American express platinum business class companion ticket

Credit card

Annual fee

Requirement

Companion pass benefit

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card $0 introductory, then $75 Renew card and pay annual fee Receive one discounted companion round-trip ticket for $121
Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card $50 for the company and $25 per card, additional $25 per card Renew card and pay annual fee Receive one discounted companion round-trip ticket for $121
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard® $99 Renew card and pay annual fee. You must make $20,000 in purchases on your card in one year, and your account must be active for at least 45 days Receive an annual companion ticket for $99, plus taxes and fees. Eligible for domestic economy fare.

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Alaska Airlines credit cards with companion tickets

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Sign Up Bonus

50,000 bonus miles with this limited time online offer. To qualify, make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account

APR

18.99% - 26.99% Variable APR

How to get it: Each year you renew the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and pay the annual fee, you'll receive one discounted companion ticket coupon — also known as Alaska's Famous Companion Fare.

How to use it: When you purchase a paid coach ticket for yourself through Alaska Airlines' website, you'll be eligible to receive a round-trip fare for your traveling partner from $121. You can redeem it on any flight with no blackout dates, and Alaska has over 115 destinations across the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Costa Rica to choose from.

The annual fee is waived for the first year but costs a reasonable $75 after. If you strategize your companion fare, you can maximize its value — well beyond the cost of the annual fee.

  • 50,000 bonus miles with this limited time online offer. To qualify, make $2,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account
  • First checked bag free for cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation on Alaska flights.
  • 20% back in statement credits on in-flight purchases when using your card.

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card

Sign Up Bonus

70,000 bonus miles after you make at least $4,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Annual Fee

$50 for the company and $25 per card

APR

18.99% - 26.99% Variable APR

How to get it: Like the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card offers an annual discounted companion ticket coupon from $121 on your account anniversary with the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card. The Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card comes with a $50 for the company and $25 per card annual fee.

How to use it: This voucher is valid for any flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.

  • 70,000 bonus miles after you make at least $4,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
  • First checked bag free for cardholder and up to six companions on the same reservation on Alaska flights.
  • 20% back in statement credits on in-flight purchases when using your card.

American Airlines credit cards with companion tickets

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.

APR

18.24%, 22.24%, or 27.24%

How to get it: Upon account renewal of your AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, you'll receive an annual companion certificate at $99, plus taxes and fees — ranging from $21.60 to $43.20. To qualify, you'll need to spend $20,000 on purchases each card membership year, and the account must remain open for at least 45 days. Keep in mind that the annual fee is $99 each year.

How to use it: This benefit can be used on a domestic economy fare only.

  • Earn 60,000 AAdvantage® bonus miles after making your first purchase and paying the $99 annual fee in full, both within the first 90 days.
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • 25% in-flight savings as statement credits on food and beverages when you use your card on American Airlines operated flights

AAdvantage® Aviator™ Silver World Elite Mastercard®

APR

15.00%-24.99% Variable

How to get it: With the AAdvantage® Aviator™ Silver World Elite Mastercard®, you'll receive two annual companion certificates with the same restrictions as the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®. Only eligible for domestic round-trip fares, you'll also have to pay taxes and fees ranging between $21.60 to $43.20. To receive this benefit each year, you'll need to spend $20,000 on purchases each card membership year and the account must remain open for at least 45 days.

How to use it: Like the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, the AAdvantage® Aviator™ Silver World Elite Mastercard®'s companion pass can be used on a domestic economy fare only.

British Airways credit cards with companion tickets

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

How to get it: The British Airways Visa Signature® Card offers a Travel Together Ticket to customers who make $30,000 in annual purchases on their British Airways Visa Signature® Card. This benefit is good for two years once you earn it.

How to use it: Each time you book a flight using your British Airways Avios, the Travel Together Ticket allows you to book another fare on the same itinerary (and in the same cabin) for $0 plus taxes and fees. This means you can even use the Travel Together Ticket for first-class tickets.

This is the only companion pass on our list that requires you to book it along with an award ticket, which can be quite limiting. Not only will you have to spend that $30,000 to earn the pass, but you'll also need to have enough miles accumulated to earn a flight. Luckily, spending that amount of money should get you most of the way toward an award flight.

