Travel Tips

Travel Tip: How You Can Get Companion Airline Tickets

planeDoes getting a free ticket for your travel companion sound too good to be true? It’s possible, if you pay attention to the fine print.

Here’s how you can get companion airline tickets.

Southwest Airlines has a Companion Pass option with its Rapid Rewards program. To qualify, you have to fly 100 flight segments or earn 110,000 qualifying points within one calendar year. Then, a companion only pays the taxes and fees.

Earning those qualifying points isn’t easy, but signing up for a co-branded credit card with Chase or transferring from a partner like Marriott can help get you there.

American Express Platinum card holders can qualify for a free companion ticket on international first or business-class tickets.

The caveat? You have to book a more expensive, refundable ticket directly through AmEx’s Travel Service.

If you hold a Platinum Delta SkyMiles or a Delta Reserve credit card, you’ll get a certificate for a companion ticket each year you renew your card.

These only apply to domestic flights in the continental U.S. But if planned right, it can more than cover the annual credit card fee.

For more information about mileage reward programs and hidden credit card travel perks, check out:

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