companion pass prince of travel

How to earn and use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass

The Air Canada Buddy Pass allows you to travel with a guest at a reduced price anywhere in the world. Here’s how to use it to its full potential.

How does the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass work?

You must purchase an economy class ticket (one-way or round-trip) for yourself.

Then, you can bring a guest with you at a fixed base fare between $99 and $599 depending on the destination. However, you must pay taxes and other surcharges on the second ticket.

To qualify for the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , all flight segments must be operated by Air Canada (and its Rouge and Jazz subsidiaries). In addition, it only applies to flights paid for with cash and not with Aeroplan points.

The cost of the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass depends on your destination:

• $99 for Canada or the continental United States (Hawaii excluded),
• $299 for Hawaii, Mexico, Central America or the Caribbean,
• $499 for South America, Europe, Middle East or Africa,
• $599 for Asia, Australia or New Zealand.

The two types of Air Canada Companion Pass

To better understand how the Air Canada Buddy Pass works, here is an illustration of how it would be used for a trip to Disney World during the 2024 holiday season, from December 22 to December 31, 2024:

So 2 plane tickets from Montreal to Orlando cost $1,992.62.

With the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass :

The Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass saves you $645 ($1,992.62 – $1,291.63).

How do I get an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

Before we get into the analysis of where to best use it, let’s first look at how to get it.

You can receive the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass after making $25,000 in net purchases (not including annual fees) on select “premium” credit cards. These purchases must be made before the anniversary date of your Card membership.

The terms and conditions state that this pass will be deposited into the Aeroplan account 8 to 10 weeks after the anniversary date of the Card membership. Therefore, you must pay the annual fee for the second year to receive this Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass . Indeed, it is a retention offer.

The credit cards that offer the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass are:

There are no restrictions on when it can be used, and it is valid for one year after the deposit to the account. Bookings can be made beyond the expiry date of the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , so you have a 2-year window to use it after purchase.

However, if you cancel your trip after the expiry date of the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , the pass cannot be added back to your account and will disappear.

In addition, the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is linked to the credit card from which you earned it; if you no longer hold that card, you lose your pass.

At American Express , the net purchase amount is displayed on each statement. With TD and CIBC , you have to do the counting yourself to determine whether or not you have met the threshold.

Some lucky people have reported that the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass was deposited into their account sooner (during the current year and after reaching the $25,000 in expenses), but this is not the norm under the terms and conditions, and you cannot request to receive it sooner.

How to use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

The steps to make a reservation with your Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass are as follows:

• Log in to your Aeroplan account
• Search for a destination served by Air Canada with a minimum of 2 passengers
• Click on “Credits and Discounts” at the bottom of the search results page
• Check the option for the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , then “Submit”;
• Choose your flights.

Then you’ll see that the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is applied.

Proceed with payment as usual.

How to maximize the use of the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

The basic principle of the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is that the higher the cost of the ticket for the first passenger, the more you save on the cost of the second ticket.

Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass usage by region

First of all, we need to know which routes Air Canada flies worldwide to facilitate our research. The best tool to proceed is Flight Connections where we can see their flights on a map.

It is not uncommon to find cash deals on flights to Europe. Indeed, a fare between $600 and $1000 (taxes and fees included) is very realistic to go there, especially during less busy periods.

In these cases, the use of an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is not very optimal as you will not save a lot of money after paying the base fare of $499.

Indeed, don’t forget that you can use Google Flights to find the best flights to the Old Continent. Then, the combination with a low-cost airline is often very advantageous to travel cheaper . Here is an example with Italy .

However, since everything depends on the base fare of the first ticket; obviously, you will not deliberately choose to pay more.

However, if you are restricted to travelling only during spring break , construction holidays or during winter holidays , the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass can be very useful to save on the family vacation budget!

Likewise, if you’re the type of person who doesn’t book in advance, the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass can come to your rescue and help you avoid the exorbitant costs of last-minute travel.

The argument for using the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass for travel during busy periods and for last-minute vacations applies to all destinations.

Central America and the Caribbean

In this region, base fares range from $500 to $1,000 (excluding taxes and fees); paying a base fare of $299 will save you between $200 and $700 with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass .

An excellent tool to view prices quickly is Google Flights ; you can apply filters so that only Air Canada flights are displayed.

You will see the total price (base rate + taxes and fees), but it can give you an idea. For example, we can see here that it will be more profitable to use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass to travel to Mexico than to Costa Rica .

Then, you can go to the Air Canada website afterwards to find out the exact amount of taxes to calculate the real price for two people travelling with an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass .

You can do this exercise with Google Flights on all destinations to determine the best place to use your Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass .

South America

When we look at the possible savings on the South American side, still on Google Flights , we can save about $400 to $700 depending on the ticket price, which varies between $900 and $1,200.

For example, the fares for Lima can be around $600 while those for Buenos Aires are more than around $1,200.

The Annual Worldwide Companion Pass would be more interesting to go to Patagonia via Santiago or Buenos Aires .

The Middle East and Africa

Africa is vast, but Air Canada only serves Morocco and Egypt . However, it is not uncommon to find low fares to these destinations in the $900 and $1,200 range.

So again, taking into consideration the base fare of the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass at $499, we are talking about savings of between $400 and $700.

Similarly, the base fares to Dubai and Tel Aviv are in the same price range. Therefore, the savings remain around $400 and $700 with the use of an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass .

All of these savings of $400 to $700 are far from negligible! Then, in times when it’s more expensive… you’ll simply save more like in the following screenshot!

On the Asian side, the savings with an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is very variable since prices also fluctuate greatly depending on the destination and dates.

To get to Japan in the middle of the Sakura season, I found base fare tickets at $1,100 on a direct flight!

While in Bangkok , the gateway to Southeast Asia , prices are significantly more expensive. Therefore, the pass becomes more advantageous.

When looking at the above options, one could say that using a pass to go to Tokyo is not that cost-effective since it saves us only $500 compared to $1500 if we go to Bangkok.

However, keep in mind that to save $1,500 with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , you will also be paying more out of pocket. Finally, one must also ask oneself: where do I really want to go during my vacation? Going to see the Sakura in bloom in Japan with a direct flight for $950 per person is not bad even if you only save $500.

Then, for Asia, there is India which is a very good choice to use an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass . Indeed, Air Canada flights are generally over $2,000 per person to India. Then, the taxes and fees are extremely low. Therefore, it is a sweetspot .

Of course, there are other airlines that sell tickets for around $1,200 to $1,500 to India, but keep in mind that the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass only applies to flights operated by Air Canada. Then, $1,600 per person for a direct flight on the 787 to that area is still sweet .

Australia and New Zealand

Finally, the Oceania region is also a good destination to use an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , as the cost is around $1,600 per person in the end.

I’ve noticed that prices are at least around $2,000 if you’re lucky, and that’s with several matches. So, the pass allows you to get to Australia via the fastest route (1 stopover) and in a much more affordable way!

If you plan to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Sydney , the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass will definitely save you a lot of money, as prices are very expensive during this period! Then, you don’t want to go solo anyway!

The race for Aeroplan Elite status

The Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass can be used to book tickets in Standard, Comfort, Flex and Latitude class; it cannot be used for the Premium Economy and Business cabins.

The advantage of doing this is when chasing Aeroplan Elite status ; earning more Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) at a higher base fare status.

Then, both passengers could move closer to status and earn more Aeroplan points in the process. However, the second passenger will receive fewer Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD) since his or her base fare paid is lower.

Use of eUpgrade credits

Then, you can use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass at the Latitude Economy fare and use eUpgrade credits to business class . The benefits of an Aeroplan Elite status apply; for example, if both passengers have a 25K status, they could have immediate confirmation of the upgrade.

Companion pass cannot be used with premium cabin fares

Aeroplan Elite status benefits and upgrades apply if the traveller holds the appropriate status and the fare purchased allows it. Air Canada

Since the dynamic pricing of tickets in Aeroplan points, prices have skyrocketed and this can be hard on the wallet when travelling together. So always calculate the value of the points before booking.

The Annual Worldwide Companion Pass can be a great alternative for obtaining business class tickets via eUpgrades, although a latitude economy class ticket can still cost several thousand dollars.

Here is an example between Montreal and Lisbon for a trip to Portugal in latitude:

Then you will need to use 44 eUpgrade credits (11 credits per segment, per person) in this case to upgrade to business class.

Using the famous technique of booking an award ticket in Economy Latitude and eUpgrade credits, we would still need 145,400 Aeroplan points per person.

And 360,000 Aeroplan points in business class per person when we are well ahead of schedule! Ideally, we hope to find availability directly in business class with a partner with ExpertFlyer to have a fixed fare of 120,000 Aeroplan points!

When comparing prices, we can see here that business class costs $5,548 per person for the same trip on the same dates.

So the choices to get to two business class tickets in this situation are:

• Use of the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass + $4,033 + 44 credits eUpgrades ;
• 290,800 Aeroplan points in latitude economy + $216 + 44 credits eUpgrades ;
• Pay 760,000 Aeroplan points in business class + $216 in taxes and fees ;
• Pay $11,096 for business class in cash.

The cheapest way to get the pass is to use the same credit cards that offer the possibility of earning eUpgrade credits.

Is it worth it to unlock the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

The Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass can be a great tool for saving money when travelling together; with potential savings of $200 to $1,500 based on the examples in this article, there are situations that really advocate its use.

Since you need to make $25,000 in net purchases on your card to unlock it, a savings of $1,500 equals a 6% return on top of the rewards points on your purchases. Keep in mind that you are already earning Aeroplan points on this amount and that the savings generated by the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass are added to your “investment”.

Credit cards that offer this benefit are “premium” cards. So, they initially cater to people with a higher-than-average volume of purchases. For someone who has “only” $25,000 in annual purchases, I would instead suggest splitting your purchases across multiple credit cards as a strategy to give you the best return with your one $25,000.

On the other hand, if you have a huge amount of annual spending, it’s definitely a good idea to throw a little $25,000 (especially in the “other” category) at a card like the TD MD Aeroplan ® Visa Infinite Privilege* Credit Card .

This amount will also be used to achieve Aeroplan Elite status! In this situation, you have so many expenses that it will be easy to divide the rest on other cards and maximize the various categories.

Then, in addition to granting an Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , there are a multitude of advantages for the holder and his or her tribe, including :

• Priority passage at security checkpoints in Canadian airports ;
• A first bag free of charge for the cardholder and each of his 8 companions on the same reservation;
• Priority baggage handling;
• Up to $100 discount on Nexus membership;
• Priority boarding in zone 2 to ensure you have room for your cabin baggage .

Then, with the rush in the airports , there is nothing better than having a drink in a Maple Leaf Lounge away from the crowd! These days, these benefits are highly coveted.

Plus, to get you started, these cards have generous welcome bonuses if you’re not yet convinced of their many benefits.

Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass or Aeroplan points?

In any case, we must look at and compare all our opportunities.

Is it better to use an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass or Aeroplan points?

In the Orlando example earlier in this article, we were able to determine that the total amount for two people is $1,292 with the use of the Annual Worldwide Companion Pass. Following a search for the same flights in Aeroplan points, we can see that the cost would be 97,200 points + $319 in taxes for two.

Therefore, we can calculate the valuation of the points as follows:

($1,292 – $319) ÷ 97,200 Aeroplan points x 100 = 1 cent / Aeroplan point

Given that 1 Aeroplan point is worth 1 cent in this example, this is well below Milesopedia’s valuation of 2 cents. In fact, the higher the value of an Aeroplan point is above 2 cents, the more worthwhile it is to use your points for travel.

So it’s much better to pay cash with the pass and keep your Aeroplan points at a higher value, for another trip.

In the case of Australia, two people will pay $3091.9 with the pass compared to 195,600 Aeroplan points + $352.90 in taxes.

($3,091.90 – $352.90) ÷ 195,600 Aeroplan points x 100 = 1.4 cents

Similarly, as long as I’m using my Aeroplan points at a 1.4 cent/point value, I prefer to save them for another situation. Then I would use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass .

On the other hand, one must also look at the opportunity cost, both for the pass and for the Aeroplan points; one must ask oneself if it is worth it versus a different, more profitable context.

If you have no other intended use for the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass , use it! If you’ve got plenty of Aeroplan points in the bank but no other plans or extra vacation days, treat yourself!

Bottom Line

There is no doubt that an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is a good card to play in certain circumstances. To know what is best for you, as in all other situations in the world of travel hacking … get your calculators!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an air canada annual worldwide companion pass.

The Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is a pass that allows you to bring a guest on a trip at a low fixed price.

How to get an Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

A minimum of $25,000 in net purchases must be spent on certain premium credit cards.

When will I receive my Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

The Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass is deposited to the account until 10 weeks after the credit card anniversary date.

Do I have to pay the annual fee twice to get the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

Yes, because it is a retention offer and the pass is deposited until 10 weeks after the credit card anniversary date.

Is the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass valid on a round-trip ticket?

Yes, it can be used on a round-trip or one-way ticket. In the case of a one-way ticket, there is no compensation for using it on a cheaper ticket.

Is it cheaper if I use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass on a one-way ticket?

No, the base fare will be the same.

How much does it cost to use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

The first traveller pays full price and the guest pays a fixed base fare + taxes. The base fare is between $99 and $599 depending on the destination.

Can I use the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass with Aeroplan points?

No, payment must be made in cash.

Can I book a business class flight with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

No, you can’t use the pass for premium cabins. However, eUpgrade credits can be used for business class travel.

Can I use eUpgrade credits with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

Yes, it is possible to do so depending on the fare options of the tickets purchased.

Does the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass have an expiry date?

Yes, it is valid for one year after the deposit to the account.

Can I book beyond the expiration date of the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

Yes, the trip can be made after the pass has expired.

Can the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass be transferred to another person?

No, it is not transferable and you must be one of the two people travelling.

What happens if I cancel a reservation with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

The fare class cancellation policy applies, and the pass will be returned to the account; the original expiry date takes precedence, and the pass will not be returned if the expiry date has passed.

Can I change a ticket with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

Yes, according to your fare conditions and changes must be made for both passengers at the same time.

Do I earn Aeroplan points with the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass?

Yes, according to your tariff conditions.

Do we lose the Air Canada Annual Worldwide Companion Pass if we cancel the credit card?

Yes, because the pass is linked to your card.

