Ruth Haines
The Companion Pass is a benefit offered by some airlines that allows customers to choose one person to fly with them for free (excluding taxes and fees) an unlimited number of times when they purchase or redeem points for a flight. Airlines that offer Companion Passes include Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Frontier Airlines, and Air Canada. While the specific terms and conditions may vary by airline, there are some general restrictions and requirements for using a Companion Pass. One of the most important conditions is that the pass holder and their companion must be on the same flight. This means that the Companion Pass cannot be used to book a flight from a different airport or destination than the pass holder's own flight. However, if the pass holder purchases a one-way ticket to travel to a friend's airport and then a separate one-way ticket to another destination, they can add their friend as a companion for the second flight. Additionally, Companion Passes may have limitations on the number of times the designated companion can be changed.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Companion Pass | Benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges (excluding taxes and fees) |
| How to qualify for Companion Pass | Fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year |
| How to book a flight using Companion Pass | After booking your flight, visit the "My Trips" section of your account. Find your flight in the "Upcoming Trips" section and click the "Add Companion" link. |
| Limitations | The companion must be on the same flight. The companion pass cannot be used to book a flight from a different airport than the primary ticket holder's departure airport. |
| Airlines offering Companion Pass | Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, British Airways, Iberia, Air Canada, Alaska Airlines, Frontier Airlines |
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What You'll Learn
Companion Pass requirements
Companion Pass is a benefit offered by some airlines that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges, except for taxes and fees. The Companion Pass benefit only applies to a designated companion, so you can't bring a random stranger on a whim. However, you can change your designated companion up to three times per calendar year, so you don't have to bring the same person each time. The only major restriction of the Companion Pass is that your companion cannot fly without you.
To qualify for a Companion Pass, you typically need to fly a certain number of qualifying one-way flights or earn a certain number of qualifying points in a calendar year. For example, Southwest Airlines offers a Companion Pass to members who fly 100 qualifying one-way flight segments or earn 135,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. Additionally, Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmembers receive a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year.
Other airlines, such as Delta Air Lines, offer Companion Certificates, which are valid for one round-trip ticket for a companion when a qualifying ticket is purchased. These Companion Certificates may have specific restrictions, such as being limited to Delta-served airports and destinations, and may require the payment of taxes and fees.
It's important to note that the requirements and benefits of Companion Passes can vary depending on the airline and the specific program offered. Some airlines may offer different tiers or levels of companion passes, with varying benefits and requirements. Additionally, the passes may only be valid for a certain period, such as a full calendar year or a specified number of uses.
It is recommended to review the specific terms and conditions of the Companion Pass program offered by the airline of your choice to understand the requirements, restrictions, and benefits associated with their program.
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Companion Pass limitations
Companion Passes are a great way to bring a friend or family member along on your travels, but they do come with some limitations. Here are some key restrictions to be aware of:
Same Flight Requirement
One of the most important limitations of a Companion Pass is that the companion must travel on the same flight as the primary ticket holder. This means that both passengers must be booked on the same flights and dates, and any changes or cancellations must be made for both passengers simultaneously. This restriction essentially prevents the use of a Companion Pass for a flight departing from a different airport than the primary ticket holder's departure airport.
Specific Airline and Route Restrictions
Companion Passes are often restricted to specific airlines and their served airports, routes, and destinations. For example, Delta's Companion Certificate is limited to Delta-served airports and routes, and it can only be used on flights operated by Delta or its Delta Connection carriers. Similarly, American Airlines' Companion Certificate is only valid on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines and its subsidiaries, excluding codeshare and partner flights.
Additional Fees and Taxes
While a Companion Pass offers a free ticket for your companion, there are usually additional fees and taxes associated with the ticket. These can include government-imposed taxes and fees, which may vary depending on the itinerary. For example, Delta charges a maximum of $80 for round-trip domestic flights and $250 for round-trip international flights for up to four flight segments. Southwest Airlines also charges taxes and fees starting at $5.60 one-way for its Companion Pass.
Limitations on Companion Designation Changes
Most Companion Pass programs allow for a limited number of changes to the designated companion. For example, Southwest Airlines allows Companion Pass members to change their designated companion up to three times per calendar year. This means that you may not be able to bring a different companion on every trip, and you'll need to plan ahead if you want to bring someone new.
Earning and Redeeming Conditions
Companion Passes are typically earned through loyalty programs, credit card rewards, or by meeting certain flight or spending thresholds. For instance, Southwest Airlines offers Companion Passes to members who fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Additionally, there may be restrictions on how and when you can redeem your Companion Pass. For example, Air Canada's Annual Worldwide Companion Pass can only be used on cash bookings and cannot be transferred or reinstated after expiry.
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Companion Pass qualifying points
Qualifying points can be earned in several ways. Firstly, by using the Rapid Rewards Credit Card, which includes the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card. Cardholders can earn bonus points by spending a certain amount within a specified time frame, as well as earning points on every purchase. For example, the Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in the first three months. Additionally, as a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, individuals will receive a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year, deposited into their eligible Rapid Rewards account by January 31st or within 30 days of account opening.
