May 14, 13, 11:30 am
Last edit by: ashill
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 business companion fare however is different. Travel must be completed by expiry date although it is said that they may let it slide for 30 days.
Business companion fare expiration question
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 business companion fare however is different. Travel must be completed by expiry date although it is said that they may let it slide for 30 days.
Business companion fare expiration question
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
Apr 28, 20, 1:17 pm
#781
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: SEA
Programs: Alaska MVPG 100K, IHG Ambassador, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott Titanium
Posts: 1,702
I did this back in March, and no change fee was charged except for the fare difference. I even got a small credit back to MyWallet for lower fare.
May 1, 20, 2:29 pm
#782
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA Plat & 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Exp, Hilton Gold
Posts: 15,393
Just to confirm I cancelled two reservations which had BoA certs attached (as the outbound flights had been cancelled). Both certs had original expiration dates in 2019. However, under the current policy, the certs were both redeposited (or replaced) in our respective accounts with new expiration dates of December 31, 2020. The certs reappeared approx. one week after we requested a telephone refund on the tickets. (The refunds were credited back to my credit card within a few days)
So now each account has two BofA $99 certs (last years and this years), all with expiration dates of 12/31/2020
So now each account has two BofA $99 certs (last years and this years), all with expiration dates of 12/31/2020
May 11, 20, 4:06 pm
#783
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 134
I am planning on cancelling a trip I booked back in mid-February using a companion certificate that was originally set to expire later this year in September. It was a multi-stop itinerary and the first leg begins on Wednesday. The flight for one of the later legs (in June) has already been changed to depart 10 hours later than originally scheduled, so I believe I should be entitled to a full refund to my original form(s) of payment. I originally purchased a main cabin fare using my Alaska Visa, and then immediately called in after purchase to upfare to S and paid for the upfare using my Amex Plat (I did this because there was U fare availability on some legs and both travelers were MVP, so we both secured instant upgrades to F). Anyway, my understanding is that after calling in to cancel, I should (eventually) receive the main cabin fare fully refunded to my Alaska Visa, the upfare fully refunded to my Amex Plat, and a replacement companion certificate issued with an expiration date of 12/31/2020 (with travel needing to begin by 11/26/2021). Is my understanding correct?
If for some reason Alaska won't issue me a refund and instead is only willing to issue me a MyWallet credit, I wanted to ask some questions regarding the credit so I know what to expect (and how much I should try to fight for the refund instead).
First, do the wallet funds expire? Second, when it comes time for me to use the wallet funds, must I use it all at once for a single itinerary? Or am I free to use portions of it against multiple itineraries booked separately until the funds are exhausted? Finally, if I want to book a flight using the replacement companion certificate, can I use the wallet funds to pay for the itinerary? Everywhery I look says that when using a companion certificate, the only accepted form of payment is the Alaska Visa, so it's sounding like you can't use wallet funds for payment when using a companion certificate. Is that correct?
If for some reason Alaska won't issue me a refund and instead is only willing to issue me a MyWallet credit, I wanted to ask some questions regarding the credit so I know what to expect (and how much I should try to fight for the refund instead).
First, do the wallet funds expire? Second, when it comes time for me to use the wallet funds, must I use it all at once for a single itinerary? Or am I free to use portions of it against multiple itineraries booked separately until the funds are exhausted? Finally, if I want to book a flight using the replacement companion certificate, can I use the wallet funds to pay for the itinerary? Everywhery I look says that when using a companion certificate, the only accepted form of payment is the Alaska Visa, so it's sounding like you can't use wallet funds for payment when using a companion certificate. Is that correct?
May 12, 20, 9:02 pm
#784
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 963
I am planning on cancelling a trip I booked back in mid-February using a companion certificate that was originally set to expire later this year in September. It was a multi-stop itinerary and the first leg begins on Wednesday. The flight for one of the later legs (in June) has already been changed to depart 10 hours later than originally scheduled, so I believe I should be entitled to a full refund to my original form(s) of payment. I originally purchased a main cabin fare using my Alaska Visa, and then immediately called in after purchase to upfare to S and paid for the upfare using my Amex Plat (I did this because there was U fare availability on some legs and both travelers were MVP, so we both secured instant upgrades to F). Anyway, my understanding is that after calling in to cancel, I should (eventually) receive the main cabin fare fully refunded to my Alaska Visa, the upfare fully refunded to my Amex Plat, and a replacement companion certificate issued with an expiration date of 12/31/2020 (with travel needing to begin by 11/26/2021). Is my understanding correct?
If for some reason Alaska won't issue me a refund and instead is only willing to issue me a MyWallet credit, I wanted to ask some questions regarding the credit so I know what to expect (and how much I should try to fight for the refund instead).
