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Companion Fare FAQ - Bank of America Mileage Plan Visa

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Old May 14, 2013, 10:30 am
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: rrgg
Based on an original post by flyer206

I summarized a few posts on the companion fare. I initially had some questions and went through some of the posts as well as asked Missydarlin. So I thought I would post it for future people. If there is something incorrect or perhaps is useful for the next person please add or let me know.

Extending a companion fare
Tickets must be booked by the expiry date but can be for travel up to 330 days in advance. So book 2 full-fare tickets (coach fare only with new certificates issued after Aug. 1, 2012) for travel 11 months in advance to any destination on AS. When you have decided when and where you want to go, call AS to change the tickets. Since the tickets are full-fare or first class the changes will be no charge. The tickets can be changed to a lower level ticket including hot fare and the destination can be changed as well. If the tickets are cheaper then the amount will be refunded to the same credit card.

However, the ticket can not be extended for another 330 days. Meaning, you can not keep on extending the companion certificate. Hence travel must be completed within the initial 330 day window of when you booked your initial ticket.

The current terms show the personal and business card are treated the same regarding booking dates and expiration dates. If you have a counterexample since 2024, please share. (At one time the business companion fare required travel completed by expiry date.)

One of the travelers can not go
If the revenue passenger can not go then the companion passenger can not go. The T&C of the companion fare is that the companion must travel with the revenue passenger. Changes can be made by calling AS but change fees apply. Changes can now be done on-line. If the companion passenger can not go, the revenue passenger can still go. If you want to use the companion certificate another time, a call has to be made to AS.
Name changes are allowed but must be called in for change and is subject to change fee($125 --exempt if the name change involves a passenger who has status).

Should status flyer be the revenue or companion ticket.
Since the companion ticket is dependent on the revenue ticket, the status flyer should be the companion fare unless the tickets are in full fare or first class. Why? If the companion traveler can not fly the companion coupon can be saved for future use. The status passenger is allowed to make changes at no charge. THERE IS DEBATE ABOUT THIS ANSWER
 
Do I have to be one of the passengers flying?
No, the T&C states that you must either be one of the passengers or the credit card booking the tickets be in your name. One poster mentioned that he did not travel or use his credit card when he let his father use it. However it that case I believe they shared the same last name.
 
Do you have to use the AS airline credit card when booking the companion fare?
Through September 30, 2019, no. "For companion fares issued on or after October 1, 2019, both the primary fare and the companion fare must be purchased using your Alaska Airlines credit card." Exceptions: Fare can also be paid with your Wallet funds or AS Gift cards.
 
Does the companion fare accrue points.
YES, both tickets accrue points on any frequent flyer plan that gives out points on AS flights ie AS, AA, DL, CX, BA etc

Is the companion fare upgradeable?
YES, depending on first class upgrade (U) inventory and by priority based on the status of the traveler. There has to be 2 upgradeable seats available. If using paper certificates there has to be 2 certificates. Both travelers must upgrade or none at all. At T-24, you will be added to the flight upgrade list upon checkin per normal procedure and upgrades will process in the usual order of priority.
companion fare and upgrade question

When will I get my Companion certificate? 
As soon as you get approved for the credit card the certificate will appear in your Alaska airline online account. As of June 2016, the initial companion fare will post shortly after the statement where you reach the minimum spend (currently $1000) closes. Another will appear around the 1 year anniversary of your credit card. JULY 2020 UPDATE: spend is now $2,000 within 90 days.

Cancelling a companion fare
Rebook=kept in system however change fees may apply based on fare purchased.
Refund=gone

What class of fares can be booked?
All fares can be booked from "hot fares" to "first class" but only on Alaska/Horizon operated flights. It is not eligible for AA, DL etc operated flights. (coach fare only with new certificates issued after Aug. 1, 2012). You cannot purchase F but you can upgrade to F after purchase or try your luck at free upgrades if you have status.

Can the companion fare be used on a one-way, round trip, open jaw, OR multi-city?
Any of the above. Also, if you purchase RT, you can subsequently call to change to a one-way ticket and potentially get a credit for the fare that applies to the cancelled segments.

I don't want to change my travel now, is there a way to cancel & reissue the code?