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How to Score Companion Passes to Get Free Flights — and Which Airlines Offer Them

This tool is one of the best ways to score a free flight. Here's how to use it effectively.

If you're something of a frequent flier — or if you live in a Southwest Airlines hub — you've probably heard the term "companion pass" thrown around a few times. Ultimately, a companion pass is exactly what it sounds like: a certificate that allows you to bring a friend on a flight for (mostly) free. Of course, there's fine print involved that severely limits the power of a companion pass, so free long-haul business-class tickets are rare. But you can indeed get a free or heavily discounted plane ticket with a companion pass, usually in economy.

In a nutshell, companion passes are two-for-one deals, though their use is often restricted by fare class and route, and you'll still have to pay taxes and fees. You must also be on the same reservation as your companion.

The most well-known companion pass is, arguably, the Southwest Companion Pass , because it's the only one that's reusable for a minimum period of a year. The rest of the companion passes out there are one-time-use annual perks for airline co-branded credit cards ; their redemption value can often cover the card's annual fee.

Here's everything you need to know about the major airline companion passes.

Stephen M. Keller/Courtesy of Southwest Airlines

Southwest Companion Pass

The Southwest Companion Pass is the airline's top-tier status reserved for frequent fliers. Once the status is earned, the traveler can designate one person who can tag along with them on every flight for free, though they are still charged for taxes and fees, which start at $5.60. In order to earn the pass, you'll need to fly 100 flights on Southwest or earn 35,000 Rapid Rewards points in a calendar year — whenever you cross the threshold, you'll earn Companion Pass status for the remainder of the calendar year and the following year.

Rapid Rewards points can be earned on Southwest airfare, partner bookings for hotels and rental cars, using a Rapid Rewards co-branded credit card , shopping through the Rapid Rewards shopping portal , and dining at qualifying restaurants. Keep in mind that Rapid Rewards credit card sign-up bonuses count toward status, so that's one way to jumpstart your journey toward the Southwest Companion Pass.

Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare

This isn't a true companion pass, but rather a companion discount. Travelers with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card or the Alaska Airlines Visa Business Credit Card receive a one-time code on each card anniversary that allows them to buy a round-trip economy ticket for a travel companion for $99 plus taxes and fees. Existing cardholders don't have a spend requirement to earn the companion fare, but new cardholders will have to spend at least $6,000 a year to earn it.

American Airlines Companion Certificate

Like Alaska's Famous Companion Fare, American Airlines' Companion Certificate is also a companion discount. Travelers who hold the following credit cards are eligible for the certificate after spending $20,000 or $30,000 in a calendar year, depending on the card: AAdvantage Aviator Red World Elite Mastercard ; AAdvantage Aviator Silver Mastercard ; AAdvantage Aviator World Elite Business Mastercard ; or the CitiBusiness / AAdvantage Platinum Select Mastercard. The certificate can be redeemed for $99 plus taxes and fees on one round-trip economy-class ticket in the continental U.S. However, residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands can use it on a round-trip flight from their home airport to a destination in the continental U.S. 

British Airways Travel Together Ticket

A true companion pass, this ticket can be earned by British Airways Visa Signature Credit Card holders who spend $30,000 in a calendar year. The ticket is valid in all classes — even business class — on round-trip flights originating in the United States. Like all companion passes, you must pay taxes and fees, as well as carrier chargers, and British Airways' fine print mentions how expensive that can get: "For a peak, return flight from Los Angeles to London, these can amount to $651.33 in economy (World Traveller) and $1,984.57 in business (Club World)." That said, you're still getting a heavy discount, since a standard plane ticket would also include those charges.

Delta Companion Certificate

Four credit cards issue Delta companion certificates on each card anniversary: Delta SkyMiles Platinum American Express and Delta SkyMiles Reserve American Express , plus their business counterparts. The Platinum companion certificate can be used on one round-trip journey within the continental U.S. in economy, while the Reserve companion certificate can also be used in Comfort+ and first class. While you'll still have to pay taxes and fees, Delta caps the total amount to $75. Availability can be limited, though, as the companion certificates can only be used in certain fare classes.

Hawaiian Airlines Companion Discount

Holders of the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard or the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business Mastercard are given a one-time 50-percent-off companion discount code for a round-trip economy flight between Hawaii and North America during their first year of card membership. On each card anniversary after that, cardholders receive $100 off one companion flight per year between Hawaii and the continental U.S. in economy.

Lufthansa Companion Ticket

After making a single purchase with their card in the first year they have it, Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard cardholders are given an economy-class companion pass for a round-trip flight from the U.S. to Europe, Africa, the Middle East, or Asia on Lufthansa. It can only be used in certain fare classes, and travelers are still responsible for paying taxes and fees. After that, on each card anniversary, cardholders receive another companion ticket.

Related Articles

A guide to airline companion passes

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If you often travel with friends or family , scoring a discount for your flight companion can make booking much more affordable. Fortunately, some airline credit cards offer companion passes and discounts as benefits.

They go by a variety of names: companion pass, companion certificate, companion fare, companion ticket and more. And although most airlines offer a discount only for you and your travel buddy, there are ways to earn fully comped tickets.

Curious as to which airlines and cards offer the most help when it comes to cutting down on companion travel costs?

Here’s a rundown of some of the best companion pass offers today.

Southwest Airlines Companion Pass

Southwest’s Companion Pass is quite possibly the most popular on the market — and can save you a ton of cash. For just taxes and fees (roughly $5 per one-way ticket), you can bring a companion with you on any trip for the duration of your pass, which extends through the end of the year you earn it, plus a full calendar year after.

By timing your Companion Pass status wisely, you can have up to two full years of nearly-free companion travel. But you will want to plan ahead to make sure you take full advantage of the benefit.

The best part? There’s no limit on the number of times you can use the pass. After you’ve earned it, you can use it each time you book a flight with Southwest. You should see an option to add a companion to your flight for no additional ticket charge after you purchase your ticket.

How to earn the Companion Pass

There are two ways to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass:

• Completing 100 qualifying one-way Southwest flights within a year
• Earning 135,000 qualifying points through Southwest Rapid Rewards

Points earned through Rapid Rewards will count toward the pass, but any points that are purchased, transferred or converted from another loyalty program will not apply. Using a Southwest co-branded credit card is a great way to maximize your spending toward a companion pass, if that’s your goal. Here are a few to consider:

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card

American Airlines Companion Certificate

For frequent American Airlines flyers, American Airlines AAdvantage credit cards give you a few companion certificate options.

American’s companion certificate allows you to bring along a guest on one round-trip main cabin domestic ticket for $99 (plus taxes and fees).

The certificate expires after a year and is only valid for flights within the continental United States. And make sure you read the offer carefully; some details can vary depending on the card you use.

How to earn the companion certificate

There are a few different credit cards you can use to earn a companion certificate with American Airlines.

With the following cards, you can earn the certificate for one companion after you spend $30,000 or more in a year and renew your card:

• CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard® *
• AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®*

You can also earn a certificate with the cards below when you spend at least $20,000 annually and your account remains open for 45 days following your anniversary date.

• AAdvantage® Aviator® Silver Mastercard®* (with this card, you’ll earn a companion certificate for two guests at $99 each, plus taxes and fees)
• AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard® *

When you meet the qualifications, American Airlines will send you a companion certificate with specific booking details.

British Airways Travel Together

British Airways offers its own version of companion passes, called Travel Together Tickets.

This British Airways offer is eligible when you book reward flights with the Avios you earn. With the ticket, you’ll receive a second seat (of equal value) to bring a friend along on a future trip — paying only taxes, fees and carrier charges. Alternatively, you can use the ticket to pay just 50 percent of your British Airways Avios value when you book a reward flight without a companion.

The offer is reserved for British Airways reward flights that originate in and return to the United States. You should also be aware that taxes, fees and carrier charges on international flights can often exceed $1,000, so the Travel Together offer certainly varies in value.

How to earn the Travel Together Ticket

Using a British Airways Visa Signature® Card *, you can qualify for the companion ticket by spending $30,000 in a single calendar year (Jan. 1 through Dec. 31).

After qualifying for the ticket, it is good for two full years.

Delta Air Lines companion certificate

Delta’s co-branded Delta SkyMiles credit cards offer a few different options for earning its companion certificate.

The certificate allows you to bring along a travel buddy on a single eligible round trip domestic flight. You are still responsible for paying taxes and fees, but these charges are capped at $80.

If you’re an eligible Delta cardholder, you’ll receive a companion certificate each year of membership upon the renewal of your card. There are currently four eligible cards:

• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum American Express Card (main cabin only)
• Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Business American Express Card (main cabin only)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (first-class eligible)
• Delta SkyMiles® Reserve Business American Express Card (first-class eligible)

You won’t receive a certificate until you renew your card membership, so it’ll take waiting until your second year to reap the benefit. Once you’ve been awarded the certificate, you have until your next renewal date to take advantage.

Hawaiian Airlines companion discount

As a Hawaiian Airlines cardholder, you can earn one-time or annual companion discounts on flights with the airline.

Each of the eligible cards offers a one-time 50 percent discount on a single roundtrip coach fare ticket for a companion flying with you. But two of the cards also offer an annual $100 discount off a companion’s roundtrip coach fare ticket. These discounts apply to travel between Hawaii and North America booked directly with the airline.

The one-time 50 percent discount is eligible for 13 months after opening your account and annual $100 discounts are good for 12 months after each anniversary. Unfortunately, the 50 percent off doesn’t apply to taxes, fees or surcharges.

How to earn the companion discount

Here are the exact discount offers from each eligible Hawaiian Airlines credit card:

• Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® * (one-time 50 percent off and $100 yearly companion discount)
• Hawaiian Airlines® Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard®* (one-time 50 percent off and $100 yearly companion discount)
• Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard®* (one-time 50 percent off companion discount)

Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare

Eligible Alaska Airlines cardholders can earn the airline’s companion fare after meeting certain requirements.

The companion fare offer is good toward one round-trip coach companion fare. You’ll still pay a $99 base fare, plus taxes and fees (starting at $23), and the companion fare must be on the same itinerary and same booking as your purchased ticket.

How to earn the companion fare

When you sign up for the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card you’ll get the following offer, Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

This is a less-rewarding welcome offer than the previous one, which was 70,000 miles and the companion pass after $4,000 in spending in the first 90 days. However, we’re happy to see that the required spend reduced in correlation to the reduced value, as well.

You can also qualify with the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card *, which has a welcome offer of 50,000 bonus miles plus a $100 statement credit after spending $3,000 in your first 90 days, plus Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23).

After you earn the welcome bonuses on these cards, you can keep earning the companion fare discount code by spending at least $6,000 on your card each year.

Lufthansa companion ticket

With Lufthansa’s co-branded rewards card, you can get one companion ticket each year.

These tickets are eligible for economy class bookings departing from the U.S. to eligible international destinations. You’ll still have to pay taxes and fees, but you’ll be gifted a fully covered ticket each year you hold your card membership.

To reserve a seat with your companion ticket, you’ll have to call the Miles & More Companion Ticket Service at 866-461-5399.

How to earn the companion ticket

You’ll need to be a Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® * cardholder to score Lufthansa’s companion ticket.

When you sign up for the card, you’ll be gifted your initial companion ticket after you complete your first purchase. Afterward, you’ll receive an additional companion ticket on each account anniversary if you hold your membership.

Lufthansa’s companion offers are good from the date they’re issued until your next account anniversary.

The bottom line

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or a once-in-a-while traveler, your pocket will feel a little heavier when you’re able to bring company along at a fraction of the cost.

While each airline offers ways to save when traveling with friends or family, you can really maximize your savings by planning ahead and taking full advantage of your preferred airline’s deals.

*The information on the AAdvantage® Aviator® Red Mastercard®, AAdvantage® Aviator® World Elite Business Mastercard®, British Airways Visa Signature® Card, CitiBusiness® / AAdvantage® Platinum Select® World Mastercard®, Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, Hawaiian Airlines® Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard®, Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card and Miles & More® World Elite Mastercard® has been collected independently by Bankrate.com. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

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What are points worth, new to travelling the world on points.

For the vast majority of people, “rewards” or “points” are an afterthought at best.

Most people don’t realize that leveraging travel rewards to their full potential can truly transform the way you travel.

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Rapid Rewards

Companion Pass ®

Traveling is more fun with a plus-one. Take a friend or Family Member with you on your next Southwest ® flight when you earn a Companion Pass.

Friends fly when you do.

Companion Pass is the benefit that allows you to choose one person to fly with you, free of airline charges (does not include taxes and fees from $5.60 one-way) unlimited times whenever you purchase or redeem points for a flight.

To qualify, simply fly 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points 1,3 in a calendar year. You’ll earn a Companion Pass for the following full calendar year, plus the remainder of the year in which you earned it. For even more flexibility, Companion Pass Members can change their designated Companion up to three times each calendar year.

How to earn Companion Pass

Earn Companion Pass qualifying points every time you use your card.

Wanna get more with your Rapid Rewards ® Credit Card?

Earn Companion Pass ® qualifying points when you use your Rapid Rewards Credit Card 1

Shop and dine

Get more points when you shop at our online retailers or dine with our participating restaurants.

Fly 100 one-way qualifying flights in a calendar year and earn qualifying points 3 for every dollar you spend on a qualifying flight. You can also earn qualifying points by booking a hotel or renting a car through one of our partners. 1

Home and lifestyle

Purchases you already make also get you points. Who doesn’t love that?

Companion Pass tips

Companion Pass holders can now board together with their Companions. 2 Already a Companion Pass Member? See how you can maximize your membership with these helpful tips!

Designate your Companion

• Log in to your Rapid Rewards account at  Southwest.com ® .
• On your Snapshot tab, locate  Choose Your Companion , click  Enter Companion Info , and follow the posted instructions.
• Or if you’d prefer, give us a call at  1-800-435-9792 .

Tips on traveling with your Companion

• Reservations are required for all Companion Pass travel. You must book your flight prior to booking your designated Companion’s flight. 
• After booking your flight, visit the  My Trips  section of your account. Find your flight in the Upcoming Trips section and click the  Add Companion link. Click  Continue  to proceed to the purchase screen and review your Companion information. Click Purchase  to complete your Companion’s flight reservation. A Companion’s reservation is not considered a purchased flight, and therefore, another Companion Pass reservation cannot be booked from it.
• If you would like to book through a Customer Representative, call  1-800-248-4377  and notify him/her that a Companion Pass will be used.

Who can get a Companion Pass?

