Best Airline Credit Cards with Companion Tickets

Traveling solo often results in monotony and to levitate the fun of travel you need to have a co-pilot. Fret not, if you cannot afford the double airfare, the top airline credit cards let you cover the cost of your family member, buddy, or partner.  Airline credit cards are bombarded with flashy perks in order to attract new customers and maintain existing ones. The perks are generally in the form of sign-up bonus, free checked bags and priority boarding. But the greatest of all benefits that are inculcated in this blog is about the best airline credit cards with companion tickets.

There are several key reasons why companion tickets are a less-known benefit. Firstly, only few airlines offer them which means that few consumers can be able to benefit from them. Secondly, the terms and conditions of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets are stringent and only a few can opt for them.

For frequent travelers here’s the ultimate guide to the best airline credit cards with companion tickets.

 Quick Overview – Best Airline credit Cards with Companion Tickets

• Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card – Great value pick with great fee waivers
• British Airways Visa Signature® Card – Best travel card for big spenders
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card – Offers companion certificate for Delta devotes
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card – Best as it offers a companion certificate for luxury travels
• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard – Goof for avid American Airline flyers
• Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card – Great pick for a companion certificate for all those traveling to Ireland
• Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard – Best to get companion tickets for Lufthansa loyalists
• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® – Best to get an annual companion fare for Alaska Airlines

Charting the Best Airline Credit Cards with Companion Tickets

Best Airline Credit Cards with Companion Ticket	Companion Discount	Annual Fee	Additional Benefits
Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card	$122 ($99 plus taxes and fees) companion fare on round-trip Alaska Airlines flights	$95	Free checked bag, priority boarding, Alaska Lounge Day Pass for every $100 spent on Alaska Airlines
British Airways Visa Signature® Card	Companion fare for 50% off base airfare on round-trip British Airways flights	$95	Free checked bag, priority boarding, access to British Airways Galleries lounges
Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card	Companion certificate valid on round-trip Delta flights within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii)	$250	Free checked bag, priority boarding, access to Delta Sky Clubs and partner lounges, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit
Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card	Companion certificate valid on round-trip Delta flights within the United States (including Alaska and Hawaii) or between the United States and select international destinations	$550	Free checked bags, priority boarding, access to Delta Sky Clubs and partner lounges, Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® fee credit, up to $300 in statement credits for eligible travel purchases each year
AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard®	Companion fare for $99 plus taxes and fees on round-trip American Airlines flights	$99	First checked bag free, priority boarding, Admirals Club day pass for every $100 spent on American Airlines
Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card	Companion fare for 50% off taxes and fees on round-trip Aer Lingus flights	$95	Free checked bag, priority boarding, access to Aer Lingus lounges
Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard®	Companion fare for 50% off base airfare and taxes and fees on round-trip Lufthansa flights	$89	Free checked bag, priority boarding, access to Lufthansa lounges
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®	Companion fare for 50% off base airfare on round-trip Hawaiian Airlines flights between North America and Hawaii	$99	Free checked bag, priority boarding, access to Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club lounges

Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card

 Annual Fees:  $95

 Regular APR:  20.24 %- 28.24%

 Required Credit Card Score:  Good to excellent ( 690-850)

 If Alaska Airlines is your go-to choice then you can save a big amount of money through this card. Being one the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, this card is a must-have. The companion fare benefit and great fee -waivers can save a huge chunk of money

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska Famous Companion Fare which includes $99 plus tax and fees from $23 with this great offer. To qualify for this offer you need to spend $ 3000 in the first 90 days of account opening
•  Get Alaska Famous Companion Fare^TM on each account anniversary after you spend a total of $6000 or more in a year. This offer is valid on all Alaska Airlines flights that are booked through alaskaair.com.
•  Earn a total of 3 miles on each dollar you spend on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
•  Earn 2 miles for each dollar you spend on EV charging station, cable streaming services and all local transit purchases
•  Earn 1 mile  on each dollar spend on all other purchases
•  Enjoy 10% reward bonus on all the miles earned purchases, in case you have a Bank of America account.
•  Being the best airline credit card with companion tickets it offers free checked bags  and priority boarding for up to 6 guests on the same reservation
•  When the flight is booked through this card, there is an option available for co-applicants and authorized users when they book a flight too
•  Leverage the power of one of the best airline credit card with companion tickets to reach 100 destinations as Alaska has partnered with more airlines to earn and redeem miles.
•  No foreign transaction fee and the annual fee is as low as $95 for this best airline credit card

How to get the companion bonus?

