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
Nov 17, 2018, 2:09 pm
#691
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Bay Area, CA
Programs: UA Plat 2MM; AS MVP Gold 75K
Posts: 35,068
The U.S. taxes on International tickets are the high ones. Canada's are quite reasonable in comparison.
Here is my tax breakdown on a RT to Canada. Canada gets $34, U.S. gets almost $70. More than double.
Total per passenger
$261.56
Fare
$158.00
Base fare
$158.00
Taxes and fees
$103.56
Calgary Airport Improvement Fee $23.00
Canadian Air Travelers Security Charge $9.80
Canadian Goods and Services Tax $1.20
US APHIS user fee $3.96
US Customs user fee $5.65
US flight segment tax $16.40
US Immigration user fee $7.00
US psgr. facility charge $13.50
US Sept. 11 security fee $11.20
US transportation tax $11.85
Here is my tax breakdown on a RT to Canada. Canada gets $34, U.S. gets almost $70. More than double.
Total per passenger
$261.56
Fare
$158.00
Base fare
$158.00
Taxes and fees
$103.56
Calgary Airport Improvement Fee $23.00
Canadian Air Travelers Security Charge $9.80
Canadian Goods and Services Tax $1.20
US APHIS user fee $3.96
US Customs user fee $5.65
US flight segment tax $16.40
US Immigration user fee $7.00
US psgr. facility charge $13.50
US Sept. 11 security fee $11.20
US transportation tax $11.85
Dec 14, 2018, 5:26 pm
#692
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Between SFO and STS
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, United Serf, Delta Gold
Posts: 731
Just want to verify I have this thought out correctly: If I book 2 M fares with the companion fare - one for myself as MVPG and one for mini-me with no status - AND there are 2 U spaces available r/t, we will both be instantly upgraded?
Dec 14, 2018, 5:29 pm
#693
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Dec 14, 2018, 8:04 pm
#695
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Looking closer, I see you are buying M class fares. An MVPG can instant upgrade on Y, S, B & M fares. Therefore, you can confirm immediate upgrades to First with a companion, whether using a companion certificate or not, if 2 U are available. No GGU's required and M class receives a 25% class of service bonus which is also EQM. You will also get your 100% MPVG Elite Bonus on the base miles.
James
James
Dec 14, 2018, 8:09 pm
#696
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Between SFO and STS
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, United Serf, Delta Gold
Posts: 731
Looking closer, I see you are buying M class fares. An MVPG can instant upgrade on Y, S, B & M fares. Therefore, You can confirm immediate upgrades to First with a companion, whether using a companion certificate or not, if 2 U are available. No GGU's required and M class receives a 25% class of service bonus which is also EQM.
James
James
Dec 14, 2018, 8:20 pm
#697
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
We are returning to our PHX vacation home on Christmas Eve. I purchased H fares for the immediate upgrade into F from SEA-PHX. As MVPG75K you can instant upgrade an H fare. I also like that an MVPG75K can select any Y seat, including exit row and premium seats at booking on any non-saver fare.
EDIT: When I checked-in this morning for KOA-SAN there were still 5 unassigned seats in a 12F cabin. Now there are two left with only 2 on the waitlist who have already been upgrades. You just never know.
In your casee, you only need to upfare one ticket to an eligible fare as the companion base fare is fixed at $0 or $99 depending on what promotion is applicable to your first year certificate.
James
Last edited by Flying for Fun; Dec 14, 2018 at 8:25 pm
Mar 11, 2019, 3:11 pm
#698
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAD/DCA/SEA/HNL/SNA/LAX
Programs: Alaska Gold 75k, Marriott Titanium, National Executive
Posts: 12
Companion Fare on existing reservation
I have my companion fare code available. I want to book a trip for work, and bring my wife with me. I have to book work fares via our corporate travel system. Has anyone ever done that, then added the companion to the same reservation? Obviously so I can have my companion get upgraded with me, as I'm 75k.
Thanks!
Thanks!
Mar 11, 2019, 3:50 pm
#699
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,301
It can't be done that way. It must be booked on the same PNR which can only be done when booking at the same time.
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...-discount-code
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...-discount-code
May 2, 2019, 4:59 pm
#700
Join Date: May 2019
Posts: 1
Question about the last leg of a primary passenger and companion passenger trip.
