Which airline are companion certificates are easiest to earn?

The airline companion certificates that are easiest to earn are ones that are offered as an automatic card benefit and don’t require a certain number of spend to earn it, such as those offered on the Alaska Airlines cards, Delta Air Lines cards, Hawaiian Air Lines cards, and the Lufthansa card.

Which airline companion certificate is the best?

It really comes down to what your travel goals are. Once you’ve decided those, you can narrow down a card that offers a certificate that will help you meet that goal. With that said, if you primarily do domestic travel, or to the Caribbean and Latin America, then the Southwest Companion Pass might be tough to beat since it can be used an unlimited number of times on these flights until its expiration date.

Is it worth spending $20,000 to $30,000 on a card just for a companion certificate?

It depends! If you have a specific use in mind, and you know that use will far exceed the value you could get from putting that spend elsewhere, then it very well might be worth it to you! Considering that the opportunity cost of putting $30,000 in spend on a 2% cash-back card is $600. Would it be worth it to put that spend on the British Airways Visa card to earn the Travel Together Ticket (plus 30,000 Avios)? Well, that is up to you! Some would certainly prefer the cash, while others would jump at the opportunity of being able to get 2-for-1 business or first class tickets for pennies on the dollar.

Do airline companion certificates have blackout dates?

Some can, so you’ll want to check the specific rules and guidelines for that program regarding using your certificate. They also might have guidelines on what type of fare class you need to book in to be eligible to use your certificate.

Do companion certificates expire?

Yes, your companion certificate will usually expire anywhere from 1 to 2 years from the date it was issued to you.

Are companion certificates transferable?

No, in almost all circumstances you cannot transfer a companion certificate to someone else. Further, you generally must be one of the passengers on the itinerary in order for the certificate to be used.

The Complete Guide to Airline Companion Pass Certificates [2023]

Travel is best when it’s shared with those you love. While points and miles are a great way to subsidize your costs when traveling as a pair, another excellent option is taking advantage of a companion certificate offered with many popular co-branded airline credit cards.

In this guide, we outline what credit cards offer companion certificates, how they work, and how you can get great value by using them on your future trips!

Table of contents

What Are Companion Certificates?
U.S. Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates
International Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates
Final Thoughts

Table of Contents

What Are Companion Certificates?
U.S. Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates
International Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates
Final Thoughts

What Are Companion Certificates?

If you’re unfamiliar, airline companion certificates are effectively buy one, get one free coupons for an airline. They typically allow you to purchase a ticket and then bring a companion along with you on the same flight for a reduced cost (you’ll usually still need to pay the taxes and fees for the second ticket).

Generally, these companion certificates are either offered as a benefit automatically for holding a certain credit card, earned after you spend a certain amount on a credit card, or earned after you fly a set amount with that airline.

While they might seem fairly straightforward, there are rules and restrictions you’ll want to be aware of when it comes to each companion certificate. With that, let’s jump into what credit cards offer these certificates and how they work.

U.S. Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card

How To Earn the Companion Fare

Each year when you renew and pay the $95 annual fee on the Alaska Signature card, you’ll receive Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare. You might also receive one upon signing up for the card and completing the minimum spend requirement, depending on the card’s current welcome bonus.

With it, you’ll be able to book a companion fare flight from just $121 — a $99 fare plus taxes and fees starting from $22.

Companion Fare Rules

Alaska’s companion fare is valid for any round-trip economy ticket for anywhere that Alaska flies (including international destinations) purchased through the Alaska website.

To use your companion fare, sign in to your Alaska Mileage Plan account, then navigate to the Discount and companion fare codes section. Then, simply click on the Shop button next to your discount code.

Here are some other rules to be aware of:

You must redeem your companion certificate by its expiration date, usually 12 months after issue, but your travel can take place up to 12 months from your booking date.
The Mileage Plan member who owns the companion fare code must either be one of the travelers or the purchaser of the reservation.
Companion fares cannot be used in conjunction with an award ticket.
While the companion fare is only valid on economy bookings, you can upgrade your ticket using miles, elite upgrades, guest upgrades, or paid upgrades that may be offered at check-in.

