travel companion pay

Style • 06/30/2023

How to Become a Paid Travel Companion in 2023

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Published in the late 1930s, the novel Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier describes the exciting story of a socialite’s paid travel companion who meets and marries a rich man in Monaco and then must unravel the secrets hidden at his estate. 

When it wasn’t considered proper for women to travel alone, paid traveling companions were common. Although times have changed, some people still work as travel companions, either through an agency or as a freelancer. Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a paid travel companion. 

Types of Travel Companions

The largest market for travel companions today comes from individuals who physically can’t travel on their own. This includes elderly seniors, disabled individuals, and people who require medical assistance during travel. Hired companions are different from medical caregivers, who usually have higher training. 

Many people hire travel companions because they have extreme anxiety while flying . A travel companion can take care of any potential stressors during transit through the airport. They can also help individuals stay calm and distracted from their anxiety while on the plane. They also often help their employers get to and from the airport. 

Some families hire travel companions as nannies or tutors for their children. However, it’s more usual for this kind of travel companion to be hired for a specific childcare role and then travel with the family only if necessary. 

Makeup artists, translators, and personal assistants are also hired to travel with their employers and assist them over the duration of their trip. Depending on your role as a travel companion, you may or may not have free time to explore. 

Qualifications and Placement 

Travel companions need different qualifications depending on the type of companion they wish to become. Different companies require different skills and education. Some agencies may prefer a bachelor’s degree with experience. 

You are an asset as a travel companion because of your primary skillset. Medical experience, a teaching degree, or strong bilingual skills set you apart as someone who can support your employer during their travels. To become a travel companion, your first step is to develop these skills .

Although many travel companions work as freelancers, there are some risks to this approach. If you freelance, you’ll have to take care of the business side of work – finding and booking engagements, running background checks, and reporting back to yourself as both boss and the employee. 

If you join an agency, you can avoid the possibility of being hired under false pretenses – for instance, as an escort service. However, agencies are extremely competitive and require you to have an impressive array of education, skills, and experience to beat other applicants. If you can get through the hiring process, however, working as a travel companion is much easier through an agency. 

Compensation for Travel Companions

According to ZipRecruiter, the average rate for travel companions in the U.S. is $33,771 per year. However, this number is entirely dependent on how much you or your agency charges per booking and how many bookings you get in a year.

Some travel medical travel companion companies charge from $7,000 a booking in addition to ticket costs and other travel expenses. If you work 15 trips at $7,000 each, you could earn around $105,000 a year before taxes and agency fees. However, you may not have demand for 15 trips, depending on the year. 

If you work with an agency, they’ll take some of your pay for running the business side of your role. However, you’ll have more consistent work, and you won’t always have to worry about finding your next engagement. You’re effectively paying them to help you out. 

Travel companions who work as freelancers can often get work through word of mouth. However, some employers will want to pay your travel expenses and nothing else, especially if they know you personally. Because there could be some drama, working for family and friends isn’t a wise way to build your income.

Love to Travel?

If you enjoy traveling and have experience in a valued field, becoming a paid travel companion may be a good career for you. While there are many challenges to this career, good planning and the right set of circumstances can make work as a travel companion very rewarding.

Traveling jobs have changed a lot from the early 1900s, and you probably aren’t going to meet a mysterious estate owner with a dark secret during your travels. However, working as a travel companion will enable you to use your skills to care for others while being paid to travel the world. 

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10 Ways To Get Paid To Be A Travel Companion (FAQs)

• November 6, 2023

Being a travel companion is a career that allows you to make money even as you are still on your main career path.

It is a side job that is highly recommended for professionals in the fields of nursing , child care, or education.

There are several ways to get paid to be a travel companion, although landing any travel companion job may require specific training, skills, and qualifications.

This post will discuss ten ways to get paid to be a travel companion and the essential skills you need to succeed in this role.

Who is a Travel Companion?

Travel companions escort travelers throughout their trip for specific reasons.

Their services are mainly required for healthcare, personal supervision, or companionship.

While the person who needs assistance or support in this context is referred to as the traveler, a travel companion is a person who provides services to the traveler throughout the trip.

Most travel companions connect with clients through travel agencies that provide caregiving or travel companionship services.

How To Become a Travel Companion

Suppose you seek to work as a travel companion in any form.

In that case, your prospective client may likely demand a high school diploma or associate or bachelor’s degree before hiring you. 

So, it is best to complete the relevant educational requirements before entering this field.

However, before you enroll in any academic program, ensure that you decide the type of traveling companion you desire to be, as this will influence your choice of program.

What are the Ways That You Can Get paid to be a Travel Companion?

Here are some of the best ways you can make money as a travel companion:

A nanny who is hired as a travel companion is responsible for making sure that the kids who are part of the traveling party don’t go astray during the trip and are safe as well.

However, the traveler reserves the right to determine how much engagement the nanny would have with the children.

Throughout the trip, the nanny is required to perform duties such as preparing meals for the kids, doing their laundry, assisting in bathing them, ensuring that they get paid at an adequate time, and lots more.

They also ensure the kid under their care is comfortable throughout the flight.

Nurses hired as travel companions ensure that travelers are in excellent or stable health condition throughout the trip by providing adequate medical support when required.

In most circumstances, traveling nurse offer their services or take actions according to the instructions of the personal doctors of travelers.

Pediatric and geriatric nurses are two kinds of nurses in high demand for this role.

Traveling nurses also periodically check the heart rate and blood pressure of their clients to be sure they are steady, make sure that they don’t abuse their diet plan, and update the relatives of the travelers about their well-being throughout the trip.

3. Personal Chef:

A personal chef is another way to get paid to be a travel companion.

Although working as a traveling personal chef is very rare, this kind of opportunity is still available to those who are willing to cook for travelers.

Traveling personal chefs are mostly hired due to their experience and skill, as their expertise will ensure that the travelers maintain their nutritional plan throughout the journey, especially if they are only on tour.

Their services are also required by those who don’t fancy trying local dishes wherever they travel or fall ill from eating meals that contain strange ingredients.

Traveling tutors are primarily hired to provide private teaching services throughout the trip.

Their services are mostly demanded by families that travel a lot to ensure that their kids are up to date academically and don’t slack in class whenever they return.

Traveling tutors develop learning plans, determine the teaching pattern that will enable the students to learn effectively according to their abilities, and test their understanding using mock exams.

They also pinpoint areas where a student is falling behind academically and develop strategies that will enable them to overcome their academic struggles.

To become a traveling tutor, you may need a degree, a good level of experience, and, in most niches, a valid teaching license.

5. Anxiety relief companion:

Anxiety relief companions are individuals who hire travelers to assist them in easing nervousness throughout their flight.

