If you're looking to save money on travel, the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is one of the best deals in the sky. Whether you're
flying for a family vacation, a romantic getaway, or a business trip with a partner, understanding how to use Companion Fare Alaska can unlock huge savings. In this comprehensive
guide, we'll break down how the Alaska Companion Fare works , who qualifies, and how to book a flight using this incredible benefit.
What Is the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare?
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a discounted ticket benefit offered to holders of select Alaska Airlines credit cards, such
as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card . This perk allows a companion to fly with you on the same reservation for just $99 plus taxes
and fees , which usually adds up to about $120 in total—no matter where you're flying within the US, including Alaska and Hawaii.
How Does Alaska Companion Fare Work?
The concept is simple but powerful. Here's how the Alaska Companion Fare works:
-
You book one round-trip coach ticket on Alaska Airlines.
-
You use your annual Companion Fare code to add a second traveler for only $99 plus taxes and fees.
-
Both tickets must be booked under the same itinerary and paid for with your Alaska credit card.
-
You and your companion must travel together on all legs of the trip.
Once applied correctly, the Companion Fare can effectively cut your travel costs in half.
Who Is Eligible for the Alaska Companion Fare?
To get access to the Companion Fare benefit, you need to be a cardholder of:
New cardholders usually receive a Companion Fare within the first 2 billing cycles after meeting the minimum spending requirement. After
that, you'll receive a new Companion Fare code every year on your account anniversary.
How to Use Companion Fare Alaska: Step-by-Step
Let's dive into the step-by-step process of how to use Companion Fare Alaska:
Step 1: Log In to Your Alaska Airlines Account
Go to alaskaair.com and log into your Mileage Plan account. This is where your Companion Fare code will be stored.
Step 2: Access Your Discount Code
Once logged in:
-
Click on “My Account”
-
Navigate to “Discount and Companion Fare Codes”
-
You'll see your available Companion Fare code listed, along with the expiration date
Make sure to use the code before it expires—typically 12 months from the date it's issued.
Step 3: Search for Flights Using the Code
Click on the "Shop" button next to the Companion Fare code to begin booking. This ensures that the discount is automatically applied during
the booking process.
Alternatively, you can enter the code manually during checkout, but using the “Shop” button is foolproof.
Step 4: Choose Your Flights
Pick your round-trip flights. Remember:
-
Both passengers must fly the exact same itinerary
-
Flights must be operated by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air (not partner airlines)
-
The fare class must be eligible (most standard coach fares are)
Once selected, you'll see the pricing update to reflect the Companion Fare.
Step 5: Pay with Your Alaska Airlines Credit Card
To finalize the booking and apply the Companion Fare, you must pay using your eligible Alaska Airlines Visa card .
Once complete, you'll receive two tickets—one full-price and one discounted to just $99 + taxes.
Tips for Maximizing Companion Fare Alaska Airlines
Using the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is already a great deal, but here are some tips to stretch your savings even
further:
1. Book Expensive Routes
The more expensive the base fare, the more value you'll get. Popular long-haul routes like New York to Hawaii or Seattle to Orlando can make your Companion Fare worth $400+
in savings.
2. Fly During Peak Seasons
Prices tend to spike during holidays and summer travel. Using your Companion Fare during these times can maximize your
return.
3. Combine with Sales
You can use your Companion Fare even when Alaska Airlines is having a fare sale. Just make sure your fare type is
eligible.
4. Upgrade Later
You can book in coach using the Companion Fare and then later bid for an upgrade or use miles to move up to first class. Only the original
fare must qualify—the upgrade does not disqualify the Companion Fare.
Can You Use Miles with the Companion Fare?
Well, unfortunately you cannot combine miles and the Companion Fare . The primary ticket must be purchased with cash and charged to your Alaska
Airlines Visa card.
What If You Need to Cancel or Change?
The Companion Fare is flexible! If you need to cancel your trip:
-
Both tickets must be canceled together
-
The Companion Fare code will not be returned , but the unused funds can be applied as travel credit (subject to Alaska's cancellation
policy)
If you only need to change dates or times, both travelers must still remain on the same itinerary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the companion earn miles?
Yes! Both travelers earn Mileage Plan miles as long as they have their frequent flyer numbers attached to the reservation.
Can the companion be anyone?
Yes, the companion can be a friend, spouse, sibling, or anyone else you choose.
Can I use the Companion Fare for one-way trips?
Well, the benefit only applies to round-trip coach fares .
How often can I use the Companion Fare?
You get one Companion Fare per year with your Alaska Airlines credit card. Use it wisely!
Final Thoughts
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is one of the best travel perks available to everyday flyers. Whether you're new to the program
or a seasoned traveler, knowing how to use Companion Fare Alaska correctly can lead to hundreds of dollars in savings every year.
From understanding how the Alaska Companion Fare works to booking flights with ease, this guide gives you everything you need to make the most of
your travel budget. Don't let that Companion Fare go to waste—book your next trip today and bring someone along for less!