A Member who flies 100 qualifying one-way flight segments booked through Southwest or earns 135,000 tier qualifying points 1,3 per calendar year will qualify for Companion Pass.

Companion Pass qualifying points can be earned when you use your Rapid Rewards® Credit Card. 1

Southwest Rapid Rewards ™ Cardmembers will earn one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. 1

Companion Pass

Fly 100 qualifying flights or earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points 1

Important information

1 Companion Pass® qualifying points are earned from revenue flights booked through Southwest®, points earned on Rapid Rewards® Credit Cards, and base points earned from Rapid Rewards partners. The following do not count as Companion Pass qualifying points: purchased points; points transferred between Members; points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs, e-Rewards®, Valued Opinions, and Diners Club®; points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment, tier bonus points; flight bonus points; and partner bonus points (with the exception of the Rapid Rewards Credit Cards from Chase). No points nor tier or Companion Pass qualifying points will be awarded for flights taken by the Companion when flying on a Companion Pass reservation. Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards  points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status or  Companion Pass qualifying points. Points earned during a billing cycle on a Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Credit Card from Chase are not available for redemption or qualification for Companion Pass status until they are posted on your billing statement and posted to your Rapid Rewards account. Only points posted on your billing statements and posted to your Rapid Rewards account during the same calendar year are available for qualification for Companion Pass status. For example, if you make a purchase after your December billing statement cycle date, the points on those purchases will not count toward Companion Pass status in the year the purchase was made; they will appear on your January billing statement and post to your Rapid Rewards account in January.

Companion Pass Qualifying Points Boost: As a Southwest Rapid Rewards Cardmember, you will earn one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. The boost will be deposited into your eligible Rapid Rewards account by January 31st each calendar year or up to 30 days after account opening. To receive Companion Pass qualifying points boost your credit card account must be open and not in default at the time of fulfillment. Only one credit card account per Southwest Rapid Rewards Member (Rapid Rewards Member must be the primary Cardmember on that account), is eligible for one boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points per calendar year. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is not responsible for the provision of, or failure to provide, the stated benefits and services.

2 Upon check in, you and your Companion will receive sequential boarding positions except if you purchased a Business Select® fare or added the Companion after you had been assigned a boarding position. For Business Select fares, only the purchaser will receive an A1-A15 boarding position and the Companion will receive a boarding position based on whichever is applicable—time of check-in, A-List or A-List Preferred status, or EarlyBird Check-In®. If you purchased a Wanna Get Away®, Wanna Get Away Plus or an Anytime fare and either you or your Companion is an A-List or A-List Preferred Member, you will both receive reserved boarding positions.

3 Qualifying flights include flights booked and flown through Southwest and flights paid entirely with dollars, Southwest LUV Vouchers, gift cards or travel funds, and with no portion of the purchase price paid for with Rapid Rewards points. Cash + Points bookings will not earn Rapid Rewards  points, tier qualifying points for A-List or A-List Preferred status or  Companion Pass qualifying points.

Rapid Rewards terms and conditions apply. Review the full terms here .

Southwest Rapid Rewards™ Credit Cards are issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. Member FDIC.

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American Express ®

Aeroplan ® * reserve card.

Elevate every step of your journey.

Make every step of the journey an experience to remember with your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card

Through our partnership with Aeroplan, you have access to a variety of great Air Canada®* travel and airport benefits that can make your journey even more enjoyable. And with the points you earn on your Card, you’ll have the opportunity to redeem for a variety of options.

KEY BENEFITS

Earn & Redeem Aeroplan Points

Use your Card to earn Aeroplan points on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada ® * & Air Canada Vacations ® *, dining and food delivery purchases in Canada, and on everything else. 1 And your points can go a long way with extensive redemption options available from Aeroplan such as flight rewards, hotel and car rentals, cabin upgrades, and more.

American Express ® Experiences

Never miss out on a must-see event again with Front Of The Line ® . Get presale and reserved tickets 2  to virtual buzzworthy concerts, shows, drive-in events, and more! 

Air Canada Travel Benefits

Make your travel experience one to remember with travel benefits such as Maple Leaf Lounge TM  access 3‡ , a free first checked bag (up to 23kg/50lb) 4‡ , Priority Airport Services 5‡ and more. There’s so much waiting for you to experience.

Your new American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is made from precision cut and engraved 13 g metal  —  it's the perfect companion on your next exceptional journey.

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Terms and Conditions

‡  Please ensure that you provide your personal Aeroplan number to be linked to your card account as linking a different loyalty number may impact the airline benefit fulfillment.

The Aeroplan number of the person accessing the benefit must be included in the qualifying reservation, and the name on the airline reservation must be identical to the name on the Aeroplan account of the traveler. For eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) ability to access available benefits, their Aeroplan number must be linked to a valid credit card account as verified by the bank. Linking can be done by visiting www.aircanada.com/linkmycard . Please allow up to 72 hours after the credit card is approved, or the Aeroplan number of the eligible Supplementary Cardmember is linked to the Additional Supplementary card, for these benefits to be activated. Aeroplan member accounts of the Basic Cardmember and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) must be in good standing at time of flight for airline benefits to apply. Airline benefits will no longer be available upon account closure, regardless of reason for closure, or if the card product is changed. Aeroplan membership and benefits are subject to the Aeroplan Program Terms & Conditions and any applicable Air Canada terms and conditions relating to a benefit, as determined by Air Canada in its sole discretion and as may be changed from time to time.

1  You can earn Aeroplan points (“points”) for eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: Earn 3 points for every $1 of eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada. Earn 2 points for every $1 at restaurant, quick service restaurant, coffee shop, and drinking establishments in Canada, and delivery of food in Canada as a primary business, but not including groceries. Eligible Air Canada purchases means only those purchases made directly with Air Canada as the merchant, including Air Canada Vacations packages purchased directly from Air Canada. Air Canada purchases using your card at another merchant or service provider that sells Air Canada goods or services would not be an eligible Air Canada purchase, such as purchasing (i) Air Canada tickets from an online website other than Air Canada, through a travel agent including American Express Travel Services, or as part of a vacation package from another merchant, (ii) Air Canada gift cards, (iii) Air Canada Maple Leaf Club memberships or (iv) if you make a purchase through Air Canada with another merchant such as a hotel or car rental booking on the aircanada.com website. Earn rate of 1.25 points for every $1 applies when the merchant code is not in an eligible category, using a payment account or service of a third party, a card reader attached to a mobile phone or online retailer that sells goods of other merchants or the merchant category is otherwise not identified. Provided your account is in good standing, points can be earned on eligible purchases less returns and other credits. Interest charges, annual fees, other fees and cash equivalent transactions are not purchases and do not qualify for Aeroplan points.

2  Purchase must be charged in full to an American Express Card. Subject to availability and to event and ticketing terms, restrictions, verification procedures and fees. Tickets and packages may not be transferable and should not be resold. No refunds and no exchanges subject to merchant's obligations under applicable law.

3  A Basic Cardmember and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) are each entitled to complimentary access to Air Canada Café and any Maple Leaf Lounge located only in Canada and the United States, including International Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada and the United States when travelling on an international itinerary. Access excludes Maple Leaf Lounges outside of Canada and the United States, Air Canada Signature Suites, and lounges operated by third parties, such as Star Alliance member airlines. Basic and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) are each entitled to offer one (1) guest complimentary access to the same eligible Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café. Any guest entering a Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café must be accompanied by a Basic or eligible Supplementary Cardmember. Additional guest(s) may enter the Maple Leaf Lounge upon paying an applicable fee.  For greater certainty, a Basic Cardmember or eligible Supplementary Cardmember who holds Aeroplan Elite Status, may additionally take advantage of the lounge access benefits available to them as part of the Aeroplan Elite Status program. For more information on Aeroplan Elite TM Status, please visit aircanada.com/elitebenefits . Access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Café is available in conjunction with a same-day ticket when departing on a flight marketed or operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, under the Air Canada Express brand, or any Star Alliance member airline. Anyone under the age of majority entering a Maple Leaf Lounge must be accompanied by an adult with access to the lounge. Age of majority is determined by the jurisdiction in which the Maple Leaf Lounge is located. Benefit may only be used as described, and otherwise cannot be transferred. Access is subject to space availability. See www.aircanada.com/lounges-termsandconditions for applicable Maple Leaf Lounges Terms and Conditions.

4  A Basic Cardmember or eligible Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of 9 travellers), are each entitled to a free first checked bag up to 23kg/50lb. Benefit only applies when checking in with Air Canada, for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. Benefit is not available if check-in is with another airline. If the first checked bag is already complimentary (for example, as a result of Aeroplan Elite TM Status or fare purchased), there is no additional checked bag benefit that will be provided. Free first checked bag benefit may not be applied retroactively, and no refunds will be issued. Service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may apply. For more information on baggage restrictions, please visit www.aircanada.com/baggage .

5  A Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of nine (9) travellers), are each entitled to Priority Check-in (where available), Zone 2 Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling. Benefits only apply when checking in with Air Canada, for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. Benefit is not available if check-in is with another airline. To access this benefit, the Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember may be required to show their qualifying card to the Air Canada agent.

® : Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

® *, TM :  For trademark ownership details see: americanexpress.ca/aeroplantrademarks

Earn Aeroplan points now to use

for the experiences that await you

Earn 3x Aeroplan points

Earn 3 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada ® * and Air Canada Vacations ® * .1

Earn 2x Aeroplan points

Earn 2 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on eligible dining and food delivery purchases in Canada. 1

Earn 1.25x Aeroplan points

Earn 1.25 Aeroplan points for every $1 spent on everything else. 1

You can also present your Aeroplan Card at over 150 Aeroplan partner brands and at 170 online retailers via the Aeroplan eStore and pay with your American Express Aeroplan Card to earn points twice!

Use Aeroplan points to get more out of every moment

Use points with Aeroplan to:

• Book Air Canada flights and vacations
• Redeem for cabin bid upgrades and in-flight Wi-Fi
• Pay for hotels and car rentals
• Redeem for merchandise, gift cards and experiences

1 You can earn Aeroplan points (“points”) for eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: Earn 3 points for every $1 of eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada. Earn 2 points for every $1 at restaurant, quick service restaurant, coffee shop, and drinking establishments in Canada, and delivery of food in Canada as a primary business, but not including groceries. Eligible Air Canada purchases means only those purchases made directly with Air Canada as the merchant, including Air Canada Vacations packages purchased directly from Air Canada. Air Canada purchases using your card at another merchant or service provider that sells Air Canada goods or services would not be an eligible Air Canada purchase, such as purchasing (i) Air Canada tickets from an online website other than Air Canada, through a travel agent including American Express Travel Services, or as part of a vacation package from another merchant, (ii) Air Canada gift cards, (iii) Air Canada Maple Leaf Club memberships or (iv) if you make a purchase through Air Canada with another merchant such as a hotel or car rental booking on the aircanada.com website. Earn rate of 1.25 points for every $1 applies when the merchant code is not in an eligible category, using a payment account or service of a third party, a card reader attached to a mobile phone or online retailer that sells goods of other merchants or the merchant category is otherwise not identified. Provided your account is in good standing, points can be earned on eligible purchases less returns and other credits. Interest charges, annual fees, other fees and cash equivalent transactions are not purchases and do not qualify for Aeroplan points.

® *: For trademark ownership details see: americanexpress.ca/aeroplantrademarks

From experiences to offers

American Express has your back

Enjoy exclusive benefits only with American Express at Toronto Pearson International Airport

• Access to Pearson Priority Security Lane 1
• Complimentary valet service 2
• 15% discount on parking rates at the Express Park and Daily Park 3
• 15% discount on Car Care Services 4

$100 NEXUS ◊  Card Statement Credit

Stay focused on getting where you need to go. Receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four years when a NEXUS application or renewal fee is charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. 5

Airport lounge access worldwide

Your American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Reserve Card gives you access to more than 1,200 airport lounges around the globe. That means an oasis of comfort before your flight — regardless of your choice of airline or cabin class.

Unwind with complimentary light refreshments and drinks or take advantage of the many business amenities. The $99 USD annual Priority Pass TM6 membership fee is waived for Cardmembers and each lounge visit is subject to a usage fee at the prevailing rate. 6

To enrol for your complimentary Priority Pass membership, please call American Express at 1-800-263-1616.

See it. Hear it. Feel it. First.

With American Express ® Experiences  – available only to American Express Cardmembers – you can enjoy special access to some of your favourite events in entertainment, dining, retail and more. 7

Throughout the year, you’ll receive access to curated events like unique dining experiences, exclusive virtual parties, special online shopping and more – created just for American Express ® Aeroplan ® * Reserve Cardmembers.

Enjoy more rewards with Amex Offers

Enjoy offers that are tailored to all of your favourite things like dining, shopping, travel and more. New offers are always being added, so be sure to check regularly through the  Amex App or Online Services . 8

Coverage you can feel confident about

Travel coverage, out of province/country emergency medical insurance 9†.

Can provide coverage of up to a maximum of $5,000,000 for eligible emergency medical expenses incurred by an insured person under age 65 while travelling outside your Canadian province or territory of residence for the first 15 consecutive days of a covered trip.

Car Rental Theft and Damage Insurance 10†

You can be covered for theft, loss and damage of your rental car with an MSRP of up to $85,000 for rentals of 48 days or less when you fully charge your rental to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. To take advantage of this protection, simply decline the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Loss Damage Waiver (LDW) or similar option offered by the car rental agency.

Lost or Stolen Baggage Insurance 9†

You can be covered for loss or damage to your checked-in or carry-on baggage and personal effects while in transit for up to a maximum of $1,000 per trip for all insured person(s) combined when you fully charge your airline tickets to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Hotel Burglary Insurance 9†

You can receive up to $1,000 in coverage against the loss of most personal items (excluding cash) if your accommodation is burglarized when you fully charge your accommodations to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Flight Delay Insurance 9†

You can receive up to $1,000 in coverage (aggregate maximum with Baggage Delay Insurance) for necessary and reasonable accommodations, restaurant expenses and sundry items purchased within 48 hours when delayed or denied boarding for 4 hours or more and no alternate transportation is made available when you fully charge your airline ticket to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Baggage Delay Insurance 9†

You can receive up to $1,000 in coverage (aggregate maximum with Flight Delay Insurance), for reasonable and necessary emergency purchases for essential clothing and sundry items purchased within four days of arrival at your destination when your checked-in baggage on your outbound trip is delayed for 6 or more hours when you fully charge your airline ticket to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

$500,000 Travel Accidental Insurance 11†

You can be covered up to $500,000 of Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance when you fully charge your common carrier (plane, train, ship or bus) tickets to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

Trip Interruption 9†

When you charge your travel arrangements to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card this insurance can cover the non-refundable and non-transferable unused portion of your travel arrangements purchased before your departure date, should your trip be interrupted or delayed for a covered reason. You can be covered for up to $1,500 per insured person, per trip, up to a maximum of $6,000 for all insured persons combined.

