Companion Offers
May 23, 2002 | 7:33 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
Companion Offers
I found the past threads that talk about specific offers (ex: Holiay Inn), but I just want to know in GENERAL who has been able to take advantage of these promotions. I called to redeem one today and it is a joke. He said the fares are too low to qualify ($345.00 for three months in advance is not low to me)and only one airline qualifies, etc., etc. He also said certain times were sold out, but they are not (according to Delta website).
Am I correct in assuming the only way these are of any use is for last minute bookings when the fares are MUCH higher?
These offers are more frustrating than anything else.
Am I correct in assuming the only way these are of any use is for last minute bookings when the fares are MUCH higher?
These offers are more frustrating than anything else.
May 23, 2002 | 7:45 am
#2
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: NYC
Posts: 9,781
the trick seems to be to ask under what conditions the fare is available and then to stick to those conditions. A reservations agent will always ask for specific dates of travel and ticket price will almost always come out higher because of this. If you ask the agent to tell you the lowest fare on the farelist on their computer, telling them that you don't have dates set yet - they can then tell you under what conditions these fares are applicable (advance purchase/sat. stay, etc.). This only works if your dates and/or times are flexible.
May 23, 2002 | 12:01 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Scottsdale, AZ USA
Posts: 408
I'm not entirely clear on what you are asking...
I've used companion offers to great success on a few rare occassions. The most recent one that comes to mind was a 9000point Reward from AMEX for a $150 Companion Ticket on Aer Lingus. THe Q class fare was $630, the companion ticket was $150.
I've used companion offers to great success on a few rare occassions. The most recent one that comes to mind was a 9000point Reward from AMEX for a $150 Companion Ticket on Aer Lingus. THe Q class fare was $630, the companion ticket was $150.
May 23, 2002 | 5:16 pm
#4
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 782
My company just sent a bunch of us to the same conference using the Southwest companion flies free. arrangements were made a couple of months ago. First time I flew them in a couple of years, and hope it'll be at least that much time before the next flight with them.
May 23, 2002 | 7:58 pm
#5
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Cary, NC, USA - AA Plt 3mm/DL Dia 2mm, Hil/Dia Life, Bonvoy/Titanium Life, Spire
Posts: 3,261
I've had the free companion ticket via TaxCut/Turbo Tax, AMEX DL Platinum cc, and BankAmericard's USAIRWAYS cc. With all the restrictions and blackout dates, the inability to upgrade and the high minimum prices for the first fare, I find these useless.
May 23, 2002 | 8:40 pm
#6
Join Date: Oct 2000
Posts: 1,960
I've received, and used, 2 Amex DL Platinum certificates for my wife. Saved me a total of $1,100 in airfare.
The key to these deals are flexibility in travel days and the all important minimum fare requirements. Any coupon that requires the purchase of a full Y fare is not a deal because of the abundant number of apex fares.
If you are talking buy one, get one free international business or first class that's another story. Even then, I personally couldn't see purchasing a $12,000 F full fare to get a companion F seat.
The key to these deals are flexibility in travel days and the all important minimum fare requirements. Any coupon that requires the purchase of a full Y fare is not a deal because of the abundant number of apex fares.
If you are talking buy one, get one free international business or first class that's another story. Even then, I personally couldn't see purchasing a $12,000 F full fare to get a companion F seat.
May 23, 2002 | 11:48 pm
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2000
Location: The Villages, Florida
Posts: 1,334
Thanks for your responses. This is dealing with Airline Promotions, Inc. and was given to me for spending X amount in 6 months with a credit card. It clearly says minimum fare must be $379.00, (and that is more than "fair" for two tickets), but the catch is that it can't be more than the lowest minimum found ($345 at the moment). They talk out of two sides of their mouth with all of the small print. Turns out only one airline (Delta) is on the list for my route, etc. , etc. Almost impossible for me to use unless I wait until less than two weeks prior to going when the fare would go up to over $379 for sure. Oh, well.
May 24, 2002 | 4:58 am
#8
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Brooklyn, New York
Programs: AA,HP,MP,DL,SPG, MR
Posts: 2,092
I thought it was just me. I agree totally. I got rid of the Delta Platinum AMEX card after I got the companion certificate and found it was useless. Then when I cancelled my husband's citibank AA card they called and offered me a free companion certificate and when I read the restrictions, I gave it up as well. I would rather have a $off coupon with less restrictions.