Hi, I apologize if this has been addressed before, but I could not find it. I have done research and know what types of earning activities do and do not count toward companion pass status. So, I don't need help there, but this is my situation:

I have about 53,000 qualifying. I planned on making some major CC charges on my personal card and getting a business card in a couple of weeks to bring me to the 110,000. However, my father suffered a massive heart attack last week. When I found out, I had just flown into PDX from a business trip, so I just went to the WN counter and bought a ticket for the first plane out to my hometown. I paid for the ticket because I was afraid that by using points, I might ruin my companion pass eligibility. (I know, it's *really* messed up that in that situation I'm still thinking about points and passes, but I was still in shock/denial and maybe some of you can understand).

My father survived but prognosis is uncertain. Therefore, I will need to go home again at least once before I will have the opportunity to get to 110,000, Will the fact that I EARNED 110,000 in 2012 still allow me to get the companion pass even if I spend some miles before that OR do I have to reach that as a total in order to get it (meaning, should I pay for my tickets until I reach it, or is it safe to use miles)?

Thanks for your help.