Page Contents<\/p>
- TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR+\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/li>
- Hotel Free Night Award<\/a><\/li>
- Bring a Friend or Family Member as Your Companion<\/a><\/li>
- \u00a0Use Annual Credits to Buy Gifts<\/a><\/li>
- Pay for Airline Incidentals<\/a><\/li>
- Book Travel for Someone<\/a><\/li>
- Gift Points<\/a><\/li>
- Lounge Access<\/a><\/li>
- Final Thoughts<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n
TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR+\u00ae<\/sup><\/span><\/h2>\n
For starters, everyone should have the benefit of saving time and hassle at the airport. To do this, you need TSA PreCheck<\/a>. You can enroll in TSA PreCheck on its own; however, if you frequently travel internationally, Global Entry may serve you better since it saves you time upon re-entry to the U.S., and it includes TSA PreCheck benefits.<\/p>\n
![\"a](\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\")
Credit: CLEAR<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n Another airport time-saving option is CLEAR+. CLEAR is a private company that offers biometric identity verification and priority screening at 50+ airports and select sporting venues in the U.S. You can have both TSA PreCheck and CLEAR.<\/p>\n
Many credit cards offer a statement credit for application fees<\/a> to programs like TSA PreCheck, Global Entry, and CLEAR+. Furthermore, the names don't need to match between the applicant and the credit card used to pay the application fee. This means that you can use a card with a statement credit for one of these programs to pay for a friend or family member's application. You'll get the statement credit, and they'll get expedited airport services for free.<\/p>\n
One thing to note: These programs typically require the cardholder to be present at the time of enrollment verification.<\/p>\n
Hotel Free Night Award<\/span><\/h2>\n
Many hotel programs offer free night awards as a credit card perk<\/a> or a benefit of having status with the hotel's loyalty program. Generally, you can use the free night certificate to make a reservation and add a friend or family member's name to it so they can enjoy a free hotel stay. Each program has specific rules for gifting award stays<\/a>, which are as follows:<\/p>\n
- \n
- Best Western Rewards:<\/strong> You can gift a free night stay to immediate family members, which Best Western defines as your spouse, partner, children, parents, in-laws, and siblings.<\/li>\n
- Choice Privileges<\/a>: <\/strong>You can book an award stay for immediate family members. According to the terms, this includes your spouse, partner, children, parents, in-laws, and siblings.<\/li>\n
- Hilton Honors<\/a>: <\/strong>You can book the room yourself and add the person's name to the reservation. We recommend calling the hotel in advance to confirm that the second name on the reservation is the person checking in.<\/li>\n
- World of Hyatt<\/a>: <\/strong>You can easily gift any Hyatt awards to another Hyatt member by going to your account, clicking on your awards, and choosing “Gift Your Award.” You will enter the other person's name and Hyatt loyalty number, and the award will be transferred to their account.<\/li>\n
- IHG One Rewards<\/a>: <\/strong>You can book an award night for anyone else, as long as you include their name on the reservation. Note that the greater China area is excluded from this.<\/li>\n
- Marriott Bonvoy<\/a>: <\/strong>You can book an award stay for another member up to five times per calendar year, and you need to call Marriott to make the reservation.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Bring a Friend or Family Member as Your Companion<\/span><\/h2>\n
Several airlines offer companion tickets<\/a> that allow you to bring a friend or family member along on your trip. Each airline has different rules for how to earn and use the ticket, so let's go over your options.<\/p>\n
- \n
- Atmos\u2122 Rewards Ascent Visa Signature\u00ae<\/sup> card<\/a> <\/strong>and Atmos\u2122 Rewards Visa Business Card<\/a>: <\/strong>Alaska Airlines offers a companion ticket<\/a> to cardholders, which is good for one round-trip or one-way saver or main cabin flight on Alaska Airlines starting at $122 ($99 base fare plus applicable taxes and fees starting at $23).<\/li>\n
- The Atmos\u2122 Rewards Summit Visa Infinite\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>comes with an annual Global Companion Award<\/a>, which allows you to save up to 25,000 points on a companion award ticket when you book two tickets with points.<\/li>\n
- British Airways Visa Signature\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/a>: <\/strong>A Travel Together ticket is available to cardholders who spend $30,000 or more on purchases in a calendar year. You just have to pay the taxes and fees, which vary by itinerary, to bring a companion on your flight when you book a redemption with Avios. Alternatively, you can fly alone and get a 50% discount on the Avios needed for your flight.<\/li>\n
- American Airlines:<\/strong> The Citi\u00ae<\/sup> \/ AAdvantage Business\u2122 World Elite Mastercard\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/strong> offers a companion ticket after spending $30,000 on the card in the cardmember year.<\/li>\n
- Delta Air Lines:<\/strong> Four Delta credit cards include companion tickets among their perks. There are two personal cards \u2014 the Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum American Express Card<\/a> <\/strong> and Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Reserve American Express Card<\/a><\/strong> \u2014 and two business cards: the Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum Business American Express Card<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong>and Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Reserve Business American Express Card<\/a>.<\/strong> The companion ticket<\/a> is available once per card year, and you just need to pay the taxes and fees. Note that only certain fare classes are valid for travel with the companion ticket.<\/li>\n
