When it comes to travel perks, few benefits are as highly regarded as the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare. Available exclusively to holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, this offer allows you to travel with a companion for a deeply discounted rate, saving you hundreds of dollars on your flights. If you’re looking to maximize your travel budget, learning how to use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare can make a significant difference. In this detailed guide, we will break down everything you need to know about the Companion Fare Alaska Airlines, including eligibility, how to redeem it, and how it works.
What is the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare?
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a special benefit available to holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. When you book a round-trip flight for yourself, you can add a second passenger to the itinerary for a deeply discounted fare. The cost for the companion ticket is typically $122 (which includes taxes and fees), with the base fare being only $99. This makes it an incredibly valuable tool for saving money when traveling with family, friends, or even business partners.
This benefit can be used once a year, giving you the opportunity to travel with a companion at a fraction of the usual cost. It applies to both domestic and international flights, but there are a few conditions that you’ll need to be aware of when booking your flights.
How Does Alaska Companion Fare Work?
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare works by offering a discounted second ticket for a companion when the primary passenger books a round-trip flight using their Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. Here’s how it works:
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Eligibility: To qualify for the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, you must be the primary cardholder of an eligible Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card. This offer is exclusive to cardholders and is available once per year.
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Booking Process: Once you have your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card and are logged into your Mileage Plan account, you can search for available flights on the Alaska Airlines website. After selecting your flight, you’ll enter the companion code provided through your credit card benefits, which will allow you to add the second ticket at a discounted rate.
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Companion Fare Pricing: The second ticket will cost just $122, which includes taxes and fees. The base fare for the companion’s ticket is typically $99, making this an incredible savings opportunity compared to standard flight pricing.
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Same Itinerary Requirement: One important stipulation is that both passengers must travel together on the same flight and itinerary. The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare can only be applied when the primary passenger and the companion are flying on the same dates and flights.
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Expiration: The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is valid for one year from the time it is issued. Be sure to check the expiration date when you receive your fare code, as you must use it before it expires.
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Limits on Use: You can only redeem the Companion Fare Alaska Airlines benefit once per year, so it’s important to plan carefully. If you don’t use it one year, you can earn a new Companion Fare the next year.
How to Redeem the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare
Redeeming the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow these steps to ensure you get the most out of the offer.
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Log Into Your Mileage Plan Account: To start the process, log into your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. You must be the cardholder of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card to redeem the fare.
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Search for Flights: Once logged in, search for available flights on the Alaska Airlines website. Be sure to check availability and compare options to find the best flights for your travel dates.
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Apply the Companion Fare Code: After selecting your flights, you’ll be prompted to enter the Companion Fare code. This code will apply a discount to the companion’s ticket, reducing the price to $122 (inclusive of taxes and fees).
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Confirm Both Passengers Travel Together: Remember, both the primary passenger and the companion must travel together on the same flight and on the same dates. If the dates or flights are different, you won’t be able to use the Companion Fare.
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Review the Final Price: After applying the Companion Fare code, review the final price for both tickets. Once everything looks good, proceed with booking your tickets and paying for the flights.
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Check for Restrictions: Make sure to double-check the terms of your booking, especially for blackout dates or travel restrictions, which may apply depending on the time of year.
Can You Use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare for International Flights?
Yes, you can use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare for international flights. However, the companion fare is only valid for flights operated by Alaska Airlines itself, and not for flights operated by its partner airlines. Eligible international destinations include locations such as Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico. Before booking international flights, be sure to check that your desired route is operated by Alaska Airlines, as some destinations may only be served by partner airlines, in which case the Companion Fare will not apply.
Restrictions and Important Details to Keep in Mind
While the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a valuable tool for saving on travel, there are several restrictions and conditions that you should be aware of:
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Blackout Dates: While there aren’t many blackout dates, it’s important to be mindful of high-demand travel periods such as holidays, summer, and certain peak seasons. You may encounter limited availability during these times.
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Booking Window: The Companion Fare must be redeemed for a round-trip flight, and both passengers must travel on the same flight. It is also subject to availability, so it’s recommended to book early to secure your desired dates.
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Non-transferable: The Companion Fare Alaska Airlines is non-transferable, meaning it cannot be sold or shared with others. It can only be used by the eligible credit cardholder and their companion.
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Only for Economy Tickets: The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare can only be used for economy class tickets. It cannot be applied to business or first-class bookings.
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Frequent Flyer Miles: You can still earn miles and other benefits on the flights where you use the Companion Fare. The companion ticket does not prevent you from accruing miles for your trip.
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One Companion Fare per Year: You can use the Companion Fare Alaska Airlines benefit once per year, so be sure to plan ahead and choose your travel wisely.
Tips for Maximizing the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare
To make the most out of the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, consider these helpful tips:
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Use for Special Occasions: Whether it’s a vacation, a celebration, or just a weekend getaway, the Companion Fare is perfect for traveling with a loved one or friend.
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Plan Ahead: Since the fare is subject to availability and can only be used once per year, plan your travel early to ensure you can secure the discounted ticket.
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Check for Promotions: Alaska Airlines occasionally runs special promotions, which may include discounts or additional perks when using the Companion Fare. Be on the lookout for these deals when booking your flights.
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Stay Flexible: If your first-choice dates aren’t available for the Companion Fare, be flexible and try other travel dates or routes to get the most value.
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Consider Using Miles: If you have Alaska Airlines miles, you can combine them with the Companion Fare for an even better value, allowing you to save even more on your overall ticket costs.
Conclusion
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is an excellent perk for cardholders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, offering a chance to save on travel and bring along a friend or family member for a fraction of the cost. By understanding how to use the Companion Fare Alaska Airlines, the redemption process, and any restrictions, you can take full advantage of this incredible offer. Whether you’re planning a domestic trip or an international adventure, the Companion Fare is a great way to reduce travel costs and make your vacation or trip even more memorable.
