The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare proves why travelers keep it. It gives travelers a reason to stay loyal. You pay $99 and cover the taxes and fees. A friend travels with you. Passengers who know how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare often spend less. It turns loyalty into real value. For frequent flyers, it feels like a quiet advantage hidden in plain sight. Once earned, it can turn one ticket into a shared trip.
Here is how to use the benefit wisely and keep earning miles long after the trip ends.
Step 1 – Log In and Locate Your Discount Code
A Companion Fare code is automatically added to their profile under “Discount and companion fare codes.” Log in at alaskaair.com, click “My Account,” then go to the “Discount codes” tab.
You will see a certificate number (typically starting with “EC”). Click “Shop Now” next to the code. When you search flights for two, the system shows one ticket at full fare and one at the $99 base plus taxes.
The base companion fare is quoted as $99, but you will pay additional taxes and fees (often around $22 or more).
Because the national average domestic ticket price is about $366 in Q3 2024, this benefit can represent a substantial discount relative to one full-price ticket (The Motley Fool).
“I always suggest logging in directly through Alaska’s site,” said Rachel Keller, a Seattle-based travel analyst. “It ensures the code works smoothly and avoids missing out on easy savings.”
Related – Which Credit Card Can Transfer Points to Alaska Airlines? Fly Further for Less
Step 2 – Choose Eligible Flights
Only flights operated by Alaska Airlines (and certain Hawaiian domestic flights in the expanded network) qualify. Codeshare itineraries with partner carriers do not count. Fare classes must be published, not deeply discounted “Saver” fares (which often earn fewer miles).
Alaska’s average domestic ticket fare in 2024 was about $465 for its flights (OAG). When fares hit $600 or more, savings grow fast. The Companion Fare cuts the total sharply.
For instance, the companion seat costs about $121 total. That small amount often leads to savings of $400 or higher.
Step 3 – Enter Traveler Information
The cardholder who owns the certificate must be the primary traveler or must at least be the cardholder who pays. You can therefore bring along a friend, partner, or colleague. However, both tickets must remain on the same flight and cabin.
Once one ticket changes, the companion’s booking is automatically updated. This rule means you should coordinate schedules carefully.
Also, the code must be used on a booking of two tickets at once rather than separate bookings.
Step 4 – Complete the Purchase and Earn Miles
Both passengers earn miles on every ticket purchased. The miles come from the distance flown and the fare class. A flight covering 2,500 miles each way gives full credit to both travelers. On a round trip, that adds up fast. Main Cabin fares earn full mileage for each passenger.
Per Alaska’s earning chart, you earn at least 1 mile per mile flown on Main Cabin fares.
By combining the companion fare with a credit card that earns 3 miles per dollar on Alaska purchases (such as the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent card), you layer savings and miles.
Step 5 – Track and Use Your Miles
After the trip, typically, miles are generally posted within 3–5 days. Then, they can be used for flights on Alaska and its global partner airlines, which offer real flexibility.
Each mile is valued at approximately 1.2 cents according to valuation studies. Therefore, 10,000 miles can yield about $120 in value. When redeemed wisely, those miles can stretch even further.
“I always remind travelers to check their Mileage Plan account a few days after every trip,” said Evan Morales, a travel rewards consultant based in Los Angeles. “Those miles add up faster than people realize, especially when you’re earning on both tickets.”
Step 6 – Book Early for the Best Value
Seats for Companion Fare bookings are limited. Therefore, booking early gives you better flight times and prices.
Data shows that on Alaska-operated flights, fare discounts of more than 22% can appear when booking one week in advance (Travel and Tour World).
Combine this with your companion fare, and you effectively lock in strong value if you plan ahead.
“Booking early is the simplest way to boost this perk,” said Lena Hart, a travel analyst based in Seattle. “It gives travelers the best mix of price, schedule, and savings when they know how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare.”
Also read – What is the Best Time To Book Flights in Advance? Truth Behind the Perfect Timing!
Step 7 – Watch for Sales
You can stack your Companion Fare benefit with Alaska’s regular fare sales. As a result, since the companion pays only the discounted fare plus taxes, you amplify the savings.
