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
Feb 20, 2016, 12:51 am
#347
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 BB: Mozilla/5.0 (BB10; Kbd) AppleWebKit/537.35+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/10.3.2.858 Mobile Safari/537.35+)
I don't think it's restricted to 1 change? If anything one can deposit the value into mywallet.
Originally Posted by pcoll
Also, only 1 change allowed.
Found out the hard way, waiting to fine tune arrangements and could not change a second time without change fee.
Found out the hard way, waiting to fine tune arrangements and could not change a second time without change fee.
Feb 20, 2016, 7:18 pm
#348
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: AS 75K, Marriott Gold, SPG Gold, Hilton Gold
Posts: 80
I have a question that a search hasn't pulled up definitive info.
If I use a companion cert for an MVP Gold + a non-status member, and book a MVP-Gold upgradeable ticket and U space is open. Do we both get upgraded at booking? or the Gold?
If I use a companion cert for an MVP Gold + a non-status member, and book a MVP-Gold upgradeable ticket and U space is open. Do we both get upgraded at booking? or the Gold?
Feb 20, 2016, 7:24 pm
#349
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 2,209
But yes, both would be upgraded if there is two U seats open. Can't split the PNR so it's everybody or nobody.
Feb 21, 2016, 8:00 am
#350
Join Date: Jul 2015
Programs: DL plat, AS
Posts: 8
Are you talking in regards to the 24 hour waiver? With that it's one change or cancellation within the first 24 hours without the change fee.
If it's a Y fare or travel is more than 60 days out you can make unlimited changes without the fee.
Feb 21, 2016, 9:55 am
#351
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
Thanks for the correct info.
It was Y fare and I had called Customer rep to help change one segment with U for two. She was able to find one and change this segment. She then said I could not make any more changes without change fee, as we are only MVP.
Again, you all are the best!!! ^
It was Y fare and I had called Customer rep to help change one segment with U for two. She was able to find one and change this segment. She then said I could not make any more changes without change fee, as we are only MVP.
Again, you all are the best!!! ^
Feb 21, 2016, 6:34 pm
#352
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: BOS
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 300
6 weeks!?! This is troubling!
I'm waiting to book a ticket for May, and today (2/19) is my card anniversary. In the past, the companion fare always posted within a few days of the anniversary, but if I have to wait 6 weeks, who knows what the fares will be (or if exit rows will still be available!).
By the time I get the code, I'll probably be within the 60 change fee window (only MVP). I might just have to pull the trigger and book the cheapest flight right now.
Edit to add:
ssk244, it doesn't sound like this will help you, but for others:
I should point out, explicitly, that there is no change/cancellation fee for changes made 60 days prior to the flight. So you can book now. Once you have the companion code, you should be able to rebook using the companion code as long as its 60 days out (this might require a cancellation and a new booking instead of just a change).
The problem with this approach, is that fares will probably be higher when you rebook, so you might not be saving that much. If you do save money, it will be as an AS credit, not cash (if that matters).
I'm waiting to book a ticket for May, and today (2/19) is my card anniversary. In the past, the companion fare always posted within a few days of the anniversary, but if I have to wait 6 weeks, who knows what the fares will be (or if exit rows will still be available!).
By the time I get the code, I'll probably be within the 60 change fee window (only MVP). I might just have to pull the trigger and book the cheapest flight right now.
Edit to add:
ssk244, it doesn't sound like this will help you, but for others:
I should point out, explicitly, that there is no change/cancellation fee for changes made 60 days prior to the flight. So you can book now. Once you have the companion code, you should be able to rebook using the companion code as long as its 60 days out (this might require a cancellation and a new booking instead of just a change).
The problem with this approach, is that fares will probably be higher when you rebook, so you might not be saving that much. If you do save money, it will be as an AS credit, not cash (if that matters).
I wonder why others got the "6 weeks" response?
Mar 10, 2016, 3:17 pm
#354
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
The small print on the 24 hour guarantee says that a cancellation will credit back to the original form of payment and discount codes can only be used at the time of original purchase. If it does work, canceling the work bought ticket and rebooking with those funds might be iffy, depending on your corporate policies.
