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
Dec 22, 2017, 12:16 am
#586
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,833
The primary revenue passenger can fly without the companion but the companion cannot fly without the primary. So no, the companion cannot change the date on their return. They will not be allowed to fly. They can no show on the return and the primary will still be able to fly as scheduled.
Dec 22, 2017, 12:31 am
#587
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
The companion must be in the same reservation and on the same itinerary.
Dec 29, 2017, 9:45 pm
#588
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Companion fare, open jaw, extra seat
I didn't see anything regarding this so thought I'd ask. I want to use the companion pass for SFO-BOS on a red-eye, and return JFK-SFO in the daytime. I'd like to buy an extra seat on the red-eye so we have the entire row. For the return, we don't need an extra seat.
I know I'd have to pay for the extra seat separately, but is there any way or any need to link it to the companion fare PNR?
I know I'd have to pay for the extra seat separately, but is there any way or any need to link it to the companion fare PNR?
Dec 29, 2017, 10:28 pm
#589
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
I didn't see anything regarding this so thought I'd ask. I want to use the companion pass for SFO-BOS on a red-eye, and return JFK-SFO in the daytime. I'd like to buy an extra seat on the red-eye so we have the entire row. For the return, we don't need an extra seat.
I know I'd have to pay for the extra seat separately, but is there any way or any need to link it to the companion fare PNR?
I know I'd have to pay for the extra seat separately, but is there any way or any need to link it to the companion fare PNR?
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...s/comfort-seat
Originally Posted by alaskaair.com
Reserving space
Comfort Seats cannot be booked online. Please call a Reservations Agent at for assistance. Our standard ticketing fee will be waived.It is best to purchase the Comfort Seat at the same time the first seat is purchased so the same fare is received. If the Comfort Seat is purchased at a later date, the lowest fare available at the time of booking the Comfort Seat will be offered.
Dec 30, 2017, 8:09 am
#590
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 60
Thank you. That's very helpful.
You'll want to do this over the phone with reservations.
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...s/comfort-seat
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...s/comfort-seat
Jan 11, 2018, 12:03 pm
#591
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 213
Is it just me, or is Alaska playing games with "taxes" on these companion fares? They say taxes start at $22. When I try to price out tickets, I can never find anything that low. I often see: US flight segment tax, US psgr. facility charge, US Sept. 11 security fee, US transportation tax and they always add up to $30-40 at a minimum. So the $121 companion fare is really a $140 companion fare. I'll still take it, but it seems like false advertising.
Does anyone have an example of where taxes are really $22?
Does anyone have an example of where taxes are really $22?
Jan 11, 2018, 6:45 pm
#592
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
Is it just me, or is Alaska playing games with "taxes" on these companion fares? They say taxes start at $22. When I try to price out tickets, I can never find anything that low. I often see: US flight segment tax, US psgr. facility charge, US Sept. 11 security fee, US transportation tax and they always add up to $30-40 at a minimum. So the $121 companion fare is really a $140 companion fare. I'll still take it, but it seems like false advertising.
Does anyone have an example of where taxes are really $22?
Does anyone have an example of where taxes are really $22?
Jan 19, 2018, 1:30 pm
#593
Join Date: Jan 2018
Posts: 4
Companion ticket award from Alaska Airline CC
Hi,
I am new here, not sure if I post in the right place. I applied for Alaska Airline Credit Card and reached $1000 expense before the 1st billing cycle. Just wondering when should I receive the companion ticket code? According to their website and customer service, it's after 1st or 2nd billing cycle. I want to ask any real experience when the code will be credited. We are waiting for it to buy tickets in April.
Thanks for any help!
I am new here, not sure if I post in the right place. I applied for Alaska Airline Credit Card and reached $1000 expense before the 1st billing cycle. Just wondering when should I receive the companion ticket code? According to their website and customer service, it's after 1st or 2nd billing cycle. I want to ask any real experience when the code will be credited. We are waiting for it to buy tickets in April.
Thanks for any help!
Feb 4, 2018, 11:17 am
#599
Join Date: Apr 2015
Posts: 20
I'm unclear about the normal companion fare and what is different on the current special offer that ends 2/5/18 (theoretically).
'Alaska's Famous Companion Fare - Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees after you make $1k in purchases within 90 days'
ongoing benefits and features include
"Get another Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 every year on your account anniversary valid on..."
So normally one only get the 30k miles now (after $1k purchase) and wouldn't get companion for a year (and it'd be $121), whereas now there's an additional taxes only companion fare available after the $1k spend?
Do I have that right?
The other 'extras' that have been around are $100 statement credit (which dollar wise that's what you're getting here but with likely more for free since you're getting another companion ticket) or 2k miles when done on an in-flight, paper app.
Do I have that right too?
'Alaska's Famous Companion Fare - Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees after you make $1k in purchases within 90 days'
ongoing benefits and features include
"Get another Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 every year on your account anniversary valid on..."
So normally one only get the 30k miles now (after $1k purchase) and wouldn't get companion for a year (and it'd be $121), whereas now there's an additional taxes only companion fare available after the $1k spend?
Do I have that right?
The other 'extras' that have been around are $100 statement credit (which dollar wise that's what you're getting here but with likely more for free since you're getting another companion ticket) or 2k miles when done on an in-flight, paper app.
Do I have that right too?
Feb 4, 2018, 11:23 am
#600
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,833
I'm unclear about the normal companion fare and what is different on the current special offer that ends 2/5/18 (theoretically).
'Alaska's Famous Companion Fare - Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees after you make $1k in purchases within 90 days'
ongoing benefits and features include
"Get another Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 every year on your account anniversary valid on..."
So normally one only get the 30k miles now (after $1k purchase) and wouldn't get companion for a year (and it'd be $121), whereas now there's an additional taxes only companion fare available after the $1k spend?
Do I have that right?
The other 'extras' that have been around are $100 statement credit (which dollar wise that's what you're getting here but with likely more for free since you're getting another companion ticket) or 2k miles when done on an in-flight, paper app.
Do I have that right too?
'Alaska's Famous Companion Fare - Buy one ticket, get one for just the taxes and fees after you make $1k in purchases within 90 days'
ongoing benefits and features include
"Get another Alaska's Famous Companion Fare from $121 every year on your account anniversary valid on..."
So normally one only get the 30k miles now (after $1k purchase) and wouldn't get companion for a year (and it'd be $121), whereas now there's an additional taxes only companion fare available after the $1k spend?
Do I have that right?
The other 'extras' that have been around are $100 statement credit (which dollar wise that's what you're getting here but with likely more for free since you're getting another companion ticket) or 2k miles when done on an in-flight, paper app.
Do I have that right too?
The current offer is exactly the same except on sign up, the companion fare is buy one, get one free (not $100) plus taxes. So you save the $100 on the companion’s ticket the first year with this offer. After that, you get a companion code every year as usual, but the companion pays $121 thereafter.