They help their clients outthink negative thoughts that can make the journey stressful.

To get a job as an anxiety relief companion, you may need a degree in mental health counseling or psychology and gather many hours of flight time.

Throughout the trip, anxiety relief companions ensure that their clients don’t lose their mental consciousness throughout the flight.

6. Translator:

Translators are hired by travelers embarking on trips to vicinities whose native languages they don’t understand to enable them to communicate with the locals.

The role that translators play in the success of the trip of most travelers is the reason why they are charged with the responsibility of consolidating the logistical details of the traveler.

7. Personal Assistant:

Working as a traveling personal assistant is another way to get paid to be a travel companion.

These individuals embark on trips in the company of their superiors.

Personal assistants are responsible for organizing and planning the travel and ensuring everything is in place before, during, and after the trip.

During the trip, they plan the daily schedule of their superior, answer phone calls on their behalf, organize all the documents needed for meetings, and ensure that their superior completes all their expected engagements for the day.

8. Makeup Artist:

Makeup artists may travel alongside people who require their services at their destinations.

For instance, most female athletes who take part in the Olympics fund the travel expenses for their makeup artists to do their makeup before they appear during the tournament.

Makeup artists boost a person’s physical appearance using cosmetics, discuss with their clients to determine the makeup look they desire, and satisfy these desires using brushes and other tools.

A makeup artist is a job that will pay you to be a travel companion.

9. Brand Ambassador:

You can get paid as a travel companion by being a brand ambassador. In this role, you share positive perspectives about a brand on social media.

To do a great job, you need to go as far as creating video content that promotes the brand to your audience.

Most companies offer brand ambassadorial deals for as long as a year.

Throughout the contract term, brand ambassadors travel around the globe to create awareness of the services their client offers.

10. Work on a cruise ship:

Working on a cruise ship is another channel to get paid while traveling with people.

However, if you are not a fan of water bodies and generally the sea, this might not be a good option for you.

In this role, you will travel from one country to another to explore places you may never have gone in your lifetime.

The salary compensation for working on a cruise ship is impressive, which is why it is highly recommended.

Skills Every Travel Companions Needs:

To succeed as a travel companion, you must possess the following skills:

1. Teamwork skills:

You need to have excellent teamwork skills to succeed as a travel companion.

This skill is required for building synergy with the traveler throughout the trip.

Some of the most essential teamwork skills to have as a travel companion are active listening and practical communication skills.

These skills will enable you to sustain effective communication between your clients and yourself.

2. Adaptable:

Working as a travel companion is a job that involves visiting areas that you are not acquainted with.

Due to this, you have to effortlessly adjust to any setting you find yourself in so you can adequately perform the duties you were hired to do.

Possessing good problem-solving ability will assist you to scale through any difficulty you encounter on the job and effectively adjust to any environment.

3. Organizational skills:

You need to have excellent organizational skills to succeed as a travel companion.

This will enable you to effectively manage the schedule of your client, especially if you are working as a personal assistant.

Staying organized will assist you in planning the trip successfully and avoid the stress of running around for documents at the last minute.

4. Flexibility:

There are moments as a travel companion when the traveler urgently needs your services.

Maintaining a flexible schedule before such scenarios arise will enable you to embark on the trip despite the short notice.

So, as a travel companion, you must adjust other aspects of your life to make room for the urgency of service when such cases arise.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Getting Paid to be a Travel Companion

Becoming a travel companion allows you to explore locations you may never visit, gather travel experiences, meet new people, and make extra money.

You can enhance your traveling experience by doing your homework before traveling and staying organized during the trip, packing the light, trying out the local dishes, and learning the local language.

When traveling, ensure that you avoid overpacking, eating close to a primary tourist site, exchanging money at the airport, and not researching the place before going there.

Being a travel companion is a great way to travel the world and at the same time make money.

However, this job is only recommended for those who don’t feel nervous during flights and find it easy to adjust to any environment.

This post has provided a good number of opportunities where you can get paid to be a travel companion.

Before choosing any travel companion career, make sure that you put your passion, academic qualifications, skills, knowledge, time, and family into consideration.

Awesome one; I hope this article answers your question.

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Michael Abasiofon

Abasiofon Fidelis is a professional writer who loves to write about college life and make money tips. He has been writing articles for over 3 years. He is the Content Manager at School and Travel.

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What’s a Senior Traveling Companion? Pros, Cons & How to Find One

Updated 08/28/2023

Published 09/16/2022

Amanda Lambert, MS, CMC, ALCP

Certified Care Manager, Aging Life Care Professional, and National Master Guardian Emeritus

Cake values integrity and transparency. We follow a strict editorial process to provide you with the best content possible. We also may earn commission from purchases made through affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more in our affiliate disclosure .

People start thinking about their retirement bucket list and how to travel with companionship as they retire. The wrinkle in travel for seniors came when COVID-19 forced many older adults to re-think or cancel their plans. Even now, COVID and vaccination requirements can complicate the most well-laid plans. Older adults are the most vaccinated group in the US and feel more confident about traveling now.

Jump ahead to these sections:

What is a senior traveling companion, and what do they do, how much does a senior traveling companion cost, pros and cons of senior traveling companions, how to find a senior traveling companion for you or a loved one.

The senior travel industry is rebounding. Travel agencies that cater to older adults reported significant increases in bookings in 2021. As eager as older adults are to take to the roads and airways, safety, access to medical care if needed, and companionship are top of mind. People are living longer, and as the average age of a senior traveler increases, so does the desire for protection and guidance. Many seniors refuse to let their physical conditions prevent them from traveling. 

Senior traveling companion services are an excellent option for single or partnered older adults who want the security of another person or group to accompany them. In cases where someone requires hands-on assistance, a companion is a necessity. You may not have considered this option before, but after learning more about a senior traveling companion, you might decide this service is just the ticket to the grand vacation you have been dreaming of.

A senior traveling companion is someone who can be younger and accompany a senior on a trip as a professional planner, tour guide, or caregiver. Or a senior traveling companion is another older adult or group of adults who travel to the same destination together.  Each category of companion will have different tasks and motivations.

Travel buddy or companion

A travel buddy is paired with you for similar interests and destinations. A travel buddy or companion service will:

• Allow you to pair with a preferred travel companion. Some services are similar to dating sites where you can designate gender, duration, location of trips, etc.
• You can contact the people you think are compatible to discuss and decide whether to travel together.
• A travel buddy service is for singles, couples, and groups.
• Using a travel companion service is not necessary. You can use word of mouth, the local senior center, or a social media shout-out for a buddy to travel with.