Mar 12, 2016, 10:25 am
#356
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 1,634
I see in the wiki that a companion fare is upgradeable, and that a companion fare earns points on any program that partners with AS. So far so good. My question is, can I combine the two?
I am an AS Gold member. I have four upgrades in my account. Can I:
1. Book a ticket for myself
2. Use companion fare for my wife.
3. Upgrade the two of us using certificates (assuming upgrade space is available).
4. Change the FF# so I earn AA miles?
Also, if I upgrade into first class, will I earn 1.5 EQM/mile flown on AA (which is the rate for AS F/A fares) or just 1.0/0.5 (which is the rate for economy/discount economy)?
Thanks!
I am an AS Gold member. I have four upgrades in my account. Can I:
1. Book a ticket for myself
2. Use companion fare for my wife.
3. Upgrade the two of us using certificates (assuming upgrade space is available).
4. Change the FF# so I earn AA miles?
Also, if I upgrade into first class, will I earn 1.5 EQM/mile flown on AA (which is the rate for AS F/A fares) or just 1.0/0.5 (which is the rate for economy/discount economy)?
Thanks!
Mar 12, 2016, 3:43 pm
#357
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
I see in the wiki that a companion fare is upgradeable, and that a companion fare earns points on any program that partners with AS. So far so good. My question is, can I combine the two?
I am an AS Gold member. I have four upgrades in my account. Can I:
1. Book a ticket for myself
2. Use companion fare for my wife.
3. Upgrade the two of us using certificates (assuming upgrade space is available).
4. Change the FF# so I earn AA miles?
Also, if I upgrade into first class, will I earn 1.5 EQM/mile flown on AA (which is the rate for AS F/A fares) or just 1.0/0.5 (which is the rate for economy/discount economy)?
Thanks!
I am an AS Gold member. I have four upgrades in my account. Can I:
1. Book a ticket for myself
2. Use companion fare for my wife.
3. Upgrade the two of us using certificates (assuming upgrade space is available).
4. Change the FF# so I earn AA miles?
Also, if I upgrade into first class, will I earn 1.5 EQM/mile flown on AA (which is the rate for AS F/A fares) or just 1.0/0.5 (which is the rate for economy/discount economy)?
Thanks!
(Normally, if you obtain any benefits from a particular FF number such as status-based upgrades or baggage fee waivers, you must keep that FF program number in the reservation. Removing it will remove any benefits associated with it, and upgrades may be rescinded. In practice, enforcement might vary, but it is against both the letter and spirit of the program. But in this case, the GGU certificates are not tied to your account and can be used by anyone--in fact, their very name--Gold Guest Upgrades--suggests that they are primarily intended to be given away to others, though of course you can use them yourself, which all savvy FTers do.
)Your mileage earning will be based on the underlying fare. You will not earn any bonus miles for upgrading to F. You're upgrading your seat, not your fare.
Mar 23, 2016, 3:12 am
#359
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: YYC, SFO, OAK
Programs: AS MVP 75K, AA Platinum, IHG Platinum, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 734
Hey guys, sorry if the answer is somewhere in this thread, but can't find it...
I have MVP 75K status and I've booked a non-refundable coach fare for myself and a friend using a companion fare. If friend can't come anymore (but I still want to travel), can I cancel his ticket and use as a travel credit later without penalty?
I have MVP 75K status and I've booked a non-refundable coach fare for myself and a friend using a companion fare. If friend can't come anymore (but I still want to travel), can I cancel his ticket and use as a travel credit later without penalty?
Mar 25, 2016, 2:36 am
#360
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 2,400
Cannot find an answer to this, help please :-)
Have a BOA CP ticket booked. CP expires next week. Flight is not until 12/16. Can I still change the flight like I would if I had purchase it, or will the expired CP prevent that?
Thanks
Have a BOA CP ticket booked. CP expires next week. Flight is not until 12/16. Can I still change the flight like I would if I had purchase it, or will the expired CP prevent that?
Thanks