May 14, 2013, 10:30 am
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.
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?
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
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.
Companion Fare FAQ - Bank of America Mileage Plan Visa
Dec 28, 2010, 11:35 am
#16
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,968
yes. But international taxes apply to the companion fare too, which (last time I checked..admittedly a long while ago) tacks another $80ish onto the companion price.
Mar 29, 2011, 8:34 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA BA CO DL UA US
Posts: 814
Cardholders that qualify for the Visa Signature card will receive a $99 USD Companion Ticket discount code each year. Upon approval and on each anniversary, the cardholder will receive a discount code entitling the cardholder to purchase one round-trip Companion Ticket for $99 (USD) on Alaska Airlines when traveling with another passenger on a paid published airfare on the same itinerary, booked at the same time.
If I apply today and got approve, will get get a $99 companion certificate this March/April 2011 or will I have to wait until March/April 2012 for my first $99 certificate? I said March/April to allow for processing time.
If I apply today and got approve, will get get a $99 companion certificate this March/April 2011 or will I have to wait until March/April 2012 for my first $99 certificate? I said March/April to allow for processing time.
Mar 29, 2011, 9:32 am
#18
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Maui OGG Hoity-Toityville
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Marriott Rewards Silver,United Miles plus Hawaiian Air AirTran SWA
Posts: 579
Opus
As soon as you are approved for the card the 99 electronic cert will be deposited in your AS FF account online
one additional electronical cert will be added on the anniversary date of card acceptance
As soon as you are approved for the card the 99 electronic cert will be deposited in your AS FF account online
one additional electronical cert will be added on the anniversary date of card acceptance
Mar 29, 2011, 11:29 am
#19
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,968
It seems that I managed to post in this thread TWICE without actually reading the OP. I have a couple corrections.
Changes can now be made online.
I dont know that I agree with this. If NO ONE is able to go, its better to have the gold attached to the larger amount of money.
This isn't true. It makes no difference whether the Gold is the primary or companion.
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 NOT be done on-line ($75) which may result in the phone call ($100) unless the tickets were booked in full fare or first class.
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 phone change fee($100).
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 NOT be done on-line ($75) which may result in the phone call ($100) unless the tickets were booked in full fare or first class.
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 phone change fee($100).
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.
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.
I dont know that I agree with this. If NO ONE is able to go, its better to have the gold attached to the larger amount of money.
This isn't true. It makes no difference whether the Gold is the primary or companion.
Last edited by missydarlin; Mar 29, 2011 at 3:48 pm
Mar 29, 2011, 2:18 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2010
Programs: AA BA CO DL UA US
Posts: 814
Mar 29, 2011, 8:52 pm
#21
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
Glad this thread came up. I was searching threads yesterday and cant find a clear answer to my question. There were many contradictions.
If I book a refundable fare with the companion fare and decide to cancel, do I lose that code? Ive read yes, Ive read no, Ive read maybe depends if you cancel for refund or ask for credit, etc.....Whats the real deal here?
If I book a refundable fare with the companion fare and decide to cancel, do I lose that code? Ive read yes, Ive read no, Ive read maybe depends if you cancel for refund or ask for credit, etc.....Whats the real deal here?
Mar 29, 2011, 8:56 pm
#22
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AA,DL,BA,UA,SPG, and any other free trip!
Posts: 1,803
Glad this thread came up. I was searching threads yesterday and cant find a clear answer to my question. There were many contradictions.
If I book a refundable fare with the companion fare and decide to cancel, do I lose that code? Ive read yes, Ive read no, Ive read maybe depends if you cancel for refund or ask for credit, etc.....Whats the real deal here?
If I book a refundable fare with the companion fare and decide to cancel, do I lose that code? Ive read yes, Ive read no, Ive read maybe depends if you cancel for refund or ask for credit, etc.....Whats the real deal here?
Mar 29, 2011, 9:14 pm
#23
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
Mar 29, 2011, 10:34 pm
#24
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,968
Glad this thread came up. I was searching threads yesterday and cant find a clear answer to my question. There were many contradictions.
If I book a refundable fare with the companion fare and decide to cancel, do I lose that code? Ive read yes, Ive read no, Ive read maybe depends if you cancel for refund or ask for credit, etc.....Whats the real deal here?
If I book a refundable fare with the companion fare and decide to cancel, do I lose that code? Ive read yes, Ive read no, Ive read maybe depends if you cancel for refund or ask for credit, etc.....Whats the real deal here?
Mar 29, 2011, 11:59 pm
#25
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 227
This really is the bottom line. The Companion Certificate is generated by Bank of America and the only time it will go back into your account is within 24hrs of a new ticket purchase, and even at that, it is a manual process which can take up to 72hrs.
AS has flexibility on just about anything else, but IN MY OPINION, this is one of the toughest exception to obtain.
Mar 30, 2011, 9:54 am
#26
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF East Bay
Programs: 189 miles short of AS MVP, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,226
+1^
This really is the bottom line. The Companion Certificate is generated by Bank of America and the only time it will go back into your account is within 24hrs of a new ticket purchase, and even at that, it is a manual process which can take up to 72hrs.
AS has flexibility on just about anything else, but IN MY OPINION, this is one of the toughest exception to obtain.
This really is the bottom line. The Companion Certificate is generated by Bank of America and the only time it will go back into your account is within 24hrs of a new ticket purchase, and even at that, it is a manual process which can take up to 72hrs.
AS has flexibility on just about anything else, but IN MY OPINION, this is one of the toughest exception to obtain.
Apr 5, 2011, 10:33 pm
#27
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 4
This is a great forum! Hopefully a good place for my question. I will be traveling soon on a companion ticket - I am the revenue and my husband is the companion. On the return we have a stopover and I would like to get off there while my husband continues home. Would there be any negative repercussions that I need to be aware of?
Apr 5, 2011, 11:26 pm
#28
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
This is a great forum! Hopefully a good place for my question. I will be traveling soon on a companion ticket - I am the revenue and my husband is the companion. On the return we have a stopover and I would like to get off there while my husband continues home. Would there be any negative repercussions that I need to be aware of?
If you have multiple flights afterwards, you might have issues trying to board. But if he's just skipping the last flight, there's really no way there could be any repercussions.
It's still not something I'd actively recommend, but you should probably be fine.
(Someone else please correct me if I'm wrong!)
Apr 6, 2011, 12:25 am
#29
Join Date: Jan 2011
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 4
It is just the last segment and it is me (the revenue part) that is getting off. It saves me flying home and then getting right back on the plane again the next day (saves time and money). I would not try to get credit or use the last leg to get back home at a later date because then I would be admitting that my companion flew without me and I think that is against the rules. I usually follow all the rules but this would really save me if it would work.
Apr 6, 2011, 5:23 am
#30
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
It is just the last segment and it is me (the revenue part) that is getting off. It saves me flying home and then getting right back on the plane again the next day (saves time and money). I would not try to get credit or use the last leg to get back home at a later date because then I would be admitting that my companion flew without me and I think that is against the rules. I usually follow all the rules but this would really save me if it would work.
I don't think it matters who is getting off; technically, either party not boarding does break the terms of the agreement.
Also, it doesn't matter whether you try to use the last leg to get back home at a later date--Alaska's systems will know by the time the flight departs that you're not on-board, since you never scanned your boarding pass to get on the plane.
That said, if you skip out on the last flight, there's no real way for Alaska to do anything to you. They're not going to board the aircraft and pull your husband off because you didn't board--gate agents are far too busy to even notice that.
The worst Alaska could do is penalize your Mileage Plan account, but I have never heard of that happening in this kind of a case.