Trip Cancellation 9†

You can be reimbursed for the non-refundable and non-transferable portion of your travel arrangements when charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card before your departure date should you cancel your trip for a covered reason. You can be covered for up to $1,500 per insured person, per trip, up to a maximum of $3,000 for all insured persons combined.

RETAIL COVERAGE

Buyer’s assurance ® protection plan 12†.

Your coverage can automatically extend the manufacturer’s original warranty up to one additional year when you fully charge eligible items to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. 

Purchase Protection ® Plan 9†

You can be insured for eligible items charged to your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card for 90 days from the date of purchase in the event of accidental physical damage or theft for up to $1,000 per occurrence (for all purchased items combined).

To learn more about the insurance coverage included on your American Express Card, or to make a claim click below.

† All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of their respective master policies. Certain limitations, exclusions and restrictions apply.

Please read your Certificates of Insurance carefully.

1  American Express Basic and Supplementary Cardmembers with an eligible Card are entitled to access the Pearson Priority Lanes (“Priority Lanes”). The Priority Lanes are serviced by the Greater Toronto Airport Authority. Priority Lanes are located at select departure areas at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport in Terminals 1 & 3. Access to a Pearson Priority Lane is available to eligible Canadian Cardmembers and companions travelling on the same itinerary. The eligible Cardmember can request single-use QR Codes online by visiting go.amex/yyz . For assistance, please call the phone number on the back of your card. Access to the Priority Lanes is intended for the Basic and Supplementary Cardmember and a reasonable number of persons travelling with them on the same itinerary. If we determine, in our sole discretion, that a Cardmember (or Supplementary Cardmember, as applicable) is not using this benefit as intended, we reserve the right to revoke your access to the benefit or to cancel your Card account. All passengers departing from Pearson International Airport, including those accessing the Priority Lane, are required to comply with airport security and customs screening requirements. Priority Lanes access is subject to change or cancellation at any time and additional terms and conditions apply.

2  Toronto Pearson Valet Service – Basic and eligible Supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card members must charge the parking fee to their American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card for the associated Valet fee to be waived. The American Express Aeroplan Reserve No Fee Supplementary Cards are not eligible for this benefit. Waived fee applies only to Toronto Pearson Airport Valet Services in Terminal 1. For more information on Valet Service visit  torontopearson.com .

3  Toronto Pearson 15% Parking Discount – Basic and eligible Supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card members can receive 15% discount off the cost of parking (including taxes) which will be provided as a credit to your Basic American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card statement. The American Express Aeroplan Reserve No Fee Supplementary Cards are not eligible for this benefit. The parking lot is subject to availability. Discount available at Express Park in Terminal 1 and Daily Park in Terminals 1 & 3. 15% Discount cannot be used when reserving parking on Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s (GTAA) Parking Reservation system or in conjunction with any other offers or discounts offered by GTAA. For more information on parking lots visit  torontopearson.com .

4  Toronto Pearson Discounted Car Care - Car Care services must be charged to your Basic and eligible Supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. 15% discount off cost of Car Care services (including taxes) will be provided as a statement credit. The American Express Aeroplan No Fee Reserve Supplementary Cards are not eligible for this benefit. Only Canadian American Express Cards are eligible for the Car Care services. Subject to availability. Access to the Car Care services is available in Terminal 1 on level 5 of the Daily Park garage. For more information on parking lots visit  torontopearson.com .

5  American Express® Aeroplan®* Reserve Cardmembers are eligible to receive up to $100 CAD in statement credits every four (4) years for application or renewal fees for the NEXUS program when charged to an eligible Card. Cardmembers will receive statement credits for their total spend on NEXUS fees rounded down to the nearest dollar, up to a maximum of $100 CAD in cumulative statement credits, per account per four (4) year period, regardless of whether the NEXUS fees are charged on the Basic or Supplementary Card. American Express will not provide additional statement credits once the maximum of $100 CAD in cumulative statement credits have been issued for subsequent NEXUS application or renewal fees charged to the same eligible Card within the same four (4) year period even if the original application is rejected. For existing Cardmembers as of September 1, 2021, the first four (4) year period runs from September 1, 2021 until August 31, 2025. For new Cardmembers after September 1, 2021, the first four (4) year period runs from the initial Card anniversary date until the day before the fourth (4th) Card anniversary date. In either case, each subsequent four (4) year period follows the period that immediately preceded it. American Express has no control over the application and/or approval process for the NEXUS program and does not have access to any information provided to the government by the Cardmember or by the government to the Cardmember. American Express has no liability regarding the NEXUS program. The NEXUS program is run by CBSA and the U.S. Customs and Border Protection independently (without administration by American Express). For additional information on the NEXUS program, please visit www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/prog/nexus/term-eng.html. The NEXUS program is subject to change, and American Express has no control over those changes.Please allow up to 8 weeks after the qualifying NEXUS transaction is charged to the eligible Card account for the statement credit to be posted to the Card account. American Express relies on accurate transaction data to identify eligible NEXUS purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying purchase on your eligible Card after 6-8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Cardmembers are responsible for payment of all application charges until the statement credit posts to the Card account. To be eligible for this benefit, Card account(s) must be active and not in default at the time of statement credit fulfillment.

◊ Official mark and/or trademark of Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, used under license.

6  Priority Pass TM  - These Terms and Conditions govern Basic American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card participation in and use of the Priority Pass program. Priority Pass is an independent airport lounge access program. All lounge visits are subject to a usage fee at the prevailing rate, which is subject to change without prior notice. This fee applies to the Cardmember and his/her guests. Some lounges do not admit guests. By enroling in Priority Pass, you agree that you will be responsible for all visit costs and that your American Express® Aeroplan Reserve Card will be automatically charged after you have signed for the visit and it has been reported to Priority Pass by the participating lounge.  Additionally, American Express will verify your Card account number and provide updated Card account information to Priority Pass. Priority Pass will use this information to fulfill on the Priority Pass program. Once your enrolment has been processed, Priority Pass will send you a welcome package, Priority Pass card and a list of participating lounges. For details on how Priority Pass uses your personal information, please refer to their privacy policy at prioritypass.com. Once enroled, American Express Aeroplan Reserve Cardmembers whose Card account is not cancelled may access participating Priority Pass lounges by presenting their Priority Pass card and airline boarding pass for same-day travel, or by scanning their Priority Pass membership using the Priority Pass mobile app (as applicable). In some lounges, Priority Pass member must be 21 years of age to enter without a parent or guardian. Priority Pass members must adhere to all house rules of participating lounges. Amenities may vary among airport lounge locations. Conference rooms, where available, may be reserved for a nominal fee. Priority Pass lounge partners and locations are subject to change. All Priority Pass members must adhere to the Priority Pass Conditions of Use, which will be sent to you with your membership package and can be viewed at www.prioritypass.com. Upon receipt of your enrolment information, Priority Pass will send your Priority Pass card and membership package which you should receive within 10–14 business days. If you have not received the Priority Pass card after 14 business days, please contact American Express using the number on the back of your American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. Please note, Supplementary Aeroplan Reserve and Aeroplan Reserve No Fee Cardmembers are not eligible for membership. Priority Pass non-lounge airport experiences such as airport dining credits are only offered in a few select locations. Select locations are subject to change. For a complete listing of Priority Pass lounge and non-lounge airport experience locations, login to your account at www.prioritypass.com.

7 Purchase must be charged in full to an American Express Card. Subject to availability and to event and ticketing terms, restrictions, verification procedures and fees. Tickets and packages may not be transferable and should not be resold. No refunds and no exchanges subject to merchant's obligations under applicable law.

8 Eligible cards will vary by offer and are subject to change. Select Canadian American Express Cards issued by Amex Bank of Canada and cards issued by a licensed third party issuer (as applicable) are eligible cards for the offer. The following cards are not eligible: American Express Corporate Cards, American Express® Gift Cards and Prepaid Cards. Subject to offer terms and conditions, and  full program terms .

9 Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. You may contact the insurer at 1-888-877-1710 in Canada and the U.S. or visit www.rsagroup.ca.

10 Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. This coverage can only apply when you are authorized and permitted by law to operate the rental car. You may contact the insurer at 1-888-877-1710 in Canada and the U.S. or visit  www.rsagroup.ca . 

11 Underwritten by Chubb Life Insurance Company of Canada (“Chubb Life”). You may contact the insurer at 1-877-777-1544 in Canada or visit  www.chubb.com/ca .

12 Underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of Canada. Applies to eligible items fully charged to your Card worldwide, provided the manufacturer’s warranty is valid in Canada and the U.S. and does not exceed five years. You may contact the insurer at 1-888-877-1710 in Canada and the U.S. or visit  www.rsagroup.ca.

† : All insurance coverage is subject to the terms and conditions of their respective master policies. Certain limitations, exclusions and restrictions apply. Please read your Certificates of Insurance carefully.

®, : Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

® *,  TM : For trademark ownership details see: americanexpress.ca/aeroplantrademarks

Make the journey a destination with these

Air Canada ® * travel benefits

Our partnership with Aeroplan allows you to benefit from some of the most exceptional Air Canada

travel and airport benefits worldwide. 

AIRPORT BENEFITS

Maple leaf lounge™ access.

Enjoy access to Maple Leaf Lounges TM  in North America and the Air Canada Café TM  for you   and a guest 1‡ , with a same day ticket on a departing Air Canada or Star Alliance flight.

Priority Airport Services

Get access to Priority Airport Check-In, Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling for you and up to 8 companions travelling on the same reservation for a trip that originates on an Air Canada flight. 2‡

Priority Airport Standby

Receive priority on the standby list when you and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation are on standby at the airport for an Air Canada flight. Should a seat become available, you will be assigned it before members who have the same status but don’t hold an American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. 3‡

Priority Airport Upgrades

If you’re a Cardmember with Aeroplan Elite TM Status, you and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation get higher priority when you’re on standby for an upgrade on Air Canada flights. Should a seat become available, you will be assigned to it before Aeroplan members who have the same status but don’t hold an American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. 3‡

AEROPLAN ELITE STATUS BENEFITS

Status qualification boost.

As the Basic Cardmember, you will earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles and 1 Status Qualifying Segment for every $5,000 in eligible net purchases charged to your Card. 4‡

Rollover Status Qualifying Miles

Basic Cardmembers who hold Aeroplan Elite TM* Status can roll over up to 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) to help qualify for Aeroplan status the following year. 5‡

Rollover eUpgrade Credits

Basic Cardmembers who hold Aeroplan Elite TM Status and requalify the following year can roll over up to 50 unused eUpgrade credits over to be used during the following status year. 6‡

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Get a 4th night free.

Cardmembers can now get an extra night free for every 3 hotel nights redeemed with Aeroplan points. † Enjoy even more at over 300,000 hotel properties worldwide!

This offer ends December 31 st , 2024.

Annual Worldwide Companion Pass

Receive one Annual Worldwide Companion Pass when you spend $25,000 in net purchases prior to your Card anniversary date; your Pass entitles you to buy an accompanying Air Canada economy class ticket for a companion at a fixed base fare from $99 to a maximum of $599 CAD (plus taxes, fees, charges, and surcharges). 7‡

Preferred Pricing

As a Basic Cardmember, you can often book flight reward tickets with Air Canada for even fewer points. 8‡

Free First Checked Bag

You and up to eight companions travelling on the same reservation will enjoy your first checked bag free (up to 23kg/50lb) when your travel originates on an Air Canada flight. 9‡

Complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club

Aeroplan and Avis are pleased to offer complimentary upgrade to Avis President’s Club with your eligible American Express® Aeroplan ®* Credit Card 10

‡  Please ensure that you provide your personal Aeroplan number to be linked to your card account as linking a different loyalty number may impact the airline benefit fulfillment.  

The Aeroplan number of the person accessing the benefit must be included in the qualifying reservation, and the name on the airline reservation must be identical to the name on the Aeroplan account of the traveler. For eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) ability to access available benefits, their Aeroplan number must be linked to a valid credit card account as verified by the bank. Linking can be done by visiting  www.aircanada.com/linkmycard . Please allow up to 72 hours after the credit card is approved, or the Aeroplan number of the eligible Supplementary Cardmember is linked to the Additional Supplementary card, for these benefits to be activated. Aeroplan member accounts of the Basic Cardmember and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) must be in good standing at time of flight for airline benefits to apply. Airline benefits will no longer be available upon account closure, regardless of reason for closure, or if the card product is changed. Aeroplan membership and benefits are subject to the Aeroplan Program Terms & Conditions and any applicable Air Canada terms and conditions relating to a benefit, as determined by Air Canada in its sole discretion and as may be changed from time to time. 

† “Get a 4th Night Free” Hotel Offer Terms & Conditions

“Get a 4th Night Free” hotel offer (the “ Offer ”) is a limited time promotion offer for hotel room redemption bookings at participating hotels made with Aeroplan points only between 12:01am ET September 13, 2023 and 11:59pm ET on December 31, 2024 by Primary or linked Supplementary Aeroplan Co‑brand Cardmembers s (each a “ Cardmember ” and collectively “ Cardmembers ”). Unless otherwise permitted, the Offer cannot be combined with any other offer. For every 4‑night consecutive hotel stays at a participating hotel using only Aeroplan points from the Aeroplan account of the Cardmember booked on the travel booking website operated by Loyalty Travel Agency LLC, doing business as cxLoyalty (the “ Website ”), a Cardmember will be able to stay one of those four nights at that same hotel during that same stay under the same confirmation number for no additional Aeroplan points. For example, a Cardmember booking a 4‑night consecutive stay will only need to redeem Aeroplan points for 3 nights (i.e., 15,000 points per night required for 4 nights is 60,000 points but under the Offer you only require 45,000 points (15,000 x 3) for the 4 nights). Or for an 8‑night consecutive stay, the Cardmember will only need to redeem Aeroplan points for 6 nights and so forth. The nights must be within the same stay at the same participating hotel, and you can’t combine separate bookings and still get an extra night. There will be no points refund or free night credit for any unused portion of the Offer. The redemption booking summary will show the taxes and fees included in the points redemption rate. Local taxes and fees (such as destination and/or resort fees) may not be included in your hotel room points redemption rate and will still apply to each hotel night booked with points and be payable directly at the hotel. Refer to the Travel Terms and Conditions of Loyalty Travel Agency LLC for more details.