It's not technically "reissued." It's basically encased in amber for reuse.

If you change more than 60 days from the date of travel, AND the companion has no status (sorry, spouse), you can reuse the companion cert by calling in, having the reservation split, and then re-deposting the primary traveler's airfare into My Wallet and keeping a record of the companion traveler's ticket number separately.

Then, to reuse the companion cert for the same companion on a different itinerary, you need to phone in and make the primary traveler's reservation, and pay with a credit card for the primary traveler's ticket. No My Wallet funds can be used. Then the companion's cert and fees are reattached and any difference in fees and taxes are collected/refunded.

If the primary traveler decides that he/she does not want to reuse the companion cert after canceling the original reservation (as long as it's done before the value of the companion cert/fees/taxes expires), the value of the fees/taxes of the companion cert can be redeposited into the primary traveler's My Wallet. But the cert itself is forfeited.
(from Seattlenerd. Thank you!)

What are the Terms and Conditions as issued by Alaska Air
Discount: Valid for one $99 USD Companion Ticket when traveling with another passenger on a paid airfare. Both passengers must be booked in the same itinerary, at the same fare, traveling together, and ticketed at the same time. Valid for round-trip or one-way travel. Valid on published fares. Not applicable to Mileage Plan Award Reservations, Alaska Airlines Vacation packages, tour or contract fares.

Reservations & Ticketing: Valid for new ticket purchases through alaskaair.com, Alaska Airlines Reservations, or Horizon Air Reservations. The Companion Ticket Discount Code is redeemed at time of ticketing and is void for future changes or purchases. Traveler and/or Purchaser name must match the name issued on the Discount Code. Credit card required for purchase.

Passengers: Valid for one $99 USD Companion Ticket when traveling with a second passenger on a paid fare, traveling together, and booked and ticketed at the same time in the same reservation.

Routes: Valid systemwide on flights operated by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air.

Advance Purchase: Per applicable fare rule.

Purchase By: Expiration date on Discount Code.

Blackout Dates: Per applicable fare rule.

Minimum & Maximum Stay: Per applicable fare rules.

Flights: Valid only on flights operated by Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air and on PenAir between Anchorage and Dutch Harbor. Not valid on codeshare flights.

Taxes, Fees and Surcharges: Passenger is responsible for all applicable taxes, fees, and surcharges, including checked baggage fees.

Combinability: Not valid with any other discounts, including Discount Codes, coupons, discount programs, MyAccount online discount, or other arrangements.

Changes and Refunds: Changes and refunds are allowed per the applicable fare rule and may result in the forfeiture of the Discount Code.

Mileage Plan: Mileage Plan credit applies and upgrades are allowed.

Transferability: Discount Codes and tickets are not transferable. They may not be given to another individual, and may not be sold, bought, bartered, auctioned or collected in bulk. Any deemed by Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air to have been distributed or acquired improperly will not be honored and traveler will be liable for payment of full fare.

Additional Terms: All rules of Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, alaskaair.com, and the applicable fare rules not mentioned within these terms and conditions apply.

Other: Lost or stolen Discount Codes or tickets cannot be replaced. Alaska/Horizon has the final authority regarding redemption. Travel is subject to Alaska and Horizon contract of carriage. Terms and conditions as written herein are final and cannot be changed by any statement or representation of any unauthorized person, including employees of Alaska/Horizon or issuing organization. Other restrictions may apply and Alaska/Horizon reserves the right to suspend or change this offer without notice.






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Companion Fare FAQ - Bank of America Mileage Plan Visa

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Old Dec 3, 2014, 4:47 pm
  #286  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NJ
Programs: UA Gold, Hilton Gold, Marriott Plat,
Posts: 284
Searching by fare class?