Other Card Benefits

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card

How To Earn the Companion Fare

As the business variant of the Alaska Signature card, the Alaska Airlines Business card earns offers the companion fare in the exact same way as the personal card — when you renew and pay the card annual fee. Fortunately for cardholders, the annual fee of the Alaska Airlines Business card is just $50 — $45 cheaper than the personal version.

Companion Fare Rules

The companion fare for the Alaska Airlines Business card is identical to one offered on the personal card, and the rules of usage are the same as the ones outlined above.

Other Card Benefits

The Alaska Airlines Business card offers the following benefits, which are again the same as what is offered with the personal card:

3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
A free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation
20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases

American Airlines

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

At each card anniversary, you will earn 1 domestic economy fare companion certificate if you spend $20,000 or more on eligible purchases on your card within your cardmember year and then renew your card and pay its annual fee.

The companion certificate is good for 1 guest at $99, plus the taxes and fees of the ticket.

Companion Certificate Rules

Your 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. However, the certificate can only be used on a flight within the 48 contiguous U.S.

Here are the other terms you’ll want to know:

It can take 1 to 2 weeks for your certificate to be added to your AAdvantage account.
Your certificate is valid for 12 months from the date that you receive it.
The certificate is only valid on flights marketed and operated by American Airlines and its subsidiaries, and not codeshare flights or partner flights operated by another airline.
Cardholders can only earn 1 companion certificate per cardmember year.

Other Card Benefits

Beyond the companion certificate, AAdvantage Aviator Red cardholders receive the following benefits:

2x miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases and 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines itineraries for you and up to 4 companions on the same reservation
25% back on American inflight purchases
$25 each year in statement credits towards inflight Wi-Fi on American flights
Preferred boarding for you and up to 4 traveling companions
Travel coverage (travel accident insurance, trip cancellation and interruption coverage, baggage delay insurance, and auto rental collision damage waiver)

AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

Similar to the red variant of the card, you’ll earn the companion certificate with the AAdvantage Aviator Silver card after you spend $20,000 or more on your card within the cardmember year, and then renew your card and pay the annual fee.

However, this companion certificate is quite a bit better than what you receive with the AAdvantage Aviator Red card because it is valid for 2 guests at $99 each, plus the taxes and fees of each ticket.

Companion Certificate Rules

All rules regarding the companion certificate for the AAdvantage Aviator Silver card are the same as they are for the AAdvantage Aviator Red card outlined above.

Other Card Benefits

Fortunately for cardholders, the AAdvantage Aviator Silver card comes with a bevy of other benefits including:

3x miles per $1 on American Airlines purchases, 2x miles per $1 on hotels and car rentals, and 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
$25 back a day as statement credits on inflight food and beverage purchases
$50 back as statement credits on inflight Wi-Fi purchases every anniversary year
First checked bag free on domestic American Airlines flights for you and up to 8 companions on the same reservation
Preferred boarding for you and up to 8 traveling companions
$100 Global Entry application fee credit
Earn up to 15,000 additional Loyalty Points after qualifying spend each year

Delta Air Lines

Delta One passengers talking — Some Delta credit cards offer companion certificates that are valid in Delta One/first class. Image Credit: Delta Air Lines

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

In order to receive the companion certificate with your Delta Platinum card, all you have to do is renew your card and pay its annual fee. Afterward, the certificate will be deposited into your account in your renewal month.

Unlike other certificates, there is no fare charged for your companion, you’ll just need to pay the government-imposed taxes and fees, which are capped at $75. In order to use your companion certificate, you must book through delta.com/redeem.

