Lufthansa Miles & More Companion Ticket Worth It?

The Lufthansa Miles & More Card has a new companion ticket benefit, for both new cardholders and existing cardholders. But is it worth it? Here are the details:

• Lufthansa flights only

• Economy Class only, in H fare class or higher

• Must pay taxes and fees on the companion ticket

• Roundtrip only

• Must depart from U.S. to Europe, Middle East, Africa or Far East

• Not combinable with any other promotions, discounts or special fares

Long Haul Companion Tickets Usually Not Worth It

In general, long haul companion ticket offers are NOT worth it, for one or more of these reasons:

• Expensive Fare Class Required: Often you must purchase the first paid ticket in an expensive fare class, so you're not able to use the companion ticket with the lowest discount fare you see online. This is true with the AMEX Platinum Companion Ticket, which is usually not a good deal and will often cost you more than simply buying discount business or first class tickets outright. 

• Must Pay Taxes and Fees on the Companion Ticket: Having to pay taxes and fees on both tickets, including the companion ticket, also often drastically reduces the value of a companion ticket. This is what causes many folks to forego the British Airways Companion ticket, even though if you want to fly first class to Europe it can still be valuable, when planning far enough in advance. See British Airways Companion Ticket Worth it for Europe Award Travel?

• Economy Ticket Only: The Alaska Visa used to be very popular for those going to Hawaii, because the companion ticket used to be valid for Alaska First Class. Now, of course this is domestic first class, so not that special, but still better over flying coach. Well, Alaska eliminated that benefit in 2012 (see Alaska Visa Companion Ticket: No First Class from August 1, 2012) which prompted many folks to get rid of the card, at least if that was the reason they were holding it.