Can You Use Miles and Companion Fare Alaska? A Guide to Maximizing Your Benefits
Alaska Airlines is a popular airline that offers several rewards programs to its customers. One of the most notable rewards programs is the Companion Fare, which allows cardholders to bring a companion on a round-trip flight for a discounted rate. But can you use miles and the Companion Fare together to save even more money on your flights?
The answer is no, unfortunately. Miles cannot be used as a form of payment when using the Companion Fare. However, you can still earn miles for both travelers when using the Companion Fare. It’s important to note that the Companion Fare discount code is not valid with award travel, and cannot be combined with other discounts.
If you’re looking to save even more money on your Alaska Airlines flights, you may want to consider applying for the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus of 70,000 bonus miles and a Companion Fare after spending a certain amount within the first few months of opening the account. While you can’t use miles and the Companion Fare together, these rewards programs can still help you save money on your travels.
Understanding the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a loyalty program that allows members to earn miles for flights with Alaska Airlines and its partners. Members can use these miles to book award flights, upgrade to premium cabins, and more. Here are some key things to know about the Mileage Plan:
Mileage Plan Account and Earning Miles
To start earning miles, members must first create a Mileage Plan account. This can be done online or by calling Alaska Airlines customer service. Once the account is created, members can earn miles by flying with Alaska Airlines or its partners, using the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card, or shopping with Mileage Plan partners.
Mileage Plan Tiers and Benefits
The Mileage Plan has three tiers: MVP, MVP Gold, and MVP Gold 75K. Each tier comes with its own set of benefits, such as priority boarding, free checked bags, and bonus miles. To qualify for MVP status, members must earn 20,000 qualifying miles or fly 30 qualifying segments in a calendar year. To reach MVP Gold status, members must earn 40,000 qualifying miles or fly 60 qualifying segments. Finally, to reach MVP Gold 75K status, members must earn 75,000 qualifying miles or fly 90 qualifying segments.
Expiration Date and Mileage Management
Mileage Plan miles do not expire as long as there is qualifying activity on the account at least once every two years. Qualifying activity includes earning or redeeming miles, or using the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. Members can also purchase or gift miles to keep their accounts active.
Elite upgrades are available for MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members, allowing them to upgrade to premium cabins on Alaska Airlines flights. Qualifying miles are used to determine elite status and are earned based on the distance flown, fare class, and airline partner. Members can track their mileage balances and elite status progress online or through the Alaska Airlines mobile app.
Overall, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a valuable program for frequent flyers who want to earn and redeem miles for flights and other rewards. By understanding the program’s tiers, benefits, and mileage management policies, members can maximize their earning potential and enjoy a more comfortable travel experience.
Maximizing the Value of Companion Fare and Miles
When it comes to maximizing the value of Alaska Airlines’ Companion Fare and miles, there are several strategies that can help travelers get the most out of their rewards. Earning and redeeming Companion Fare, using miles effectively, and taking advantage of credit card rewards and benefits are all key ways to make the most of these valuable rewards.
Earning and Redeeming Companion Fare
The Companion Fare is a valuable benefit that comes with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card. Cardholders can use their Companion Fare to purchase a discounted fare for a friend or family member when they purchase a round-trip coach airfare on Alaska Airlines. The discounted fare is currently $99 plus taxes and fees from $23, and can be used on most Alaska Airlines and Virgin America itineraries.
To maximize the Companion Fare, travelers should be sure to book their flights early, as availability can be limited during peak travel times. They should also be aware of blackout dates and restrictions that may apply, and plan accordingly.
Strategies for Using Miles Effectively
Using miles effectively is another key strategy for maximizing the value of Alaska Airlines rewards. One effective strategy is to use miles for upgrades to first class or premium economy on Alaska Airlines flights. Another is to use miles for award travel on partner airlines such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and British Airways.
To get the most out of their miles, travelers should also be sure to take advantage of discounts and companion fare codes when booking flights. They should also be aware of any restrictions or blackout dates that may apply, and plan accordingly.
Credit Card Rewards and Benefits
Finally, taking advantage of credit card rewards and benefits can help travelers maximize the value of their Alaska Airlines rewards. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card, for example, offers a range of benefits including free checked bags, sign-up bonuses, and triple miles on everyday purchases.
To make the most of these benefits, travelers should be sure to use their Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card for all of their everyday purchases, and take advantage of any additional benefits or rewards that may be available to them. They should also be sure to keep their Mileage Plan™ account active by maintaining active charging privileges and using their rewards regularly.
Overall, by following these strategies and taking advantage of the many benefits and rewards offered by Alaska Airlines, travelers can maximize the value of their Companion Fare and miles, and enjoy a more rewarding travel experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the rules for using Alaska Airlines companion fare?
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a valuable perk offered by the airline to its credit cardholders. To use the companion fare, you must book a round-trip coach airfare on Alaska Airlines and travel with another guest on the same itinerary. The fare is available for purchase from $122 (USD) and includes the base fare plus applicable taxes and fees from $23, depending on your flight itinerary.
How do you redeem an Alaska companion fare?
To redeem an Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, you must first log in to your Alaska Airlines account and click on the “Discount and companion fare codes” link. You will then be prompted to enter your companion fare code, which can be found in your account summary or on your credit card statement. Once you have entered the code, you can search for eligible flights and select the “Companion Fare” option at checkout.
Is the Alaska companion fare applicable for international flights?
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare can be used for both domestic and international flights, but there are some restrictions. The fare is not valid for travel to Cuba, Mexico, or Prudhoe Bay, and it cannot be used for first-class or award travel. Additionally, the companion fare is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply.
Can you use a companion fare for first-class travel on Alaska Airlines?
No, the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is only valid for coach airfare and cannot be used for first-class travel. If you wish to upgrade to first-class, you will need to purchase a separate ticket at the regular fare.
Is it possible to combine miles and cash when booking with Alaska Airlines?
Yes, Alaska Airlines allows you to use a combination of miles and cash to pay for your ticket. This option is available at checkout and allows you to use your miles to cover part of the fare and pay the remaining balance with cash or a credit card.
Are Alaska companion fares valid for one-way trips?
No, the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is only valid for round-trip coach airfare. If you only need a one-way ticket, you will need to purchase a separate ticket at the regular fare.
