Glossary
Definition: A companion ticket (or companion certificate) is a benefit that allows an elite frequent flyer or credit card holder to book a second ticket for free or at a deep discount when purchasing a full-fare ticket.
Last updated
Term at a glance
| Term | Companion Ticket |
|---|---|
| One-liner | A companion ticket (or companion certificate) is a benefit that allows an elite frequent flyer or credit card holder to book a second ticket for free or at a deep discount when… |
| Where it matters | Premium-cabin booking decisions, fare-rules interpretation, airline-product comparison. |
| Related concepts | Frequent Flyer Miles · Award Ticket · Elite Status · Consolidator Fare |
| Last verified | 2026-05-07 |
Companion tickets are among the most valuable perks offered by airline loyalty programmes and co-branded credit cards. They typically allow a second passenger to fly for free (plus taxes and fees) when the primary passenger purchases a revenue ticket on the same flight.
The most common sources of companion tickets are: elite status benefits (top-tier members often receive annual companion certificates), airline co-branded credit cards (spending thresholds unlock companion passes), and promotional offers.
For business class travellers, companion tickets can effectively halve the cost of flying premium. If one passenger pays full fare and the companion flies free, the per-person cost drops dramatically. Some programmes restrict companion tickets to certain fare classes or routes, so it’s important to read the terms carefully. BookMyBusinessClass agents can advise on how to combine companion tickets with consolidator strategies for maximum savings.
In booking practice
At a Glance
| Term | Quick definition | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Codeshare | A codeshare is a commercial arrangement where two or more airlines sell seats on the same flight under… | Read |
| Complimentary Upgrade | A complimentary upgrade is a free cabin class upgrade offered by an airline to eligible passengers, typically… | Read |
| Club Suite (British Airways) | British Airways' refreshed business class product, replacing the previous Club World cabin. Features 1-2-1… | Read |
| Connecting Flight | A connecting flight is a multi-segment journey where passengers change aircraft at an intermediate airport,… | Read |
| Circadian Rhythm | Circadian rhythm is the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone… | Read |
| Consolidator Fare | A consolidator fare is an unpublished, discounted airline ticket purchased in bulk by an accredited travel… | Read |
Related Terms
A codeshare is a commercial arrangement where two or more airlines sell seats on the same flight under different flight numbers, allowing each airline to market the flight as its own.
A complimentary upgrade is a free cabin class upgrade offered by an airline to eligible passengers, typically elite frequent flyers, moving them from economy to business class or business to first class at no additional cost.
British Airways' refreshed business class product, replacing the previous Club World cabin. Features 1-2-1 reverse herringbone configuration with full sliding doors, direct aisle access from every seat, and a 23-inch IFE screen.
A connecting flight is a multi-segment journey where passengers change aircraft at an intermediate airport, continuing to their final destination on a different flight number.
Circadian rhythm is the body’s natural 24-hour internal clock that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and other physiological processes. Long-haul air travel disrupts this rhythm, causing jet lag.
A consolidator fare is an unpublished, discounted airline ticket purchased in bulk by an accredited travel agency (a "consolidator") and sold to consumers at rates below the airline's published retail fares. These fares are typically 30-70% below what you'd find on Google Flights or Expedia.
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