Travel planner

Plenty of senior travel planners will plan your trip and find others to join. A travel planning service will be more expensive since they handle all travel details. A senior travel planner will:

• Offer a wide selection of cultural and adventure trips to suit any physical level. Many of these trips will be local and others international with varying lengths and expenses.
• A travel planner will plan every detail, from flight itineraries, hotels, rental car arrangements, daytime activities, and the number of people on the trip.
• Some travel planners will not only plan your trip but find a suitable companion for the one you want to take.
• Travel planners will investigate all vaccination requirements and ensure you comply with local health laws.

Senior travel clubs

Senior travel clubs are groups of seniors who pay membership fees to the club and get vacation packages at bulk rates. Travel clubs specialize in everything from active adventures to academic and cultural trips. Of note are reports of scam travel clubs, so vet any travel club carefully to ensure they are legitimate.

Medical and transit companion

Many older travelers have medical problems, cognitive impairment, or mobility issues. In these cases, a senior can hire someone to travel with them to assist with the trip and care needs. Assistance can consist of:

• Managing medications
• Helping with bathing and dressing
• Checking vital signs
• Find health services at your destination.
• Handling any durable medical equipment needs

The cost of a senior traveling companion depends entirely on the type of service you want and need. If you simply want to book through a tour agency that caters to seniors, you will pay your portion of the trip, and the other travelers will pay theirs. Most travel group plans offer a discount if you share a room. If you are going through a service to find traveling companions, there will be a membership fee to find compatible travel buddies.

For seniors who want to hire someone to accompany them on their travels, the cost will depend on the tasks required. ZipRecruiter esports that the average hourly pay for a travel companion in 2022 was $27.89 an hour. This hourly cost can be significantly higher if more assistance is needed, especially if a nurse accompanies you on a trip. You will also likely need to pay for all their trip costs, including airfare, meals, other transport, and tourist entrance fees.

Senior traveling companions can be a terrific option, but you will want to consider some additional details before taking the plunge. Let’s review some of the pros and cons of a traveling companion.

Pros of a senior traveling companion

• The primary reason people choose a traveling companion through an agency is the convenience of paying someone else to do all the planning, which puts less stress on you. A senior traveling companion program can handle as many or as few travel details as you want.
• The opportunity to meet new people and form friendships
• Another benefit of a senior traveling companion is the safety and security of having a companion with you at all times.  Also, an itinerary tailored to your comfort level where there are few surprises can provide a sense of security to many travelers. 
• The assurance that someone will take care of your care needs. 
• A senior traveling companion allows you to explore destinations and things to do in retirement that you may not have considered before.

Cons of a senior traveling companion

A traveling companion is not for everyone, and it may not be possible even for those who prefer a companion. You may not find anyone you feel comfortable with, or the cost is too high. 

• The cost of a senior traveling companion can be prohibitive, especially if you need and want a companion to take care of your medical needs. Even in programs where everyone pays their costs, the pricing will be higher than if you planned the trip yourself. The do-it-yourself programs where you pay a fee to find a compatible traveling companion and do all the planning yourself are probably the most affordable.
• The appeal of having everything organized for you is the very aspect of a traveling companion that some people don’t like. There could be a lack of travel flexibility. Many travelers prefer the unpredictability and spontaneous nature of unorganized travel. Finding themselves on a trip where they wish to change the itinerary is a downside for those folks.
• The whole idea of a senior traveling companion is to have company on a trip and have someone to share the experience. But there is always the possibility of incompatibility, and you won’t find out until you are on your way. Sharing a room with a senior traveling companion is usually less expensive, but you give up privacy.
• There is the possibility that you book an active travel trip that turns out to be too challenging. When you are with a group, you don’t have the option of scaling back the activity level.

Finding a senior traveling companion for you or your loved one could be lengthy, depending on what you are looking for. You may be surprised by all of the group travel options for seniors. If you or a loved one is looking for a companion that will provide more personal care as a senior travel companion, you will need to vet the company and the companion. Consider these questions:

• What experience does the companion have, and on what types of trips? 
• Can you provide references for the specific companion that will come on the trip?
• What are your safety protocols?
• Are your companions CPR and first aid certified?
• What insurance options are there through your company, and what does it cover?
• How do you communicate with other family members during the trip?

If you are looking for travel companies, reviewing choices online might be best. One feature to consider is if you are looking for an “active” vacation which could entail hiking, biking, and walking. Most legitimate companies will have a guide to the activity level for each trip so you don’t overextend your physical capabilities.  

Perhaps a river cruise or more extensive cruise is more up your alley. Or your interests may be more cultural or academic. Try and narrow your interests so you don’t waste time investigating companies that don’t offer what you want.

Other ideas for finding people locally to accompany you and others on trips are Meetup , senior centers, and Facebook. The other possibility is to reach out to friends who might have an interest in traveling together. If you find one or more people willing to travel and can agree on a place, a travel agent can make as many arrangements as you want.

A Senior Traveling Companion

A senior traveling companion can be a great way to access travel and adventure safely.  The key to a successful experience is to be open to a new travel companion while choosing your trip wisely. Accept that no trip or companion is perfect but that the journey will likely be one you will remember.  

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FirstLight’s travel companion services provide personalized care and companionship during your or your loved one’s travels.

Traveling can be daunting, even under the best circumstances. But for seniors, adults with disabilities or those recovering from an illness or injury, it can seem particularly overwhelming. It doesn’t have to be with FirstLight’s caregiver travel companion services.

Whether it’s a personal vacation or travel to a wedding, graduation or other family events, our senior travel companions will make certain your loved one’s journey is as safe, comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Our caregivers will assist with things such as:

• Transportation to the airport
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is a travel companion?

A travel companion assists adults while traveling. They can provide transportation to the airport, carry suitcases, and assist with the check-in and security processes. They may also accompany individuals throughout their entire journey to provide companion care or personal care services.

How much does travel companion care cost?

The cost for travel companion care varies depending on the traveler’s needs and abilities, as well as how many hours of care are required. Travel companion service also varies by location. For more information on cost, request a personalized price quote from the local FirstLight office near you.

How can I pay for travel companion care?

The most common way to pay for travel companion care is private pay. Your local FirstLight Home Care office can provide guidance to determine what type of travel companion care is needed and which payment options are available to you. Click here to get personalized pricing .

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Read the postings of matched flight companions and bookmark your favorite candidates in our Travel Companion Web or App.

Send messages to interview each trip companion candidate about:

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USA Background Check is available for an additional fee at final checkout.

Your prepaid service fee is held in escrow until the trip has been completed.

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Use group chat to keep in touch with everyone throughout the trip. Be sure to finalize flight logistics, airport meet-up location and any other trip details.