I'm new to AS, and just received a companion pass via their CC. I found a flight that I want to book, but it comes up as "R" fare class. I'm hoping to credit these flights to AA to earn EQMs, but fares in the "R" bucket earn nothing. Is there a way to search by fare class to perhaps purchase a "K/L" fare?
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Old Dec 3, 2014, 5:32 pm
  #287  
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AS Lounge
Posts: 3,478
Originally Posted by Blootch
I'm new to AS, and just received a companion pass via their CC. I found a flight that I want to book, but it comes up as "R" fare class. I'm hoping to credit these flights to AA to earn EQMs, but fares in the "R" bucket earn nothing. Is there a way to search by fare class to perhaps purchase a "K/L" fare?
I assume the fare you're currently selecting is in the Coach Lowest column. You could try going over to the left margin under Upgrade Fare Type and clicking on the last button for U MVP Gold Guest. Then try putting the fare listed under Upgradable Lowest in your Cart and see what class it is -- usually a K fare when I select it.

Someone else may have a more elegant approach but this may get you the fare you want.
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Old Dec 3, 2014, 9:16 pm
  #288  
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Join Date: Dec 2006
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Originally Posted by Westcoaster
I assume the fare you're currently selecting is in the Coach Lowest column. You could try going over to the left margin under Upgrade Fare Type and clicking on the last button for U MVP Gold Guest. Then try putting the fare listed under Upgradable Lowest in your Cart and see what class it is -- usually a K fare when I select it.

Someone else may have a more elegant approach but this may get you the fare you want.
This ensures K or higher- but omits G&T fares (IIRC they earn on AA).

Wish AS and AA would rectify earning R class & O class fares.
beckoa is offline  
Old Dec 4, 2014, 4:41 pm
  #289  
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: NJ
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Thanks Westcoaster and beckoa - This seems to have worked!
Blootch is offline  
Old Dec 28, 2014, 11:27 pm
  #290  
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: ICN
Programs: AA (850k miles), SPG Platinum
Posts: 511
Sorry for the newbie question but I read through the wiki and posts here but didn't find the question clearly answered.

I have a companion pass expiring on 8/2015. I have plans to go to Hawaii in 2/2016. I would like to do the following:

1) Book a RT ticket to Hawaii on AS for myself and one of my kids using my companion pass. I will book the ticket in 8/2015 before the pass expires for a flight in 2/2016 since that is less than 330 days later.

2) Book another RT ticket to Hawaii on AS for my wife and another one of my kids using my new companion pass that will appear on 8/2015 (to be expired in 8/2016).

This way I will be booking 4 tickets on the same RT itinerary with 2 companion passes (this year's companion pass + next year's companion pass).

Is this possible?

Rock.
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Old Dec 29, 2014, 3:43 am
  #291  
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Los Angeles
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Posts: 748
Originally Posted by Rock72
This way I will be booking 4 tickets on the same RT itinerary with 2 companion passes (this year's companion pass + next year's companion pass).

Is this possible?
You shouldn't have any issues doing that.
meballard is offline  
Old Jan 16, 2015, 9:40 am
  #292  
 
Join Date: Jan 2015
Posts: 71
I don't have the Signature card yet, but wanted to check if this would be a valid routing to use the companion certificate:

SEA > LAX > Drive to San Diego > SAN > HNL for couple days > SEA

Can I do that using the companion certificate? Is there a maximum number of segments you can do using the certificate?
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Old Jan 22, 2015, 5:45 pm
  #293  
 
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: SEA
Posts: 2,021
So here is an odd circumstance I am running into.

I booked a flight from SEA to PHX for the Super Bowl 10 months ago, in hopes the Seahawks would make it.

I have a great ticket; and it IS refundable. I purchased tickets for my friend and I with my companion coupon.

But my friend and I can't go now. However, most flights are booked for the Super Bowl so I am wondering if I can transfer it to two different friends who want to go. Do you know if this is possible? I am willing to pay the $100 name change fee. Let me know if you think it is possible.

I booked the original flight on my Alaska Visa card. Thanks for any help!!
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Old Jan 27, 2015, 9:22 am
  #294  
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
Originally Posted by awaite01
So here is an odd circumstance I am running into.

I booked a flight from SEA to PHX for the Super Bowl 10 months ago, in hopes the Seahawks would make it.

I have a great ticket; and it IS refundable. I purchased tickets for my friend and I with my companion coupon.

But my friend and I can't go now. However, most flights are booked for the Super Bowl so I am wondering if I can transfer it to two different friends who want to go. Do you know if this is possible? I am willing to pay the $100 name change fee. Let me know if you think it is possible.

