This Airline Perk Is a Must Have for Couples Who Travel Together

Some airlines have their own two-for-one deal available to travelers who qualify.

Air travel is normally twice as expensive when you're shopping for two, but it doesn't have to be. Several major airlines offer a companion pass, also sometimes called a companion fare or companion certificate. This perk allows a companion to fly with you at a heavily discounted rate or even just for taxes and fees.

It's especially valuable for couples who travel together often. Being able to get that second ticket at a much cheaper price is a fantastic way to cut your travel costs. To save money on flights, here's what you need to know about companion passes.

How companion passes work

A companion pass is a benefit you can earn with some airlines, including several domestic and international carriers. Airlines that offer companion passes include:

• Alaska Airlines
• American Airlines
• British Airways
• Delta Air Lines
• Lufthansa
• Southwest Airlines

When you have a companion pass and you book a flight for yourself, you can also bring a travel companion at a discounted rate. The exact rate and how the companion pass works depends on the airline, but here are some common rules:

• You and your travel companion must be flying on the same reservation.
• Most (but not all) companion passes are valid for one round-trip flight.
• Companion passes have an expiration date, normally after one or two years.
• Taxes and fees must be paid on the companion fare.

So, how much does a companion fare actually cost to use? It can be as low as $5.60 per one-way flight segment with companion fares that cover everything except taxes and fees. Some airlines charge a fixed amount with a companion fare, such as $99 plus taxes and fees per round-trip ticket.

Since airlines have their own unique companion passes, they all have their own rules. You can find these rules on the airline's website.

Earning a companion pass

The requirements to earn a companion pass are also something that varies by airline. However, in most cases, airlines offer companion passes as a benefit with their airline credit cards. With these airlines, you generally need to get one of their credit cards and meet a spending requirement to earn a companion pass.

Southwest Airlines is one that works a little differently. You can earn a Southwest companion pass by completing enough flights or earning enough points within a calendar year. Although you don't need any of the Southwest credit cards to do this, they help with completing the requirements.

Start saving with a companion pass

If you and your significant other usually fly together, I'd highly recommend looking for a companion pass offer. There are two ways you could do it.

The first is to start with the airline. Pick the one that you fly with the most, and then see what kind of offers it has available. This makes sense when you're a frequent flyer with an airline, since it ensures you'll be able to easily use the companion pass.

The other option is to compare the companion passes available with different airlines, and then choose the one you like best. This is a good way to go if you're flexible about the airline you fly with.

If you're open to different options and you're looking for the most value, the Southwest Companion Pass is a popular choice. Unlike most companion passes, it's not limited to a single use. After you've earned it, you choose a travel companion, and that person can fly with you for just $5.60 per flight segment to cover taxes and fees. It lasts the remainder of that calendar year plus the following full calendar year.

Since multiple major airlines offer companion passes, odds are you can find one with an airline that fits your travel habits. It may take a little time to earn a companion pass, but it will help you save quite a bit of money on one of the biggest travel expenses.