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If you purchased a background check, wait until after the results are in to purchase your plane ticket.

Be sure to verify and confirm flight ticket information by uploading a photo of your ticket for everyone in the group to see.

After escorting traveler to their greeting party, the trip companion will update the trip as completed. The traveler/planner will then approve payment and provide feedback based on their overall experience.

Trip Companion welcomes you and hopes your travel with us is a great one.

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"It’s really nice to have a platform like GAFFL with lots of travelers wanting to do the same as you, a real beautiful cultural exchange. You can meet people so easily and in a trustful way. We were four girls, from French, German and American backgrounds, without knowing each other from before. We spent an amazing week together, 2000km driving, camping on the way. We saw kangaroos, koalas, penguins and pelicans"

“I have found GAFFL to be an amazing tool for finding similar minded travel partners to embark on an adventure. Through GAFFL, I had organized a trip to Mexico City last month and Quazi joined the trip from Victoria, BC. We spent 14 days of straight exploring, hiking, eating and drinking. Quite an amazing experience - all thanks to GAFFL!”

"I accidentally scrolled across GAFFL and I'm so pleased I did. I met Amaia and immediately decided to road-trip together. We're spending 10 days together and it's great because we have so much in common. Couldn't have done it without GAFFL helping us find one another! It has honestly made NZ so much cheaper to explore as I get to split the costs with someone too​"

Were you looking forward to a trip with your friends, only to find out that they had backed out last minute? Wondering how to find a travel companion online? Even if your family and friends' schedules don't match yours, your vacation doesn't have to be ruined because of it. GAFFL can help you to find the perfect travel companion for your next adventure.

The best way to find a travel buddy on GAFFL is to search for your desired destination and browse through thousands of user-generated trips created by solo travelers around the world.

A good travel companion is someone who has a similar itinerary to you. It's also someone you think you'll get along with.

Every user on GAFFL has a profile where they list their interests. If you and your potential trip mate share some common interests, it’ll make your trip go a lot smoother.

It's also important to have a similar budget in mind. If your travel companion wants to do more activities and eat at expensive restaurants but you can’t afford it, it can lead to an unpleasant trip for the both of you.

When browsing trips on GAFFL, make sure to read through the trip details to learn more about the trip and determine if the activities are something you want to do and can afford.

If you like a trip on GAFFL, simply click 'Connect,' and you'll be able to chat with your travel buddy right away. If you have your own travel plans, you can start your own trip and others can request to connect with you!

Finding the right travel companion online can be difficult for solo travelers. GAFFL, on the other hand, makes it very simple. Use our world-class real-time messaging system to get to know your potential travel partner. Chat with them to see if they'd be a good travel companion for you, and then plan together, meet up with your travel buddy, and start exploring together.

GAFFL is the best website/app for solo travelers looking for travel companions online because we prioritize our travelers' trust and safety. Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

One of the things that hold people back is that they don’t have a partner or a best friend to travel with and they feel scared and uncertain to travel alone, especially long-term. GAFFL helps with that!

Another thing that holds people back is the perceived cost of travel. While travel doesn’t have to be expensive, it’s always more affordable when you can share the cost of accommodation and groceries with someone else. Again, GAFFL provides a solution for that!

I think GAFFL plays a role by allowing solo travelers to find travel buddies when needed. Though solo travel is a great way to travel, there are some experiences that are better enjoyed with more people (some don’t even allow for solo).

Friends and families are not always available to travel with, and sometimes the interests do not align for travel. Or sometimes you just want to socialize while still being solo most of the time. I think GAFFL helps solve these problems.

We truly believe that the best memories and experiences are the ones that are shared with others. It doesn’t matter if you’ve known someone for an hour or your whole life, when you do something badass together it’s sure to be a time you won’t forget.

Making connections and becoming friends with people all over the world is such a powerful tool to have when traveling. One day maybe you’ll visit your new friend in their homeland. Some of the best trips happen when you have a friend playing tour guide in their country.

GAFFL is a really cool opportunity to enrich your travels with like-minded people who will push you to get out of your comfort zone. No matter what type of personality you have, making new friends on the road is easier than ever.

Solo travel is great. But there are some times that I do not recommend someone travel solo and where I personally try my hardest not to travel solo. Some examples of this relate to safety, like hiking a trail that doesn’t have many people walking it each day, or being in certain destinations where I’ve heard from others that it’s difficult as a solo female.

Other examples relate to expenses, like taking a road trip and renting a car. Situations like these are where I think something like GAFFL is a great idea. With GAFFL, you can find a group to go on that hike with or split that car rental with!

I think this is a fabulous idea because the things that can get expensive while solo traveling can usually also be easily split between people. If you aren’t a hostel fan, it would be awesome to have people to split hotels and Airbnb with.

If car rental is the cheapest way to get around a destination, it would be ideal to have others to split the costs with. But most importantly it always makes the experience that much more memorable when you have new friends to share it with.

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How to earn and use the Southwest Companion Pass in 2024

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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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How to use Alaska Airlines Companion Fare

Ariana Arghandewal

Ashley Barnett

“Verified by an expert” means that this article has been thoroughly reviewed and evaluated for accuracy.

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Published 5:58 a.m. UTC April 15, 2024

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two bear sits in a clearing in the forest Vasyl Helevachuk, Getty Images

Travel doesn’t have to break the bank, especially when you’re armed with an Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. This tool offers a fantastic way to save on airfare by allowing you to bring a companion along at a fraction of the cost. It’s great for couples or families looking to stretch their travel budgets further and save both money and miles while traveling together. 

So what is the Alaska Companion Fare and how do you get your hands on it? In this guide, we’ll dive into the intricacies of the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare and how to make the most of this credit card benefit. Here’s everything you need to know: 

What is the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare?

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a unique benefit offered to Alaska Airlines credit cardholders. Once issued, it’s valid for 12 months and allows eligible cardholders to book one companion ticket for just $99 (plus taxes and fees from $23). It is a one time use certificate. 

The Companion Fare can be applied to paid economy class fare on one-way or round-trip flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air or SkyWest. This provides plenty of flexibility, as Alaska Airlines has an extensive route network spanning North and Central America.

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is valid on paid fares only and can be redeemed online. The process is straightforward, though you must use your Alaska credit card to pay the primary fare and taxes and fees to qualify. Considering Alaska credit cards earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, this isn’t such a bad stipulation and can help you accrue some valuable rewards.

Both the primary flyer and Companion Fare flyers will earn miles on their flights, as they would on any other paid itinerary. The Companion Fare is reissued every year cardholders spend $6,000 and renew a qualifying card, helping some cardholders justify the annual fees on their eligible cards. Those who qualify will receive their Companion Fare within the first two billing cycles following their cardmember anniversary.