Hotel redemption pricing in points can fluctuate from night to night and the free night is based on the average points cost per hotel room redemption night across all nights of the stay of 4 nights or longer that will be calculated. The average points required for one hotel room night redemption will then be removed from the total of the 4 nights.

The amount of Aeroplan points required per night varies by the participating hotel, room type available at the participating hotel, length of stay, and may also vary by time of year. Points required per hotel room night redemption are updated continuously and may change at any time without notice. If a Cardmember makes a modification to a booking made pursuant to the Offer, the Cardmember will be responsible for any changes to the number of points required for the hotel room redemption nights.

The Offer applies to hotel redemptions of all room types made using only Aeroplan points on the Website. Offer is not applicable to bookings combining cash and points or cash only. To participate in the Offer, a Cardmember must have enough Aeroplan points (either in their own Aeroplan account or in their Aeroplan family pooling account) to cover the cost of redeeming for at least 3 hotel room nights at the selected participating hotel.

The Offer is not transferable and is not redeemable for cash. If the Offer is not running as planned for any reason, including infection by computer virus, bugs, tampering, unauthorized intervention, fraud, technical failures, pandemic or any other causes beyond the reasonable control which corrupt or affect the administration, security or proper conduct of the Offer, the Offer can be terminated or suspended, in whole or in part, or modified in any way, without advance notice. Furthermore, any individual that is believed to be tampering with the process or the operation of the Offer can be disqualified from the Offer and banned from any future offers.

The following terms also apply to this Offer:

Aeroplan Program General Information and Terms and Conditions Air Canada Privacy Policy Aeroplan’s Privacy Policy Travel Terms and Conditions of Loyalty Travel Agency LLC HotelSavers Terms & Conditions

American Express is not responsible for the fulfillment of the Offer or the terms of use. The Aeroplan program is a loyalty rewards and recognition program operated by Air Canada’s subsidiary Aeroplan Inc. 

1  A Basic Cardmember and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) are each entitled to complimentary access to Air Canada Café and any Maple Leaf Lounge located only in Canada and the United States, including International Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada and the United States when travelling on an international itinerary. Access excludes Maple Leaf Lounges outside of Canada and the United States, Air Canada Signature Suites, and lounges operated by third parties, such as Star Alliance member airlines. Basic and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) are each entitled to offer one (1) guest complimentary access to the same eligible Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café. Any guest entering a Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café must be accompanied by a Basic or eligible Supplementary Cardmember. Additional guest(s) may enter the Maple Leaf Lounge upon paying an applicable fee.  For greater certainty, a Basic Cardmember or eligible Supplementary Cardmember who holds Aeroplan Elite Status, may additionally take advantage of the lounge access benefits available to them as part of the Aeroplan Elite Status program. For more information on Aeroplan Elite TM Status, please visit  aircanada.com/elitebenefits . Access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Café is available in conjunction with a same-day ticket when departing on a flight marketed or operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, under the Air Canada Express brand, or any Star Alliance member airline. Anyone under the age of majority entering a Maple Leaf Lounge must be accompanied by an adult with access to the lounge. Age of majority is determined by the jurisdiction in which the Maple Leaf Lounge is located. Benefit may only be used as described, and otherwise cannot be transferred. Access is subject to space availability. See  www.aircanada.com/lounges-termsandconditions  for applicable Maple Leaf Lounges Terms and Conditions.

2  A Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of nine (9) travellers), are each entitled to Priority Check-in (where available), Zone 2 Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling. Benefits only apply when checking in with Air Canada, for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. Benefit is not available if check-in is with another airline. To access this benefit, the Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember may be required to show their qualifying card to the Air Canada agent.

3  A Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of nine (9) travellers), are each entitled to Priority Airport Standby, and a higher priority for upgrade requests to a premium cabin. Priority airport standby and upgrade clearance are available on day of travel when travelling on a fare that allows for airport standby or upgrades, and upon satisfying applicable condition(s), such as payment of fees or use of upgrade instrument(s), such as eUpgrade credits. Benefit only applies for flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or under the Air Canada Express brand. Priority on standby and upgrade lists is determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, holding Aeroplan EliteTM Status, an eligible Aeroplan credit card, and other rules as determined by Air Canada in its sole discretion and as may be changed by Air Canada from time to time. See  www.aircanada.com/elite-termsandconditions  for applicable Aeroplan Elite Status and eUpgrade conditions.

4  For every $5,000 in eligible purchases (less any returns, credits and adjustments) charged to the card and posted to the card account, Basic Cardmembers will earn 1,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) and 1 Status Qualifying Segment (SQS) which will be deposited in their Aeroplan member account and appear on the next card account billing statement. Please allow at least three (3) days after being earned for the SQM and SQS to be added to your Aeroplan account. SQM and SQS are not redeemable towards Aeroplan rewards and only count toward Aeroplan Elite Status qualification. SQM do not count towards Million Mile Status. Supplementary Cardmember(s) are not eligible to receive SQM or SQS through this benefit; however, all eligible spend by Supplementary Cardmembers will count towards the Basic Cardmember’s spend. Basic Cardmembers may earn unlimited bonus SQM and SQS during an Aeroplan Elite Status qualification period. In the case of returns, credits or adjustments that reduce the amount of net purchases below a previously achieved threshold for which SQM and SQS was not previously awarded, you may not earn the SQM and SQS, but if you were awarded SQM and SQS, the amount deducted could result in you having negative net purchases and you will have to make purchases if you wanted to bring your net purchases to zero before earning towards your next SQM and SQS. All Aeroplan Elite Status conditions apply and can be reviewed at  www.aircanada.com/elite-termsandconditions .

5  Basic Cardmembers who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will be able to roll over up to a maximum of 200,000 Status Qualifying Miles (SQM) from the prior qualification year to the next qualification year. This benefit applies when the member qualified for Aeroplan Elite Status by earning the required SQM or Status Qualifying Segments (SQS), as well as the required Status Qualifying Dollars (SQD), in the prior qualification year. If the member has been granted complimentary status, as determined by Air Canada, that is higher than the status they would have earned via their Status Qualifying balances, the rollover amount will be based on the status they would have earned otherwise (if any), and not the granted status. SQM rolled over from the previous qualifying year will apply towards status qualification for the following qualifying year. Rollover SQM will be deposited directly into the member's Aeroplan account no later than March 30 of any given year, provided the member earned at least Aeroplan 25K Status based on their Status Qualifying balances from the prior qualifying year. Rollover does not apply to SQS or SQD. Benefit is only available to Basic Cardmembers and does not apply to Supplementary Cardmembers. In the event the card is changed to a different product or the account is closed, regardless of reason for closure, any SQM rolled over as a result of this benefit will be removed from the Aeroplan account, and any status earned as a result of these rolled over SQM may also be rescinded. SQM do not count towards Million Mile Status and are not redeemable towards Aeroplan rewards. Where a Basic Cardmember is eligible to roll over SQM under another Aeroplan credit card, the total cumulative roll over of all SQM towards Aeroplan Elite Status cannot exceed the maximum of 200,000 SQM. All Aeroplan Elite Status conditions apply and can be reviewed at  www.aircanada.com/elite .

6  Basic Cardmembers who also hold Aeroplan Elite Status will be able to roll over up to a maximum of 50 eUpgrade credits received in the prior status year to the next status year. eUpgrade credits issued on a promotional basis, as well as those already rolled over from a previous benefit year, are not eligible for this benefit. Rollover eUpgrade credits will be deposited directly into the member's Aeroplan account no later than March 30 of any given year, provided the member holds Aeroplan Elite Status at that time, and held Aeroplan Elite Status in the previous benefit year. If the card is changed to a different product or the account is closed, regardless of reason for closure, any unused, rolled over eUpgrade credits will be forfeited and removed from the member’s eUpgrade account. Benefit is only available to Basic Cardmembers and does not apply to Supplementary Cardmembers. Where a Basic Cardmember is eligible to roll over eUpgrade credits under another Aeroplan credit card, the total cumulative roll over of all eUpgrade credits cannot exceed the maximum of 50 eUpgrade credits. All eUpgrade conditions apply and can be reviewed at  www.aircanada.com/eupgrade-termsandconditions .

7  Basic Cardmembers will receive one (1) Annual Companion Pass after spending more than $25,000 on net purchases (less any returns, credits, and adjustments) posted to the Basic Cardmember’s card account in the 12 months prior to their Card anniversary date. The pass will be deposited into the Aeroplan account 8-10 weeks after the Card anniversary date. 

On each Card anniversary date, the calculation of the annual net purchases resets to zero and Basic Cardmembers must qualify again in the new annual period. Purchases transacted or posted on the Card anniversary date will be included in the calculation of net purchases for the next annual period and not the previous annual period. 

The pass entitles a companion to accompany the Basic Cardmember upon the purchase of a fixed base fare (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges), when the Basic Cardmember books a published economy fare on a flight marketed and operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. 

Valid against the purchase of one round-trip fixed based fare (plus taxes, fees, charges and surcharges) for a companion when travelling on the same itinerary and booked at the same time as the Basic Cardmember. Passes are valid for 12 months from the date issued. The pass is valid towards a new booking only, and not valid on existing reservations. Bookings must be made directly with Air Canada, via aircanada.com, the Air Canada Mobile App, or through the Air Canada call center (“Air Canada Reservations”). 

Maximum of one companion pass may be used per booking. If one-way travel is booked, the full base fare will be charged, the pass will be deemed fully used and the return portion of travel will be forfeited.

Total pricing varies based on itinerary booked. Basic Cardmembers may use the pass only once on their choice of travel (i) within Canada and continental US (excluding Hawaii) for $99 CAD base fare (ii) to/from Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean for $299 CAD base fare, (iii) to/from South America, Europe, Middle East, and Africa for $499 CAD base fare, and (iv) to/from Asia, Australia, and New Zealand for $599 CAD base fare. 

In addition to the purchase of a fixed base fare, the companion will be responsible to pay all applicable taxes, fees, charges and surcharges that apply above the companion’s base fare. All travel must originate or terminate in Canada or the United States. Valid for travel at any time with no blackout periods. Also valid against the purchase of fares on sale.

  The companion will be booked into the same fare brand as the Basic Cardmember and will receive all applicable benefits and services associated with that fare brand. The pass may not be used against the purchase of premium cabin fares, or in conjunction with Aeroplan flight rewards, Flight Pass, group travel bookings, Air Canada Vacations bookings, or any other discounts or promotion codes. 

The pass must be redeemed at the time of purchase, and if multiple companion passes are available in association with the same Aeroplan number, the pass that would expire first will be used. Booking must be made before the pass expiry date, but travel may occur after the pass expiry date subject to flight schedule availability at the time of booking. 

Pass may only be used as described, cannot be transferred and has no monetary or exchange value. Changes or cancellations are allowed according to the fare rules of the fare purchased.

Changes and cancellations must be made at the same time for both the Basic Cardmember and the companion, and failure to do so may result in the companion pass being forfeited. If during a change or cancellation the pass is reinstated in the Basic Cardmember’s Aeroplan account, the original expiry date will take effect and the pass may then be considered expired. In the event of a change or cancellation, travelers are required to pay all applicable fees based on the fare type purchased for each ticket, plus the difference in fare, if applicable, and all taxes, fees, charges and surcharges that apply above the base fare. The Basic Cardmember’s account must be and remain active (not cancelled) and in good standing in order to receive and retain the reward.

Companions who are members of Aeroplan or other partner frequent flyer programs are eligible to accumulate points and/or miles for the ticket issued in exchange for the companion pass according to conditions of the fare brand purchased. 

Aeroplan Elite Status benefits and upgrades are applicable if the traveler holds appropriate status and the fare purchased allows.

Air Canada reserves the right to apply additional fees for bookings made via Air Canada Reservations. Unused passes will automatically be cancelled on the date the card account is cancelled, regardless of reason for cancellation, or if the card account is changed to a different product. 

Air transportation services on Air Canada are subject to Air Canada’s General Conditions of Carriage & Tariffs ( www.aircanada.com/conditionsofcarriage ) at the time of booking.

8  From time to time, eligible Basic Aeroplan Cardmembers can get access to preferred pricing, which means they can book flight rewards for even fewer points. The number of points required to book a flight reward is determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, holding an eligible Aeroplan credit card and a member logging into their Aeroplan account, along with other rules as determined by Aeroplan in its sole discretion.

9  A Basic Cardmember or eligible Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of 9 travellers), are each entitled to a free first checked bag up to 23kg/50lb. Benefit only applies when checking in with Air Canada, for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. Benefit is not available if check-in is with another airline. If the first checked bag is already complimentary (for example, as a result of Aeroplan Elite Status or fare purchased), there is no additional checked bag benefit that will be provided. Free first checked bag benefit may not be applied retroactively, and no refunds will be issued. Service charges for additional/oversized/overweight baggage may apply. For more information on baggage restrictions, please visit  www.aircanada.com/baggage .

10 Eligible Basic American Express Aeroplan Cardmembers with an existing Avis account may qualify to enroll for Avis President’s Club status. Enrollment into the Avis President’s Club is required, subject to approval. Complimentary upgrade subject to the Avis Preferred Terms and Conditions. Avis is responsible for the fulfillment of the upgrade to Avis President’s Club status.

Learn more about the Avis President’s Club upgrade, full terms and conditions and how to register by visiting https://www.aircanada.com/ca/en/aco/home/aeroplan/partners/avis.html#/

®* ,  TM :  For trademark ownership details see:  americanexpress.ca/aeroplantrademarks 

®* Avis is a registered trademark licensed to Aviscar, Inc. for use in Canada.

Share the benefits.

Earn the rewards.

You can share some of your benefits and earn Aeroplan points faster by adding someone else to

your account. 1

Please note: In order to access the Air Canada travel benefits available on the additional American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card, the additional Cardmember must have a valid Aeroplan number in their own name and linked to their Card.

Please visit www.americanexpress.ca/aeroplan-link to link an Aeroplan number upon receiving the American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card.

