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
Jan 4, 2020, 6:29 am
#751
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI,SFO,SJC,IAD,LAX,DCA
Programs: mvp75k, DL-0body
Posts: 310
The primary ticket holder can travel without the companion. The companion can not travel without the primary. In your scenario, the companion will be a no show on the flight the primary takes and their ticket will lose all value. You cannot change just the companion’s ticket to travel on a different date.
Jan 8, 2020, 3:36 pm
#752
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: NJ, Bay Area CA
Programs: CO Plat
Posts: 162
Just a Data Point that seems to contradict the requirement to charge to BofA visa >10/1/19:
I booked a Companion Fare in December and had no problem charging the primary and companion to an AMEX card. Took advantage of the Alaska Amex $40 cash back offer and Amex automatically refunded the companion fees as part of the annual airline credit.
I booked a Companion Fare in December and had no problem charging the primary and companion to an AMEX card. Took advantage of the Alaska Amex $40 cash back offer and Amex automatically refunded the companion fees as part of the annual airline credit.
Jan 8, 2020, 3:51 pm
#753
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
The requirement that B of A Alaska Visa be used for payment is for Companion Code’s EARNED after October 2019. I have one earned during the summer and will be able to use any card for payment at booking.
Date of redemption is not issue with the New required payment option.
Date of redemption is not issue with the New required payment option.
Jan 18, 2020, 7:57 pm
#754
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: BWI,SFO,SJC,IAD,LAX,DCA
Programs: mvp75k, DL-0body
Posts: 310
Hi,
I am ready to use 3 companion certs, six pp with 2 who is not MVP75k but challenge for 75k status:
1. That make both of us 75k status, correct ?
2. We should split the 75k status to maximize the change of MVP guest upgrade ?
3.Which ticket fare class should I book to anticipate the upgrade rule ? anything but saver fare, correct ?
TIA, Tan
I am ready to use 3 companion certs, six pp with 2 who is not MVP75k but challenge for 75k status:
1. That make both of us 75k status, correct ?
2. We should split the 75k status to maximize the change of MVP guest upgrade ?
3.Which ticket fare class should I book to anticipate the upgrade rule ? anything but saver fare, correct ?
TIA, Tan
Jan 19, 2020, 12:31 am
#755
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska Air MVP/G
Posts: 14
Question regarding "Can the companion fare be used on a one-way, round trip, open jaw, OR multi-city?
Any of the above."
Alaska website is allow to book 4 multi-city trip, can I book multiple city itinerary like:
A -> B
B -> A
C -> D
D -> C
I don't have the Alaska companion fare code, I am thinking about getting a credit card or just buy it from a friend, wonder if this booking will work, it's essentially two trips in one booking
Thanks!
Any of the above."
Alaska website is allow to book 4 multi-city trip, can I book multiple city itinerary like:
A -> B
B -> A
C -> D
D -> C
I don't have the Alaska companion fare code, I am thinking about getting a credit card or just buy it from a friend, wonder if this booking will work, it's essentially two trips in one booking
Thanks!
Jan 19, 2020, 8:15 am
#756
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
I was naive using my very first companion certificate many years ago to learn the $99 fee plus all the taxes covered only one-way and not a roundtrip fare! I wouldn't rely on assembling your itinerary without experimenting with a companion fare code or you may have an unpleasant surprise.
Jan 19, 2020, 5:28 pm
#757
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
LAX/MSP . Stay 1 week /apartment hunt. then MSP/ SEA for 2 week visit with us, then SEA/LAX to pack up for move to MSP.
saved a lot doing it this way.
Jan 19, 2020, 6:28 pm
#758
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AS DL Hyatt SPG/Bonvoy HHonors
Posts: 2,008
It definitely works for round trips. Sounds like it works for circle trips as you described. I was unable to get it to work for flights that should have been a circle trip but had connections in the same city. E.g. ATL-SEA-OGG; OGG-SEA; SEA-ATL with a stayover in SEA.
Jan 19, 2020, 7:11 pm
#759
Join Date: Sep 2017
Location: Between SFO and STS
Programs: Alaska MVP Gold, United Serf, Delta Gold
Posts: 731
That's not a circle trip. A circle trip is A->B->C->A. That route you listed is A->B->C->B->A, which should still be a valid routing for the Companion certificate (but without a stopover).
Last edited by DrAlex; Jan 19, 2020 at 7:17 pm
Jan 19, 2020, 7:21 pm
#760
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: UA AS DL Hyatt SPG/Bonvoy HHonors
Posts: 2,008
If we were trying to do it, say BOS - OGG / OGG -SEA / SEA - BOS, then it would probably work so long as the BOS-OGG connects in SAN, LAX, SFO or PDX but not in SEA. There really isn't a good logical reason to preclude a similar trip originating in ATL.
Jan 20, 2020, 11:00 pm
#761
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska Air MVP/G
Posts: 14
Thanks for your response and alert because we definitely paid $99 x 2 and will send the information to the commercial desk where the companion ticket was booked.
Jan 21, 2020, 12:13 am
#762
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: YYF/YLW
Programs: AA, DL, AS, VA, WS Silver
Posts: 5,951
That’s very strange. What is the commercial desk? Companion fare tickets are supposed to only be bookable online. And two $99 charges is even weirder; there really can only be one charge per companion code; you’d need a second code to get a second $99, I’d think. So definitely call and sort that out.
Jan 21, 2020, 12:20 am
#763
Join Date: Dec 2016
Location: Seattle
Programs: Alaska Air MVP/G
Posts: 14
Has anyone had any experience with booking outside the 330 days? Im asking because I did the first extension as far I could to the right. Now that the date is approaching we wanted to take a trip that is past that original 330 day window. I went online to Alaska website to modify that booking and it is allowing be to get right up to the last confirm purchase page for a trip that would essentially be a double extension (by about 55 days).