- Southwest Airlines Companion Pass:<\/strong> This is not a one-time pass that can be gifted, but it's worth mentioning. If you earn 135,000 Southwest Rapid Rewards points in one calendar year, which can be done with one or two credit card welcome offers, you will earn a Companion Pass. This allows you to bring a companion on all of your Southwest flights for just the price of the taxes and fees. Check out our dedicated Companion Pass<\/a> post to learn more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/div><\/div>Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Platinum American Express Card<\/div>Welcome Bonus:<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 90,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $3,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.<\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>$350Rates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div>Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- \r\n
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta<\/li>\r\n
- 3X miles per dollar at hotels<\/li>\r\n
- 2X miles per dollar at U.S. supermarkets<\/li>\r\n
- 2X Miles per dollar at restaurants worldwide, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S.<\/li>\r\n
- 1 mile on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Delta SkyMiles\u00ae<\/sup> Reserve American Express Card<\/div>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nYou may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $5,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership.\r\n<\/div><\/div>How to Apply<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>
$650Rates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/p><\/div>Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- 3X miles per dollar spent on purchases made directly with Delta<\/li>\r\n \t
- 1X miles on every eligible dollar spent on purchases.<\/li><\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>Southwest Rapid Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Plus Credit Card<\/div>Welcome Bonus<\/strong>\r\nEarn 50,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.<\/div><\/div>Apply Now<\/a><\/div>Annual Fee<\/strong>
$99Rates & Fees<\/a><\/span><\/p><\/div>
Credit Score<\/strong>Excellent, Good<\/p><\/div><\/div>
- \r\n
- 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest\u00ae<\/sup> purchases<\/li>\r\n
- 2 points for every $1 you spend at gas stations and grocery stores on the first $5,000 in combined purchases per anniversary year<\/li>\r\n
- 1X point per $1 spent on all other purchases<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n
In addition to a companion flight, you can use free hotel nights to bring a friend along, even if the program doesn't allow you to gift the stay to them to use without you. That could turn into a flight + hotel combo anyone would love to receive as a gift.<\/p>\n
Credit: AdobeStock<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n \u00a0Use Annual Credits to Buy Gifts<\/span><\/h2>\n
Many\u00a0credit cards\u00a0come with\u00a0annual and\/or monthly credits<\/a>\u00a0that you could use to buy presents, monthly memberships, gifts, or gift cards for your loved ones:<\/p>\n
- \n
- The American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/a><\/strong> charges an annual fee of $895 (Rates & Fees<\/a>) and comes with:\n
- \n
- Digital entertainment credit<\/a>: up to $300<\/li>\n
- Resy credit<\/a>: up to $400<\/li>\n
- Equinox fitness credit<\/a>: up to $300<\/li>\n
- SoulCycle credit: up to $300<\/li>\n
- Lululemon credit<\/a>: up to $300<\/li>\n
- Oura ring credit<\/a>: up to $200<\/li>\n
- Saks Fifth Avenue credit<\/a>: up to $100 (Starting July 1, 2026<\/strong>, the annual Saks credit on the Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup> will be removed)<\/li>\n
- Walmart+ membership (excluding Plus Ups): up to a $155 credit<\/li>\n
- Prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel: up to $200 in credit for\u00a0 (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum 2-night stay). Enrollment is required for select Amex benefits.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
\n\n\nAmerican Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/div>\n<\/div>\n How to Apply<\/a><\/div>\nRates & Fees<\/a>
(Terms apply)<\/span><\/div>\nWelcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n\n American Express Platinum Card\u00ae<\/sup><\/strong>\nWelcome Offer<\/strong>\r\nAs High As 175,000 points. Find Out Your Offer. You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards\u00ae<\/sup> Points after spending $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.<\/div>\nAnnual Fee:<\/strong>$895<\/b><\/div>\nShow more<\/a>Why We Like It<\/a>Highlights<\/a>Earning Rates<\/a>Cardholders can access more than 1,550 airport lounges worldwide, take advantage of up to $200 in annual airline fee credits, up to $209 in CLEAR+ credits, and TSA PreCheck\u00ae<\/sup> or Global Entry fee credits. The card also includes an annual hotel credit worth up to $600 on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup> or The Hotel Collection bookings (The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay), Hilton Honors\u2122 and Marriott Bonvoy\u00ae<\/sup> Gold Elite status, and a suite of benefits with Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup>. Additional perks include $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership credit (with applicable sales taxes and Plus Ups not include), up to $300 in annual digital entertainment credits, up to $300 Equinox credits, and up to $200 annual Uber Cash and $120 Uber One Credit. Enrollment required for select American Express benefits.<\/div>\n\n\n- You may be eligible for as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $12,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you're approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount - all with no credit score impact. If you're approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.<\/li>
