Best Credit Cards for Companion Passes 2026: The Ultimate 2-for-1 Hack
Companion passes and certificates let you bring someone along for free or a reduced fare. These are among the most valuable travel benefits available — a single companion certificate can save $500–$1,500 on a single trip.
Best Companion Pass Offers
1. Southwest Companion Pass — Best Overall Value
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| How to earn | 125,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year or fly 100 qualifying one-way flights |
| What it gives | Unlimited companion flights for the rest of that year + full following year |
| Best card path | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority ($149) + Southwest Performance Business ($199) |
| Companion fee | $5.60 + taxes per flight |
| Value per year | $1,000–$5,000+ depending on flight frequency |
Estimated companion pass value for 4 round trips/year: $2,000+
2. Alaska Airlines Companion Fare
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| How to earn | Annual benefit on Alaska Airlines Visa Signature ($95) |
| What it gives | One companion fare each year (from $122 including taxes) |
| Restrictions | Main cabin fare, valid on Alaska flights only |
| Value | $100–$300 per use |
3. Delta SkyMiles Companion Certificate
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Available on | Delta Reserve ($550) or Delta Platinum ($350) |
| What it gives | Companion certificate annually (Main Cabin on Reserve, First/Delta One on Platinum) |
| Value | $200–$800 per use |
4. United Club Companion Certificate
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Available on | United Club Infinite ($525) |
| What it gives | Two one-time companion passes per year |
| Value | $200–$500 per use |
Companion Pass Value Comparison
| Program | Annual Fee | Companion Cost | Max Value | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southwest Companion Pass | $0 (earned) | $5.60 + taxes | $5,000+ | Frequent flyers |
| Alaska Companion Fare | $95 | $122 | $300 | Alaska loyalists |
| Delta Reserve | $550 | $0 fare (pay taxes) | $800 | Delta loyalists |
| United Club Infinite | $525 | $0 fare (pay taxes) | $500 | United travelers |
How to Earn Southwest Companion Pass with Credit Cards
The fastest path to the Southwest Companion Pass:
| Step | Card | Bonus |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Priority | 50,000 points |
| 2 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier | 60,000 points |
| 3 | Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business | 80,000 points |
| Total | 3 cards | 190,000 points |
Meeting the 125,000-point threshold across these bonuses unlocks the Companion Pass.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best companion pass?
The Southwest Companion Pass is the best value because it's valid for unlimited flights for up to 2 years and costs only $5.60 + taxes per flight.
Can I get a companion pass without flying?
Yes. The Southwest Companion Pass can be earned entirely through credit card welcome bonuses and spending.
Do companion passes work for international flights?
Most companion passes are limited to domestic flights. Southwest's passes work on international routes to Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean.
How much does a companion certificate cost?
Companion certificates typically cost $0 for the fare plus applicable taxes and fees. Southwest's pass costs $5.60 + taxes per flight.