The average domestic fare in Q3 2024 was $366, showing that travelers already pay significant amounts for flights. Meanwhile, many Alaska routes average about $465 per ticket, making it even more valuable for those who know how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare effectively.
However, getting a sale-price fare plus a $99 companion ticket changes the math. As a result, two passengers can often fly for under $500 total (The Motley Fool).
“Timing your Companion Fare with a seasonal sale is one of the smartest moves,” said Derek Lane, a travel pricing analyst. “It doubles the impact of your savings when you know how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare at the right moment.”
Step 8 – Use It on Longer Routes
Get better returns by using the Companion Fare on cross-country routes. On the other hand, short hops offer smaller rewards. Thus, long-distance travel delivers higher value.
Consider a trip priced at $800 per person. Ordinarily, that’s $1,600 for two. But when you use the Companion Fare, your total comes to about $921. In turn, your total comes to around $921. As a result, you save about $679 on a single trip.
Moreover, longer routes earn more miles, boosting your future rewards. As a result, choosing higher-value destinations grows both your savings and your Mileage Plan balance.
Recommended read – Best Airline Rewards Program for International Travel Privileges
Step 9 – Know the Expiration Rules
The companion certificate is valid for booking by a cut-off date (usually one year from issuance), although actual travel may occur later.
UpgradedPoints states the companion fare code is valid from $99 base plus taxes, “from $22”, meaning you’ll actually spend around $121 minimum. Be sure to book before the expiry, even if travel happens afterwards.
Additionally, unused certificates expire automatically once the deadline passes. So, always book before the expiry date, even if your flight is scheduled for later. This small step keeps your savings intact and avoids losing valuable travel credit.
Step 10 – Review and Reuse Each Year
This benefit renews each year for qualifying cardholders. However, renewal applies only after meeting the required spending amount. Therefore, staying consistent with card usage ensures continued eligibility.
The annual fee for the Atmos Ascent card is $95. For higher-tier versions, it can reach $395. However, the Companion Fare benefit often outweighs the fee.
As a result, travelers recover the cost many times over through consistent value and savings. Consistent users who apply this benefit yearly build long-term travel value.
“Frequent flyers who plan ahead easily earn back the card’s cost,” said Nina Flores, a loyalty program strategist. “They turn one annual fee into hundreds in flight savings through how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare wisely.”
Portland to Honolulu Trip Example
Anna and Mark eventually used their code for a Portland-to-Honolulu flight in June. The listed round-trip fare was $658. After the Companion Fare was applied, two passengers paid a total of $781 with taxes. This resulted in a savings of nearly $535.
Each earned 5,206 base miles and 520 bonus miles for the credit-card spend. Together, those miles covered a future one-way trip from Seattle to San Diego, free, except for taxes.
“It felt like the card finally paid for itself,” Anna said afterwards.
Why the Companion Fare Still Stands Out
The travel market has seen many loyalty programs cut their perks. However, Alaska’s Companion Fare remains generous. Most airlines do not let both passengers earn full mileage credit on a discounted second ticket.
In addition, Alaska Airlines operates outside major global alliances. Therefore, Mileage Plan members can redeem miles with many premium partners. Those who master how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare find that flexibility adds real, lasting worth to their miles.
Alaska air data shows Alaska Airlines runs 1,200 daily flights to 140 destinations. Routes like Seattle–Los Angeles often give the best Companion Fare value.
Bottom Line
Knowing how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare takes planning. It needs awareness of timing and value. Early bookings and wise route choices make a big difference. Using the right credit card adds more miles to your account. Each trip can turn one ticket into two, saving hundreds along the way. Each redemption strengthens loyalty and builds value for frequent flyers. For most, it remains a trusted perk in modern travel.
Turn Loyalty Into Real Travel Rewards
Relo.AI helps travelers understand how to redeem Alaska Airlines Companion Fare with clarity.
We review your travel goals, mileage opportunities, and spending patterns to help you earn more from every flight.
If your travel involves relocation, we can also turn your miles and savings into meaningful moving benefits.
Schedule a FREE consultation for tailored guidance on travel rewards and relocation planning.