I booked the original flight on my Alaska Visa card. Thanks for any help!!
Plagiarizing from myself:

Originally Posted by baliktad
AS tickets are nontransferable, which means there is no such thing as a name change. If your [friend] will not be flying on this trip as ticketed, the next step is determining how to recover the value of the ticket. You can refund your tickets and purchase new tickets at current availability and prices. As you've noted, since the Super Bowl flights are sold out/oversold, it's unlikely you'll be able to secure a confirmed seat on your desired flight.

Unfortunately, possessing a ticket in someone else's name doesn't give you the right to assign who will occupy the seat - that's why you need to supply a name at time of purchase. I know it's logical to assume that you've purchased a seat on that flight and can use/assign it as you see fit, but that's not how the airlines see it.
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Old Feb 6, 2015, 9:42 am
  #295  
 
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: SW WA
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 87
Anyone else experiencing a delay in companion fare posting recently? My the companion fare attached to my wife's card typically posts around 1/30-2/1. Nothing yet......
OSUFlyer is offline  
Old Feb 8, 2015, 5:17 am
  #296  
 
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 2,400
Can someone give me any info on this scenario please.

CP expires 3/2/2015. I want to travel 1/24/16-2/01/16. I will be able to book the outbound before it expires, but not the return. Can I book one way, and add the return after the dates are released? How about booking outbound, returning the next day, and then changing it after the new dates are released. I have no status.

TYIA
tatterdema is offline  
Old Feb 10, 2015, 8:29 am
  #297  
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Vancouver, B.C. - Canada
Posts: 499
Companion Certificate

I have a companion certificate expiring Feb 20

I'd like to book YVR-LIH for December 2015 but am not 100% sure of my dates yet

Just wanted to confirm that I can book a Refundable Coach fare for some dates in December 2015, and as long as the two passengers travelling are the same, I can later change it to a cheaper non-refundable fare with different dates (still in December) with no change fees, and still use the companion certificate.

Thanks.
OfficeGlenn is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2015, 9:16 am
  #298  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
Anniversary Date of Card

I was approved for the card a year ago and was hoping to get this year's new companion code in the next few days on the anniversary date of my approval. After calling BoA today, apparently the new companion code won't arrive until 2-3 weeks following the end of this statement cycle, so not until mid-May, around six weeks later than expected.

I was planning a trip for late May, so this is pretty frustrating. Anyone have any data points for when the following year's code arrived, or any luck asking BoA to issue a code on an expedited basis following your anniversary date? Thanks!
paulsully is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2015, 9:49 am
  #299  
 
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
Originally Posted by paulsully
I was approved for the card a year ago and was hoping to get this year's new companion code in the next few days on the anniversary date of my approval. After calling BoA today, apparently the new companion code won't arrive until 2-3 weeks following the end of this statement cycle, so not until mid-May, around six weeks later than expected.

I was planning a trip for late May, so this is pretty frustrating. Anyone have any data points for when the following year's code arrived, or any luck asking BoA to issue a code on an expedited basis following your anniversary date? Thanks!
The codes used to show up a month or so in advance of your anniversary date. That had been the case for years. But many people have posted on here that, as of recently, the codes weren't posting until the month after your annual fee posts. I recall one member (I'll try to find the post) who said he called in and BofA told him that too many people were waiting for the code, then cancelling at their anniversary dates to avoid the annual fee, basically doing so to get a companion code without paying the annual fee. So they changed their process and now don't post the code until the annual fee is paid. I haven't called in myself, but this is what I have read from several posters here.
Finkface is offline  
Old Apr 3, 2015, 10:47 am
  #300  
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Posts: 4
Good to know the background, thank you. Looks like I'll have to change my trip plans. Also, this has now been added to the Q&A page:

When is my credit card anniversary date? Or in other words...where is my new Companion Fare Discount Code?
Typically, your anniversary will fall 4-6 weeks after the date on which you originally opened your credit card account. The anniversary date does not change if you have upgraded or changed your original Alaska Airlines Credit card. For further details, pleases contact Bank of America.


http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mil...companion.aspx
paulsully is offline  


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