‡  Please ensure that you provide your personal Aeroplan number to be linked to your card account as linking a different loyalty number may impact the airline benefit fulfillment.

The Aeroplan number of the person accessing the benefit must be included in the qualifying reservation, and the name on the airline reservation must be identical to the name on the Aeroplan account of the traveler. For eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) ability to access available benefits, their Aeroplan number must be linked to a valid credit card account as verified by the bank. Linking can be done by visiting  www.aircanada.com/linkmycard . Please allow up to 72 hours after the credit card is approved, or the Aeroplan number of the eligible Supplementary Cardmember is linked to the Additional Supplementary card, for these benefits to be activated. Aeroplan member accounts of the Basic Cardmember and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) must be in good standing at time of flight for airline benefits to apply. Airline benefits will no longer be available upon account closure, regardless of reason for closure, or if the card product is changed. Aeroplan membership and benefits are subject to the Aeroplan Program Terms & Conditions and any applicable Air Canada terms and conditions relating to a benefit, as determined by Air Canada in its sole discretion and as may be changed from time to time.

1  Each supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card is $199 annually. No annual fee for each supplementary American Express Reserve No Fee Aeroplan Card. Supplementary Cardmembers must be at least 13 years old.

2 You can earn Aeroplan points (“points”) for eligible consumer purchases at American Express retail merchants as follows: Earn 3 points for every $1 of eligible purchases made directly with Air Canada. Earn 2 points for every $1 at restaurant, quick service restaurant, coffee shop, and drinking establishments in Canada, and delivery of food in Canada as a primary business, but not including groceries. Eligible Air Canada purchases means only those purchases made directly with Air Canada as the merchant, including Air Canada Vacations packages purchased directly from Air Canada. Air Canada purchases using your card at another merchant or service provider that sells Air Canada goods or services would not be an eligible Air Canada purchase, such as purchasing (i) Air Canada tickets from an online website other than Air Canada, through a travel agent including American Express Travel Services, or as part of a vacation package from another merchant, (ii) Air Canada gift cards, (iii) Air Canada Maple Leaf Club memberships or (iv) if you make a purchase through Air Canada with another merchant such as a hotel or car rental booking on the aircanada.com website. Earn rate of 1.25 points for every $1 applies when the merchant code is not in an eligible category, using a payment account or service of a third party, a card reader attached to a mobile phone or online retailer that sells goods of other merchants or the merchant category is otherwise not identified. Provided your account is in good standing, points can be earned on eligible purchases less returns and other credits. Interest charges, annual fees, other fees and cash equivalent transactions are not purchases and do not qualify for Aeroplan points.

3  A Basic Cardmember and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) are each entitled to complimentary access to Air Canada Café and any Maple Leaf Lounge located only in Canada and the United States, including International Maple Leaf Lounges in Canada and the United States when travelling on an international itinerary. Access excludes Maple Leaf Lounges outside of Canada and the United States, Air Canada Signature Suites, and lounges operated by third parties, such as Star Alliance member airlines. Basic and eligible Supplementary Cardmember(s) are each entitled to offer one (1) guest complimentary access to the same eligible Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café. Any guest entering a Maple Leaf Lounge and Air Canada Café must be accompanied by a Basic or eligible Supplementary Cardmember. Additional guest(s) may enter the Maple Leaf Lounge upon paying an applicable fee.  For greater certainty, a Basic Cardmember or eligible Supplementary Cardmember who holds Aeroplan Elite Status, may additionally take advantage of the lounge access benefits available to them as part of the Aeroplan Elite Status program. For more information on Aeroplan Elite TM Status, please visit aircanada.com/elitebenefits . Access to Maple Leaf Lounges and Air Canada Café is available in conjunction with a same-day ticket when departing on a flight marketed or operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, under the Air Canada Express brand, or any Star Alliance member airline. Anyone under the age of majority entering a Maple Leaf Lounge must be accompanied by an adult with access to the lounge. Age of majority is determined by the jurisdiction in which the Maple Leaf Lounge is located. Benefit may only be used as described, and otherwise cannot be transferred. Access is subject to space availability. See www.aircanada.com/lounges-termsandconditions for applicable Maple Leaf Lounges Terms and Conditions.

5 A Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of nine (9) travellers), are each entitled to Priority Check-in (where available), Zone 2 Priority Boarding and Priority Baggage Handling. Benefits only apply when checking in with Air Canada, for a flight operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge or under the Air Canada Express brand. Benefit is not available if check-in is with another airline. To access this benefit, the Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember may be required to show their qualifying card to the Air Canada agent.

6 A Basic Cardmember or Supplementary Cardmember, and up to eight (8) other passengers traveling on the same reservation (up to a maximum of nine (9) travellers), are each entitled to Priority Airport Standby, and a higher priority for upgrade requests to a premium cabin. Priority airport standby and upgrade clearance are available on day of travel when travelling on a fare that allows for airport standby or upgrades, and upon satisfying applicable condition(s), such as payment of fees or use of upgrade instrument(s), such as eUpgrade credits. Benefit only applies for flights operated by Air Canada, Air Canada Rouge, or under the Air Canada Express brand. Priority on standby and upgrade lists is determined by several factors, including, but not limited to, holding Aeroplan Elite Status, an eligible Aeroplan credit card, and other rules as determined by Air Canada in its sole discretion and as may be changed by Air Canada from time to time. See www.aircanada.com/elite  for applicable Aeroplan Elite Status and eUpgrade conditions.

7  American Express Basic and Supplementary Cardmembers with an eligible Card are entitled to access the Pearson Priority Lanes (“Priority Lanes”). The Priority Lanes are serviced by the Greater Toronto Airport Authority. Priority Lanes are located at select departure areas at Toronto’s Pearson International Airport in Terminals 1 & 3. Access to a Pearson Priority Lane is available to eligible Canadian Cardmembers and companions travelling on the same itinerary. The eligible Cardmember can request single-use QR Codes online by visiting go.amex/yyz . For assistance, please call the phone number on the back of your card. Access to the Priority Lanes is intended for the Basic and Supplementary Cardmember and a reasonable number of persons travelling with them on the same itinerary. If we determine, in our sole discretion, that a Cardmember (or Supplementary Cardmember, as applicable) is not using this benefit as intended, we reserve the right to revoke your access to the benefit or to cancel your Card account. All passengers departing from Pearson International Airport, including those accessing the Priority Lane, are required to comply with airport security and customs screening requirements. Priority Lanes access is subject to change or cancellation at any time and additional terms and conditions apply.

8  Toronto Pearson Valet Service – Basic and eligible Supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card members must charge the parking fee to their American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card for the associated Valet fee to be waived. The American Express Aeroplan Reserve No Fee Supplementary Cards are not eligible for this benefit. Waived fee applies only to Toronto Pearson Airport Valet Services in Terminal 1. For more information on Valet Service visit torontopearson.com .

9  Toronto Pearson 15% Parking Discount – Basic and eligible Supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card members can receive 15% discount off the cost of parking (including taxes) which will be provided as a credit to your Basic American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card statement. The American Express Aeroplan Reserve No Fee Supplementary Cards are not eligible for this benefit. The parking lot is subject to availability. Discount available at Express Park in Terminal 1 and Daily Park in Terminals 1 & 3. 15% Discount cannot be used when reserving parking on Greater Toronto Airport Authority’s (GTAA) Parking Reservation system or in conjunction with any other offers or discounts offered by GTAA. For more information on parking lots visit torontopearson.com .

10  Toronto Pearson Discounted Car Care - Car Care services must be charged to your Basic and eligible Supplementary American Express Aeroplan Reserve Card. 15% discount off cost of Car Care services (including taxes) will be provided as a statement credit. The American Express Aeroplan No Fee Reserve Supplementary Cards are not eligible for this benefit. Only Canadian American Express Cards are eligible for the Car Care services. Subject to availability. Access to the Car Care services is available in Terminal 1 on level 5 of the Daily Park garage. For more information on parking lots visit torontopearson.com .

11  Purchase must be charged in full to an American Express Card. Subject to availability and to event and ticketing terms, restrictions, verification procedures and fees. Tickets and packages may not be transferable and should not be resold. No refunds and no exchanges subject to merchant's obligations under applicable law.

®  :Used by Amex Bank of Canada under license from American Express.

® *, TM : For trademark ownership details see: americanexpress.ca/aeroplantrademarks

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The Pros and Cons of Southwest’s Companion Pass

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The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the most coveted symbols among Southwest frequent flyers. It's Southwest Airline's version of a buy-one-get-one deal, where you buy a flight and one lucky buddy gets to fly for free (aside from taxes and fees). But even fairly frequent Southwest flyers will have a hard time getting their hands on one.

It can be tough to earn, and its value lies in how often you use it once you have it. If you have a regular travel companion like a sibling, partner or BFF — and your travel plans this year involve attending six weddings, heading home for the winter holidays and spending the summer on the beaches of Hawaii — then you’ll more than likely save many hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars by using it.

But you’ll also have to put in money (either in terms of purchasing Southwest airfare or spending money on a Southwest credit card ) to earn it. So is the Southwest Companion Pass really all it's cracked up to be?

A quick overview of the Southwest Companion Pass

To earn the Companion Pass, you either need to take 100 qualifying one-way flights or earn 135,000 qualifying points in a calendar year. Among the best ways to earn qualifying points include:

Booking revenue airfares on Southwest (meaning it excludes tickets booked on points).

Booking a hotel or renting a car through one of Southwest’s partners.

Using a Rapid Rewards credit card.

Online shopping through the Rapid Rewards Shopping portal.

Once you’ve reached either the flight or point threshold, you’ll earn the Companion Pass for the following full calendar year, plus the remainder of the year in which you earned it.

» Learn more: Southwest Companion Pass: Why you want it and how to get it

The pros of the Southwest Companion Pass

You don’t need us to tell you that getting a two-for-one deal (plus taxes and fees, which start at just $5.60) on flights for at least a year is a sweet deal. But here are a few other reasons why the Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best deals out there:

You can still use the Companion Pass when booking with points

If you’ve accumulated the 135,000 Rapid Rewards points needed to earn the Companion Pass, then odds are you’ve got a ton of points to burn on airfare. You can use your points to book a Southwest flight for yourself, then use your pass to book your travel partner’s flight — essentially getting two flights for the price of none (aside from dipping into your points pool and paying taxes and fees).

» Learn more: Your guide to booking award flights on Southwest

Points earned through Rapid Rewards credit card welcome offers count toward reaching that Companion Pass

Taking 100 qualifying one-way flights could feel like an enormous feat, but if you’re open to applying for a Southwest credit card, your path to a Companion Pass could be significantly easier. Applying for a new credit card typically means you’ll take the path that requires you to earn 135,000 qualifying points to get a Companion Pass.

Occasionally, you can earn a Companion Pass as part a Southwest card's welcome offer. Currently available offers are as follows:

on Chase's website

Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

You aren’t committed to one companion

Your travel plans might entail flying with your sibling to a wedding, taking a friend to Vegas and going on a romantic getaway to Hawaii with your partner. You can make all those trips happen on the Companion Pass, and they don’t all have to be with the same person.

You may change your designated companion up to three times each calendar year that you hold it.

However, you can’t hold multiple reservations with different companions at the same time. Any reservations with the current designated companion need to be canceled or completed before changing your designated companion, and you should also allow up to 21 business days for processing when you change that person.

This flexibility is a great benefit, but you’ll need to plan ahead to take advantage of it.

» Learn more: Southwest Airlines sweet spots

The cons of the Southwest Companion Pass

It’s easy to see why the Companion Pass is great, but it’s important to recognize that everything comes at some sort of cost. The value you get out of the pass might not be worth the effort you put into its pursuit.

Even with a credit card bonus, you’ll need to spend some money

Getting approved for a Rapid Rewards credit card and earning the welcome offer can certainly help get you a good chunk of the way toward Companion Pass ownership, but it won’t get you all the way there (unless a pass is included with the bonus).

Usually, you’ll get the most points from Southwest’s business card. If you have any sort of small business and can get approved, you’ll get a healthy welcome bonus from the Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card : Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

You’ll have to make up the difference through other means, like spending on your credit card. And with that comes risk that you could end up spending more than you should for the sake of earning miles.

Always weigh what you’ll spend to earn the pass versus how much the pass could save you. If you were going to buy new appliances and charge them to a credit card anyway, then it might make sense to use that to help you reach your Companion Pass. Just don’t fall for the trap of convincing yourself that it’s time to upgrade your perfectly good refrigerator because it’ll get you free flights (it’ll still cost you the price of a brand-new refrigerator).

Rapid Rewards credit cards may not provide the best value

Earning a Companion Pass will cost you either 100 qualifying one-way flights or 135,000 points. These two cards provide a signup bonus, but that still may not be enough to earn the Companion Pass if you don't put enough spend on the card.

Earn 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months your account is open.

Earn 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

Let’s say that after earning those bonus points — coupled with points you’d earn from your regular Southwest flights — you’re still short of the 135,000 points needed to earn another pass. You’ll earn 1 point for every $1 spent on general purchases on Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards, so you could spend several thousand more on a Southwest credit card to earn it.

» Learn more: Full review of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card

But that amount of cash may be better spent on another travel rewards card . For example, with the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , you’ll earn this bonus: Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

This card offers 2x points on travel (5x points if you book your travel through Chase's travel portal), 3x on dining and 1x on all other purchases, so you may be able to earn points more quickly for all your travel spending — and transfer your points to Chase partners if you travel with carriers other than Southwest. And yes, the Southwest Rapid Rewards program is a partner loyalty program with Chase Ultimate Rewards® .

It’s important to compare the value of any points you’ll earn on these cards . Currently, NerdWallet values Southwest points at about 1.5 cents per point and Chase Ultimate Rewards points® from the Sapphire cards at about 2.2 cents each.

» Learn more: NerdWallet’s Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review — a must-have card for travelers

Or, take a card with a straightforward rewards structure like the Citi Double Cash® Card , which earns 2% rewards on all eligible purchases — 1% when you make a purchase and 1% when you pay it off. That $50,000 in spending on that card would ultimately net you $1,000 in straight cash back. In that scenario, ask yourself if you’d rather have $1,000 or a Companion Pass. Frequent travelers might still find a Companion Pass worth more than $1,000, but you may not.