Situation: The primary passenger can no longer take the last flight.
Question: If both passengers check in and only the companion passenger boards, will the companion passenger be removed from the flight (or prevented from boarding without the primary passenger there)?
I know that this is discussed at various points in this thread, but looking for anyone with personal experience of this happening or the reverse happening (companion passenger being allowed to fly despite primary passenger not boarding).
Are there other good workarounds to this situation?
Thanks everyone!
Situation: The primary passenger can no longer take the last flight.
Question: If both passengers check in and only the companion passenger boards, will the companion passenger be removed from the flight (or prevented from boarding without the primary passenger there)?
I know that this is discussed at various points in this thread, but looking for anyone with personal experience of this happening or the reverse happening (companion passenger being allowed to fly despite primary passenger not boarding).
Are there other good workarounds to this situation?
Thanks everyone!
May 7, 2019, 9:06 pm
#701
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LAX
Posts: 57
Extending further than 330 days
I had a companion pass last year that was about to expire so I just booked a full fare ticket 330 days out in case I wanted to use it later. It’s coming up to the date of that flight I booked, and I have no use of it before that time. However, if I try to change the flight online to a date after the original 330 day extension, it SEEMS to be allowing me to change, although I haven’t pressed the final confirm to change the flight. The FAQ indicate the companion pass cannot be extended past the original 330 days but will it work if it allows me to online?
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5/23/19 update on this issue. I was indeed allowed to make a change to my reserved flights online beyond the original date booked so now I have still a refundable fare with companion booked into 2020. I have tried a few weeks later to see if it would continue to allow me to change, and indeed it seems to let me get all the way to the confirmation screen again to book a different flight between now and that date, or even now to book a few weeks past the new date if I wanted to. Once again since I booked a refundable full fare the changes have to charges, so it appears you can do it indefinitely until you are ready to use the companion fare.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
5/23/19 update on this issue. I was indeed allowed to make a change to my reserved flights online beyond the original date booked so now I have still a refundable fare with companion booked into 2020. I have tried a few weeks later to see if it would continue to allow me to change, and indeed it seems to let me get all the way to the confirmation screen again to book a different flight between now and that date, or even now to book a few weeks past the new date if I wanted to. Once again since I booked a refundable full fare the changes have to charges, so it appears you can do it indefinitely until you are ready to use the companion fare.
Last edited by jinu11; May 23, 2019 at 1:22 pm Reason: updating information
May 30, 2019, 12:57 pm
#702
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 659
A bit off the subject of this thread, but just wanted to point out that you can essentially "gift" your companion fare to 2 other people. You don't have to be on the PNR yourself, if you know a couple of people who are planning a trip, they can use your companion fare and get the discount. Better than letting it go to waste and even though you get no direct benefit, you'll earn some karma points
I'm not even sure if you have to place the transaction? When someone else did it for me they did on their AS VISA... but awhile back on these forums someone told me even that wasn't necessary. I think basically you can just give out the discount code and your friend or family member can use it to shop flights. Someone with more experience of being on that end of the transaction might be able to clarify.
I'm not even sure if you have to place the transaction? When someone else did it for me they did on their AS VISA... but awhile back on these forums someone told me even that wasn't necessary. I think basically you can just give out the discount code and your friend or family member can use it to shop flights. Someone with more experience of being on that end of the transaction might be able to clarify.
May 30, 2019, 3:41 pm
#703
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
I'm not even sure if you have to place the transaction? When someone else did it for me they did on their AS VISA... but awhile back on these forums someone told me even that wasn't necessary. I think basically you can just give out the discount code and your friend or family member can use it to shop flights. Someone with more experience of being on that end of the transaction might be able to clarify.
eg companion certificate held by Joe Smith: Can be ticketed with any credit card in the name of Smith, including Jane Smith (Joe's mother, living elsewhere). Cannot be ticketed with any credit card with a different name, including Wendy Doe (Joe's spouse, with the billing address the same as Joe's; I believe even when the card was the authorized cardholder on the same account).
If Joe Smith is traveling, the ticket can be paid for with any credit card.
May 30, 2019, 6:39 pm
#704
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
May 30, 2019, 9:26 pm
#705
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
Thanks for the update ^