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
Jun 25, 2019, 3:15 am
#722
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,257
is it possible to book an AS trip for 3 people, but using the BOA companion fare discount?
obviously this means i am paying full fare for 2 of the 3 people
i cannot do it online, so wondering if anyone has been successful in getting an itinerary booked for 3 people under the same PNR by calling in
obviously this means i am paying full fare for 2 of the 3 people
i cannot do it online, so wondering if anyone has been successful in getting an itinerary booked for 3 people under the same PNR by calling in
Jun 25, 2019, 8:23 am
#723
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
is it possible to book an AS trip for 3 people, but using the BOA companion fare discount?
obviously this means i am paying full fare for 2 of the 3 people
i cannot do it online, so wondering if anyone has been successful in getting an itinerary booked for 3 people under the same PNR by calling in
obviously this means i am paying full fare for 2 of the 3 people
i cannot do it online, so wondering if anyone has been successful in getting an itinerary booked for 3 people under the same PNR by calling in
James
Jun 25, 2019, 8:29 am
#724
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,881
Jun 25, 2019, 4:45 pm
#725
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,257
Thanks both.
Thinking abt TSA Pre-check benefit extension as well.
There is only 1 person (among the 3 pax) that has Pre-check.
So am hoping the other 2 people will get the benefits by being on the same booking / PNR
Any DP on this happening before?
Jun 25, 2019, 6:51 pm
#726
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
Jun 26, 2019, 12:32 am
#727
Join Date: Jun 2016
Posts: 2,257
Jul 17, 2019, 7:52 pm
#728
Join Date: Sep 2012
Programs: UA AA DL SW Marriott
Posts: 251
can I still use companion certificate after canceling BoA AS credit Card
Searched but did not find the answer -
I have a companion fare in my Mileage Plan login that expires in Oct, the credit card AF is due Sept. I'm thinking of canceling the card . Does any one has experience if the certificate can still be valid after cancellation?
Should I book with the companion fare, then cancel the CC?
If the CC is canceled, does the companion fare code disapar from Mileage Plan account?
Appreciate any DP
I have a companion fare in my Mileage Plan login that expires in Oct, the credit card AF is due Sept. I'm thinking of canceling the card . Does any one has experience if the certificate can still be valid after cancellation?
Should I book with the companion fare, then cancel the CC?
If the CC is canceled, does the companion fare code disapar from Mileage Plan account?
Appreciate any DP
Jul 17, 2019, 8:15 pm
#729
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
Companion Code is not clawed back if card is cancelled. I have cancelled cards in the past and still had CC in AS Mileage account. New notice in last statement. Up until now, you could pay for CC arranged trips with any credit card. After OCT 1, 2019,When redeeming Companion Fare certificates issued on and after October 1 2019, you will be REQUIRED to pay with your Alaska Airlines Visa Card. So, no cancelling card before redeeming you EARNED Companion Code.
Last edited by pcoll; Jul 17, 2019 at 8:23 pm
Aug 10, 2019, 12:03 pm
#731
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 2,956
Is it possible to apply a companion cert to an already purchased reservation while making an itinerary change? I attempted to change itinerary online but there was no option during booking to apply any coupons (unless it was past the flight selection page which I did not get past). If not possible, could I cancel and then apply the cert when using the funds?
Aug 10, 2019, 1:28 pm
#732
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Is it possible to apply a companion cert to an already purchased reservation while making an itinerary change? I attempted to change itinerary online but there was no option during booking to apply any coupons (unless it was past the flight selection page which I did not get past). If not possible, could I cancel and then apply the cert when using the funds?
Keep in mind that unless you have a change/cancel fee waiver, there will be a $125 fee each to cancel unless it is a fully refundable fare. Also, the fares in effect now may be higher than the fares you purchased, which which would negate some of the savings,
James
Aug 10, 2019, 4:53 pm
#733
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFOSJCOAK
Programs: AA-EXP & 1MM+, AS, MR-LTT, HH Gold
Posts: 7,581
IME, no. They have the right to claw it back, certainly, but in practice, I haven't seen them do it. That includes people who have said they signed up, got the bonus miles/companionion cert and then canceled immediately for whatever reason. BOA says they will take back the perks and I am sure they are able to, but they don't seem to do it. YMMV.
However I would add that IMHO, it is unethical to knowingly keep/use something that you are not entitled to. If it were me, when I canceled the card, I would mention that the certificate was already in my account so they could decide what to do. If they leave it after that, then it's your call whether to use it (I probably would use it at that point). If you don't mention it and just cancel hoping to get away with it, then I wouldn't use it if it were me.
However I would add that IMHO, it is unethical to knowingly keep/use something that you are not entitled to. If it were me, when I canceled the card, I would mention that the certificate was already in my account so they could decide what to do. If they leave it after that, then it's your call whether to use it (I probably would use it at that point). If you don't mention it and just cancel hoping to get away with it, then I wouldn't use it if it were me.
Aug 20, 2019, 3:19 pm
#734
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: USA
Programs: SPG HH AA PLT AS MVPG
Posts: 142
It appears that BOA may now be delaying the issuance of Companion Vouchers when a cardholder reaches his/her anniversary date. I have a family member who reached their anniversary date last month. This month's statement includes the $75 annual fee. The due date for that statement is in 2 days, but there has still been no voucher issued to their www.alaskaair.com account.
Sep 6, 2019, 3:04 pm
#735
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: LAX
Posts: 57
Update on extending refundable companion fare past 1 year of expiration
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.
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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.