  • 100,000 Bonus Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • Receive statement credits of $100 for Economy and Premium Economy — or $200 for Business and First Class seats — three times per year, up to $600, when you book a reward flight to London traveling on British Airways and pay taxes, fees and carrier charges with your card.

Delta Air Lines credit cards with companion tickets

Delta Air Lines offers annual companion tickets on two personal and two business credit cards. These can be used on round-trip flights with several restrictions to be aware of.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

APR

18.74%-27.74% Variable

How to get it: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card gives you an annual companion certificate for only the taxes and fees (up to $80) each year that you pay the $250 annual fee.

How to use it: When you book a paid round-trip in coach, the certificate allows you to book the same itinerary for your traveling companion.

At face value, the companion ticket benefit on the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (included upon card renewal) provides more value than the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card benefit ($99 plus taxes and fees). In reality, the destination and blackout date restrictions on the Delta benefit, along with the card's higher annual fee, offset the monetary difference. The Delta companion benefit can only be applied on trips within the 48 contiguous states, whereas the Alaska benefit can be redeemed on trips to Hawaii and Costa Rica. Delta also applies blackout dates, while Alaska does not.

For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

  • Earn 80,000 bonus miles after you spend $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Status Boost gives you 10,000 MQMs when you spend $25,000 on purchases on your card, up to two times per year
  • Priority Boarding
  • First checked bag free on Delta flights
  • Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck every 4.5 years
  • Terms apply

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/9/22.

APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable

How to get it: The Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card offers the same companion pass ticket as the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, along with the same restrictions. Each year that you renew your card and pay the $250 annual fee, you'll receive an annual companion certificate for only the taxes and fees (up to $80).

How to use it: Like the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, your Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card companion ticket can be used on a round-trip flight in coach.

  • Earn 85,000 Bonus Miles after spending $4,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/9/22.
  • Status Boost gives you 10,000 MQMs when you spend $25,000 on purchases on your card, up to two times per year
  • Priority Boarding
  • First checked bag free on Delta flights
  • Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck every 4.5 years
  • Terms apply

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.

APR

18.74%-27.74% Variable

How to get it: With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, you'll get a companion certificate for only the taxes and fees (up to $80) each year that you renew your card.

How to use it: You can use this companion certificate on domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class round-trip tickets. This is a significant step-up from the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, which only allows you to use your companion certificate on a domestic Main Class booking. Delta's lower annual fee credit cards, such as the Delta SkyMiles® Gold American Express Card and the Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card, don't offer companion benefits whatsoever.

However, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card has the same destination and time restrictions as the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card: blackout dates apply, and eligible destinations are only within the 48 contiguous states.

In general, the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card can be beneficial if you spend a lot on Delta flights and can afford the $550 annual fee. The card is also a decent choice if you're trying to achieve or retain Medallion status on Delta. If you're a casual traveler looking for a companion fare benefit, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is a much better choice.

For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.

  • Earn 95,000 bonus miles after you spend $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months.
  • Status Boost gives you 15,000 MQMs when you spend $30,000 on purchases on your card, up to two times per year
  • Waive the MQDs requirement towards Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion Status if you make at least $25,000 on your card in a year
  • Delta Sky Club® and Centurion® Lounge access
  • Priority Boarding
  • First checked bag free on Delta flights
  • Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck every 4.5 years
  • Terms apply

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

Welcome Offer

Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/9/22.

APR

18.74% - 27.74% Variable

How to get it: The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card offers the same companion pass ticket as the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, along with the same restrictions. Each year that you renew your card and pay the $550 annual fee, you'll receive an annual companion certificate for only the taxes and fees (up to $80).

How to use it: The companion pass ticket can only be used on a domestic Main Cabin, Comfort+ or First Class round-trip ticket.

  • Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after spending $6,000 in purchases on your new Card in your first 3 months of Card Membership. Offer ends 11/9/22.
  • Status Boost gives you 15,000 MQMs when you spend $30,000 on purchases on your card, up to two times per year
  • Waive the MQDs requirement towards Platinum, Gold or Silver Medallion Status if you make at least $25,000 on your card in a year
  • Delta Sky Club® and Centurion® Lounge access
  • Priority Boarding
  • First checked bag free on Delta flights
  • Up to a $100 credit for Global Entry/TSA Precheck every 4.5 years
  • Terms apply

Hawaiian Airlines credit cards with companion tickets

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 80,000 bonus HawaiianMiles plus a statement credit of $99 after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.