Would it be possible that it would let me book but then as we try to check in, 1 ticket would show invalid? Thoughts?
Thanks all.
Would it be possible that it would let me book but then as we try to check in, 1 ticket would show invalid? Thoughts?
Thanks all.
That’s very strange. What is the commercial desk? Companion fare tickets are supposed to only be bookable online. And two $99 charges is even weirder; there really can only be one charge per companion code; you’d need a second code to get a second $99, I’d think. So definitely call and sort that out.
Jan 27, 2020, 11:17 pm
#764
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern California
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 31
Thanks for this great thread! I just want to confirm that I have done the right thing to extend my certificate:
I have a companion certificate expiring in less than 2 hours, so have been reading this thread for the past half hour to figure out how to extend or save it. Since everything is refundable within 24 hours, I figured that I might as well try to use it, post here, and cancel it tomorrow (worst case). We might be going to Maui sometime in the fall, but are not sure of our travel dates yet. So I booked full coach fare SJC-OGG for $1400+. According to this thread, I can now firm up my dates and change the dates/times/destination (if we want to go to SFO-MCO in Spring 2021, instead, for example), and keep the companion fare intact? I have never purchased a refundable fare before, so have never tried to change a ticket. However, I am MVPG for this year (and last), so I have made changes and received wallet credit before. It sounds like I should be able to make changes online or by calling, and any extra funds will be refunded to my credit card? And the worst case is, we don't go on either of these trips and I get a full refund and all I've lost is the companion certificate?
By the way, my next companion certificate showed up recently with an expiration date of 1/19/2021. Ideally, we may use that one (and this hopefully extended one) for our family of four to go to MCO.
Thanks for any advice and let me know if I am doing this correctly.
I have a companion certificate expiring in less than 2 hours, so have been reading this thread for the past half hour to figure out how to extend or save it. Since everything is refundable within 24 hours, I figured that I might as well try to use it, post here, and cancel it tomorrow (worst case). We might be going to Maui sometime in the fall, but are not sure of our travel dates yet. So I booked full coach fare SJC-OGG for $1400+. According to this thread, I can now firm up my dates and change the dates/times/destination (if we want to go to SFO-MCO in Spring 2021, instead, for example), and keep the companion fare intact? I have never purchased a refundable fare before, so have never tried to change a ticket. However, I am MVPG for this year (and last), so I have made changes and received wallet credit before. It sounds like I should be able to make changes online or by calling, and any extra funds will be refunded to my credit card? And the worst case is, we don't go on either of these trips and I get a full refund and all I've lost is the companion certificate?
By the way, my next companion certificate showed up recently with an expiration date of 1/19/2021. Ideally, we may use that one (and this hopefully extended one) for our family of four to go to MCO.
Thanks for any advice and let me know if I am doing this correctly.
Jan 28, 2020, 8:28 am
#765
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 608
Thanks for this great thread! I just want to confirm that I have done the right thing to extend my certificate:
I have a companion certificate expiring in less than 2 hours, so have been reading this thread for the past half hour to figure out how to extend or save it. Since everything is refundable within 24 hours, I figured that I might as well try to use it, post here, and cancel it tomorrow (worst case). We might be going to Maui sometime in the fall, but are not sure of our travel dates yet. So I booked full coach fare SJC-OGG for $1400+. According to this thread, I can now firm up my dates and change the dates/times/destination (if we want to go to SFO-MCO in Spring 2021, instead, for example), and keep the companion fare intact? I have never purchased a refundable fare before, so have never tried to change a ticket. However, I am MVPG for this year (and last), so I have made changes and received wallet credit before. It sounds like I should be able to make changes online or by calling, and any extra funds will be refunded to my credit card? And the worst case is, we don't go on either of these trips and I get a full refund and all I've lost is the companion certificate?
By the way, my next companion certificate showed up recently with an expiration date of 1/19/2021. Ideally, we may use that one (and this hopefully extended one) for our family of four to go to MCO.
Thanks for any advice and let me know if I am doing this correctly.
I have a companion certificate expiring in less than 2 hours, so have been reading this thread for the past half hour to figure out how to extend or save it. Since everything is refundable within 24 hours, I figured that I might as well try to use it, post here, and cancel it tomorrow (worst case). We might be going to Maui sometime in the fall, but are not sure of our travel dates yet. So I booked full coach fare SJC-OGG for $1400+. According to this thread, I can now firm up my dates and change the dates/times/destination (if we want to go to SFO-MCO in Spring 2021, instead, for example), and keep the companion fare intact? I have never purchased a refundable fare before, so have never tried to change a ticket. However, I am MVPG for this year (and last), so I have made changes and received wallet credit before. It sounds like I should be able to make changes online or by calling, and any extra funds will be refunded to my credit card? And the worst case is, we don't go on either of these trips and I get a full refund and all I've lost is the companion certificate?
By the way, my next companion certificate showed up recently with an expiration date of 1/19/2021. Ideally, we may use that one (and this hopefully extended one) for our family of four to go to MCO.
Thanks for any advice and let me know if I am doing this correctly.
- No need to book a super-expensive full Y ticket to OGG. Just find the cheapest fully refundable RT fare and book that to hold (I used SJC-RNO) - and book it for as far out as you can.
- When you know your plans, you can make the changes online - you can change either segment or both and can completely change the origin, destination, and date. It will reprice accordingly, accounting for the companion fare.
- The only thing you can't do, I think, is extend it out beyond a year - so if you booked the holding ticket today, your modified flights need to be within a year of today. Spring 2021 would be too late.