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 31, 2018, 6:59 pm
#661
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: UA 2P, UC, Hertz 5*, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 513
I'm just sharing a data point if anyone is keeping track. It took the miles & Buy one Get one cert 8 days to get loaded into my Mileage Plan account from the statement closing date. (I don't think it helped that the statement closed on a saturday either)
Jul 31, 2018, 7:17 pm
#662
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
As an MVP you are not eligible to upgrade a companion on the same PNR. At least one pax needs to be MVPG+ Therefore, you cannot use a companion certificate to upgrade you both into F unless you have GGUs to apply and U space is available. However, you can each purchase an eligible fare and upgrade to F with U availability; just not with a companion certificate. As both of you are MVP you would be added to the complimentary upgrade queue for your status if applying a certificate or not.
In short, you are ineligible to purchase an eligible fare for immediate upgrade to F with U available if you want to use a companion certificate.
James
In short, you are ineligible to purchase an eligible fare for immediate upgrade to F with U available if you want to use a companion certificate.
James
Thought I remembered it right but wanted to try alternate scenario . Did end up using CC and buying full Y for trip. My fare was $1,140 and DH was $127. We were upgraded within 30 minutes of making purchase. Upgrade space did show available . Mostly glad it is a direct flight from SEA to Cabo. (Both ways) Hate doing customs at LAX. Thanks again for everyone’s input and help
Last edited by pcoll; Jul 31, 2018 at 7:26 pm
Jul 31, 2018, 10:36 pm
#663
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 46
Does anyone have recent experience on how quickly the companion fare arrives once you get the $1000 spend? I received my card approx. 2 weeks ago, and immediately charged $1000. Still awaiting first statement but hoping to book travel BOS to LIH over xmas vacation period and am aware that it will fill up quickly.
EDIT: Showed up in 8 days. Statement closed on a Saturday.
Eagerly looking forward to this, but haven't seen it yet. Statement adjusted to closed on 7/28/18 after reaching min spend.
Last edited by mizzao; Aug 6, 2018 at 2:31 am
Aug 1, 2018, 1:26 am
#664
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
thanks for the reminder, James. Hope you are enjoying Maui.
Thought I remembered it right but wanted to try alternate scenario . Did end up using CC and buying full Y for trip. My fare was $1,140 and DH was $127. We were upgraded within 30 minutes of making purchase. Upgrade space did show available . Mostly glad it is a direct flight from SEA to Cabo. (Both ways) Hate doing customs at LAX. Thanks again for everyone’s input and help
Even with Global Entry & TSA Pre SEA will continue to be a sad state of affairs until their new international expansion is completed.
Aug 1, 2018, 7:18 pm
#665
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
We have had many times coming back from ZIH with stop at LAX. Since we land too late for AS customs, we all have to schlep over to Bradley. Then, AS puts us on 9:30 or 10:00pm flight to SEA, which is a long day.
And, you are correct that Global Entry should make it easier. Not always the case.
Aug 3, 2018, 11:22 am
#666
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,597
This is probably a dumb question about extending the companion fare, but I might as well ask...
Is there any reason not to get the cheapest refundable route I can find (e.g. LAX-SJC) and then if what I'm buying when I change to what I want is more expensive, I just pay the difference?
I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be fine, but airline rules are full of peculiarities. I have my initial free companion fare expiring later this month and want to extend it to at least the spring.
Is there any reason not to get the cheapest refundable route I can find (e.g. LAX-SJC) and then if what I'm buying when I change to what I want is more expensive, I just pay the difference?
I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be fine, but airline rules are full of peculiarities. I have my initial free companion fare expiring later this month and want to extend it to at least the spring.
Aug 9, 2018, 4:13 pm
#667
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: DL, AS, Marriott, Hyatt, National
Posts: 862
This is probably a dumb question about extending the companion fare, but I might as well ask...
Is there any reason not to get the cheapest refundable route I can find (e.g. LAX-SJC) and then if what I'm buying when I change to what I want is more expensive, I just pay the difference?
I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be fine, but airline rules are full of peculiarities. I have my initial free companion fare expiring later this month and want to extend it to at least the spring.
Is there any reason not to get the cheapest refundable route I can find (e.g. LAX-SJC) and then if what I'm buying when I change to what I want is more expensive, I just pay the difference?
I don't see any reason why this shouldn't be fine, but airline rules are full of peculiarities. I have my initial free companion fare expiring later this month and want to extend it to at least the spring.