Companion Certificate Rules

The certificate is valid for 1 round-trip Main Cabin companion ticket within the 48 contiguous U.S. There are a handful of rules you’ll want to be aware of though, as some will limit the usefulness of the certificate:

Companion seats are only available in L, U, T, X, and V classes of service and may not be available on all flights or markets.
Your certificate is valid for 1 year from its date of issue.
You and your companion are eligible for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, subject to availability based on the status of the higher-tiered member.
The primary ticket and companion ticket must be purchased with your card.
The certificate is eligible on Delta, Delta Connection carrier, and Delta Shuttle flights only.
Stopovers, open jaws, and circle trips are not permitted.

Other Card Benefits

In addition to the above benefits, your Delta Platinum card features the following perks, as well:

20% back on inflight Delta purchases
Travel coverage (trip delay insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance)

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

As with the personal version of the card, you’ll receive a companion certificate with your Delta Platinum Business card each year that you renew the card and pay your annual fee.

Companion Certificate Rules

The certificate offered with the Delta Platinum Business card is identical to that offered on the personal version and has all of the same rules and guidelines that we’ve outlined above.

Other Card Benefits

Cardholders of the Delta Platinum Business card additionally receive these perks:

Discounted $39 rate per person for Delta Sky Club visits for you and up to 2 guests when traveling on a Delta flight
20% back on inflight Delta purchases
Travel coverage (trip delay insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance)
Up to $100 Global Entry or up to $85 TSA PreCheck credit

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

Similar to the other Delta cards, you’ll receive a companion certificate with the Delta Reserve card each year when you renew the card. However, since the annual fee for the card is significantly higher, you’ll notice that you have the ability to extract more value out of the certificate.

Instead of being limited to a Main Cabin economy redemption, you can redeem the companion certificate for 1 round-trip domestic first class or Delta Comfort+ ticket. Of course, you still have the option to redeem it for a standard economy ticket should you so choose.

Companion Certificate Rules

Naturally, you’ll still need to pay the government-imposed taxes and fees for your ticket, but they are still capped at just $75 — even if you’re booking a first class ticket. With that, you’ll also need to adhere to the following rules:

The certificate is limited to a round-trip fare with the 48 contiguous U.S.
Tickets are only available in I and Z classes of service for first class travel, and only available in L, U, T, X, and V classes of service for Main Cabin travel. For Delta Comfort+ travel, tickets are available in W and S classes of service, but only when L, U, T, X, or V classes of service are available in the Main Cabin. Given this, your certificate may not be useable on all flights.
You and your companion are eligible for Medallion Complimentary Upgrades, subject to availability based on the status of the higher-tiered member.
Your certificate is valid for 1 year from its date of issue.
Both passengers must be booked on the same flights and dates, at the same time.
The primary ticket and companion ticket must be purchased with your card.
The certificate is eligible on Delta, Delta Connection carrier, and Delta Shuttle flights only.
Stopovers, open jaws, and circle trips are not permitted.

Other Card Benefits

In addition to the companion certificate and the above-mentioned benefits, the card offers these benefits:

Upgrade priority (cardholders receive upgrade priority over members with the same Medallion level who aren’t cardholders)
Complimentary upgrades (even if you don’t have Delta Medallion status)
20% back on inflight purchases
Travel coverage (trip delay/cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance)

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

The companion certificate from the Delta Reserve business card is earned each year when you renew your card and pay the annual fee, just the same as the others.

Companion Certificate Rules

All certificate rules of the Delta Reserve Business card are the same as those previously outlines on the personal version of the card.

Other Card Benefits

If you’re a Delta Reserve Business cardholder, you’ll receive these additional benefits:

2 Delta Sky Club one-time guest passes
Main Cabin 1 priority boarding
Complimentary upgrades (even if you don’t have Delta Medallion status)
First checked bag free for you and up to 8 traveling companions
Travel coverage (trip delay/cancellation insurance, rental car insurance, and baggage delay insurance)
Up to $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite card offers 2 separate companion benefits, the first of which is a one-time 50% companion discount for a round-trip economy ticket between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines. This benefit is valid for the first 13 months from your account open date and can only be used once.

