Alaska Airlines offers a great perk called the companion fare, which allows you to bring someone along on your trip for a significantly discounted price. Here’s how it works: When you have an Alaska Airlines credit card, you’ll receive an annual companion fare code. This code allows you to purchase a second ticket on the same flight for just a small fee, typically around $99. The best part is that there are no blackout dates, meaning you can use the companion fare for any flight within Alaska Airlines’ network. However, please note that taxes and fees do apply to both tickets. So, if you’re planning to travel with a friend or a loved one, the companion fare can help you save a lot of money while enjoying a wonderful journey together.
Qualifications for the Alaska Companion Fare:
The Alaska Companion Fare is a valuable perk offered by Alaska Airlines that allows eligible cardholders to bring a travel partner on a flight for a significantly reduced price. To qualify for the Alaska Companion Fare, you need to meet the following criteria:
- You must be a primary cardholder of an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card or an Alaska Airlines Visa® Business credit card.
- Your credit card account must be open and in good standing at the time of booking and at the time of travel.
- You must have an active Mileage Plan™ account linked to your credit card account.
- You must purchase a qualifying published fare, which varies depending on the terms and conditions set by Alaska Airlines.
Being a primary cardholder of an Alaska Airlines Visa credit card is the first requirement for eligibility. This means that you are the main account holder responsible for the credit card transactions and payments. It’s important to note that authorized users or additional cardholders are not eligible to use the Alaska Companion Fare unless they are the primary cardholder.
Your credit card account must also be open and in good standing both at the time of booking the companion fare and at the time of travel. This means that you must have an active and current credit card account without any late payments or other negative factors that could affect your account standing.
Linking your Mileage Plan™ account to your credit card account is another qualification for the Alaska Companion Fare. The Mileage Plan™ account is Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program, and it allows you to earn and redeem miles for flights and other travel benefits. By ensuring that your credit card account is linked to your Mileage Plan™ account, you can take advantage of the companion fare benefit.
The final qualification is purchasing a qualifying published fare. The specific terms and conditions for eligible fares may vary, so it’s important to review the details provided by Alaska Airlines. Typically, the qualifying fare must be booked directly through Alaska Airlines, and it may have certain restrictions, such as advance purchase requirements or specific travel dates.
How to Earn the Alaska Companion Fare
Alaska Airlines offers a fantastic perk called the Alaska Companion Fare, which allows you to bring a travel companion on your flights for a substantially discounted rate. To earn this valuable benefit, follow these steps:
- Apply for the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card. This card is the primary source for earning the Alaska Companion Fare, and it offers several other benefits as well. The annual fee for the card is reasonable, especially considering the value of the companion fare. Once approved, you will receive your credit card in the mail, and you can begin using it to start earning miles.
- Start making purchases with your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card. Every time you use your card for purchases, you will earn miles in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. The more you spend, the more miles you will accumulate, bringing you closer to earning your companion fare.
- Meet the spending requirements. To be eligible for the Alaska Companion Fare, you must meet specific spending thresholds within a set timeframe. For example, one offer may require you to spend $2,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Be sure to review the terms and conditions of your specific offer to understand the spending requirements and time limits. Keep track of your spending and ensure you meet the criteria to qualify for the companion fare.
- Receive your companion fare voucher. Once you have met the spending requirements and the necessary time has passed, you will be eligible to receive the Alaska Companion Fare voucher. The voucher will be automatically deposited into your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. You can access your voucher by logging into your account online or through the Alaska Airlines mobile app. The companion fare voucher is typically valid for one year from the date of issue.
Earning the Alaska Companion Fare is a fantastic way to save money on your future flights. By using the Bank of America Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card and meeting the spending requirements, you can enjoy the benefits of discounted companion fares and travel with a friend or loved one at a fraction of the cost.
Limitations and restrictions of the Alaska Companion Fare
The Alaska Companion Fare, although a valuable perk for Elite Mileage Plan members, does have some limitations and restrictions that travelers should be aware of.
Here are the main limitations and restrictions of the Alaska Companion Fare:
- Only available to Alaska Airlines credit cardholders: The Alaska Companion Fare can only be used by individuals who hold an Alaska Airlines credit card. This means that if you don’t have the credit card, you won’t be eligible to use the companion fare benefit.
- Subject to blackout dates: The Alaska Companion Fare is subject to blackout dates, which are specific dates on which the benefit cannot be used. These blackout dates typically coincide with peak travel periods, such as holidays or other busy travel periods.