Aug 9, 2018, 4:51 pm
#668
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 608
Follow-up question: If I book the extending refundable ticket as a one-way to save money, can I change it to a round trip when I decide where I really want to go?
Aug 9, 2018, 4:54 pm
#669
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,597
Aug 10, 2018, 1:05 pm
#670
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
AS Visa companion fare offer on AS site is back to original offer. I pulled up website listed on page 1 of Alaska Beyond July magazine and buy one get one for fees and taxes is still working.
Last edited by pcoll; Aug 10, 2018 at 1:40 pm
Aug 10, 2018, 2:05 pm
#671
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 608
- Change the segment to another flight. This won't work as there's only one segment, not two.
- Use the value of this trip to purchase a new trip. This enables me to change to a round trip, but I'm afraid it cancels the ticket, thereby losing the companion code in the process. I tested this by using this option and selecting another one-way flight. It kept the same confirmation code, but I got a new ticket number, leading me to believe that this option will make me lose the certificate.
Aug 15, 2018, 2:16 pm
#672
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Hershey PA
Programs: Kris flyer, Sofitel
Posts: 84
Queries/Observations on AS companion fare
#1I'm coming up on the expiration of this year's(my first) and am trying to use it, rather than lose it. The problem is finding something that is economical. My closest airport is MDT but that adds a leg to the trip. I can be driven to DC airports, PHL or NY airports but that adds substantial cost to the trip.
Many flights are so cheap like to LAX that it's pointless to use the certificate for that. Also, wherever we go may involve an overnight or else an extremely early awakening as there are not so many non-stops.
There is also the additional cost of the trip for food, lodging and possibly entertainment. I wonder if it is worth it, but if I let it lapse, then why have the credit card.
Of course I realize that nobody can advise me on what is "worth it" to me. I just wonder what others are doing with this supposedly valuable asset
Many flights are so cheap like to LAX that it's pointless to use the certificate for that. Also, wherever we go may involve an overnight or else an extremely early awakening as there are not so many non-stops.
There is also the additional cost of the trip for food, lodging and possibly entertainment. I wonder if it is worth it, but if I let it lapse, then why have the credit card.
Of course I realize that nobody can advise me on what is "worth it" to me. I just wonder what others are doing with this supposedly valuable asset
Aug 15, 2018, 2:37 pm
#673
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,220
#1I'm coming up on the expiration of this year's(my first) and am trying to use it, rather than lose it. The problem is finding something that is economical. My closest airport is MDT but that adds a leg to the trip. I can be driven to DC airports, PHL or NY airports but that adds substantial cost to the trip.
Many flights are so cheap like to LAX that it's pointless to use the certificate for that. Also, wherever we go may involve an overnight or else an extremely early awakening as there are not so many non-stops.
There is also the additional cost of the trip for food, lodging and possibly entertainment. I wonder if it is worth it, but if I let it lapse, then why have the credit card.
Of course I realize that nobody can advise me on what is "worth it" to me. I just wonder what others are doing with this supposedly valuable asset
Many flights are so cheap like to LAX that it's pointless to use the certificate for that. Also, wherever we go may involve an overnight or else an extremely early awakening as there are not so many non-stops.
There is also the additional cost of the trip for food, lodging and possibly entertainment. I wonder if it is worth it, but if I let it lapse, then why have the credit card.
Of course I realize that nobody can advise me on what is "worth it" to me. I just wonder what others are doing with this supposedly valuable asset
But Holy Heck the taxes are expensive in Canada! When I saw the total I thought "can't be" since it was one of the certs that was free, just pay the taxes, and yow they were more than $100, just for taxes.
I still feel if I get a value that is more than the annual fee, I did good.
Aug 15, 2018, 2:43 pm
#674
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 5
You just have to be creative with them...
Just booked the following on one companion pass
Kona - SJC- LAX Aug
SEA-IAD Oct
IAD-LAX Dec
IAD-Kona January 2019
Last time i had one i did
ANC-LAX
OGG-LAX
LAX- HAV-LAX.. unfortunately had to cancel this part, but it did price
Just booked the following on one companion pass
Kona - SJC- LAX Aug
SEA-IAD Oct
IAD-LAX Dec
IAD-Kona January 2019
Last time i had one i did
ANC-LAX
OGG-LAX
LAX- HAV-LAX.. unfortunately had to cancel this part, but it did price
Last edited by uwdealer; Aug 15, 2018 at 10:41 pm
Aug 16, 2018, 9:28 pm
#675
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,082