Another way to earn qualifying points is by flying with Southwest Airlines. Points are earned from revenue flights booked directly with Southwest. Furthermore, individuals can earn qualifying points through Rapid Rewards partners. However, it is important to note that not all points earned through partners are considered qualifying points. For instance, points earned from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards, Valued Opinions, Diners Club, and certain bonus points do not count towards Companion Pass qualification.
Frontier Airlines also offers a companion pass program, although it differs from the traditional model. Instead of receiving a pass, individuals can simply add another traveller to their reservation during booking, paying only taxes and fees for their companion. Frontier Airlines provides this benefit to members with Elite Platinum and Diamond status, which can be achieved by earning a certain number of points in a calendar year.
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Companion Pass reservation process
The reservation process for a Companion Pass varies depending on the airline. Here is a detailed description of the process for some of the airlines that offer this pass:
Southwest Airlines
To qualify for a Companion Pass, a member must fly 100 qualifying one-way flight segments booked through Southwest or earn 135,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. These points can be earned by using a Rapid Rewards Credit Card. Once a member has earned the required points, they can designate a companion to fly with them for free. This companion can be changed up to three times per calendar year. The designation of a companion can be done online through the "My Account" section on Southwest.com or by calling Southwest Rapid Rewards at 1-800-435-9792.
After booking your flight, you can add your companion by visiting the "My Trips" section of your account. Find your flight in the Upcoming Trips section and click the "Add Companion" link. Review your companion's information and click "Purchase" to complete their flight reservation. Note that a companion's reservation is not considered a purchased flight, so another Companion Pass reservation cannot be booked from it.
Delta Air Lines
Delta Air Lines offers Companion Certificates, which are valid for one round-trip ticket in certain classes with the purchase of certain adult round-trip fares. These fares must originate within the United States, Puerto Rico, or the US Virgin Islands and must be operated by Delta or its Delta Connection carriers. The Companion Certificate is only valid for Delta-served airports, and the routes, frequencies, and destinations offered by Delta can change at any time. Both passengers must be booked on the same flights and dates simultaneously, and the Companion Certificate must be used by the date on the certificate. The certificate requires payment of taxes and fees, which vary depending on the itinerary.
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines' Companion Travel is unique in that you don't receive a limited-use companion pass. Instead, you can add another traveller to your reservation during booking, and you only pay taxes and fees for the companion, starting at $5.60 each way. Unlike other companion passes, Frontier does not restrict you to a designated companion, allowing you to book any traveller without it being the same person each time. All flights are eligible for Companion Travel, except for award tickets and GoWild! Pass bookings.
American Airlines
The American Airlines Companion Certificate is valid for a round-trip qualifying domestic economy fare ticket for a companion when an individual round-trip qualifying domestic economy fare ticket is purchased and redeemed through American Airlines. The certificate is only valid for flights marketed and operated by American Airlines and its subsidiaries, excluding codeshare flights or partner flights operated by another airline. It can take up to two weeks for the certificate to be added to your AAdvantage account, and it is valid for 12 months from the date of receipt. Cardholders can earn one companion certificate per cardmember year.
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Companion Pass restrictions
Companion Passes are offered by several airlines, including Southwest, Delta, American, British Airways, Iberia, Air Canada, and Frontier. While the specifics of each program vary, there are some general restrictions that apply to Companion Passes.
Firstly, Companion Passes typically require that the pass holder and their companion fly together on the same flight and itinerary. Changes or cancellations to the booking must also be made for both passengers simultaneously to avoid forfeiting the Companion Pass. Additionally, the pass holder and their companion usually need to check in together to receive sequential boarding positions.
Secondly, Companion Passes often have restrictions on the type of fare or class of service eligible for the benefit. For example, some Companion Passes may only be valid for economy class fares, while others may be valid for premium cabins like First Class or Business Class. It's important to note that some airlines may allow upgrades on Companion Pass bookings, but these upgrades may come with additional costs or conditions.
Thirdly, there are limitations on who can be designated as a companion. Some airlines allow the pass holder to change their designated companion a limited number of times per year. Additionally, certain Companion Pass programs may restrict the companion to a single individual, while others provide flexibility by allowing any traveller to be added as a companion.
Furthermore, Companion Passes are typically non-transferable and have no monetary or exchange value. They are often associated with specific credit cards or loyalty programs, and the passes may be earned by accumulating qualifying points or through other promotional means. These passes may also have validity periods, such as being valid for a full calendar year or for 12 months from the date of issuance.
Lastly, it's important to note that Companion Passes usually do not cover certain taxes, fees, or surcharges associated with the companion's travel. These additional costs must be paid by the passenger at the time of booking or ticket issuance. Overall, it is essential to review the specific terms and conditions of the Companion Pass program offered by each airline to understand the restrictions and requirements fully.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you cannot. The companion must be on the same flight as you.
A Companion Pass is a benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges (excluding taxes and fees), an unlimited number of times when you purchase or redeem points for a flight.
To qualify for a Companion Pass, you must fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year.
Cardholders of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card can earn bonus points after spending a certain amount on purchases in the first few months from account opening. Additionally, cardholders can earn Southwest points on every purchase, along with anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass.