- Get more for your travels with 5X Membership Rewards® points on all flights and prepaid hotel bookings through American Express Travel®, including Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings. You earn 5X points on flights purchased directly from airlines or through American Express Travel® on up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year.<\/li>
- With over 1,550 airport lounges - more than any other credit card company on the market* - enjoy the benefits of the Global Lounge Collection®, over $850 of annual value, with access to Centurion Lounges, 10 complimentary Delta Sky Club® visits when flying on an eligible Delta flight (subject to visit limitations), Priority Pass Select membership (enrollment required), and other select partner lounges.* As of 07\/2025.<\/li>
- $200 Uber Cash + $120 Uber One Credit: With the Platinum Card® you can receive $15 in Uber Cash each month plus a bonus $20 in December when you add your Platinum Card® to your Uber account to use on rides and orders in the U.S when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. Plus, when you use the Platinum Card® to pay for an auto-renewing Uber One membership, you can get up to $120 in statement credits each calendar year. Terms apply.<\/li>
- $300 Digital Entertainment Credit: Experience the latest shows, news and recipes. Get up to $25 in statement credits each month when you use your Platinum Card® for eligible purchases on Disney+, a Disney+ bundle, ESPN streaming services, Hulu, The New York Times, Paramount+, Peacock, The Wall Street Journal, YouTube Premium, and YouTube TV when you purchase directly from one or more of the providers. Enrollment required.<\/li>
- $600 Hotel Credit: Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection* bookings through American Express Travel® using the Platinum Card®. *The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.<\/li>
- $400 Resy Credit + Platinum Nights by Resy: Get up to $100 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® to make eligible purchases with Resy, including dining purchases at U.S. Resy restaurants. Enrollment required. Plus, with Platinum Nights by Resy, you can get special access to reservations on select nights at participating in demand Resy restaurants with the Platinum Card®. Simply add your eligible Card to your Resy profile to book and discover Platinum Nights reservations near you.<\/li>
- $209 CLEAR+ Credit: CLEAR+ helps get you to your gate faster by using your face to verify you are you at 55+ airports nationwide. You can cover the cost of a CLEAR+ Membership* with up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you pay for CLEAR+ with your Platinum Card®. *Excluding any applicable taxes and fees. Subject to auto-renewal.<\/li>
- $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees, such as checked bags and in-flight refreshments, are charged by the airline to the Platinum Card® Account. American Express relies on airlines to submit the correct information on airline transactions to identify incidental fee purchases. If you do not see a credit for a qualifying incidental purchase on your eligible Card after 8 weeks, simply call the number on the back of your Card. Qualifying airlines are subject to change. See terms & conditions for more details.<\/li>
- Start your vacation sooner, and keep it going longer. When you book Fine Hotels + Resorts® through American Express Travel®, enjoy noon check-in, when available, and guaranteed 4PM check-out.<\/li>
- $300 lululemon Credit: Enjoy up to $75 in statement credits each quarter when you use the Platinum Card® for eligible purchases at U.S. lululemon retail stores (excluding outlets) and lululemon.com. That's up to $300 in statement credits each calendar year. Enrollment required.<\/li>
- $155 Walmart+ Credit: Receive a statement credit* for one monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) after you pay for Walmart+ each month with the Platinum Card®. *Up to $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Ups not eligible.<\/li>
- Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24\/7.<\/li>
- $895 annual fee.<\/li>
- Terms Apply.<\/li><\/ul><\/body><\/html>\n<\/div>
- \r\n
- Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n
- Earn 5X points on Fine Hotels + Resorts\u00ae<\/sup> and The Hotel Collection bookings.<\/li>\r\n<\/ul><\/div><\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
- Earn 5X points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel\u00ae<\/sup>.<\/li>\r\n
- Earn 5X points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel\u00ae<\/sup> (up to $500,000 in purchases per calendar year).<\/li>\r\n
- Resy credit<\/a>: up to $400<\/li>\n
- Digital entertainment credit<\/a>: up to $300<\/li>\n
- 2X points per $1 spent on Southwest\u00ae<\/sup> purchases<\/li>\r\n
- The Atmos\u2122 Rewards Summit Visa Infinite\u00ae<\/sup> Card<\/strong>\u00a0<\/b>comes with an annual Global Companion Award<\/a>, which allows you to save up to 25,000 points on a companion award ticket when you book two tickets with points.<\/li>\n
- Choice Privileges<\/a>: <\/strong>You can book an award stay for immediate family members. According to the terms, this includes your spouse, partner, children, parents, in-laws, and siblings.<\/li>\n
- Hotel Free Night Award<\/a><\/li>
![\"a](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/CLEAR-kiosk-passenger-with-employee-featured.png\"){kind=spacer}
![\"Delta](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/CardArt-DeltaSkyMilesPlatinumAmericanExpressCard.png\")
<\/div><\/div>![\"Delta](\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/47dd49f9-d80b-4251-aa8e-2fbf313e6402.jpg\")
<\/div><\/div>![\"Southwest](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/CardArt-SouthwestRapidRewardsPlusCreditCard.png\")
<\/div><\/div>![\"female](\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/03\/AdobeStock_297526489-scaled-e1585189401680.jpeg\")
![\"American](\"https:\/\/cdn.nextinsure.com\/imaging\/opt\/e6901d88-1a35-4373-b3e1-9a2a445490a0.png\")
<\/div>\n