Additionally, you’ll receive a $100 companion discount towards a round-trip economy ticket between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines each year when you renew your card.

Companion Certificate Rules

When it comes to the $100 annual companion discount, here are the rules to be aware of:

The discount is valid on round-trip coach travel between Hawaii and North America booked directly with Hawaiian Airlines through the primary cardmember’s account.
The discount does not include taxes, fees, or surcharges, with the purchase of 1 published full coach round-trip fare.
Tickets must be purchased with your Hawaiian Airlines World Elite card, and the primary cardmember must be one of the passengers.
Offer not valid first class tickets, open tickets, codeshare flights with partner airlines, or multi-city flights.
Your $100 annual companion discount is valid for 12 months from its issue date, if it is not used by its expiration date no residual amount will roll over into the following year.

Other Card Benefits

Companion discount aside, cardmembers can also enjoy these card perks:

3x miles per $1 on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2x miles per $1 on gas, dining, and grocery store purchases, and 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
First checked bag free on flights between North America and Hawaii, or flights between the Hawaiian Islands
Discounted Hawaiian Airlines award flights
Pool points with friends and family for free

Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

As with the personal card, the Hawaiian Airlines Business card offers a one-time 50% off companion discount, and a $100 companion discount each year when you renew the card.

Companion Certificate Rules

The rules of the $100 companion discount offered on the Hawaiian Airlines Business card are the same as the personal version detailed previously.

Other Card Benefits

With the Hawaiian Airlines Business card, you’ll receive these perks:

3x miles per $1 on Hawaiian Airlines purchases, 2x miles per $1 on gas, dining, and office supply store purchases, and 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
Annual mileage bonus (20,000 bonus miles with $50,000 spent in each cardmember year, and 40,000 bonus miles with $100,000 spent)
Complimentary employee cards
Pool points for free

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Upgraded Boarding — Image Credit: Southwest

How To Earn the Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is easily the most valuable companion perk we will discuss in this post. However, it is a bit different than the entries thus far, or those that will follow it. This is because the Southwest Companion Pass is not offered an automatic benefit of a Southwest credit card, and while you technically can spend your way to it, that would require significantly more spending than the $20,000 to $30,000 thresholds offered on other cards.

Fortunately, there is a better way.

You see, in order to earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you must earn 135,000 qualifying points in 1 calendar year. But the kicker is that the welcome bonuses from each of the co-branded Southwest credit cards count towards your 135,000 point total.

Given that the welcome bonus on these cards regularly ranges between 40,000 to 100,000 points, you can quickly get close to the goal of 135,000. Here are the cards that we are referring to:

As you can see, you have 5 credit card options here. There is just 1 problem — Chase will not allow you to hold multiple personal Southwest cards or multiple business Southwest credit cards. However, you can easily hold 1 personal card and 1 business card.

By receiving the welcome bonus on both a personal Southwest credit card and a business Southwest credit card, most travelers are easily able to earn the 135,000 points needed after meeting the minimum spend requirement and can immediately start putting their new Companion Pass to good use!

Even better, when you have a Southwest credit card, you’ll get a 10,000 point boost to your Companion Pass qualification! Note that these points only count toward Companion Pass and aren’t redeemable Rapid Rewards points.

Southwest Companion Pass Certificate Rules

Why exactly is the Southwest Companion Pass so powerful? Well, unlike other companion certificate perks, instead of being good for one-time use, it is valid for every Southwest flight you take until its expiration date.

You might be wondering, “When does the Companion Pass expire, then?” Your Southwest Companion Pass is valid for the rest of the year in which you qualify for it, and all of the following year.

This means that if you were to qualify for the Companion Pass via Southwest card welcome bonuses at the beginning of the year, you’d then receive your Companion Pass benefits for nearly 2 full years!

