Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. Taxes and fees are capped at $80 for domestic flights and $250 internationally.
The Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express Card, with a $650 annual fee, offers a companion certificate for first class, Delta Comfort, or main cabin travel in the same regions. Taxes and fees are also capped, but the higher fee justifies the premium cabin access. Delta also has business versions of these cards, with identical companion benefits.
Frontier Airlines: Elite Status Companion Perks
Frontier Airlines now allows Elite Platinum or Elite Diamond members to bring a companion on flights for free, covering only taxes and fees (starting at $5.60). The Frontier Airlines World Mastercard can fast-track you to elite status by earning one point per dollar spent. Reaching Elite Gold status after your first purchase can get you closer to the companion benefit.
Hawaiian Airlines: One-Time and Annual Discounts
The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard offers a one-time 50% companion discount for round-trip flights between Hawaii and North America. After each anniversary, cardholders receive a $100 companion discount for similar routes or Alaska Airlines-operated flights. This isn’t the most generous benefit, but it can still save money if used strategically.
Southwest Airlines: The Coveted Companion Pass
Southwest’s Companion Pass is arguably the most valuable airline perk. It allows a plus-one to fly with you for free, unlimited times, through February 28, 2027. The pass can be earned through welcome bonuses on the Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus, Premier, or Priority Credit Cards.
Spending $3,000 (Plus), $4,000 (Premier), or $5,000 (Priority) in the first three months earns you the pass. Southwest points earned from spending on these cards also count toward the qualification threshold.
The Southwest Companion Pass stands out because it covers both paid and award tickets, making it extremely valuable for frequent travelers.
Choosing the Right Card
Companion tickets and passes can deliver significant savings, particularly for consistent travel partners. The best card depends on your airline preference and spending habits. While some perks require higher fees, the potential savings on even one round-trip flight can offset the cost. Ultimately, selecting a card aligned with your travel patterns and maximizing the spending requirements will unlock the most rewarding benefits.
