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
Jul 8, 2011, 12:05 pm
#46
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E35
Posts: 484
Yeah sorry I should've made that distinction. Discount codes can't be used, but wallets can be.
Jul 8, 2011, 4:24 pm
#47
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
The companion fare itself is a discount code. Alaska only permits the use of one discount code for any ticket purchase, no matter the source or the value. If you have credit certificates, up to 4 may be applied to any purchase. You can further apply any amount of e-wallet credit to a purchase.
Jul 9, 2011, 1:40 am
#48
Join Date: Jun 2010
Programs: AC*E35
Posts: 484
The companion fare itself is a discount code. Alaska only permits the use of one discount code for any ticket purchase, no matter the source or the value. If you have credit certificates, up to 4 may be applied to any purchase. You can further apply any amount of e-wallet credit to a purchase.
Aug 2, 2011, 5:05 pm
#49
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: UA Gold, AA Gold, Hyatt Plat, SPG Gold, Marriott Plat, Hilton Gold, Hertz Pres Circle, etc etc
Posts: 382
stopovers allowed on BofA companion tickets
I want to buy a first class ticket and use the companion cert for 2nd pax.
How creative can I get in booking the trip (are multi-cities, open jaw, stopovers, etc allowed?)
Flying from BOS or EWR could I go to the West Coast, hit a couple of cities on stopovers and continue on to Hawaii as final destination, then perhaps do something similar on the return?
How creative can I get in booking the trip (are multi-cities, open jaw, stopovers, etc allowed?)
Flying from BOS or EWR could I go to the West Coast, hit a couple of cities on stopovers and continue on to Hawaii as final destination, then perhaps do something similar on the return?
Aug 2, 2011, 5:38 pm
#50
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Kamuela, HI
Programs: AA-Plat
Posts: 462
I want to buy a first class ticket and use the companion cert for 2nd pax.
How creative can I get in booking the trip (are multi-cities, open jaw, stopovers, etc allowed?)
Flying from BOS or EWR could I go to the West Coast, hit a couple of cities on stopovers and continue on to Hawaii as final destination, then perhaps do something similar on the return?
How creative can I get in booking the trip (are multi-cities, open jaw, stopovers, etc allowed?)
Flying from BOS or EWR could I go to the West Coast, hit a couple of cities on stopovers and continue on to Hawaii as final destination, then perhaps do something similar on the return?
Aug 2, 2011, 11:47 pm
#51
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,838
I want to buy a first class ticket and use the companion cert for 2nd pax.
How creative can I get in booking the trip (are multi-cities, open jaw, stopovers, etc allowed?)
Flying from BOS or EWR could I go to the West Coast, hit a couple of cities on stopovers and continue on to Hawaii as final destination, then perhaps do something similar on the return?
How creative can I get in booking the trip (are multi-cities, open jaw, stopovers, etc allowed?)
Flying from BOS or EWR could I go to the West Coast, hit a couple of cities on stopovers and continue on to Hawaii as final destination, then perhaps do something similar on the return?
Aug 3, 2011, 6:22 am
#52
Join Date: Mar 2008
Programs: AAPLT, RR Alist
Posts: 220
This should be an easy one:
I have a BOA AS Visa and get the companion fares. I have one in my account that is due to expire this month. Trying to plan a trip to KOA, but can't get my companion to commit... If we end up wasting this one (while I wait), another one will show up at the expiration date anyway, right?
I have a BOA AS Visa and get the companion fares. I have one in my account that is due to expire this month. Trying to plan a trip to KOA, but can't get my companion to commit... If we end up wasting this one (while I wait), another one will show up at the expiration date anyway, right?
Aug 3, 2011, 10:48 pm
#53
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 should be an easy one:
I have a BOA AS Visa and get the companion fares. I have one in my account that is due to expire this month. Trying to plan a trip to KOA, but can't get my companion to commit... If we end up wasting this one (while I wait), another one will show up at the expiration date anyway, right?
I have a BOA AS Visa and get the companion fares. I have one in my account that is due to expire this month. Trying to plan a trip to KOA, but can't get my companion to commit... If we end up wasting this one (while I wait), another one will show up at the expiration date anyway, right?
I think I've seen two in my account at once before: one just getting ready to expire and one that was just deposited.
Aug 7, 2011, 3:54 pm
#54
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 86
I updated the OP. Sorry for being tardy. I'm not on FT much.
What I was trying to say in this part was the revenue passenger could keep on travelling alone without the companion. If the companion was a status passenger he/she would be able to make changes to his/her ticket without penalty. Is that valid?
If NO ONE is able to go, why would it be better to have the gold attached to the larger amount of money? The penalty would be the same?
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.
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.
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.
If NO ONE is able to go, why would it be better to have the gold attached to the larger amount of money? The penalty would be the same?
Aug 7, 2011, 10:31 pm
#55
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: ANC
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 119
On a similar note, if I am Gold and the companion is non-status, does a change fee apply to the companion? If both the primary traveler and the companion are non-status, do two change fees apply or just one?
Aug 7, 2011, 11:08 pm
#56
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Wirelessly posted (beckoa's PWP wonderous device: Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9800; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.8+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0.0.600 Mobile Safari/534.8+)
No status = $100 fee per pax by phone (except for status pax)
Re keeping credit- its just common knowladge. Sometimes you have to tell what the agents to do and viola it works (if you know what is happening)
No status = $100 fee per pax by phone (except for status pax)
Re keeping credit- its just common knowladge. Sometimes you have to tell what the agents to do and viola it works (if you know what is happening)
Aug 8, 2011, 9:13 pm
#58
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: ANC
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 119
Thanks, beckoa, I hadn't really thought of my son, the companion, getting hitt with the change fee since I (being Gold) am the primary traveler. That would've wiped out my savings on getting the ticket rewritten. It still irks me the AS ticket agents don't know what the rules are, however.
Aug 9, 2011, 10:12 am
#59
Join Date: Oct 2010
Posts: 404
Thank you flyer206 and everyone who has contributed. The info here has been very helpful! I've found Alaskan has been very frustrating to deal with in regards to using our card rewards; mileage flights that are convenient for traveling with a toddler seem few and far between. Will do more exploring of the options with the companion fare. Ty again.
Aug 15, 2011, 8:12 pm
#60
Join Date: Mar 2006
Posts: 4,003
PDX-xSEA-FAI (stopover)
FAI-ANC (open-jaw)
YVR-PDX
PDX-ANC (stopover)
ANC-FAI (open-jaw)
YVR-PDX