Annual Fee

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99

APR

16.24%, 20.24% or 25.24% variable

How to get it: With the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, you'll receive two companion discounts. You'll receive a one-time 50% off companion discount for a round-trip coach ticket between North America and Hawaii. This discount is valid for 13 months from the time the account is opened. Upon renewal of your card (and paying the $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $99 annual fee), you'll receive an annual $100 companion discount on a round-trip ticket between Hawaii and North America. This discount is valid for 12 months from issuance.

How to use it: Your 50% and $100 companion discounts are good for round-trip tickets between Hawaii and North America.

  • Earn 80,000 bonus HawaiianMiles plus a statement credit of $99 after spending $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days.
  • Two checked bags free on flights purchased with your card directly from Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines® Business MasterCard®

Sign Up Bonus

60,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, and an additional 10,000 miles after a purchase is made on an employee card

APR

17.49%-26.49% Variable

How to get it: The Hawaiian Airlines® Business MasterCard® offers a one-time 50% companion discount for a round-trip coach ticket between North America and Hawaii. Once you use this benefit, you will not receive another one upon account renewal. Therefore, this card is not best for business owners who continually want discounts on companion tickets year after year.

How to use it: Your 50% discount is good for a round-trip flight between Hawaii and North America.

  • 60,000 miles after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days, and an additional 10,000 miles after a purchase is made on an employee card

Lufthansa Airlines credit cards with companion tickets

Lufthansa Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®

Sign Up Bonus

50,000 bonus miles if you make $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days and pay the annual fee.

APR

16.24%, 20.24% or 25.24% Variable

How to get it: The Lufthansa Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® offers an economy class companion ticket upon the first use of a new card and each year after you pay the annual fee. The annual fee for this card is $89.

How to use it: To book your ticket along with your companion ticket, you must call the Miles & More phone number at (866) 461-5399. All taxes and fees must be paid upon booking.

  • 50,000 bonus miles if you make $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days and pay the annual fee.
  • Receive two complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge vouchers after each account anniversary

Southwest Airlines credit cards with companion tickets

The Southwest Companion Pass is the most rewarding, but it's also the most difficult to earn. This is the only unlimited companion fare benefit on the market, providing a companion fare for a designated partner on every Southwest itinerary. Owning any of the Southwest credit cards will jumpstart your way to the Companion Pass since you'll have to earn 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a year. It pays to be strategic about when you acquire the pass as you can keep it for the rest of the year plus the entirety of the next calendar year.

You'll either have to be an ultra frequent flyer on Southwest or charge tens of thousands to your card per year. If you don't spend this much or travel often with Southwest, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card is likely a better choice for a companion ticket card.

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

APR

18.24% - 25.24% Variable

How to get it: While the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card doesn't usually directly offer a companion pass, the miles you earn through the card's sign-up bonus and everyday spending rewards all count toward the coveted Southwest Companion Pass.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card offers the highest annual bonus (7,500) of any Southwest card, making it slightly easier to hit 125,000 points in one year. Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months. You also Earn 3X points on Southwest® purchases. Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2X points on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming.

This card comes with a $149 annual fee, but keep in mind that you can opt for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card or the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card instead.

How to use it: Once you earn the pass, it's valid for the rest of the calendar year and all of the next year. You can designate a companion to fly with you for just the taxes and fees on your Southwest flights. You can your designated companion up to three times per year.

  • Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • 7,500 Rapid Rewards points on your card anniversary each year
  • $75 annual travel credit that applies to Southwest airfare
  • Four Upgraded Boardings per year
  • 25% off in-flight Southwest purchases with your card

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Sign Up Bonus

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

APR

18.24% - 25.24% Variable

How to get it: For business owners, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card is a fantastic option. Since businesses tend to have high operating costs, your spending should expedite your way to the Companion Pass in no time. With this card, Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.

You'll just need an extra 25,000 points to reach the limit, which can quickly be done with the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card's rewards rate: Earn 4 points per $1 spent on Southwest® purchases. Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Rapid Rewards® hotel and car rental partners. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on local transit and commuting, including rideshare. Earn 2 points per $1 spent on social media and search engine advertising, internet, cable, and phone services. Earn 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. While this card comes with a $199 annual fee each year, the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is a lower $99 annual fee option for businesses.