Beyond that, it’s not only valid for cash tickets, but also award tickets. That’s right, if you purchase your own ticket with points, you can bring your companion along with no added charge other than the taxes and fees.

Here are the other rules to be aware of with the Southwest Companion Pass:

Your Companion Pass is valid for anywhere that Southwest flies, including international destinations.
You can only have 1 designated companion, and you can only change your designated companion 3 times in a single year.
The main pass holder must be flying on the flight in order for the companion to travel.
There is no limit to the number of flights you can take with your companion, and there are no limits regarding multi-city routing, stopovers, or layovers.
You do not need to pay for your flight, or any taxes and fees, with a Southwest credit card in order to use your Companion Pass.
Your companion will not earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points for their ticket.

International Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates

While you might be less inclined to pay attention to international airline credit cards and the companion certificates they can offer, you should really think otherwise! Many cards offer some compelling companion benefits that can be especially useful on long-haul routes where the cash prices tend to be quite expensive.

Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

Each year that you spend $30,000 on your Aer Lingus card in a calendar year, you’ll receive 1 economy Companion Ticket.

Fortunately, unlike other companion certificates, there is no added fare to the ticket, nor are there any taxes and fees applied to the ticket.

Companion Certificate Rules

Here are the pertinent rules you’ll want to be aware of:

The Companion Ticket will be in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed by a cardmember for an economy companion ticket with a paid economy flight.
You’re eligible for only 1 voucher each calendar year.
After meeting the $30,000 spend threshold, you’ll receive a voucher email 4 to 6 weeks later and must email Aer Lingus directly at [email protected] to book using the companion voucher.
The Companion Ticket is valid for 12 months of the date of issue.
You must book the companion voucher on or before 30 days before flying.
The primary cardmember must fly with the companion.
The voucher may only be used for flights that are operated by Aer Lingus.
All travel must originate in and return to the U.S. and is only valid on flights between the U.S. and Ireland.

Other Card Benefits

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)	Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening. Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases. Every calendar year you make purchases of $30,000 on your Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card, you’ll receive a Commercial Companion Ticket good for 12 months You and any authorized users on your account are eligible for Priority Boarding on Aer Lingus flights departing from and returning to the US from Ireland, subject to availability. Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad. Simply tap to pay with your contactless Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure! Good to Excellent (670-850) Annual Fee: $95 $1,300

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

Learn More

(at Chase's secure site)

Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening.
Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Aer Lingus, British Airways, Iberia, and LEVEL
Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Every calendar year you make purchases of $30,000 on your Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card, you’ll receive a Commercial Companion Ticket good for 12 months
You and any authorized users on your account are eligible for Priority Boarding on Aer Lingus flights departing from and returning to the US from Ireland, subject to availability.
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
Simply tap to pay with your contactless Aer Lingus Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Annual Fee: $95

$1,300

In addition to the Companion Ticket and the benefits above, the card also offers travel coverage (baggage delay insurance and lost luggage insurance).

British Airways

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

The British Airways Travel Together Ticket is a fan favorite and requires you to spend $30,000 on the card in a calendar year in order to earn it.

Once you’ve done so, the Travel Together Ticket allows you to bring your companion on your flight when you make an Avios award booking — you just need to pay the carrier taxes and fees.

Companion Certificate Rules

When it comes to the BA Travel Together Ticket, here are the rules you need to know:

The ticket will be in the form of a voucher that can be redeemed by a cardmember for a ticket in the same cabin that the primary cardholder has purchased with their Avios — including first class.
You’re eligible for only 1 Companion Ticket each calendar year.
After meeting the $30,000 spend threshold, an e-voucher of the Companion Ticket will automatically be to your British Airways Executive Club account 4 to 6 weeks later.
The Companion Ticket is valid for 2 years of the date of issue.
While the primary ticket must be booked using your Avios, you will still be responsible for the taxes and fees on both tickets.
The primary cardmember must fly with the companion.
All travel must originate in and return to the U.S.
The Companion Ticket can only be used on flights that are operated by British Airways.

