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Last year, I booked 8 round-trip flights and only paid for one. The rest? Covered by a little-known benefit that lets a companion fly free (plus taxes) again and again. It can get super expensive to fly your whole family, so learning about companion benefits changes the entire game.
This guide covers airline companion pass programs: a smart travel strategy that can save your family thousands. Let’s explore how different airline companion pass programs make it possible to bring a companion—sometimes for just $5.60—and how you can qualify.
If you’re just getting started with points, my Beginner’s Guide to Travel Rewards is a great place to start.
Southwest Airlines
Best for: Families, domestic travel, frequent flyers in the U.S.
How it works: Southwest’s Companion Pass lets you choose one person to fly with you free of airline charges (just pay taxes/fees starting from $5.60 one-way). There is no cap on the flights you can book for your companion whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight.
- Earn by: 100 qualifying one-way flights or 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year
- Valid for: Remainder of the year you earn it + entire following calendar year
- Change your companion up to 3 times per calendar year
We also have a blog article about the Southwest Companion Pass if you need more information.
Alaska Airlines
Best for: West Coast travelers, flying to Alaska or Hawaii
How it works: The Alaska Companion Fare lets you book a round-trip ticket for a companion starting at $122 ($99 base fare + taxes/fees). You’ll get one annually when you spend $6,000+ on an eligible card.
- Only valid on Alaska-operated flights
- Book through Alaska Airlines with the eligible credit card
- Must be booked within 12 months; travel can happen later
- Not valid for award bookings
Delta Air Lines
Best for: Couples or duos who fly Delta once a year
How it works: Delta’s Companion Certificate is an annual benefit tied to select cards.
- Redeemable for Main Cabin (Platinum level) or Main Cabin/Comfort+/First Class (Premium level)
- Valid on flights within the continental U.S., Mexico, Caribbean, and Central America
- Must book and complete travel within 1 year of issue
- Taxes and fees range from $22–$250 depending on route
Check out my post on 3 ways to skip airport security for tips on making those airport days smoother.
British Airways
Best for: Long-haul travelers using points for business or first class
How it works: Spend $30,000 in a calendar year on a qualifying card and earn a Travel Together Ticket.
- Valid for 2 years
- Book a reward flight using Avios and bring a companion in the same cabin for just taxes/fees
- Can also use for solo travel and pay 50% fewer Avios
- Valid on flights operated by British Airways, Iberia, or Aer Lingus
- Trip can start from anywhere in the world
You’ll want to avoid peak surcharges—British Airways adds hefty fees that can run $500+.
Hawaiian Airlines
Best for: Occasional trips to/from Hawaii
How it works: The Hawaiian Airlines card includes two airline companion pass programs.
- One-time 50% off base fare (valid 13 months from card opening)
- Annual $100 off base fare (valid 12 months from anniversary)
- Only applies to round-trip coach between North America and Hawaii
- Not valid for awards, multi-city, neighbor island, or first-class flights
- Must book through HawaiianAirlines.com with your HawaiianMiles account
Aer Lingus & Iberia (UK Only)
Best for: U.K. travelers using points
How it works: If you hold a qualifying U.K. travel card, you can earn a Companion Voucher valid on British Airways, Aer Lingus, or Iberia.
- Economy-only for base-tier cardholders; all cabins for premium-tier
- Use to bring a companion for no additional Avios or fly solo at 50% off the Avios price
- Valid on reward flights only, with taxes/fees due
- Must book through ba.com
These terms apply when redeeming on Aer Lingus and Iberia flights too. Destinations like Manchester to New York or Madrid to Lima become new possibilities.
Note: These vouchers are not available to U.S. cardholders.
Companion Program Comparison
| Airline | How to Earn | Companion Cost | Validity | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest | 135k points or 100 flights/year | Taxes from $5.60 each way (unlimited) | Year earned + next calendar year | Change companion 3x/year |
| Alaska Airlines | Annual card benefit w/ $6K spend | From $122 ($99 + taxes/fees) | 1 year to book | Alaska-operated flights only |
| Delta Air Lines | Annual card benefit | $22–$250 in taxes/fees | 1 year (book & travel within) | Valid in North America & Caribbean |
| British Airways | $30K annual spend | Taxes & fees or 50% Avios solo fare | 2 years from issue | Valid on BA, Iberia, Aer Lingus |
| Hawaiian Airlines | One-time + annual card benefits | 50% or $100 off base fare (coach only) | 12–13 months | Only North America to Hawaii |
| Iberia/Aer Lingus (UK) | U.K. travel card spend threshold met | No Avios or 50% Avios solo fare | 1 year | Available to U.K. residents only |
Want to Learn More?
If you’re just starting your travel rewards journey, check out my free beginner guide or my deep dive on how to earn the Southwest Companion Pass.
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