How to use it: As mentioned, once you earn the pass, it's valid for the rest of the calendar year and all of the next year. You can designate a companion to fly with you for just the taxes and fees on your Southwest flights.

  • Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months.
  • 9,000 Rapid Rewards points on your card anniversary each year
  • Four Upgraded Boardings per year
  • Up to 365 in-flight Wi-Fi credits each year
  • Up to $100 toward Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® every four years

Virgin Atlantic Airways credit cards with companion tickets

Virgin Atlantic World Elite MasterCard® Credit Card

Sign Up Bonus

30,000 bonus Virgin Points after spending $1,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening

How to get it: You can earn the Virgin Atlantic World Elite MasterCard® Credit Card companion benefit by spending $25,000 or more on purchases each year with the Virgin Atlantic World Elite MasterCard® Credit Card.

How to use it: You can either receive a companion ticket in the same cabin class on Virgin Atlantic or choose to upgrade your award ticket by one class. If redeeming this benefit for a companion ticket, the cardholder will be responsible for taxes, fees and any additional surcharges. You must redeem this benefit within two years of issuance.

  • 30,000 bonus Virgin Points after spending $1,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening
  • Up to 15,000 bonus Virgin Points every anniversary after qualifying purchases
  • 25 tier points per $2,500 in purchases (maximum 50 per month) toward Flying Club status

How do companion tickets work?

Many airlines — but not all — offer their own version of companion fares, and they're often given as a perk with their co-branded credit cards. Whether it's a discounted fare or an unlimited companion pass, those who travel in pairs could save thousands of dollars in airfare. In most cases, it can only be used for economy or in the same fare class as the primary cardholder's ticket. With any of these companion tickets or discounts, you must pay any taxes, fees or additional surcharges when booking.

How to earn companion tickets

While the exact terms and conditions will depend on the airline, there will either be a spending limit or a minimum number of points you must meet to qualify. Many credit cards offer a recurring companion ticket upon account renewal and paying the annual fee. Once you reach this qualification, you will receive a one-time companion certificate or discount. The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the unique offerings out there, as you can take advantage of this perk for the remainder of the year you earned it and the full following calendar year.

ValuePenguin's verdict

Companion certificates are a special benefit that can provide savings for many travelers. However, it's worth noting that there are typically many restrictions to qualify for and use this benefit. All of the credit cards with companion tickets incur an annual fee each year, so this perk is only useful for high spenders or frequent travelers. For those who frequently travel with another person, companion discounts and tickets are a great way to save on upfront airfare costs.

The information related to Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card, Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, AAdvantage® Aviator™ Silver World Elite Mastercard®, British Airways Visa Signature® Card, Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, Hawaiian Airlines® Business MasterCard®, Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® and Virgin Atlantic World Elite MasterCard® Credit Card has been independently collected by ValuePenguin and has not been reviewed or provided by the issuer of this card prior to publication. Terms apply to American Express credit card offers. See americanexpress.com for more information.

For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, please click here.

How much does a companion ticket cost?

The certificate allows another passenger to fly with you free of charge, paying only fees and taxes of no more than $75 for round-trip domestic flights. Only the primary traveler accrues miles for the flight. The SkyMiles Companion Fares are only valid for domestic flights and differ slightly in what they offer.

Do you get seat upgrades with Amex Platinum?

Complimentary Upgrades Simply use your Platinum Card to purchase an eligible ticket in specified classes. Book your flights using your Platinum Card by calling Platinum Card Travel Service at 1-800 801 6564 within the U.S or Outside U.S. call collect at 1 954 503 8868.

What are companion tickets?

As its name implies, a companion ticket – also referred to as a companion pass, companion certificate, or companion fare, depending on the airline's language – is an extra ticket offered to card members by some of the most coveted travel credit cards and co-branded airline credit cards.

What is American Express companion?

With the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve or Platinum American Express Card, you'll receive a Companion Certificate each year just for renewing your Card. With this Certificate, you can invite someone special to fly with you on an eligible round-trip domestic flight and it's simple to redeem yourself.