Alaska Airlines Annual $99 Companion Fare: How to Maximize One of the Best Credit Card Perks

What is the $99 Alaska Companion Fare?

If you have the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card or Atmos™ Rewards Visa® Business card, you get access to one of the most valuable, but surprisingly underused, credit card perks: the annual $99 Companion Fare.

Once a year, after meeting the spend requirement, you’ll get a code that lets you book a second ticket for $99 plus taxes and fees starting at $23, on the same itinerary as a paid coach ticket. That comes out to a minimum of $122 for the companion ticket, even if the main ticket is $600, $800, or more.

You’ll need to book through AlaskaAir.com using your eligible Atmos card, and both passengers need to fly together. However, the terms are straightforward: there are no blackout dates, no unusual exclusions, and yes, you can even upgrade.

All information about the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card has been collected independently by AskSebby.com.

Why This Perk Matters

The $99 Companion Fare is unique because it offers cash savings, especially on routes with high fares. Unlike points or award space, there’s no need to chase availability or worry about blackout dates.

Used strategically, this benefit can cover the card’s annual fee several times over.

Let’s say you’re booking a round-trip from San Francisco to Maui that normally costs $750. With the Companion Fare, your second ticket is just $122 (starting from $99 base fare + $23 in taxes and fees, depending on the route), making the total about $872 for two people. That’s a savings of nearly $630.

Who Qualifies for the Companion Fare?

To receive the annual Companion Fare, you need to:

• Be the primary cardholder of the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa or Atmos Rewards Visa Business card
• Have your account open and in good standing
• Spend $6,000 or more on purchases in your card anniversary year
   

There’s no need to activate anything. If you meet the spend threshold, Alaska Airlines will automatically deposit the code into your account within two billing cycles after your anniversary date.
 

This isn’t a limited-time bonus; it’s an annual recurring benefit as long as you keep the card and meet the spend requirement each year.

Where to Find Your Companion Fare Code

Here’s how to find it:

1. Go to AlaskaAir.com and log in
2. Head to your account dashboard
3. Click on “Discount and Companion Fare codes”
4. Look for an active code. If it’s there, click “Shop” to start booking.
    

You can also copy and paste the code into the flight search box under “Discount or companion fare code” if you’re starting from scratch.

How to Use It (Step-by-Step)

1. Make sure you’re booking a flight for two passengers, on the same itinerary
2. Enter or auto-load your Companion Fare code at AlaskaAir.com
3. Select a saver or main cabin cash fare
4. Both tickets must be purchased using your eligible Atmos Rewards Visa
5. The Companion Fare will be reflected at checkout (you’ll see the second ticket priced at $99 + taxes/fees from $23)
6. Complete the booking. The code is only used once you click “Purchase.”
    

Points cannot be used to pay for the ticket, but both travelers will earn miles or Atmos Rewards points on the flight.

Key Rules and Fine Print

FAQ

Can You Upgrade a Companion Fare?

Yes, when available, you can upgrade using:

• Elite+ companion upgrades
• Guest upgrades
• Paid upgrades at check-in
   

Important note: Both travelers must upgrade together to the same cabin at the same time. You can’t mix upgrade types (e.g., one person uses miles, the other uses a guest certificate). If there’s only one upgrade seat left, you’ll have to stay in economy.

Can Someone Else Use My Code?

Yes, but only if:

• You are paying for the reservation with your Atmos Rewards Visa, or
• You are one of the travelers

In other words, you can’t gift the Companion Fare to two other people unless you’re the one buying the ticket and using your eligible card. The name on the credit card must match the Atmos Rewards account.

Does the Companion Ticket Earn Points?

Yes. Both travelers earn points as long as you input their rewards numbers during booking or check-in. You’re booking a paid published fare, so you’ll earn just like any other cash ticket.

Real-World Examples

Pro Tips

• Use it for long-haul or expensive routes. The more expensive the base fare, the more you save.
• Check upgrade availability early. If you’re elite or hold certificates, Companion Fares are eligible; check that both seats can be upgraded.
• Set a reminder near your anniversary date. The code expires in 12 months. Don’t forget to use it.
• You can fly later. You only need to book by the expiration date. Travel can occur after, as long as it's within 12 months of ticketing.

Final Thoughts

The Alaska Companion Fare is one of the rare travel perks that still delivers outsized value. It's simple, flexible, and doesn't require jumping through hoops to redeem.

If you're flying with a partner, friend, or family member at least once a year, this perk alone can justify keeping the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa or Business card in your wallet.

When fares spike (like during the holidays or to Hawaii), the Companion Fare can easily save $400–$600.

If you already have the card, check your Alaska account for a Companion Fare code. If you don't, and you often fly on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines with a companion, it's worth considering.