First, do the wallet funds expire? Second, when it comes time for me to use the wallet funds, must I use it all at once for a single itinerary? Or am I free to use portions of it against multiple itineraries booked separately until the funds are exhausted? Finally, if I want to book a flight using the replacement companion certificate, can I use the wallet funds to pay for the itinerary? Everywhery I look says that when using a companion certificate, the only accepted form of payment is the Alaska Visa, so it's sounding like you can't use wallet funds for payment when using a companion certificate. Is that correct?
If for some reason Alaska won't issue me a refund and instead is only willing to issue me a MyWallet credit, I wanted to ask some questions regarding the credit so I know what to expect (and how much I should try to fight for the refund instead).
First, do the wallet funds expire? Second, when it comes time for me to use the wallet funds, must I use it all at once for a single itinerary? Or am I free to use portions of it against multiple itineraries booked separately until the funds are exhausted? Finally, if I want to book a flight using the replacement companion certificate, can I use the wallet funds to pay for the itinerary? Everywhery I look says that when using a companion certificate, the only accepted form of payment is the Alaska Visa, so it's sounding like you can't use wallet funds for payment when using a companion certificate. Is that correct?
May 13, 20, 3:59 pm
#785
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 134
OK this is what I understand, you can cancel your flight due to the schedule change and get a full refund, but it will only be for amount paid and you will forfeit the companion fare (I asked about a similar situation in February and this is what I was told). However, with the coronavirus waived change policies, they are re-issuing your certificate if you cancel for that reason, but if you cancel for that reason they will give you wallet funds. That is what I just did yesterday for a trip in June. I was told the wallet funds expire in 07/2021 for travel past that date.
I did ask the rep whether wallet funds could be used as payment when using a companion certificate, since terms of usage seem to explicitly say that the itinerary can only be paid using an Alaska Visa. He was unsure of the answer, but after putting me on hold for a few minutes to confer with others, he replied that it should be possible to pay using wallet funds for an itinerary in which a companion certificate was used.
May 17, 20, 12:05 pm
#786
Join Date: May 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP; HHonors Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; NEXUS
Posts: 886
I did ask the rep whether wallet funds could be used as payment when using a companion certificate, since terms of usage seem to explicitly say that the itinerary can only be paid using an Alaska Visa. He was unsure of the answer, but after putting me on hold for a few minutes to confer with others, he replied that it should be possible to pay using wallet funds for an itinerary in which a companion certificate was used.
I was ready to cancel the card - I have about $1k in wallet credit and I wasn't about to pay for a fare out of pocket just to use the companion fare.
May 17, 20, 9:28 pm
#787
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: ORD
Programs: status free since 2017
Posts: 2,185
"All companion certificates set to expire in 2020 will be extended. Youll now have until December 31, 2020 to purchase new travel through November 26, 2021." I thought certificates from the business card must be used by the expiration date (or maybe 30 days after). Is that no longer the case? I didn't see this discussed in the 2 other new threads either.
May 17, 20, 10:25 pm
#788
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,254
James
May 23, 20, 12:41 am
#789
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA UA Delta. HH Diamond, PC Platinum, Club Carlson Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 808
Thankfully they modified the policy to allow for this. As of a few weeks ago, I wasn't able to apply wallet credit to a booking containing a companion certificate, but I just confirmed this morning that it's now possible through the website.
I was ready to cancel the card - I have about $1k in wallet credit and I wasn't about to pay for a fare out of pocket just to use the companion fare.
I was ready to cancel the card - I have about $1k in wallet credit and I wasn't about to pay for a fare out of pocket just to use the companion fare.
May 24, 20, 8:30 pm
#790
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 1,922
I'm wondering if I should cancel the card, the annual fee is due soon and I have a couple of companion tickets. Should I buy some AS gift card or put money in wallet fund? I do have a certificate from a canceled flight, they emailed me a code. Or should I just book a refundable companion flight while I still have the card, paying the higher fare? Thank you for any feedback!
May 24, 20, 8:51 pm
#791
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,254
James
May 25, 20, 6:51 pm
#792
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Chicago
Programs: AA UA Delta. HH Diamond, PC Platinum, Club Carlson Gold, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 808
If I book refundable now before the annual fee due, and later if I need to change and have a credit. Would I just get a wallet fund or email credit? (Assume I don't have the card anymore)
May 25, 20, 7:29 pm
#793
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 11,922
Are talking about using the Visa CF cert and booking two people on the same flight? If so I'm guessing your funds would be returned as a credit to your Wallet. This is assuming your fare is refundable.
May 26, 20, 12:36 am
#794
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,254
I am not sure if AS will issue wallet funds since you would have earned 3 MP miles on the AS ticket purchase but also not sure if BofA would claw them back on a closed account.
James
Jun 10, 20, 4:37 pm
#795
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,254
Between us, we have 5 AS CC accounts. I use the same CC to purchase the companion certificate fares no matter which account the certificate is from.
You can't split the payment, at least not online.
James
You can't split the payment, at least not online.
James
