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
Sep 17, 2011, 4:29 pm
#76
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 311
I booked a flight with the companion certificate yesterday, then realized I had a 10% discount because of a birthday. I phoned AS, and they told me that I cannot use the 10% if I book the companion certificate. Is that correct?
Sep 17, 2011, 6:11 pm
#77
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
If you have any payment credits stored in your My Wallet or as certificate codes, you may apply these dollar-off credits to a purchase with a discount code.
Sep 17, 2011, 7:58 pm
#78
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 311
Yes. Companion certificates are discount codes, and only one discount code may be applied to a reservation at a time. You may choose to use the 10% discount OR the $99 companion fare, but not both.
If you have any payment credits stored in your My Wallet or as certificate codes, you may apply these dollar-off credits to a purchase with a discount code.
If you have any payment credits stored in your My Wallet or as certificate codes, you may apply these dollar-off credits to a purchase with a discount code.
Sep 30, 2011, 9:07 am
#79
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: San Antonio
Programs: AA, SWA, CO, UA, PC Plat, HH Gold, SPG
Posts: 799
Companion Pass Mileage
The first post indicates that mileage will be awarded on the companion pass. Who will get the mileage - me, as the person paying for the tickets, or my spouse who will use the companion pass? If she will get the mileage I need to sign her up, and probably get her the CC :-) We're planning our first ever trip from Texas to Hawaii next year and will most likely fly first class, so there are quite a few points involved.
Sep 30, 2011, 3:34 pm
#80
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: PDX
Posts: 117
The first post indicates that mileage will be awarded on the companion pass. Who will get the mileage - me, as the person paying for the tickets, or my spouse who will use the companion pass? If she will get the mileage I need to sign her up, and probably get her the CC :-) We're planning our first ever trip from Texas to Hawaii next year and will most likely fly first class, so there are quite a few points involved.
Sep 30, 2011, 5:16 pm
#81
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AS DL Hyatt SPG/Bonvoy HHonors
Posts: 2,008
I don't remember ever receiving a 10% discount for a birthday. Is this a regular program? How do you access it?
Sep 30, 2011, 5:20 pm
#82
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 311
Nov 4, 2011, 4:33 pm
#83
Join Date: May 2008
Posts: 231
3 or 4 leg trip?
I've read the posts, but am still confused (I don't even have the Visa yet) about whether the companion pass can be used for a trip of 3 or even 4 legs. Ideally we want to go WAS to ANC, ANC to Juneau, [cruise], Sitka to Seattle, Seattle to WAS. If I can only do 3 of the 4 legs, any restriction on which of the middle legs I can do? Thank you.
Nov 4, 2011, 4:49 pm
#84
Join Date: May 2002
Location: OAK
Programs: AS MVPG; WN A-List; Marriott Plat; IHG Plat; HH Diamond; all the rest
Posts: 650
WAS to ANC, ANC to Juneau, [cruise], Sitka to Seattle, Seattle to WAS
It's not clear from your description, but it seems like you want to stopover at ANC, then open jaw between JNU and SIT, then possibly stopover at SEA. While this is bookable in a single AS itinerary, probably priced and sold as multiple one-way tickets, I don't know whether the companion cert has more limited routing rules.
Nov 4, 2011, 11:47 pm
#85
Join Date: Nov 2011
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 33
Hmmmm. I am doing an upcoming multi-stop trip booked with a companion cert: SEA-DFW, DFW-(via SEA)-LIH, LIH-SEA. But, I don't have an open jaw or a stopover in there (there is a forced overnight in SEA on the DFW-LIH leg, but that's not a "stopover").
It's not clear from your description, but it seems like you want to stopover at ANC, then open jaw between JNU and SIT, then possibly stopover at SEA. While this is bookable in a single AS itinerary, probably priced and sold as multiple one-way tickets, I don't know whether the companion cert has more limited routing rules.
It's not clear from your description, but it seems like you want to stopover at ANC, then open jaw between JNU and SIT, then possibly stopover at SEA. While this is bookable in a single AS itinerary, probably priced and sold as multiple one-way tickets, I don't know whether the companion cert has more limited routing rules.
Nov 5, 2011, 12:52 am
#86
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: MFR
Posts: 327
I've read the posts, but am still confused (I don't even have the Visa yet) about whether the companion pass can be used for a trip of 3 or even 4 legs. Ideally we want to go WAS to ANC, ANC to Juneau, [cruise], Sitka to Seattle, Seattle to WAS. If I can only do 3 of the 4 legs, any restriction on which of the middle legs I can do? Thank you.
Nov 5, 2011, 7:27 am
#87
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS Million Miler since 2011, Lifetime MVPG
Posts: 853
I put this itinerary in the AS website as a multi-city flight (which allows up to four segments) and applied the companion fare discount code and it seemed to work just fine. I used random dates next July; the primary ticket was about $1120 and the companion ticket was about $220 with taxes.
Have fun!
Nov 10, 2011, 3:05 pm
#88
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: YOW
Programs: AC Irrelevant, IHG Platinum, Marriot Gold, Hertz Gold, Avis First
Posts: 273
Went through the FAQ and didnt see this so figure I'll ask:
Is the companion fare valid for one way flights also?
Reason I'm asking is I have ~92,000 Capital One points which translates to a "free" ticket up to $920. If it's $921+ then they will not reimburse anything.
Thinking of flying biz class SEA-HNL full fare + companion fare ticket, using capital one to cover full fare costs. Way back I wanted to do the same thing with another companion cert ticket, but paying for the full fare ticket.
Thanks,
Bob
Is the companion fare valid for one way flights also?
Reason I'm asking is I have ~92,000 Capital One points which translates to a "free" ticket up to $920. If it's $921+ then they will not reimburse anything.
Thinking of flying biz class SEA-HNL full fare + companion fare ticket, using capital one to cover full fare costs. Way back I wanted to do the same thing with another companion cert ticket, but paying for the full fare ticket.
Thanks,
Bob
Nov 10, 2011, 4:00 pm
#89
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
Went through the FAQ and didnt see this so figure I'll ask:
Is the companion fare valid for one way flights also?
Reason I'm asking is I have ~92,000 Capital One points which translates to a "free" ticket up to $920. If it's $921+ then they will not reimburse anything.
Thinking of flying biz class SEA-HNL full fare + companion fare ticket, using capital one to cover full fare costs. Way back I wanted to do the same thing with another companion cert ticket, but paying for the full fare ticket.
Thanks,
Bob
Is the companion fare valid for one way flights also?
Reason I'm asking is I have ~92,000 Capital One points which translates to a "free" ticket up to $920. If it's $921+ then they will not reimburse anything.
Thinking of flying biz class SEA-HNL full fare + companion fare ticket, using capital one to cover full fare costs. Way back I wanted to do the same thing with another companion cert ticket, but paying for the full fare ticket.
Thanks,
Bob
Capital One will actually partially reimburse airfare expenses. You have to specify that the purchase was for multiple tickets (they allow you to specify up to 10) and then you indicate how many you want to be reimbursed for. Essentially you can break down any airfare and be reimbursed in 10% chunks. There's a few more reimbursement tricks if you check the Capital One thread.