- Only valid for economy class tickets: The companion fare can only be used for economy class tickets. This means that if you wish to upgrade to a higher class of service, such as premium economy or first class, the companion fare cannot be applied towards the cost of that upgrade.
- Restrictions on international travel: The Alaska Companion Fare is primarily designed for domestic travel within the United States and to select destinations in Mexico and Canada. It may not be applicable to international flights to other countries. Additionally, certain routes may be excluded from the companion fare benefit.
- Limited availability: The Alaska Companion Fare is subject to availability, and there may be a limited number of companion fare tickets available on each flight. This means that if you plan to use the companion fare benefit, it’s important to book your flights well in advance to secure the companion fare ticket.
- Not combinable with other discounts or promotions: The Alaska Companion Fare cannot be combined with any other discounts or promotions. This means that if you have another promotional offer or discount code, you won’t be able to use it in conjunction with the companion fare benefit.
While the limitations and restrictions of the Alaska Companion Fare may seem restrictive, it is important to remember that it still offers significant savings and benefits for eligible travelers. Understanding these limitations and planning accordingly can help ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience.
Booking process for the Alaska Companion Fare
Booking a flight using the Alaska Companion Fare is a straightforward process that can be done online, over the phone, or through the Alaska Airlines mobile app. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to book your companion fare:
- Visit the Alaska Airlines website or open the mobile app.
- Log in to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. If you don’t have an account, you can easily create one for free.
- Click on the “Book” tab or option, which will take you to the flight booking page.
- Enter your desired travel details, such as departure and arrival airports, travel dates, and the number of passengers (including yourself and your companion).
- Under the “Use Discount or Companion Fare Code” section, select the option to use your Alaska Companion Fare.
- Enter the 6-digit companion fare code that you received when earning or using your companion fare.
- Click on the “Find Flights” or similar button to search for available flights.
- Review the flight options and select the one that best suits your needs.
- Proceed to the payment page and complete the transaction by entering your payment details.
- Once the booking is confirmed, you will receive a confirmation email with the details of your reservation.
It’s important to note that the Alaska Companion Fare can only be used for round-trip or one-way flights operated by Alaska Airlines. Codeshare flights, where Alaska Airlines partners with other airlines, are not eligible for the companion fare.
Tips and tricks for maximizing the value of the Alaska Companion Fare
The Alaska Companion Fare is a valuable benefit offered to Alaska Airlines credit card holders, allowing them to bring a companion along on their flight for a discounted price. To make the most of this perk, consider the following tips and tricks:
1. Plan your travel well in advance
One of the key strategies for maximizing the value of the Alaska Companion Fare is to plan your travel well in advance. The Companion Fare can be used to book flights up to 330 days in advance, so take advantage of this early booking window to secure the best deals. By planning ahead, you can often find cheaper fares, allowing you to save even more with the Companion Fare.
2. Use the Companion Fare for expensive flights
The Companion Fare can be a great way to save on expensive flights. Since the fare allows you to bring a companion for just the cost of taxes and fees (typically $99, plus taxes and fees starting from $22), it can result in significant savings when used for pricey tickets. Consider using the Companion Fare for long-haul or peak season flights, where fares tend to be higher, to get the most value out of the benefit.
3. Look for fare sales and promotions
Another tip for maximizing the value of the Alaska Companion Fare is to keep an eye out for fare sales and promotions. Alaska Airlines regularly offers discounted fares and special promotions, which can be combined with the Companion Fare to save even more. Sign up for email alerts from the airline and follow them on social media to stay informed about any upcoming sales or promotions that you can take advantage of.
4. Consider upgrading to a premium class
If you’re considering upgrading to a premium class like First Class or Premium Class, using the Companion Fare can be a smart move. While the Companion Fare does not cover the cost of the upgrade itself, you can still save a significant amount on the second ticket by using the benefit. This allows you to enjoy the perks and added comfort of a premium class experience for a fraction of the cost.
5. Combine the Companion Fare with other travel rewards
To further maximize the value of the Alaska Companion Fare, consider combining it with other travel rewards. For example, if you have airline miles or credit card points that you can use to cover the cost of one ticket, you can then use the Companion Fare for the second ticket, effectively getting two tickets for the price of one. This can result in substantial savings and allow you to stretch your travel budget even further.
Comparing the Alaska Companion Fare to similar airline perks
The Alaska Companion Fare is a unique benefit offered by Alaska Airlines that allows cardholders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card to purchase one round-trip coach companion fare annually, starting at $99 plus taxes and fees. This companion fare can be used by the cardholder to bring a friend, family member, or anyone they choose on a flight with them for a significantly reduced price.
