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 14, 2021, 12:37 pm
#886
Join Date: Sep 2014
Location: ANC
Programs: Alaska 100k
Posts: 1,012
I had a companion cert expiring on 12/31/2020, so a day before it expired, I used it to make a placeholder booking. I booked a cheap SEA-PDX in Q with the intention to eventually change it to something I really wanted once travel plans became clearer. Now, my companion (wife) and I are both MVP, and what I really want to do with the companion cert is book a SEA-HNL flight in B for later in the year (November or December). As far as I can tell, there's currently no U space for any such direct flights beyond this month, but by booking in B, we should be auto-upgraded if two U spaces open up (I would also keep close tabs on it and call in if I see two U spaces open up and we weren't auto-upgraded).
So the first question I have is whether it's possible to change my flight online and book into B? When I try to do it and select MVP under Search Preferences, I get the error message "Only 1 traveler per itinerary is eligible for MVP Upgrade Fares." (which is the same error message I get if I try to book a new reservation for 2 travelers and an Upgrade Type of MVP). Does that mean I'll need to call in and have an agent make the change for me? Or am I just missing something?
Second question I have is, after making this change, what further change options, if any, will I have for my itinerary? If, for example, I see U space open up later in the year for some other flight, can I make another change to the itinerary without incurring a change fee and still preserving the companion cert (again, the cert expired back on 12/31/2020)? Or am I only permitted one free change, and the first change from the original SEA-PDX flight counted as that free change?
So the first question I have is whether it's possible to change my flight online and book into B? When I try to do it and select MVP under Search Preferences, I get the error message "Only 1 traveler per itinerary is eligible for MVP Upgrade Fares." (which is the same error message I get if I try to book a new reservation for 2 travelers and an Upgrade Type of MVP). Does that mean I'll need to call in and have an agent make the change for me? Or am I just missing something?
Second question I have is, after making this change, what further change options, if any, will I have for my itinerary? If, for example, I see U space open up later in the year for some other flight, can I make another change to the itinerary without incurring a change fee and still preserving the companion cert (again, the cert expired back on 12/31/2020)? Or am I only permitted one free change, and the first change from the original SEA-PDX flight counted as that free change?
There are no more change fees. You are not limited to 1.
Jun 15, 2021, 6:44 pm
#887
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 138
I was hoping to be able to make itinerary changes online, but yeah, if no one can think of a way to book into B online using a companion cert, I will call.
Jun 24, 2021, 6:12 pm
#888
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: USA, JPN, GBR
Programs: A3, AA, AC, AS, DL, NH, SQ, SK, UA; BW, CP, HH, IHG, MB
Posts: 1,950
Change One-way to Round trip
Sorry if this has been covered upthread or elsewhere, but I couldn't find it within the last 6 months. bj27 seems to have done the reverse of what I want to do, so I'm now regretting my decision to book a placeholder one-way AAA-BBB... I'd like to change it to AAA-CCC-AAA, and I'm not sure which option(s) would allow me to preserve it. It's a 2019 $0 one without the BoA Visa restriction.
Going through the change/cancel reservation flow, I only attempted 1B, for fear of losing the companion fare. It only offered another o/w.
1. Change this trip
1A. Keep this flight (not relevant)
1B. Change flight
1C. Cancel flight
2. Cancel this trip and use the value toward a new trip
2A. Round trip
2B-2C. O/w, multi-city (not relevant)
Is the only option to call to make the changes? Or if I chose 1C or 2A, will the companion fare remain intact? TIA!
Going through the change/cancel reservation flow, I only attempted 1B, for fear of losing the companion fare. It only offered another o/w.
1. Change this trip
1A. Keep this flight (not relevant)
1B. Change flight
1C. Cancel flight
2. Cancel this trip and use the value toward a new trip
2A. Round trip
2B-2C. O/w, multi-city (not relevant)
Is the only option to call to make the changes? Or if I chose 1C or 2A, will the companion fare remain intact? TIA!
Jul 1, 2021, 3:24 pm
#889
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Northern California
Programs: SPG Gold
Posts: 31
I think you will need to call to make the changes to keep the companion fare intact. I just did the reverse today and changed a RT to a one-way. If I want to change it to a RT, I will have to call again to do that. Wait times this morning were less than 5 minutes, so it was quick and easy. Good luck.
Jul 5, 2021, 7:59 pm
#890
Join Date: Nov 2019
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 138
I found myself in a similar situation and ended up calling in to make the change because I couldn't figure out how to do it online. Back at the end of December, I booked a one-way reservation as a cheap placeholder because my companion cert was expiring on 12/31/2021. Today, my actual travel plans firmed up and I wanted to convert it to a round-trip. I tried to do it online, but it seems like I eventually came to the same conclusion as you did, which is that it can't be done. So I called in (wait was only a minute or two) and the agent I spoke with took care of changing the departure date and destination city and converting it from one-way to round-trip while preserving the companion cert. Took less than 10 minutes and it was super-easy with no hassle whatsoever.