Alaska Airlines routes not a match for your home airport? There’s plenty of other top airline cards to choose from

How it works

You can use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare on one-way or round-trip flights operated by Alaska Airlines and its subsidiaries. It’s issued as part of the welcome bonus and an annual benefit for meeting a spending requirement.

Once you’ve obtained your Companion Fare (either through the welcome bonus or for spending $6,000 the previous year), you can apply it to a one-way or round-trip flight. You’ll pay just $99 plus taxes and fees, which start at $23. This perk can unlock substantial savings on airfare on both domestic and international flights, since Alaska flies to a number of destinations within the U.S. and Central America.

The Companion Fare can offer tremendous value during times when airfare is high and you want to be able to save money. The ability to use it on one-way flights is especially handy if you want to redeem miles for one segment. 

How to earn the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare

You can earn the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare with the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card * The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. or the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card * The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer. . Both cards offer this benefit as part of the welcome bonus and an annual perk. Many cardholders won’t have a problem spending $6,000 on their credit card during the first year. After all, the spending requirement alone is $3,000 to earn each respective welcome bonus.

• Alaska Airlines Visa credit card: 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days account opening.
• Alaska Airlines Visa Business credit card: 50,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 in purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

Beyond the first year, the Companion Pass can still be within reach for those who spend $500 on their credit cards every month. By simply charging household bills and everyday expenses, you can requalify for this benefit every year.

How to book with the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare

Booking airfare with the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is straightforward. You can apply it to any eligible online booking. As long as you select two travelers during your flight search, your Companion Fare discount code will automatically apply to your booking. Here’s a step-by-step guide to redeeming the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare: 

• Locate your Companion Fare discount code by logging into your Mileage Plan account. Click on your profile and select the “Discounts and companion fare codes” link.
• If you’re starting on the Alaska Airlines homepage, select the “Use discount or companion fare code” link under the flight search box. Or simply visit the flight booking page . 
• Enter your Alaska Airlines discount code in the designated box and provide your travel preferences. Be sure to select at least two passengers for the flight. 
• To find an eligible fare, look for a red symbol next to some of the fares on the results page. Select your fare and proceed with booking your flight as usual. 
• Remember to enter the Alaska Mileage Plan number of both travelers so everyone earns miles and makes progress towards elite status.
• On the checkout page, review the final cost and ensure the Companion Fare has been applied. Remember, you’ll pay just $99 plus the cost of taxes and fees for the second traveler. 
• Lastly, remember to use your Alaska Airlines credit card to pay for the flights.

Rules for booking

While the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare provides plenty of flexibility, it’s also subject to a few rules. You can get fantastic value out of this perk, but keeping these rules in mind ensures you won’t be in for any surprises when it’s time to book your flights.

It’s non-transferrable

The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is not transferable, meaning the person who earns the pass must also travel on the itinerary. However, unlike the Southwest Companion Pass , there’s no restriction on who the companion must be. You don’t have to designate a specific person – you can book a flight for anyone as long as you’re also traveling on the same itinerary.

It’s valid on flights operated by Alaska and its subsidiaries only

For starters, it’s only valid on flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air or SkyWest. That means its use is a bit more limited than if you were able to use it on one of Alaska’s many Oneworld Alliance partners. 

For example, the only international flights Alaska Airlines operates are to Central America – while that can still present tremendous savings on airfare, it’s not ideal if you prefer to travel to Asia, Europe or other regions covered by Alaska’s partners.

It expires after 12 months

The Companion Fare is valid for 12 months from the issue date and must be redeemed before this date. Your flight can take place after the expiration date, providing a bit more flexibility. 

It’s valid on economy class tickets only

The Companion Fare is only valid on economy class tickets. If you are looking for a companion pass that applies to first class travel, consider instead a card like the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card (terms apply), which offers an annual Companion Certificate valid for a roundtrip flight in First Class, Delta Comfort+ or the Main Cabin on flights within the U.S., as well as Caribbean or Central American roundtrip flights each year upon card renewal (payment of government-imposed taxes and fees is required: no more than $80 for roundtrip domestic flights and $250 for roundtrip international flights).

You must book with your Alaska Airlines credit card

Lastly, you must use your Alaska Airlines credit card to pay for your flights – a fairly new stipulation Alaska Airlines has added to its booking rules. However, considering cardholders earn 3 miles per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, this rule ultimately works out well for Mileage Plan members who want to earn valuable miles for future award flights. 

Maximizing your Companion Fare

Strategic planning is key to maximizing the Alaska Companion Fare. One of the best ways to maximize value is by applying it on flights costing more than $122 – that’s the minimum cost you’ll incur when redeeming one. However, you should try to aim even higher to make it worthwhile. In fact, since you’re paying an annual fee of either $70 per company and $25 per card for the Alaska Airlines Business credit card or $95 for the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card, it would be ideal if you offset that cost as well. In other words: Try to use it on flights costing at least $200. 

One great way to get your money’s worth is by using the Alaska Companion Fare during peak travel season. When demand is high, airfare can get costly and even award tickets will cost more than usual. In these scenarios, you’ll get tons of value by applying a Companion Fare to your reservation. 

For example, Thanksgiving week 2024 fares between Los Angeles (LAX) and New York (EWR) can top $886 round-trip per person. With an Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, you’ll pay just $99 plus around $90 in taxes and fees. This reduces your cost for two tickets to $1,075, saving you nearly $700 on a second ticket. 

You can also get more value for your Companion Fare by using it for international travel. Alaska Airlines operates flights to Belize and Costa Rica, which can get pricey during peak season. As long as the Companion Fare helps you stay within your travel budget and doesn’t cost you more than a stand-alone ticket, you’re sure to save money. 

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

You can find your Alaska Companion Fare code in the “Discounts and companion fare codes” section of your Alaska Mileage Plan account.

Yes, the Companion Fare can be used for one-way travel. This flexibility allows you to optimize it based on your travel plans. 

The Companion Fare is not transferable. You can only use it to book a ticket for someone else traveling on the same itinerary as you.

You can use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare one time. However, you can earn an additional Companion Fare each account anniversary year after spending $6,000 or in the prior anniversary year and renewing your Alaska card on its anniversary.

*The information for the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card and Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card has been collected independently by Blueprint. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Blueprint is an independent publisher and comparison service, not an investment advisor. The information provided is for educational purposes only and we encourage you to seek personalized advice from qualified professionals regarding specific financial decisions. Past performance is not indicative of future results.

