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
Jan 28, 2020, 10:10 am
#766
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern California
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 31
I think you did this correctly. I just extended my first certificate last fall and used it this past week for an upcoming spring break trip. Some comments:
- No need to book a super-expensive full Y ticket to OGG. Just find the cheapest fully refundable RT fare and book that to hold (I used SJC-RNO) - and book it for as far out as you can.
- When you know your plans, you can make the changes online - you can change either segment or both and can completely change the origin, destination, and date. It will reprice accordingly, accounting for the companion fare.
- The only thing you can't do, I think, is extend it out beyond a year - so if you booked the holding ticket today, your modified flights need to be within a year of today. Spring 2021 would be too late.
So since I booked the flight on 1/27/2020 (companion certificate expiration) for 11/7/2020, I thought that I could extend it 330 days past 11/7/2020, worst case. That would allow me to still use it for Spring 2021. I thought that this was how the "extension" would work. I also could use some clarification as to when the refundable ticket value expires. It is a year from the purchase date or a year from the first travel date purchased?
Jan 28, 2020, 3:19 pm
#768
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern California
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 31
Jan 28, 2020, 5:29 pm
#769
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Jan 28, 2020, 9:08 pm
#770
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern California
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 31
I called Alaska Airlines twice today to ask about this, and both times I was told that I could change the ticket for March 2021 or later dates. I guess I will just have to find out what happens.
Feb 16, 2020, 3:49 pm
#771
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
Quick question....
Can I book Full Y with companion code and then later change it to S Fare? Am I able to keep upgrade on first segment if I change it to S fare?
Looking to book RT. Full Y for flexibility. First segment has F upgrade available now. Not sure we will keep this itinerary for next January.
Thanks
Can I book Full Y with companion code and then later change it to S Fare? Am I able to keep upgrade on first segment if I change it to S fare?
Looking to book RT. Full Y for flexibility. First segment has F upgrade available now. Not sure we will keep this itinerary for next January.
Thanks
Feb 25, 2020, 8:35 am
#772
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,904
I may use a companion certificate with the Alaska business visa for next fall. If I need to change the ticket, can I pay the fare difference with a different credit card? I expect would allow this. Thanks.
Last edited by rrgg; Feb 26, 2020 at 11:27 am
Mar 9, 2020, 11:09 am
#773
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 984
Anyone cancel their itinerary with a companion certificate due to a schedule change? What happens to the companion certificate if you do that? I have an itinerary that had a 2+ hour schedule change on my flight in 06/01/2020 so I thought I decided to explore the possibility of cancelling the flight, taking the wallet funds, and then rebooking (especially with waiving of cancellation fees and the costs dropping). I called Alaska on Saturday, was told they could call me back in 3 hours so left my number. I got a call back from a very friendly CSR, and I asked my question regarding whether cancelling an itinerary that had a 2 hour + schedule that had a companion pass would end up forfeiting my companion pass. The CSR said no, but they would not re-issue me the companion pass, but they would give me back credit in my travel wallet for the companion pass instead. I wasn't quite sure what she meant, but was is my interpretation correct that she was going to match the full amount I paid on my regular ticket in wallet funds and deposit that in lieu of the companion pass?
Oh and an epilogue to the story, on Sunday, I got a notification email for another schedule change on the flight, and it moved it ahead 25 minutes so now it is no longer outside of 2+ hours from when I booked! haha.
Oh and an epilogue to the story, on Sunday, I got a notification email for another schedule change on the flight, and it moved it ahead 25 minutes so now it is no longer outside of 2+ hours from when I booked! haha.
Mar 9, 2020, 12:32 pm
#774
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
Anyone cancel their itinerary with a companion certificate due to a schedule change? What happens to the companion certificate if you do that? I have an itinerary that had a 2+ hour schedule change on my flight in 06/01/2020 so I thought I decided to explore the possibility of cancelling the flight, taking the wallet funds, and then rebooking (especially with waiving of cancellation fees and the costs dropping). I called Alaska on Saturday, was told they could call me back in 3 hours so left my number. I got a call back from a very friendly CSR, and I asked my question regarding whether cancelling an itinerary that had a 2 hour + schedule that had a companion pass would end up forfeiting my companion pass. The CSR said no, but they would not re-issue me the companion pass, but they would give me back credit in my travel wallet for the companion pass instead. I wasn't quite sure what she meant, but was is my interpretation correct that she was going to match the full amount I paid on my regular ticket in wallet funds and deposit that in lieu of the companion pass?
Oh and an epilogue to the story, on Sunday, I got a notification email for another schedule change on the flight, and it moved it ahead 25 minutes so now it is no longer outside of 2+ hours from when I booked! haha.
Oh and an epilogue to the story, on Sunday, I got a notification email for another schedule change on the flight, and it moved it ahead 25 minutes so now it is no longer outside of 2+ hours from when I booked! haha.
Mar 9, 2020, 1:39 pm
#775
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 984
They aren’t going to give you more money than you paid. Meaning they are not going to give you the cost of the full price ticket x 2 if that’s what you are thinking. They will give you back 100% of what you paid, including the $99 plus taxes for the companion’s ticket, into your wallet and yes, you will forfeit the companion code if you outright cancel for a refund. A better option is to change the tickets to someplace else that you want to go. Changing preserves the companion code. Not sure about having the ticket numbers emailed to you for future use (that may preserve it?) rather than depositing the funds to your wallet. But definitely outright cancelling will forfeit the code.
Mar 9, 2020, 2:52 pm
#776
Join Date: Aug 2013
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold
Posts: 917
You have to call reservations and tell them what you want to do. It can't be booked online.
Apr 10, 2020, 11:57 am
#777
Join Date: Dec 2004
Posts: 7,904
"All companion certificates set to expire in 2020 will be extended. You’ll now have until December 31, 2020 to purchase new travel through November 26, 2021." I thought certificates from the business card must be used by the expiration date (or maybe 30 days after). Is that no longer the case? I didn't see this discussed in the 2 other new threads either.
Apr 10, 2020, 3:13 pm
#778
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082
"All companion certificates set to expire in 2020 will be extended. You’ll now have until December 31, 2020 to purchase new travel through November 26, 2021." I thought certificates from the business card must be used by the expiration date (or maybe 30 days after). Is that no longer the case? I didn't see this discussed in the 2 other new threads either.
But, our trusty wikipost above says that you must "travel by" the expiration date on the Business CF cert. Anyone have recent experience with the Business CF cert?
Last edited by philemer; Apr 10, 2020 at 3:20 pm Reason: Added new info
Apr 26, 2020, 2:13 pm
#779
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 984
I just wanted to make sure, with the fee waived cancellation due to the coronavirus, an itinerary booked with a companion certificate needs to be done over the phone in order to retain the ability to reuse the companion certificate right?
Apr 27, 2020, 5:36 pm
#780
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,597
You should be able to go to the "Manage" and put in a last name and ticket number to modify the reservation, but it may or may not have flags to indicate whether you should be charged a fee for the change.