The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare, also called the Atmos Companion Fare, is one of the most valuable ways families can save on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flights. This benefit lets you book a second ticket for a fraction of the price, but the rules, pricing, and redemption terms can feel confusing.
This guide breaks down exactly how the Alaska Companion Fare works, how to earn it, how much you actually pay, and when it’s worth using.
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What is the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is a discount code issued to eligible Atmos Rewards cardholders. This benefit allows you to book one paid fare and add a second passenger for $99 plus taxes and fees starting at $23, making it one of the most valuable perks for couples and families.
You can earn the Alaska Companion Fare in two ways: as a credit card welcome bonus and as an annual credit card holder benefit.
How to earn the Atmos Rewards Companion Fare as a welcome bonus
New cardholders can earn the Alaska Companion Fare when they open an eligible card and meet the spend requirement:
- Atmos Rewards Visa Credit Card (USA)
Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening. - Atmos Rewards Visa® Business Card (USA)
Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.
How to earn the Atmos Rewards Companion Fare as an annual benefit
After the first year, cardholders can continue receiving a Companion Fare every year by meeting the required yearly spend. Currently, this threshold is $6,000 in purchases on your Atmos Rewards card. This used to be an automatic annual perk with no spending requirement, but Alaska/Atmos later introduced the minimum spend as part of the program changes.
Once met, a new Companion Fare code is automatically deposited into your Alaska Airlines account. You’ll find it under: My Account → Wallet → Discount & Companion Fare Codes.
From there, the code is ready to apply to any eligible Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines cash fare, helping you save hundreds of dollars on flights.
If both parents hold an eligible Alaska Airlines credit card, the Companion Fare becomes even more powerful for families.
Since each cardholder receives their own annual Companion Fare, you can pair the two codes to book travel for a family of four, one paid fare plus a $99 companion ticket on each reservation. It does require making two separate bookings, but you can select the same flights so everyone travels together.
Where to find your Alaska Airlines Companion Fare code
You can find your Alaska Airlines Companion Fare code directly in your Alaska account. In the app, open your profile, go to your Wallet, and scroll to the section labeled “Discount & Companion Fare Codes,” where all active codes are stored.
On desktop, log in to your Alaska account, open the “My Account” menu, and select “Discount & Companion Fares” to view the same list. If your Companion Fare was issued through Atmos Rewards, it will automatically appear in your Wallet without needing to search your email or manually enter a code.
How to apply the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare
When you’re ready to use your Alaska Airlines Companion Fare as a one-time use discount code, the process is straightforward if you follow these steps:
- Start your flight search on the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app.
- Look for the field labeled “Discount or companion fare code.”
- Enter your unique Companion Fare code before selecting your travel dates.
- Search for flights, and eligible itineraries will automatically display the Companion Fare pricing for two passengers on one reservation.
- Review fare details and click the blue “?” icon to see the exact terms, expiration date, and rules attached to your specific code.
- Continue to checkout and complete the purchase—the code is one-time use, and once redeemed, it’s tied to that booking.
- If the discount doesn’t show up, it usually means the itinerary includes a segment not operated by Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines, which makes it ineligible for the Companion Fare.
Both tickets, the main fare and the Companion Fare, must be paid with your eligible Atmos Rewards Visa card at checkout. The code can only be applied to a brand-new reservation made directly on AlaskaAir.com, and it’s restricted to Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights within North America.
Because this is strictly a two-person benefit, both travelers must be booked on the same itinerary, traveling together, and ticketed at the same time. The Companion Fare cannot be added to an existing reservation.
How much do you pay for the Alaska Companion Fare
Here is how much your second ticket would cost when applying the Alaska Companion Fare:
- Traveler 1: full published cash fare
- Traveler 2: a reduced base fare of $99 + taxes + carrier fees. Those taxes average $25–$60 per person, depending on the route.
Example: Seattle → Maui (roundtrip, summer):
- Primary fare: $620
- Companion fare base: $99
- Taxes + fees: $52
- Total for 2 passengers: $620 + $151 = $771
- Cost per traveler: $385
- Savings vs paying two normal fares: $469 saved
Example: Los Angeles → Puerto Vallarta (spring break):
- Primary fare: $520
- Companion fare base: $99
- Taxes: $66
- Total for 2 passengers: ~$685
- Two regular fares: $1,040
- Savings: ~$355
Example: Short-haul Portland → San Francisco:
- Primary fare: $160
- Companion base: $99
- Taxes: $21
- Total: $280
- Two paid fares: $320
- Savings: $40 (not a good use)
Atmos Rewords Companion Fare delivers its highest value on expensive routes: Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, or peak-season mainland trips.
Can you use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare on Cash or Points?
This is another major point of confusion. You can only use the Companion Fare on cash fares. It cannot be applied to:
- award tickets booked with Mileage Plan miles
- partner-operated itineraries
- upgraded award flights
But you can use any of the following to pay for the cash fare:
- credit card
- Alaska wallet credit
- split forms of payment
As long as the reservation begins as a cash fare, the Companion Fare can be added.
Where can you fly with Alaska Airlines Companion Pass
Does the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare work to Hawaii? Absolutely. It is valid on most Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines operated routes, including:
- Mainland U.S.
- Hawaii (all islands Alaska serves)
- Alaska
- Canada
- Mexico
- Costa Rica
This is why Hawaii itineraries are among the most popular uses of this benefit: fares to the islands are often $500–$800+, making the Companion Fare one of the best discounts available.
How long the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is valid
Your Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is valid for one year from the date it is issued.
Important notes:
- You must book your flight by the expiration date
- Travel can often occur after the expiration date (depending on your specific code’s terms)
- If you cancel or change the reservation, the code cannot be reused
- Once the expiration date passes, the code is forfeited permanently
Bottom Line
The Alaska Airlines Companion Fare is one of the most valuable recurring perks in any airline credit card ecosystem. When used strategically, especially on Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica, or peak-season mainland flights, it can easily save $500 to $800 per trip, far outweighing the required annual spend.
It’s not designed for short-haul or low-fare routes, but for families planning major trips or couples who fly Alaska Airlines regularly. The Companion Fare can become a yearly money-saver that’s simple to use, straightforward to find, and worth timing a trip around.