If you spent a total amount of $6000 on eligible purchases in Alaska in the previous cardmember anniversary year, you can benefit from the Famous Companion fare. It is important to note that the offer is valid on all Alaska Airlines flight booked on alaskaair.com.

British Airways Visa Signature® Card

Annual Fees: $95

 Regular APR: 21.49 %- 28.49%

 Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

Being one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets the card offers huge sign-up bonus rewards on British Airways, Aer Lingus, Iberia, and level and Hotel purchases. With this card, you get a seat for your companion on the British Airways flight irrespective of the cabin you are in.

 Card Details

• Earn 7,500 Avios once you spend a total of $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months of account opening
•  Earn 3 Avios  on each dollar you spend on purchases with British Airways , Iberia , Aer Lingus and LEVEL
• Get 2 Avios on each dollar you spend on hotel accommodations when purchased directly with the hotel 
•  Earn 1 Avios  on each dollar spent on all other purchases
• Get a total of 10% off British Airways flights starting from the US when you book your tickets through the site given in the welcome material
• Being in the list of best airline credit cards with companion tickets, if you spend $30,000 in purchases on the card, you get Travel Together Ticket good for 2 years
•  Charges no foreign transaction fees and comes with a low annual fee of $95
•  Offers the ease to pay with the contactless British Airways Visa Signature Car that is super secure and efficient

How to get the companion bonus?

 This card is typically for all the big spenders who want to spend a total of $30,000 on purchases in a year. After spending this amount, you will be able to secure Travel Together Ticket that can otherwise cost thousands of dollars. This does not mean that you are free from taxes you still have to pay taxes and ticket redemption can be done within two years. This deal is ideal for those who spend a considerable amount of money on luxurious travels each year.

Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card

Annual Fees: $250

Regular APR: 20.99 %- 29.99%

Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

Are you the one who prefer Delta Airlines to fly to your favorite destinations? If yes then the Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card should pay for your ticket once a year. Although the card is on the pricier side it comes with checked bag benefits along with priority boarding for additional value.

 Card details

• Get 50,000 bonus miles after you spend $3000 in purchases in the first 6 months
• Upon renewal of the card you will receive the domestic main cabin round trip companion certificate each year
•  Great for the payment of government-imposed taxes and charges no more than $80 for round-trip domestic flights. Although baggage charges and other restrictions are applicable
• With this card you can enjoy the first checked bag free on Delta flights
• With this card you can enjoy main cabin 1 priority boarding and settle in the planer soon with ease
• Card members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights booked through delta.com and Fly Delta application. It is important to note that the discount is not applicable on partner-operated flights or taxes.
•  Get 3x miles on Delta  purchases and purchases that are made directly with the hotel
•  Get 2 x miles at restaurants worldwide including delivery and takeaway in U.S supermarkets
•  Enjoy 1x miles on all the other eligible purchases
• Being one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, it gives you access to Delta Sky Club at a rate of $50 per person per visit for you and 2 of your guests when travelling on Delta flights
• Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre-check after you apply through any official Enrollment provider.
•  Earn 10,000 Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs) after spending $25,000 in purchases on your Delta Premium Card

How to get the companion certificate?

With this card, you will be able to get a companion certificate for a domestic main cabin round trip every year with lesser taxes and fees of no more than $80. Being in the list of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, the certificate can be used within the 48 contiguous states. If you are currently residing in Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands then the certificate can be used to book  certain flights .

Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card

Annual Fees: $550

 Regular APR: 20.99 %- 29.99%

 Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

Another card in the list of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets comes with steep annual fees. The Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is designed for all the big spenders who want to travel in comfort and also want to take their partner along. But all those who are looking for lower annual fee and more flexibility can have a look at other options.

Card Details

•  Earn a total of 60,000 bonus miles after you spend $5,00 in purchases in the first 6 months
• Enjoy Delta Sky Club access with no charges and you can also bring up to 2 guests at the rate of $50 per person
•  Get complimentary access to The Centurion Lounge when you book Delta Flight through the Reserve Card
•  With the Status Boost, you can easily earn 15,000 Medallion Qualification Miles after spending $30,000 in purchases on the card.
• The eligible card members get 15% off when they book their tickets through the Award Travel on Delta flights through the Fly Delta application and delta.com.
•  AS this card is in the list of best airline credit cards with companion tickets you can make easy payment of government-imposed taxes and charges a fee of $80 for roundtrip domestic flights. But the baggage charges and other restrictions are applicable.
• Gives you free credit for the Global Entry or TSA Precheck when you apply through an official enrollment provider.
• For early boarding enjoy first-checked bags on Delta flights
• Get 3X miles on all the Delta purchases
• Earn 1x miles on all the other eligible purchases
• Charges no foreign transaction fees but comes with a high annual fee of $550

 How to get a companion certificate?

 The companion certificate that comes along the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card is not limited to the Coach tickets. This card is the viable choice for round-trip domestic flights with your companion in first class, Delta Comfort +. The certificate can be used within the 48 states and card holders in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U,S Virgin Islands, and Alaska can benefit if they meet certain criteria.

AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard

Annual Fees: $99

 Regular APR: 21.24 %, 25. 24%, 29.99% (Variable APR)

 Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

 For most of the cards in the best airline credit card category, you have to make purchases at a four-figure sum in a short duration to earn a sign-up bonus. With one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, you can easily earn snag sign-up bonus.  All you have to do is to make a single purchase and you will be eligible for the bonus. In brief , the perks are not good as the other cards but it’s a suitable option for discount on domestic trip.

Card Details

• Offer the annual companion certificate after you spend a total amount of $20,000 annually
• Being the best airline credit cards with companion tickets you get your bag checked at the earliest with preferred boarding for you and your 4 companions
•  Get up to 25% in each anniversary year in statement credit  for inflight Wifi- purchases
• With one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets you can easily earn 2 miles on each dollar spent on the eligible American Airline purchases
• Earn 1 mile per dollar on all the other purchases
• With AAdvantage® Aviator® Red World Elite Mastercard, you get 25% off on in-flight  food and beverages
•  Get additional points towards the AAdvantage loyalty status with the eligible credit card purchases.

How to get a companion certificate?

Being one of the viable options among the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, you can get one -round trip qualifying domestic economy fare ticket for the guest. For this, you only have to pay between the price range of $21.60 and $43.20 as per the card’s terms and conditions.

This card offers occasional introductory perks and other yearly perks. The introductory offer when available is easy to get as it only has the condition to make your first purchase in the first 90 days. With the annual fee of $99 you can earn anniversary certificate if you make $20,000 in eligible purchases on the card.

Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card

Annual Fees: $95

 Regular APR: 21.49%- 28.49% (Variable APR)

 Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

 Not for all but valuable for right flyers with high spending, this card offers a compelling bonus to grab the attention of travelers. As with one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets you gain Avios rewards points that can be redeemed at several airline flights. The Avios reward point flexibility and the annual companion pass is the key reason this card got so popular among the spenders.