When comparing the Alaska Companion Fare to similar airline perks offered by other airlines, it stands out as one of the most valuable and flexible options. Let’s explore how it stacks up against some of its competitors:
Southwest Companion Pass
The Southwest Companion Pass is another popular airline perk that allows cardholders to bring a designated companion on all flights for just the cost of taxes and fees. However, the Southwest Companion Pass requires earning 125,000 qualifying points or taking 100 qualifying flights in a calendar year, which may not be feasible for everyone. In contrast, the Alaska Companion Fare is available to all Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit cardholders. It offers a more accessible option for those who may not be able to accumulate the required points or flights with Southwest.
American Airlines Companion Certificate
American Airlines offers a similar perk called the American Airlines Companion Certificate. With this certificate, cardholders can bring a companion on a round-trip domestic flight for $99 plus taxes and fees. However, there are some limitations. The American Airlines Companion Certificate is only valid for flights within the continental United States and does not include Hawaii, Alaska, or international flights. The Alaska Companion Fare, on the other hand, can be used for flights to Alaska, Hawaii, and even international destinations, making it a more versatile option.
Delta Companion Certificate
Delta Air Lines also offers a companion perk called the Delta Companion Certificate. This certificate allows cardholders to bring a companion on a round-trip domestic flight for a fee that varies based on the fare class of the ticket. While the Delta Companion Certificate offers some flexibility, it is important to note that it can only be used for domestic flights, excluding Hawaii. The Alaska Companion Fare, once again, provides more flexibility as it can be used for both domestic and international flights, including Alaska and Hawaii.
Overall, the Alaska Companion Fare stands out as a valuable benefit in the realm of airline perks. It offers flexibility, accessibility, and the ability to bring a companion on a wide range of flights. Whether you’re looking to explore Alaska, relax in Hawaii, or jet off to an international destination, the Alaska Companion Fare is a fantastic option.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Alaska Companion Fare
7. How long is the Alaska Companion Fare valid for?
The Alaska Companion Fare is typically valid for one year from the date it is issued. This means you have one year to book and complete your travel with the Companion Fare.
It’s important to note that the Companion Fare can only be used for flights booked within the travel window specified on the fare rules. For example, if the fare rules state that travel must be completed by December 31, 2022, then you must book and complete your travel by that date in order to use the Companion Fare.
Additionally, the expiration date of the Companion Fare cannot be extended or modified. Once it expires, it can no longer be used to book discounted travel.
To ensure you don’t miss out on using your Companion Fare, it’s recommended to keep track of the expiration date and plan your travel accordingly.
Alaska Companion Fare FAQs
What is Alaska Companion Fare?
Alaska Companion Fare is a benefit offered by Alaska Airlines to Mileage Plan members. It allows you to bring a companion along on your travel for a discounted fare.
How does Alaska Companion Fare work?
When you have an Alaska Airlines credit card and reach the spending threshold within the specified timeframe, you will receive an Alaska Companion Fare code. This code can be redeemed to book a companion ticket for a discounted fare when you purchase a qualifying paid fare.
Who is eligible for Alaska Companion Fare?
Alaska Companion Fare is available to Alaska Airlines credit card holders who meet the spending requirements outlined in the terms and conditions of the credit card.
What are the benefits of using Alaska Companion Fare?
Using Alaska Companion Fare allows you to bring a friend, family member, or loved one along on your flight for a discounted fare. It’s a great way to save money and enjoy a trip together.
Can I use Alaska Companion Fare on any Alaska Airlines flight?
Alaska Companion Fare can be used for travel on Alaska Airlines-operated flights within the United States, Alaska, and Canada. However, certain restrictions and blackout dates may apply, so it’s always best to check the terms and conditions.
How long is Alaska Companion Fare valid?
Alaska Companion Fare is typically valid for one year from the date of issuance. However, please note that the exact validity period may vary depending on the terms and conditions associated with your credit card.
Can I change or cancel a booking made using Alaska Companion Fare?
Yes, you can make changes or cancel a booking made using Alaska Companion Fare. However, it’s important to be aware that applicable fees and restrictions may apply, so it’s recommended to review the specific terms and conditions at the time of booking.
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We hope these FAQs have provided you with the information you were looking for regarding how Alaska Companion Fare works. If you have any further questions, feel free to reach out to Alaska Airlines for assistance. Happy travels and visit us again for more helpful content in the future!