Blueprint has an advertiser disclosure policy . The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Blueprint editorial staff alone. Blueprint adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information.

Ariana Arghandewal is a travel hacker and travel rewards expert who leverages credit cards to earn over a million miles every year. She is the founder of Pointchaser, an award-winning blog where she covered rewards travel and credit cards since 2012.

Ashley Barnett has been writing and editing personal finance articles for the internet since 2008. Before editing for USA TODAY Blueprint, she was the Content Director for an international media company leading the content on their suite of personal finance sites. She lives in Phoenix, AZ where you can find her rereading Harry Potter for the 100th time.

Robin Saks Frankel is a credit cards lead editor at USA TODAY Blueprint. Previously, she was a credit cards and personal finance deputy editor for Forbes Advisor. She has also covered credit cards and related content for other national web publications including NerdWallet, Bankrate and HerMoney. She's been featured as a personal finance expert in outlets including CNBC, Business Insider, CBS Marketplace, NASDAQ's Trade Talks and has appeared on or contributed to The New York Times, Fox News, CBS Radio, ABC Radio, NPR, International Business Times and NBC, ABC and CBS TV affiliates nationwide. She holds an M.S. in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University. Follow her on Twitter at @robinsaks.

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Android Police

Anker's 65w charging station makes the perfect travel companion at 40% off.

Small enough to fit in your pocket, powerful enough to charge all of your gear

Anker 615 GaNPrime Power Strip

Whether you need a travel-friendly power strip or you want to clear up the cord clutter on your desk at home, Anker's 5-in-1 charging station is a great option with today's discount. Just be sure to use ANKER9125A at checkout.

Sometimes you can tell you're going to love an accessory before you ever hold it in your hand. The Anker 615 GaNPrime Power Strip is a good example of such a product. Just looking at its design—a smooth, rounded, almost egg-shaped device that can fit in the palm of your hand—its capabilities, and its price suggest that this is something you are going to be happy you bought. The ultra-portable 615 can charge and power all of your gear, and right now it's on sale for just $36.

Best phone chargers in 2024: USB-C PD, PPS, and fast chargers

Why you should buy the anker 615 ganprime power strip.

The 615 makes an excellent option for anyone who wants to consolidate their travel accessories . It's also great for home use, if you have a minimal office setup, and you don't want to deal with a larger power strip and a bunch of extra cables. And if neither of these apply to you, at this price, it's honestly worth getting one just to toss into a go bag or junk drawer to have around in case you ever need it. It has both USB-C and USB-A ports to support all of your devices and accessories, and its two AC outlets mean you can charge other items too, like a toothbrush or an electric razor.

The two USB-C ports utilize Anker's Power IQ technology and offer up to 65W of max power output, which is enough to fast-charge most of your smartphones and tablets. That's also enough power to support multiple gadgets at once, as well as larger items such as laptops. The single USB-A port tops out at 12W, but it's really just there for support, and the AC outlets can handle up to 1250W at 125/10A. A built-in 3-ft extension cord gives you plenty of slack to reach nearby wall sockets, and the ActiveShield tech intelligently monitors the temperature to prevent overheating and overcharging.

It's worth adding here that the 615 is backed by a 2-year warranty from Anker, one of the top brands in the portable charging space, and it includes a connected device warranty of up to $200,000. If you're still not convinced at this point, well, I just don't know what to tell you. For those that are, be sure to grab the Anker 615 GaN Power Strip while you can at this 40% discount. Just be sure to use ANKER9125A at checkout.

Every product was carefully curated by an Esquire editor. We may earn a commission from these links.

The 25 Best Travel Bags for Every Kind of Trip

It's all about the right luggage.

Whether it’s a two-day business trip to Boston or a boys’ weekend in Miami, there are a lot of different ways your bag can support you. Along with handy features, looks play a part, too; you should be proud of the bag you are toting along. Get yourself that snazzy weekender with hidden pockets and a built-in cooling compartment. Treat yourself to that sleek Rimowa roller you’ve been eyeing since last year. Splurge on that monogrammed duffel to replace the one your investment bank gave you when you signed on. Don’t go on another trip without your new bag, and take some action now.

Best Travel Duffle Bag

Herschel supply co. novel duffel.

Most Versatile Travel Bag

Longchamp le pliage energy.

Best Hard Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Rimowa cabin s carry-on suitcase.

Best Travel Backpack

Away the everywhere zip backpack.

Best Lightweight Travel Bag

Métier vagabond duffel.

Best Soft-Shell Carry-On Travel Bag

Samsonite pro travel softside expandable carry-on luggage.

Best Travel Garment Bag

Tumi garment bag tri-fold carry-on.

Best Garment Duffel

Halfday the garment duffel.

Best Neoprene Travel Bag

Dagne dover landon carryall bag.

Best Luxury Duffel

Lucchese cosimo garment duffel.

Our favorite luggage brands make it easy to elevate your travel style . If you need help narrowing down your choices, we have our 25 favorites that our editors have tested and reviewed. Out with the old, in with a new travel bag.

When it comes to quick trips that last a day or two, a duffel is what you need. And Herschel’s Novel bag is, in so many words, the best bang for your buck. Not only is it incredibly durable and spacious enough for several fits (there’s also a separate compartment for your shoes), but it’s also less than $100. That’s what we call a win-win.

Drawing its inspiration from origami, Longchamp’s convertible travel bag is one of the most versatile out there. Wear it as a backpack or carry it around as a weekender, this bag is going to get you from point A to point B with ease. It’s sporty and practical and effortlessly in fashion.

From Karl Lagerfeld to David Fincher to Martha Stewart, all the high rollers can be seen toting this suitcase. It’s got distinctive grooves and an ergonomic design, and it just screams class. Plus, the TSA-approved locks are keeping your belongings extra secure.

It’s also Esquire approved and worthy of an investment.

For train travel, bus voyages ( ooof, we feel your pain ), or even a trip involving a connecting flight, there’s nothing like a good backpack to keep you hands-free and moving at a quick pace. Made of water-resistant nylon, Away’s backpack is a durable choice with padded shoulder straps and a laptop pocket.

Surprisingly lightweight, Métier’s duffel is a luxe option for frequent travelers. It’s thoughtfully designed with specific places for toiletries, sunglasses, a laptop, and the rest of your valuables. A secret card slot in the exterior pocket makes for easier travel at the airport.

In the luggage realm, there are very few that hold a candle to Samsonite. For more than a century (yes, that long), the brand has been churning out travel accessories, always offering quality styles for the day. It doesn’t get bogged down by its history. This soft-shell spinner, for example, features wireless charging pockets and a compartment for toiletries, and it’s made of 100 percent ballistic nylon. It’s also less than $250, which makes is a virtual steal.