Card Details

• Get Avios reward points after you spend a total of $ 5,000 on purchases within the time period of first 3 months after the account opening
• If you make purchases of $30,000 on your Aer Lingus Visa Signature® Card, you will be eligible for getting a Commercial Companion ticket that is goo to use with in the 12-month period.
• Being in the list of best airline credit cards with companion tickets, you can gain 3 Avios on each dollar you spend on purchases with Aer Lingus, Iberia, British Airways, and LEVEL.
• Earn 2 Avios on each dollar you spent on hotel accommodation when purchased directly through the hotel .
• Get 1 Avios reward point on each dollar you spend on all other purchases
• With one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, you are eligible for priority boarding on Aer Lingus Flights that are departing and returning to US from Ireland only.
• Charges no  foreign transaction fees for all those who are traveling abroad

How to get a companion certificate?

 If you make purchases of $30,000 in each calendar year, you will receive an economy companion ticket that is good to use for the next 12 months. The ticket is solely valid for the Aer Lingus-operated flight but the good factor is that you don’t have to pay taxes and fare for it . Its completely free of cost.

Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard

Annual Fees: $89

 Regular APR: 21.24%, 25.24%, 29.99% (Variable APR)

 Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard is a great option for all U.S residents that can help you to easily earn the Lufthansa Miles and More Miles reward program. This card offers one of the best ways to get the best airline credit cards with companion tickets along with a rich sign-up bonus. This card is a great option for frequent travelers for the frequent flyer programs as no transferable programs can aptly convert rewards directly into it.

Card Details

• Get 0% introductory APR for the duration of 15 months on balance transfers within 45 days of account opening
•  Receive companion ticket after paying some fees and taxes on every account anniversary
•  With one of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets you can easily earn 100,000 award miles after spending $3,000 on eligible purchases
•  Earn 2 award miles for each dollar you spent on purchasing the ticket either directly from Miles & More  or other integrated airline partners
•  Get 1 award mile per dollar on each dollar you spend on all the other purchases
•  Get the  complimentary Lufthansa Business Lounge Vouchers on each account anniversary
•   With this card you can easily convert the miles earned on purchases into elite-status money with each calendar year. The good thing is that each 5,000 miles becomes 10,000 miles with a yearly spending of 25,000 miles.
•  Being in the list of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets, the greatest benefit is that the award miles won’t expire as long as you make a single qualifying purchase on the card each month.

How to get a companion discount?

 The Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard offers you the opportunity to earn economy class ticket for the companion upon the first purchase on the card and every following year until the account is in good standing. For the companion ticket, you have to  pay taxes and all the other additional fee. In some cases you may experience weekend surge of $60 on the round trip.

Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®

Annual Fees: $99

 Regular APR: 21.24%, 25.24%, 29.99% (Variable APR)

 Required Credit Card Score: Good to excellent (690-850)

 The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® though last in the list of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets is geared towards the Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyers. The card comes with various perks that include free checked bags for the primary card member, a companion discount, and a fee waiver for all those card members who share miles with other travelers. Moreover, this card offers a significant annual discount, good startup bonus with ongoing rewards for the travelers.

Card Details

•  Get an annual discount of $100 for the round trip travel between Hawaii and North America on Hawaiian Airlines on each account anniversary
•  Earn a sign-up bonus of 70,000 Hawaiian Miles with the initial spending of $2,000 in the first 90 days
•  Being in the list of the best airline credit cards with companion tickets , you can get your bags checked at the earliest if you make eligible ticket purchases directly from Hawaiian Airlines
• Charges no foreign transaction fees for you to make travel purchases frequently
•  Redemption for the travel awards is quite easy and it offers multiple gift cards, car rental and hotel reservation credit partner awards. The value of getting this reward feels like getting half cent per mile.

How to get the companion bonus?

 The viable option among the best airline credit cards with companion tickets can get you a companion ticket starting at $121. The base fare is only $99 but inclusion of taxes can pile up the amount to $121.

Best American Express Credit Cards for Travel

For unmatched perks, you can give a try to the best-in-class American Express credit cards. The cards offer various perks that include lounge access, hotel elite status, and annual statement credits. Learn which option best suits your preferences and find the ideal one for  greater incentives on travel .

Frequently Asked Questions