Originally Posted by
mtflyr
Recent example: A round-trip first-class ticket, class "A," from SLC to BOS costs about $1,150. However, when you use the "Free" companion ticket, the cost skyrockets to $2,250.
As other’s have said, I don’t think your getting a true “A fare” to “A fare” comparison. The certificate is good for A, D, L, U, T fares – period. If in your search you have pulled up an A fare + Others – odds are you got 2 legs with an A + an I or S fare in the mix. This is a big no can do with the reserve certificate. Be flexible and you’ll find a fare that works for your certificate - it’s just not easy to find sometimes.
FWIW, I find the best deals for the certificate are on the L, U or Ts to high cost destinations.