Other Card Benefits

Aside from the Travel Together Ticket and the above-mentioned benefits, the British Airways Visa card offers some solid card perks:

Get a $100 credit for economy and premium economy tickets and a $200 credit for business and first class tickets up to 3 times per year (maximum of $600) when you book an award flight to London with British Airways and pay the taxes and fees with your card
Travel coverage (baggage delay insurance and lost luggage insurance)

Iberia

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

While it doesn’t offer a proper companion certificate, the Iberia Visa Signature card does offer a discount voucher of $1,000 to use toward 2 tickets on the same flight when you spend $30,000 on your card in a calendar year.

Of course, depending on how you might use another companion certificate, you might just find that you’d get more value out of the $1,000 voucher.

Companion Certificate Rules

Since you receive what is effectively a cash voucher, and not a certificate, fortunately, there are fewer rules that you have to abide by when it comes to its use.

The discount voucher will be in the form of a code that can be applied by the cardmember for a discount of $1,000 when purchasing 2 tickets, for the same flights in the same class of travel, which can be redeemed online at iberia.com/Chase10.
The voucher is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
The voucher may only be used for flights that are operated by Iberia.
Each voucher can only be used once, and no residual value will roll over if you don’t use all $1,000 when booking your flights.
The primary cardmember must fly with the companion.
The voucher can only be used on flights that are operated by Iberia.

Other Card Benefits

CREDIT CARD	CARD INFO
Iberia Visa Signature® Card Learn More (at Chase's secure site)	Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening. Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL. Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases. Save 10% on Iberia flights purchased on iberia.com/Chase10 Earn a discount voucher of $1,000 to use toward two tickets on the same flight for each year you make purchases of $30,000 on your card Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad. Simply tap to pay with your contactless Iberia Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure! Good to Excellent (670-850) Annual Fee: $95 $1,300

CREDIT CARD

CARD INFO

Iberia Visa Signature® Card

Learn More

(at Chase's secure site)

Earn up to 100,000 Avios. Earn 75,000 Avios after you spend $5,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening and earn an additional 25,000 Avios after you spend $20,000 in the first 12 months of account opening.
Earn 3 Avios per $1 spent on purchases with Iberia, British Airways, Aer Lingus, and LEVEL.
Earn 2 Avios per $1 spent on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel. Plus earn 1 Avios per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Save 10% on Iberia flights purchased on iberia.com/Chase10
Earn a discount voucher of $1,000 to use toward two tickets on the same flight for each year you make purchases of $30,000 on your card
Pay no foreign transaction fees when you travel abroad.
Simply tap to pay with your contactless Iberia Visa Signature Card. Just look for the contactless symbol at checkout. It’s fast, easy and secure!
Good to Excellent (670-850)
Annual Fee: $95

$1,300

The Iberia Visa Signature card also includes travel coverage (baggage delay insurance and lost luggage insurance).

Lufthansa

Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

With the Lufthansa Miles & More card, you’ll receive a companion certificate good for 1 round-trip economy ticket each year that you renew your card and pay the annual fee.

Companion Certificate Rules

Reservations must be made by calling the Miles & More companion ticket service at 866-461-5399.
All taxes and fees must be paid for both the revenue ticket and the companion ticket.
The paid economy class ticket must be for travel departing from the U.S. to Europe/Middle East/Africa and the Far East.
Your ticket must be booked in either H, M, Y, or B class of service.
The certificate is only valid on Lufthansa-operated flights.
The primary cardmember must fly with the companion.
Your certificate is valid for 12 months from its issue date.

