Redeeming credit card points for a companion flight
Quick insights
- You may be able to use your credit card points to book a flight for someone else through a travel portal.
- Transferring points to a frequent flyer program is another way to help cover a companion's airfare.
- Some airline credit cards offer a companion pass as a welcome bonus or annual benefit.
Whether you're heading to a family reunion or a tropical beach, traveling with a companion can make the journey much more memorable. If you've been saving up credit card points, you may want to use them to book a flight for a partner, friend or family member. Let's explore how you can use your points to help cover a companion's airfare.
How to redeem your credit card points to book flights for someone else
If you want to treat a partner, friend or family member to a trip, there are a few ways to book their travel using your points. While you might assume you can only use your rewards for your own travel, some programs offer flexibility.
- Booking through a travel portal: You can often use your points to help book flights for anyone through your credit card's travel portal, such as through Chase Travel℠. by entering their details as the passenger during the checkout process.
- Transferring to travel partners: Some travel credit cards let you transfer points to airline loyalty programs. While you typically can't transfer points directly to someone else's frequent flyer account unless they're an authorized user, you may be able to transfer points to your own account and book an award ticket in their name.
What is a companion pass?
If you frequently travel with the same person, an airline companion pass could be a highly valuable benefit. While not all airlines offer this perk, a few programs provide passes that allow a designated companion to fly with you on the same itinerary for a reduced cost.
Keep in mind that even with a companion pass, you still have to pay for taxes and certain fees on the second ticket.
- Welcome bonus offers: From time to time, some co-branded airline credit cards offer a companion pass as part of a new cardmember bonus.
- Annual benefits: Certain airline credit cards provide a companion certificate every year after your account anniversary.
- Spending requirements: You might earn a pass after reaching a specific spending threshold on your co-branded credit card within a calendar year.
How many points for a companion pass?
You generally can't directly redeem your credit card points for a companion pass.
However, the points you earn with a co-branded credit card may count toward earning one. For example, some airlines require you to earn a large amount of qualifying points in a calendar year to unlock a companion pass. The points you earn from credit card purchases, welcome bonuses and flying may all contribute to that total depending on the program.
Maximizing your rewards redemption
Whether you're booking a weekend trip or a long vacation, a little planning can go a long way. Consider doing the following:
- Compare booking methods: Check the cash price of the flight through Chase Travel and compare it to the cost of transferring points to an airline partner.
- Plan ahead: Award availability can be limited, so it may be helpful to search for flights well in advance if you plan to transfer points.
- Check expiration dates: If you earn a companion pass, note when it expires so you don't miss out on the benefit.
In summary
Traveling is often about the shared experiences, and your credit card rewards can help make those trips happen. From booking through travel portals to earning an airline companion pass, there are multiple paths to cover a second ticket.
