Best credit cards for flight upgrades

Each year as a Alaska Airlines Visa Signature cardholder you can earn Alaska Airline’s $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $6,000 or more in the year before your account anniversary — making this a useful card for travelers who often bring a family member or friend on Alaska or partner flights. You’ll both get free checked bags and priority boarding. And you can work your way up to elite status by earning 1 elite-qualifying mile (EQM) for every $3 spent on your card, up to 30,000 EQMs.

You’ll also earn 3X miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases; 2X miles on gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases and 1X miles on all other purchases.