You’ll likely always feel pressured to book Southwest for as long as you hold it

You might be someone who generally takes Southwest flights, but what if you find yourself in a situation where the Southwest flight requires a layover and the United one is direct? What if you’re trying to get to Daytona Beach, Florida (which has its own airport), but the nearest Southwest-served airport is in Orlando?

You might feel tempted to take advantage of your Companion Pass by booking the flight with the layover, or landing in Orlando and taking the hour drive to the coast. But if you miss the layover, and the hour-long cab ride to your hotel costs $100, you might question if that half-price pair of tickets was really worth it.

To change the buddy whom you’ve designated the companion on your Southwest Companion Pass, you’ll have to call Southwest at 1-800-435-9792. You can change that person up to three times each calendar year that you hold the pass. Southwest warns that you should allow up to 21 business days for processing the change.

No, Rapid Rewards Companion Pass travel does not count toward qualification for A-List status. Additionally, no points are awarded for flights taken by the person flying on a Companion Pass reservation.

One way to qualify for the Companion Pass is through taking 100 qualifying one-way flights booked through Southwest within a calendar year. A one-way qualifying flight is defined by Southwest as a one-way revenue trip on the airline, including any intermediate stops or connections (a layover does not count as two flights). Additionally, those points must have been earned and posted to your Rapid Rewards account prior to the end of the calendar year in order to count toward your pass.

Yes, Southwest considers children ages 12 through 17 who are traveling alone as Young Travelers, which is different than Unaccompanied Minors. Southwest does not monitor Young Travelers during travel, as opposed to Unaccompanied Minors. Unaccompanied Minors are escorted onto the aircraft by a Southwest Airlines employee before general boarding begins and are supported through the flight by a flight attendant. These travelers are also subject to a $50 one-way service charge, though Young Travelers are not.

The bottom line

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of those benefits that rewards travelers dream about. After all, it essentially cuts the airfare cost for partner trips in half. But it’s not easy to earn when it's not included with a Southwest card sign-up bonus, and travelers can easily fall into the trap of spending more than they should just to earn it. Remember to weigh the cost of the pass against how much you’ll spend to earn it. And if you’re not a dedicated Southwest flyer, it’s OK if you want to skip it altogether.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

5 Best Ways To Redeem the Southwest Companion Pass With Rapid Rewards Points for Max Value

Spencer Howard

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Keri Stooksbury

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Southwest Rapid Rewards Points Basics

How the southwest companion pass works, how to check your companion pass progress, how to maximize the companion pass, 1. fly dallas to portland round-trip, 2. fly baltimore to the bahamas round-trip, 3. fly denver to los cabos round-trip, 4. fly atlanta to punta cana round-trip, 5. southwest ticket sales, final thoughts.

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The  Southwest Rapid Rewards frequent flyer program offers some outstanding redemptions for travel around the U.S. and international locations.

While these redemptions are a good value on their own, you get the greatest value when redeemed with the Southwest Companion Pass. If you haven’t heard of the Companion Pass, you’re in for a surprise!

In addition to the low number of reward points needed to book Southwest flights in general, Southwest gives you an extra  free  ticket for no extra points when you have a Companion Pass!

Southwest Rapid Rewards points can be earned by signing up for the Southwest credit cards. You earn points toward the Companion Pass with every purchase made with a Southwest card so make sure you’re ready to put a lot of spending on your card!

This card focuses on the Southwest traveler with anniversary points, travel credit, upgrades, and money back on inflight purchases.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Priority Credit Card is the most premium personal Southwest card offering from Chase. When you peel back the curtain, it is easy to see why.

Not only does the card offer multiple bonus categories to help you earn more Southwest Rapid Rewards points, but it is also loaded with benefits that are sure to offer quite a bit of value to Southwest flyers.

Here is a full overview of the card to help you decide if it is a good fit for your wallet.

• 3x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshare purchases
• $149 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable points
• Earn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 7,500 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest ® purchases.
• Earn 2X points on local transit and commuting, including rideshare.
• Earn 2X points on internet, cable, and phone services; select streaming.
• $75 Southwest ® travel credit each year.
• No foreign transaction fees.
• Member FDIC
• APR: 21.49% - 28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None
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Southwest Rapid Rewards Frequent Flyer Program

Earn Southwest points on every purchase, plus anniversary points, Tier Qualifying Points, and points toward the Companion Pass!

Another week, another flight. Flying weekly can get tiring, but you know that every flight gets you closer to taking some great vacations with your significant other or your favorite travel buddy.

To save money on the flights, you like to use Southwest Airlines.

So why not get the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Premier Credit Card to help you earn extra Rapid Rewards points?

• 2x points per $1 on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partners
• $99 annual fee
• Does not earn transferable rewards
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• 6,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 3X points on Southwest ®  purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In ®  each year.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: $0

This card makes it easy to earn unlimited points and qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass.

If you spend a lot of time in the air, it’s important to get a great deal on your plane tickets.

Southwest Airlines can help you get those deals.

One way to save is by using the Southwest Rapid Rewards ® Plus Credit Card . This card helps you earn points for all your spending, and earning more reward points is always a good thing for a busy traveler!

• 2x points per $1 on Southwest purchases
• 2x points per $1 on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
• $69 annual fee
• 3,000 anniversary points each year.
• Earn 2X points on Southwest ® purchases.
• 2 EarlyBird Check-In ® each year.
• Earn 1 point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

Each of these cards has an annual fee and typically come with a sign-up bonus, so check out their reviews for the current offers.

You can also transfer Chase points to your Southwest Rapid Rewards account at a 1:1 rate.

Recommended Chase Cards (Personal)

A fantastic travel card with a huge welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred ® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance . With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 5x points on select Peloton purchases over $150 (through March 31, 2025)
• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel SM , 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $937.50 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• APR: 21.49%-28.49% Variable
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• Best Sign Up Bonuses

Chase Ultimate Rewards

A top player in the high-end premium travel credit card space that earns 3x points on travel and dining while offering top luxury perks.

If you’re looking for an all-around excellent travel rewards card, the Chase Sapphire Reserve ®  is one of the best options out there.

The card combines elite travel benefits and perks like airport lounge access , with excellent point earning and redemption options.  Plus it offers top-notch travel insurance protections to keep you covered whether you’re at home or on the road.

Don’t forget the $300 annual travel credit which really helps to reduce the annual fee!

• 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase TravelSM immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually
• 10x points on Lyft purchases March 31, 2025
• $550 annual fee
• Does not offer any sort of hotel elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That’s $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel SM .
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel SM  immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel SM . For example, 75,000 points are worth $1125 toward travel.
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass TM  Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 22.49%-29.49% Variable

Business owner? See our list of the best Chase business credit cards .

The travel rewards cards have an annual fee, but the cash-back cards (which can convert into Chase reward program points) do not. All cards typically have a good sign-up bonus.

Search on Southwest.com for the lowest fares using their designated  lowest fares search  engine. Select the option to show the price in “points” when you search for availability.

The number of Rapid Rewards points needed for a ticket on Southwest Airlines is based on the “ destination, time, travel date, demand, fare class, and other factors.”

Typically, you get:

• Business Select fare: ~78 points/$1
• Anytime fare: ~78 points/$1
• Wanna Get Away plus fare: ~76-78 points/$1
• Wanna Get Away fare: ~76-78 points/$1

There’s an estimated fares destination map located  here  to see specific rates, but fares are still subject to change depending on the parameters mentioned above.

Southwest may not be the largest carrier, but it is probably the most popular carrier due to its commitment to customer service and status as a great low-cost carrier.

By far the best way to redeem points is to have and use the Southwest Companion Pass. You’ll get 2 tickets for the price of 1, regardless of whether you pay for the flight or use Rapid Rewards points!

How To Earn the Companion Pass

You must earn 135,000 Rapid Rewards points in a single calendar year to receive the Companion Pass .

These must be  eligible  points, such as points earned from flying (100 one-way flights in a year), Rapid Rewards credit cards (including sign-up bonuses), the Southwest Dining Program , shopping portal , or partners.

Note that points transferred from other programs or accounts (e.g.,  Chase Ultimate Rewards ) will not count toward earning a Companion Pass .

Purchased points, flight bonus points, tier bonus points, points earned from surveys, and partner bonus points will not count toward the Companion Pass.

Once you have earned the Companion Pass, it will be valid until December 31 of the year  after the year in which you earn it. So, you’ll get the most use out of the Companion Pass when you earn it in January because you can fly with it for nearly 2 years after that (e.g., January 2023 through December 2024).

The Companion Pass can be used  every time  you fly Southwest.

Checking your progress towards the Companion Pass is easy and can be done right on the Southwest Airlines website.

After logging on to your Southwest.com account, click on My Account in the upper right hand corner. Then you will see a progress chart in the My Rapid Rewards section in the middle of the page.

Your progress will be tracked in points and in number of flights. But you only need to achieve one of these requirements, not both, to earn the Companion Pass!

Hot Tip: Curious what the best credit card is? Check out this list of the best credit cards for Southwest Airlines flyers.

The companion pass is eligible for use with paid and award travel on both domestic and international Southwest Airlines itineraries. Before you can bring a friend or loved one, you must designate them as your companion.

Your companion can travel with you for only part of your itinerary if they choose, but they cannot travel without you  on the Companion Pass . Additionally, you can change your designated companion up to 3 times per year.

If you lose the physical pass Southwest sends you by mail, don’t worry; you don’t actually need it to book a flight.

Following the above strategies, you can feel confident that you have maximized the value of your Southwest Companion Pass. Now, all you have to do is look for great deals on domestic and international flights to take with a friend, relative, or partner!

Before you know it, you’ll be getting tons of value out of your Companion Pass and Rapid Rewards points.

Hot Tip: For more information check out our ultimate guide to the Southwest Airlines Companion Pass.

Best Ways To Use the Southwest Companion Pass for Vacations

Using points and miles is where the fun really begins! After all your hard work earning them, it’s nice to get some ideas about where to go so you can start anticipating those trips!

With the Companion Pass, you can fly yourself and a travel companion on a round-trip ticket from  Dallas to Portland  in economy class for 15,330 Rapid Rewards points.

Those reward points cover the cost of your ticket, and your travel companion flies for  nothing extra  except the occasional airport taxes and fees.

Full price without the Companion Pass, this same flight for 2 people would cost about $548 total. That’s a value of 3.6 cents per point, which is an excellent redemption!

If you’re looking for a great international vacation, check out the “Wanna Get Away” fares from Baltimore to Nassau, Bahamas. You can book a round-trip ticket in economy class for 10,080 Rapid Rewards points.

Fees tend to be a bit higher on international flights, whereas they are quite low for domestic flights. But the redemption value is still good: this flight for 2 would give you a value of about 2 cents per point.

Hot Tip: If you time your spending right, you could earn the sign-up bonus points for 2 of Chase’s Southwest credit cards early in the calendar year. Then you’ll only have to earn the difference before the Companion Pass is yours!

Southwest has been expanding its international footprint, and that’s good news for Companion Pass holders.

You can fly from Denver to Los Cabo, Mexico for 22,752 Rapid Rewards points round-trip. Purchasing 2 tickets on this route would typically cost you over $900, which means you’re getting over 4 cents per point thanks to the Companion Pass!

Hot Tip: Need some travel inspiration? Check out these lesser known international destinations that Southwest flies to.

Another fun international route on Southwest is between Atlanta and Punta Cana. You can fly round-trip for 25,056 Rapid Rewards points with the Companion Pass.

Not a bad deal when you consider the fact that it would cost over $850 for 2 tickets!

Hot Tip: Looking to upgrade your trip? Use  The Platinum Card ® from American Express   to gain access to Priority Pass lounges .

Every so often, Southwest runs a “Low Fare” sale on certain routes. These sales include both domestic and international routes.

Recently, Southwest ran a sale that included one-way flights from Orlando to Aruba for only 8,784 Rapids Rewards points. For flights that would normally cost $384 for 2 people, this was a great deal with the Companion Pass.

You also could have booked a one-way flight from Atlanta to Cancun for 7,992 Rapid Rewards points. With the companion pass, you would get an amazing value of just over 4 cents per point!

There are also some great deals on domestic flights. We just saw one-way flights from Chicago to New Orleans for 9,757 Rapids Rewards points. That’s a redemption value of over 3 cents per point when using the Companion Pass.

These sale prices for award flights beat out most other competitors. Pair any sale ticket with the Companion Pass to maximize the value of your award!

Keep in mind that these points prices may change depending on your dates of travel.

Be sure to check both the Rapid Rewards points cost and cash cost of flights when searching for tickets. This enables you to determine if it’s worth it to use the points, or if you should simply pay for the flight in cash.

Check out all routes on Southwest’s  interactive route map .

Hot Tip: Get Ding ! Ding is Southwest’s own alert system that will notify you when flights to your chosen destination from your selected airports go on sale. You can get it for your desktop or in the iTunes store for iOS.

If you’re going to be flying Southwest regularly on domestic or international routes, then the Companion Pass is a no-brainer!

It’s also relatively easy to get considering the  many ways to earn Southwest Rapid Rewards points , many of which can be earned without even flying !

You can pair the Companion Pass with any of the above award tickets on domestic and international flights to maximize the value you get out of your trip. Don’t hesitate, take advantage of this amazing deal!

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For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here .

Frequently Asked Questions

What are rr or rapid rewards points.

Southwest’s points program is called Rapid Rewards . The points you earn, redeem, and transfer are Southwest Rapid Rewards points.

What credit cards does Southwest Airlines offer?

There are 5 Southwest credit cards:  

• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

Every purchase with a Southwest card earns point toward the Companion Pass.

What are Southwest Rapid Rewards points worth?

The value of Southwest Rapid Rewards points depends on the ticket you are booking. You’ll usually always get somewhere between 1.2-2 cents per point. A “Wanna Get Away” ticket can give you a value up to 1.8 cents per point.

At 1.8 cents per point, that’s like getting a $100 ticket for the equivalent of about 5,555 Rapid Rewards points.

Can Southwest Rapid Rewards points be transferred?

Southwest Rapid Rewards points cannot be transferred to other airlines. You can redeem Southwest points, however, for hotel stays, car rentals, and more, though this is not generally a great use of points.

Are Southwest Rapid Rewards points transferrable to AirTran?

No. AirTran is now integrated into Southwest, so it is no longer considered a Southwest “partner.”

When do Southwest Rapid Rewards points post in your account?

Rapid Rewards points should post to your account within 3-7 days. Contact Southwest for support if you think they’re missing after this time period.

Are Southwest Rapid Rewards points refundable?