Jul 19, 2021, 8:54 pm
#891
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
Apologies in advance…
I cannot seem to find answer to my dilemma.
Booked companion fare for son in law and granddaughter. Son in law primary passenger. Upgraded both to PC.
First leg of trip completed. Return on Wednesday…trying to find out what happens if granddaughters return ticket gets cancelled.
(She is staying in Maui with relatives and returning with them later.)
Will PC upgrade fee be returned to my Wallet ?
Many thanks, Mahalo.
UPDATE
Checked airfare today for this flight. Fare and upgrade were less than original fare and upgrade paid with companion code. Since only one was actually traveling , decided to cancel return companion code reservation online.
Purchased new OW ticket. $214 Main and $60 upgrade
Previous was $249 and $149. Already received credit certificate and upgrade fees to be refunded 7-10 days.
so, really good outcome.
I cannot seem to find answer to my dilemma.
Booked companion fare for son in law and granddaughter. Son in law primary passenger. Upgraded both to PC.
First leg of trip completed. Return on Wednesday…trying to find out what happens if granddaughters return ticket gets cancelled.
(She is staying in Maui with relatives and returning with them later.)
Will PC upgrade fee be returned to my Wallet ?
Many thanks, Mahalo.
UPDATE
Checked airfare today for this flight. Fare and upgrade were less than original fare and upgrade paid with companion code. Since only one was actually traveling , decided to cancel return companion code reservation online.
Purchased new OW ticket. $214 Main and $60 upgrade
Previous was $249 and $149. Already received credit certificate and upgrade fees to be refunded 7-10 days.
so, really good outcome.
Last edited by pcoll; Jul 26, 2021 at 12:31 pm
Jul 20, 2021, 10:18 pm
#892
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
Checking in tonight for OGG/ LAX for family.
Offered FirstClass Upgrade for $199, each .
Have not seen this in a VERY long time.
Turns out, they could not sell these 2 seats.
There was no one on upgrade list.
Offered FirstClass Upgrade for $199, each .
Have not seen this in a VERY long time.
Turns out, they could not sell these 2 seats.
There was no one on upgrade list.
Last edited by pcoll; Jul 26, 2021 at 12:33 pm
Jul 26, 2021, 5:38 am
#893
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: Whoever Has the Best Bonus
Posts: 5,183
The original FAQ and some old threads mention that the business companion fare expires on the date shown, rather than just requiring to be booked before expiration like the personal companion fare. Has this changed since then, because I see no mention of the difference on AS site, and I have a business companion fare that expires Dec 2021, but it accepts it for a ticket in 2022. I haven't actually bought yet as I don't currently have an AS Visa and trying to verify it will work before I either get one or stock up on AS gift cards. Thanks!
Jul 26, 2021, 7:12 am
#894
Join Date: Feb 2020
Posts: 9
Advice needed for companion ticket
Our family of 4 (2 adults, 2 kids) booked 2 RT companion fares to Maui from SF. I booked a ticket for myself and younger son with my companion award. My husband booked his ticket for himself and our older son with his companion award. My husband has Alaska MVP status and the phone agent linked both reservations so that all 4 of us can sit together with upgraded seating.
My husband now has to travel for work the same day as our return flight home, and his corporate travel agent has already booked him on a different (Alaska) flight from Maui (3 hours before our SF flight). Question is can my 12yo son still fly back to SF with me and my 9yo son, even though he’s on my husband’s companion ticket? How do I handle this situation with Alaska? Many thanks for advice given.
My husband now has to travel for work the same day as our return flight home, and his corporate travel agent has already booked him on a different (Alaska) flight from Maui (3 hours before our SF flight). Question is can my 12yo son still fly back to SF with me and my 9yo son, even though he’s on my husband’s companion ticket? How do I handle this situation with Alaska? Many thanks for advice given.
Aug 6, 2021, 6:37 am
#898
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,043
Source: https://thepointsguy.com/news/have-t...ompanion-fare/
Regards
Aug 6, 2021, 7:58 am
#899
Join Date: Aug 2020
Posts: 829
However, the terms and conditions require that the companion fare be paid for with an Alaska Airlines credit card, so unless the OP has another AS card open (in their name), yes, they'll still have the code showing their account but will have no actual way to use it.
Source: https://thepointsguy.com/news/have-t...ompanion-fare/
Regards
Source: https://thepointsguy.com/news/have-t...ompanion-fare/
Regards
Aug 6, 2021, 8:31 am
#900
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Intermountain West
Programs: Too many to list
Posts: 12,089