Other Card Benefits

The other perks of the Lufthansa Miles & More card include:

2x miles per $1 on Miles & More partners (Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, Brussels Airlines, SWISS, and more) and 1x mile per $1 on all other purchases
Receive 2 complimentary Lufthansa business lounge vouchers after each account anniversary
Convert Miles & More award miles into status miles at a ratio of 5:1 to help you achieve status faster
15% off Hotels & Cars by Points booking made at milesandmore.points.com

Virgin Atlantic

The Booth A350 — Silver Tier and Gold Tier Flying Club members can book their Companion Fare in Upper Class and access The Booth on Virgin Atlantic’s newest A350s. Image Credit: Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard®

How To Earn the Companion Certificate

In order to earn the companion certificate with the Virgin Atlantic World Elite card, you’ll need to spend $25,000 on the card in your cardmember year.

Companion Certificate Rules

The companion certificate on the Virgin Atlantic World Elite card is unique in that the level of value you can get from it is tied to your Flying Club elite status within the program at the time of booking.

Red Tier members may book a primary ticket in Economy Classic or Premium and receive 1 matching Economy Classic or Premium Companion Fare ticket. Red Tier members can also book a Companion Fare into Upper Class at a 50% points discount. However, those who are Silver Tier or Gold Tier can book a matching Companion Fare into any cabin class.

The other terms you’ll want to know prior to booking are:

You’ll still be responsible for any applicable taxes, fees, charges, and carrier-imposed surcharges for the Companion Fare.
Both travelers must be on the same flights and travel itinerary.
Flights and routes are subject to availability.
Your ticket must be purchased directly through Virgin Atlantic.
Your companion certificate must be used within 2 years of its issue date.

Other Card Benefits

Cardholders of the Virgin Atlantic World Elite card also enjoy these benefits:

3x points per $1 on Virgin Atlantic purchases, and 1.5x points per $1 on all other purchases
25 tier points towards Virgin Atlantic status per $2,500 in purchases (maximum 50 per month)
7,5000 bonus points each year that you spend $15,000 on your card, and a further 7,500 bonus points after you spend $25,000

Final Thoughts

Overall, deciding which companion certificate might be best for you will largely come down to your travel goals, the level of spending you can put on a given card, and what other card benefits you’re looking for.

As you can see, while they can vary quite a bit from card to card, companion certificates can be very valuable. Not only do they enhance the overall value of your airline credit card, but they also make for a very compelling option for traveling couples.

The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card, AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®, AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®, Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®, Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®, and Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Regarding the Trip Delay Insurance and Trip Cancellation and Interruption Insurance of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Regarding the Baggage Insurance Plan of the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card, Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card and Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

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

4 comments

Rosemary Zeehandelaar November 29, 2022
None of these rewards are of any use to me. I have a David Jones American Express Card, do any rewards come with that? If so, what?
- Christine Krzyszton November 29, 2022
  Hi Rosemary. Yes, your card earns rewards on every dollar you spend. The best way to review the benefits of your specific card is to log in to your online card account and click on the “Benefits” tab. You will be able to view how the card earns rewards and any associated benefits.
Karen Winterbottom December 10, 2022
I am interested in how many miles it is for a one-way or round-trip business class ticket in points to Paris (from Chicago in May 2023). Also, which airline has the best service for the points? Thanks.
- Jarrod West December 12, 2022
  Hi Karen,
  Our guide on the best ways to fly to Paris with points and miles will help you out here.

What Are Companion Certificates?

U.S. Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card

American Airlines

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®

AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®

Delta Air Lines

Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®

Southwest Airlines

International Airlines With Credit Cards That Offer Companion Certificates

Aer Lingus

British Airways

Iberia

Lufthansa

Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®

Virgin Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic World Elite Mastercard®

Final Thoughts

Frequently asked questions

Which airline are companion certificates are easiest to earn?

Which airline companion certificate is the best?

Is it worth spending $20,000 to $30,000 on a card just for a companion certificate?

Do airline companion certificates have blackout dates?

Do companion certificates expire?

Are companion certificates transferable?

About Jarrod West

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