Business executives know the importance of a garment bag. When you just hopped off the plane and are running late to that meeting, never stress trying to find a steamer again. TUMI is saving you from wrinkle embarrassment, keeping you put together everywhere and anytime.

We love our garment bags in duffel form. They are practical for traveling with suits or other formal clothes, but you can also use them for quick casual trips. Need more convincing? Check out our endorsement of this one.

In a flexible neoprene, Dagne Dover's carryall is one of the lightest duffels out there. It's got a laptop sleeve, and it also comes with a shoe bag and a dust bag. It also makes for a great gym bag, if you want something that's multipurpose.

We love this duffel so much, it was even one of the travel products our editors can't live without . Converting from a garment sleeve to a duffel bag, its versatility meets a luxurious style for a bag you will have for decades.

July Carry All Weekender Plus

Much like it's name denotes, this truly is a carry-all at its 50L capacity. A large padded pocket fits your laptop, and hidden pockets with magnetic closures keep your smaller belongings tucked away safely. If you are going somewhere for the long-haul, it also easily attaches onto your luggage.

Paravel Aviator Grand Suitcase

Paravel is new-ish to the luggage game, but in just a short time it is succeeding in the competitive market by focusing entirely on sustainability. The brand's collection is not only beautifully designed, but they are also made of recycled plastic water bottles. It also plants trees through Eden Reforestation Projects to offset the carbon emissions it produces via shipping.

Meisterstück Meisterstück Document Case

From the finest writing instruments to regal timepieces, Montblanc offers the kind of items beloved by jet-setters, C-suite executives, and anyone else of that sort. Naturally, this means that its briefcase is one of the best around, and will surely induce envy from the rest of the folks in first class.

Zero Halliburton Large Travel Case

When it comes to luxury, you can't ignore Zero Halliburton. This label is, after all, the maker of the iconic damage-resistant aluminum briefcases, so rest assured that its large spinner will stay looking good while its be tossed and turned from the check-in booth to baggage claim.

Victorinox Spectra 3.0 Frequent Flyer Carry-On

This Swiss brand makes luggage that lasts. Constructed in a high performance recycled polycarbonate, this suitcase is durable and eco-conscious. It expands by 20 percent and has multiple compartments for smart storage. We also love this piece from Victorinox because you can personalize it for no added cost.

Coofay Travel Backpack

Now you can pack for a weekend trip in a backpack. There's a laptop compartment, separate shoe storage, and a USB charging port. Travel compactly and with rest assured that everything you need it right on your back.

Lululemon Command the Day Duffel Bag

Aptly named, this bag is going to be your 24/7 savior. A water-repellent fabric protects against spills and weather. You can stay organized with the allocated pockets for shoes, laptop, and gear.

Yeti Crossroads Duffel Bag

You know Yeti for its coolers and bottles, but you're about to love it for its luggage. A water and abrasion-resistant exterior coupled with reinforced stitching makes this one of the most durable duffels on the market.

Mark & Graham 2-in-1 Garment Bag

This bag is literally a transformer. Going from garment bag to duffel, it helps to protect your clothing with its folding design. The smart silhouette even leaves room for two pairs of shoes to store at the side.

Mack Weldon Atlas Duffle

This reinforced canvas duffle will pass any test you put it through—from the gym to the plane. It has multiple pockets, one that's designated for shoes and the other for drinks and snacks ( remember to throw those out before you get to TSA ), and a slip-resistant bottom.

@media(max-width: 73.75rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.4375rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}}@media(min-width: 64rem){.css-1ktbcds:before{margin-right:0.5625rem;color:#FF3A30;content:'_';display:inline-block;}} Accessories

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BARK Introduces New Era of Travel Made for Dogs with the Launch of BARK Air

Apr 11, 2024

Dogs Fly First: BARK Announces First-of-its-Kind Travel Experience Tailored to Dogs Starting May 2024.

NEW YORK, N.Y., April 11, 2024 – BARK, Inc. (NYSE: BARK) (“BARK” or the “Company”), a leading global omnichannel dog brand with a mission to make all dogs happy, today announced it has partnered with a jet charter company to launch BARK Air. BARK Air is the world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second, enabling them to travel together comfortably and conveniently. Starting today, premium flights for dogs (and their humans) are available for booking, with the first flights taking off from New York on Thursday, May 23.

Traveling long distances with a dog is a challenge many dog parents face, particularly for those dogs that don’t fit into a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front. Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo. Recognizing these challenges, and the increasing demand for an accessible solution, BARK Air presents a more fun – and humane – option for dogs traveling with their two-legged human companions. BARK Air exemplifies BARK’s dog-first mentality and award-winning customer experience, setting a new standard for dogs who love to travel but have been forced to settle for less-than-ideal traveling conditions.

“When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs – from the ground to the skies,” said Matt Meeker, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK. “We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world.”

BARK Air has taken the white glove experience typical of a human’s first-class experience and redirected all that pampering to pooches – from booking to arrival, to in-flight services and disembarkation, dogs will truly be the VIPs and treated to a positively luxurious, curated experience.

• Following booking, humans will be contacted by a BARK Air concierge to collect information about each dog and their human’s travel plans to ensure the best possible experience.
• On travel day, dogs and their companions will arrive at the airport 45 to 60 minutes before takeoff for a simple, efficient check-in process where dogs can meet other furry friends on their flight while their people are treated to meals prepared by onsite chefs – no crates, stressful TSA checkpoints, or screening,
• Before boarding, a highly skilled BARK Air concierge will welcome dogs at the gate to help them settle into their experience through socialization and dog-centric cabin preparation. The BARK Air concierge will also evaluate each dog to ensure they are enjoying their experience and adapting to the new environment and if additional attention and care is needed prior to boarding or once on board.
• Also prior to boarding, the plane will be treated to a “Dogs Fly First” flight prep with calming pheromones, music, and colors that pups prefer. All furry passengers will have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.
• Once onboard, dogs will be served their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by changes in cabin pressure. Additionally, a variety of BARK-branded treats, snacks, and surprises will be provided throughout the flight with the intent of pampering furry passengers and their humans.

At launch, routes will serve the New York City metro area via Westchester County Airport (HPN) with flights to the Los Angeles area via Van Nuys (VNY) and London, England via Stansted Airport (STN). Through the partnership, an Argus Platinum-rated charter company is responsible for all aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance-related matters, while BARK is focused on creating and delivering a world-class air travel experience for dogs and their people.