Yes. Southwest considers all flights paid for with Rapid Rewards points fully refundable when canceled prior to departure.

Be sure to select “request a refund of the refundable balance” when you go to cancel your flight reservation.

Can I get Southwest Rapid Rewards points for past flights?

Yes. Find the “Manage” section of your account and select “ Request past points .” Enter the flight confirmation number and submit. Within 3-5 days you should see the past flight appear in your trip history the points credited appropriately.

When do Southwest Rapid Rewards points expire?

Southwest Rapid Rewards points expire after 24 months of inactivity. Your account will not expire for 24 months from the date of your most recent activity. Simply earn or redeem miles a minimum of every 24 months to keep your account from expiring.

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About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

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• The Southwest Companion Pass lets you bring a buddy with you for just the cost of taxes and fees.
• With some strategy and foresight, you can earn this unlimited travel benefit through 2025.
• Read Business Insider's guide to the best travel credit cards .

Traveling can be a great adventure, but it's even better with a friend or loved one. Southwest offers an incredible perk called the Companion Pass, arguably one of the most valuable benefits in the travel industry. This benefit allows you to fly a buddy with you on any flight you take — with a few caveats and exceptions, of course.

Here's everything you need to know about getting and using the Southwest Companion Pass, including the best strategies to keep it for as long as possible.

Southwest Companion Pass Guide

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to choose one person to fly with you on both paid and award tickets for just the cost of taxes and fees, for up to two years (provided your timing is right). To earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you'll either have to accrue 135,000 qualifying points or fly 100 eligible one-way flights in a calendar year.

But here's a nice little trick: The points you'll earn from the Southwest credit card bonuses and spending count toward earning the Companion Pass — so opening a card and earning the bonus is an easy way to achieve a big part of the requirement.

The Southwest Companion Pass allows you to book a friend or family member's airplane ticket, on the same flight as you, without needing to pay any cash or points for the flight. You will be responsible for taxes and fees, but typically these do not amount to much (about $6 each way for a domestic flight).

Once you earn the Companion Pass, you can designate your travel companion in the Southwest system. The good news is that you can change to a different companion up to three times per calendar year. This means that you can bring along different friends for different trips.

How to Get a Southwest Companion Pass

To qualify for the Companion Pass, you need to earn 135,000 Companion Pass qualifying points or fly 100 one-way flights per calendar year on Southwest Airlines, which must be earned and posted to your Rapid Rewards account.

However, if you hold a Southwest credit card, you'll receive a "boost" of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each year. You won't actually receive 10,000 redeemable points — this benefit effectively reduces the number of points you must collect to 125,000. You'll only receive one boost yearly, even if you have multiple Southwest cards.

You can earn qualifying points by:

• Booking flights
• Earning points issued on Southwest Rapid Rewards credit cards
• Earning points from Rapid Rewards partners

You won't earn qualifying points for the following:

• Purchased points
• Points transferred between Rapid Rewards members
• Points transferred from Chase Ultimate Rewards ®
• Points converted from hotel and car loyalty programs
• Points converted from e-Rewards, e-Miles, Valued Opinions, and Diners Club
• Points earned from Rapid Rewards program enrollment
• Tier bonus points
• Flight bonus points
• Partner bonus points

Southwest Companion Pass Timing

If you decide you want to earn the Companion Pass, you need to plan out the timing just right. If you're going through the work of getting a pass, then you should maximize the amount of time you have to use it. 

As soon as you earn the pass, it will be valid through the rest of that calendar year as well as for the entire year that follows. For example, if you earn the Companion Pass in 2024, it will expire at the end of December 2025. That means:

• If you earn the required number of points in November 2024, you will only be able to use the Companion Pass through December 2025 — just a little over a year.
• But if you earn the Companion Pass in April 2024, you can use it through December 2025 — nearly two years of nearly-free travel.

The year in which your qualifying Southwest Companion Pass points post to your account is the year for which they will count toward the Companion Pass.

With this in mind, the best time to start planning to get the Companion Pass is toward the end of a calendar year, or very early in the new year. 

Earn the Southwest Companion Pass With Credit Cards

If you're flying thousands of miles to earn the Companion Pass, you're doing it the hard way. You can more easily earn the required number of points using Southwest credit cards, since their welcome bonus offers and points earned from spending count toward the qualifying points you need.

Southwest consumer credit cards

All three personal credit cards offer generous welcome bonuses of 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening

Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card

Southwest rapid rewards® premier credit card, southwest rapid rewards® priority credit card, southwest business credit cards.

You can easily earn the Companion Pass by earning a bonus from one of these personal cards and one from a Southwest business credit card, plus the points you'll earn from spending enough to meet both bonuses.

You can only have one Southwest personal card at a time. However, you can have one personal card and either (or both!) Southwest small business credit cards at the same time.

You don't have to be a full-fledged CEO to get a business credit card. You may qualify for a small business credit card even if you just freelance, work a side gig, or occasionally sell secondhand items on eBay.

Here's what the two Southwest business cards currently offer:

• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card — 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening
• Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card — 60,000 points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in the first three months your account is open

How to earn the remaining points you need for the Companion Pass

If you only open one Southwest card, you'll usually be short points for earning a Companion Pass. To earn the remaining points, there are a few strategies:

• Use the Southwest card for your everyday spending and all other bills and expenses — and boost your earnings even more by making online purchases through the Southwest shopping portal
• Fly Southwest, where you'll earn between 6 and 12 points per dollar, depending on the fare type
• Book hotels through Southwest Hotels (in partnership with Booking.com)
• Rent a car through Southwest Book a Car
• Sign-up for Rapid Rewards Dining and eat out at participating restaurants

Compare Southwest personal credit cards

Each credit card comes with different perks and annual fees. Here's what you should know about each personal card.

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card is the lowest-tier card in this Southwest family, with an annual fee of $69.

Infrequent Southwest flyers get great benefits on this entry-level card: 

• 2x on Southwest purchases
• 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car rental partner purchases
• 2x on local transit and commuting, including rideshare
• 2x on internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming
• 1x on everything else

You'll also get 3,000 points on your card anniversary, two EarlyBird Check-Ins each year, 25% back on inflight drinks and Wi-Fi purchases, and a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points per calendar year.

Learn more about this card in our Southwest Rapid Rewards Plus credit card review . 

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card is the middle child of the credit card family, with a good range of benefits to offset the $99 annual fee.

Premier cardholders earn rewards at the following rates:

• 3x on Southwest purchases
• 2x on local transit and commuting, including rideshares
• 2x on Internet, cable, phone services, and select streaming services

You earn 6,000 Rapid Rewards points each year when you renew the card, and get two complimentary EarlyBird check-in credits each year. You'll also earn 1,500 Tier Qualifying Points toward A-List status for every $5,000 you spend with no limits, as well as 25% back on inflight purchases. Finally, you'll also receive a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points every year, which gives you a head start on earning your next Companion Pass.  

Learn more about this card in our Chase Southwest Rapid Rewards Premier credit card review . 

The Southwest Rapid Rewards® Priority Credit Card is Southwest's top-tier consumer credit card, and a great option for frequent Southwest travelers to keep in their wallet.

The earning rates on the Priority card mirror those of the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Premier Credit Card. Priority cardholders earn: 

• 1 point per dollar on everything else

You'll also receive 7,500 Rapid Rewards points on your card anniversary, earn tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status when you spend money on this card, and receive a $75 annual Southwest travel credit as well as four upgraded boardings per year when available.

The Priority card also gives you 25% back on inflight drinks and WiFi, and a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year.

Learn more about this card in our Southwest Priority Card review . 

Both of Southwest's business credit cards offer great value for a reasonable annual fee.

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Performance Business Credit Card

The Southwest Performance Business card is a heavy hitter for frequent Southwest travelers, especially if you often purchase WiFi during your flights. This card currently offers a welcome bonus of 80,000 points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening, worth 112000 based on Business Insider's valuations.

This card has the highest annual fee out of all Southwest credit cards, at $199. In exchange, you get a slew of benefits that are worth significantly more than what you pay, assuming you can utilize most of them. 

You'll earn Rapid Rewards points at the following rates: 

• 4x on Southwest purchases
• 3x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
• 2x on rideshare
• 2x on social media and search engine advertising
• 2x on internet, cable, and phone services
• 1 point per dollar on everything else 

You get 365 inflight WiFi credits with the Southwest Performance card. This is one of the most unique (and generous) perks for inflight WiFi across all airlines and credit cards. You'll still earn rewards for each $8 WiFi purchase, but receive it back in the form of a statement credit on your next bill. And the high number of annual WiFi credits available means that you can connect your cellphone, iPad, and laptop on every flight (if you so desire) without ever running out of credits. 

You'll also earn 9,000 Rapid Rewards points each year on your card renewal anniversary; 1,500 tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status for every $5,000 spent on the card; $100 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit; four complimentary upgraded boardings per year when available; and a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. 

Read more about this card in our Southwest Performance Business card review .

Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card

The Southwest® Rapid Rewards® Premier Business Credit Card is a strong choice for business travelers who occasionally fly on this airline, especially if you can make use of the welcome bonus: 50,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.

For a $99, you'll get many of the same benefits as the Performance card with slightly lower earning rates: 

• 2x on Rapid Rewards hotel and car partners
• 2x on rideshares
• 1 per dollar on everything else

Cardholders get two EarlyBird Check-Ins per year, 25% back on inflight purchases, 1,500 tier-qualifying points toward A-List elite status for every $5,000 spent on the card, and a boost of 10,000 Companion Pass qualifying points each calendar year. They also receive 6,000 Rapid Rewards points each year on their card renewal anniversary. 

Read more in our Southwest Premier Business card review .

How to Use the Southwest Companion Pass

As a Companion Pass holder, you can book your flight to your desired destination using cash or points. Once your flight is confirmed, you can add your companion for the same flight online, through the Southwest mobile app, or by calling Southwest customer service.

There's no limit to how often you can use the Companion Pass — as long as you're flying and there's at least one spare seat on the plane, you can book it for your travel buddy.

You'll get the most out of your pass if you choose someone you frequently travel with, such as a spouse, child, best friend, or family member. 

Designate your Southwest companion

Before you start scouring the site for flights, you must first register your designated companion on your Southwest Rapid Rewards account.

To do so, log into your Rapid Rewards account at Southwest and click Choose Your Companion under the Snapshot tab. Enter all of the requested information about your companion until the process is complete. A Companion Pass member kit and membership card will arrive within 10 business days.

You don't need to wait for your Companion Pass member kit to arrive in the mail before you start booking tickets. In fact, you don't really need the pass itself at all; you can add a companion to any flight you've already booked for yourself directly through the app or the website, and they will receive a confirmation number and boarding pass just like any other passenger. 

Add your companion to a reservation

Once your flight is booked, visit the My Trips section of your account. Find your flight in the section titled "Upcoming" and click on the "Add Companion" link. Here, click "Continue" to proceed to the next step where you can purchase your companion fare and review the information. Once you hit the "Purchase" button to complete your booking reservation, you're all set.

You can also book via phone and notify the customer service representative that you will be using a Companion Pass.

How to change your designated companion

You can change your companion up to three times each calendar year. If you choose a companion when you earn the pass in 2024, you can rotate through four total different companions before 2025.

You cannot switch your companion online yourself; instead, you need to speak with Southwest directly at 800-435-9792. The process is straightforward: A customer representative will take the information about your new designated companion and make the switch for you.

You cannot book new travel with your next companion until all travel with your current companion is complete. For example, if you're traveling to New York with your sister in August, but want to fly to Los Angeles with your spouse in September, you cannot add your spouse as your companion until your trip in August is completed.

If you use points and need to cancel for any reason, all of your points will be restored to your account.

What Is the Southwest Companion Pass Worth?

Southwest is largely a domestic and Caribbean airline, but it also serves many popular destinations such as Mexico, Aruba, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Costa Rica. The value you'll get from the Southwest Companion Pass depends entirely on how often you and your travel companion fly Southwest. You could easily save tens of thousands of dollars with this perk.

Southwest points are worth 1.4 cents each toward flights, on average, based on Personal Finance Insider's current points and miles valuations . But the Companion Pass can effectively double the value of your points.

Once you've successfully earned the 125,000 points necessary to qualify for the Companion Pass (again, the qualification is 135,000 points, but Southwest cardholders get a 10,000-mile boost), you'll have enough points for at least $1,750 in Southwest flights (125,000 points x 1.4 cents each).

The Companion Pass allows you to bring along another person for just the cost of taxes and fees, meaning you could potentially get $3,500 in flights ($1,750 x 2) just from the points you earned to qualify for the pass.

Southwest Companion Pass Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the southwest companion pass.

The Southwest Companion Pass is one of the best travel benefits in the industry. If you hold a Southwest Companion Pass, you can bring one designated travel companion on any Southwest flight you take for just the cost of taxes and fees, as long as there's at least one extra seat on the plane. The Companion Pass works on both paid flights and award travel.

Are Southwest buddy passes free?

Southwest companion fares are almost free — you'll only pay for any associated taxes and fees, which are often as low  as $5.60 on most domestic one-way direct flights. Taxes and fees must be paid in cash. 

How can I tell if I have the Companion Pass on Southwest?

After you earn the Southwest Companion Pass, you'll see a banner in the center of your account page prompting you to designate a travel companion. Once you do so, you'll see your Companion Pass badge and companion name on the right side of your account page. 

How do I get the Southwest Companion Pass?

You can earn the Southwest Companion Pass by earning 135,000 qualifying Rapid Rewards points or flying 100 one-way cash flights within a calendar year. Qualifying points can be earned through Rapid Rewards credit card spend, or by flying with the airline.

Is the Southwest Companion Pass good for two years?

You can earn the Southwest Companion Pass through the year following the one in which you earn the required 135,000 points or complete your 100th flight. Thus, you'll earn the Companion Pass for nearly two full years if you can complete the requirements in January each year. 

How many times can a Companion Pass be used?

The Southwest Companion Pass is unlimited. You can bring your designated companion on any flight that you take yourself, as long as there's an extra seat on the plane. You can even use the Companion Pass on Southwest award flights booked with Rapid Rewards points.

Is the Companion Pass only for domestic travel?

The Companion Pass can be used for both domestic and international travel.

Can my companion fly without me on Southwest?

Your companion cannot fly on a companion fare unless you are on all of the same flights, but they can still book their own travel through Southwest as a regular passenger.

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