Airline Companion Fares: How to Save Flying as a Pair

A companion fare is one of the aviation industry's lesser-known but effective ways to save: when you buy one full-price ticket, a second passenger flies at a much lower, often fixed, price. If you often travel as a pair or with family, understanding this mechanism can mean saving hundreds of dollars on a booking. Let's see how it works and where to look.

🎫 What a companion fare is

A companion fare means that when you buy the first ticket at full price, a second passenger on the same flight travels far cheaper (sometimes for the taxes alone). This is not the same as an ordinary discount — it links two tickets in a single booking.

Such offers are often tied to an airline's loyalty programme or a partner credit card. Read the terms carefully — they frequently apply only to specific routes or seasons.

🔎 Where to find these offers

• Airline seasonal promotions — 'second ticket -50%' style campaigns
• Loyalty programmes and partner credit cards — see the frequent flyer miles guide
• Low-cost carrier clubs — e.g. the Wizz Air Discount Club
• Promo newsletters — subscribe to the airline's updates so you don't miss an offer

👨‍👩‍👧 Flying as a pair or family

If you travel with family, a companion fare pairs well with the family flight savings strategy. But keep in mind: sometimes buying separately is cheaper — always compare both options before you buy.

💳 Combine with miles and promos

You get the biggest savings by stacking a companion fare with other methods: flexible dates, a promo season and accumulated miles. If the price drops after you buy, check whether a price-drop refund is possible.

🧭 Practical advice

• Always compare: the companion price vs two separate tickets
• Read the terms — validity, routes, refund rules
• Plan ahead — the best companion promos sell out fast
• For date flexibility, use the Travel365 price calendar and pick the cheapest days