“We believe this initiative will raise awareness of BARK’s mission in a cost-effective manner,” said Zahir Ibrahim, Chief Financial Officer at BARK. “Given we are not committed to booking flights far in advance, we have a lot of flexibility to opportunistically charter flights during times of high demand. In parallel, we believe the additional traffic to BARK.co will raise awareness of our full offering, benefiting our core business in the long term.”

For more information on BARK Air and booking, visit DogsFlyFirst.com and follow along on Instagram @barkair.

About BARK BARK is the world’s most dog-centric company, devoted to making dogs happy with the best products, services and content. BARK’s dog-obsessed team applies its unique, data-driven understanding of what makes each dog special to design playstyle-specific toys, wildly satisfying treats, great food for your dog’s breed, effective and easy to use dental care, and dog-first experiences that foster the health and happiness of dogs everywhere. Founded in 2011, BARK loyally serves dogs nationwide with themed toys and treats subscriptions, BarkBox and BARK Super Chewer; custom product collections through its retail partner network, including Target and Amazon; its high-quality, nutritious meals made for your breed with BARK Food; and products that meet dogs’ dental needs with BARK Bright®. At BARK, we want to make dogs as happy as they make us because dogs and humans are better together. Sniff around at BARK.co for more information.

Forward Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements relating to, among other things, the future performance of BARK that are based on the Company’s current expectations, forecasts and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology such as “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “expect,” “plan,” "anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “intend,” “potential,” “continue,” “ongoing” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements about future operating results, including our strategies, plans, commitments, objectives, and goals. Actual results could differ materially from those predicted or implied and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. Other factors that could cause or contribute to such differences include, but are not limited to, risks relating to the uncertainty of the projected financial information with respect to BARK; the risk that spending on pets may not increase at projected rates; that BARK subscriptions may not increase their spending with BARK; BARK’s ability to continue to convert social media followers and contacts into customers; BARK’s ability to successfully expand its product lines and channel distribution; competition; the uncertain effects of the COVID-19 pandemic or other global or macroeconomic events or challenges.

More information about factors that could affect BARK's operating results is included under the captions “Risk Factors” and “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” in the Company's quarterly report on Form 10-Q, copies of which may be obtained by visiting the Company’s Investor Relations website at https://investors.bark.co/ or the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements in this press release, which are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof. The Company assumes no obligation to update such statements.

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BARK Expands Consumables Business With Launch of Cereal-Inspired Dog Treat Collection to Inject Innovation, Fun & Humor Into Retail Pet Aisles

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WNBA will pay for flights for playoffs and back-to-backs. Expansion to 16 teams possible by 2028

NEW YORK — The WNBA will once again pay for charter flights for the entire playoffs as well as for back-to-back games during the upcoming season that require air travel, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said Monday.

There are more back-to-back sets this season with the WNBA taking a long break for the Olympics in late July and early August. The league spent $4 million on charters in 2023 and will do the same this year.

“No one wants (charters) more than I do for these players. We need to be in the right financial position,” Engelbert said before the WNBA draft Monday night. “Just a few years ago we were surviving, now we’re going from survive to thrive. We want to do it at the appropriate time.”

Engelbert also said she hopes to have 16 teams in the league by 2028, up from the current 12. The WNBA is adding a team next year, when a Golden State franchise in San Francisco will join the league. Other cities or metropolitan areas that Engelbert said are in the running include Philadelphia; Toronto; Portland, Oregon; Denver; Nashville; and South Florida.

“Our plan and goal is to get to 16 teams in the next few years,” she said.

Engelbert said she got calls last week from two other cities the league hadn’t been talking to.

Golden State will get a chance to built its roster through an expansion draft.

“It will happen before the college draft and we’ll share more details when we get closer to that,” Engelbert said. “Talking to general managers and coaches and teams and owners, there will be an expansion draft this year and it will probably be in December.”

Engelbert knows this year’s draft has more household names like Caitlin Clark, who helped the NCAA reach its best viewership in history for women’s basketball, with nearly 19 million fans watching the title game. Other well-known players being drafted include Angel Reese, Kamilla Cardoso and Cameron Brink.

The commissioner noted that the WNBA bought ads that ran during NCAA Tournament broadcasts, starting with the Sweet 16.

“I’m thrilled we have household names coming in,” Engelbert said. “We need to market around that.”

AP WNBA: https://apnews.com/hub/wnba-basketball

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Dog Company Announces New Air Travel Experience Designed Specifically for Canines: They 'Will Be the VIPs'

Routes will currently serve the New York City metro area with flights to Los Angeles and London

Man's best friend will soon be able to get the VIP treatment when taking to the skies!

Earlier this week, BARK , a dog-focused company that provides products, services and content for canines, launched BARK Air , the "world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second," according to a press release obtained by PEOPLE.

Currently, routes will serve the New York City metro area through Westchester County Airport (HPN) with flights to the Los Angeles area via Van Nuys (VNY) and London, by Stansted Airport (STN).

According to the release, an Argus Platinum-rated charter company is "responsible for all aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance-related matters." BARK, meanwhile, the release said, is "focused on creating and delivering a world-class air travel experience for dogs and their people."

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

After booking a trip online, users will be contacted by a BARK Air concierge, who will gather information about each dog and their human’s travel plans.

On the day of travel, pets and their human counterparts will arrive at the airport 45 to 60 minutes before takeoff, when the dogs will mingle with other canine companions as their owners dine on meals prepared by onsite chefs.

Next, dogs will be greeted by BARK Air concierge, who will "help them settle into their experience through socialization and dog-centric cabin preparation," per the release. They will also have access to various aids, the company added, including "calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs and calming jackets to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight."

Once onboard, BARK-branded treats, snacks and "surprises" will be offered to the dogs, and they will be "served their beverage of choice during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any ear discomfort commonly caused by changes in cabin pressure," BARK said.

“When we started BARK in 2011, we were on a mission to disrupt the dog space and create products designed for dogs and their humans. We are excited to take the insights we’ve learned over the years to create an experience that is truly dog-first, which is drastically different from just accepting dogs — from the ground to the skies,” said Matt Meeker, co-founder and Chief Executive Officer at BARK.

“We believe this initiative will elevate awareness of our brand’s mission and values, introduce more dog lovers to the BARK family, and help enrich the lives of dogs and their people around the world," he added.

In a statement of his own, Zahir Ibrahim, Chief Financial Officer at BARK, echoed those sentiments, stating, “We believe this initiative will raise awareness of BARK’s mission in a cost-effective manner. Given we are not committed to booking flights far in advance, we have a lot of flexibility to opportunistically charter flights during times of high demand."

"In parallel, we believe the additional traffic to BARK.co will raise awareness of our full offering, benefiting our core business in the long term," he continued.

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