Unlock Big Savings on Flights with Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Companion Fare
Traveling can often be expensive, especially when it comes to flights. However, savvy travelers can save significantly by utilizing companion certificate benefits offered by select airline credit cards. One of the best ways to maximize your travel budget is through the companion fare options available with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines via the Atmos Rewards credit cards.
The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card and the Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card both provide excellent companion fare benefits that can lead to substantial savings when booking flights. Here’s everything you need to know about these perks and how to make the most of them.
What is a Companion Fare?
A companion fare allows you to bring a friend or family member along for a fixed price—often just a small fee—when you purchase a qualifying ticket. This is an excellent way to share travel experiences without breaking the bank. With the Atmos Rewards cards, you can enjoy this benefit on flights operated by both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines within North America.
Welcome Offers and Annual Benefits
Currently, both the personal and business versions of the Atmos Rewards cards come with enticing welcome offers that include a companion fare. After you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first year, you will also unlock a companion fare each year thereafter.
It’s important to note that these cards were previously known as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card. The companion fare benefits have now expanded to include flights booked with Hawaiian Airlines, thanks to the integration of these airlines under the Atmos Rewards program.
How to Access Your Companion Fare
Once you sign up for an Atmos Rewards card and meet the spending requirement, your companion fare will be credited to your account within the first two billing cycles. For subsequent years, you will receive your companion fare code within two billing cycles after your anniversary date.
To find your companion fare code, simply log into your Atmos account and navigate to the discount and companion fare codes section. The code will be a combination of letters and numbers that you can easily apply when booking your flights.
Booking Your Flight
When you’re ready to book, make sure to select only two passengers when searching for flights; if you attempt to book for more, you will encounter an error. Eligible flights will be marked with a green icon on the results page, indicating that you can use your companion fare.
For example, if you’re booking a round-trip flight from Orlando (MCO) to Seattle (SEA), your base fare might be $1,233.20 for two passengers. However, with the companion fare applied, your total could drop to just $753.63, resulting in a savings of $479.57—more than five times the $95 annual fee of the personal card.
Restrictions and Limitations
While the companion fare can be applied to both round-trip and one-way tickets, there are some restrictions to keep in mind. Previously, travelers could use the companion fare for more complex itineraries, such as open-jaw flights or those with stopovers. However, recent updates to the program have made these options unavailable, reducing the flexibility that once existed.
Maximizing Your Companion Fare
To get the most value from your companion fare, consider the following strategies:
1. Take Advantage of Status Challenges: Atmos Rewards offers a 90-day trial of elite status for those who meet certain criteria. If you hold a higher-tier membership with another loyalty program, you could enjoy perks such as priority boarding and additional baggage allowances, which can enhance your travel experience.
2. Use the Companion Fare Wisely: You don’t have to be one of the travelers using the companion fare. If both you and your partner have the card, you can each use your companion fare tickets independently.
3. Keep it Simple: Sometimes, the best approach is to book straightforward itineraries without the complexity of open-jaw or stopover flights. This way, you can still enjoy significant savings while keeping your travel plans uncomplicated.
Conclusion
The companion fare benefit on the Atmos Rewards Ascent and Business cards is a valuable tool for travelers looking to save on flights with Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. With straightforward access to discounts and a user-friendly booking process, these cards can help you make the most of your travel budget.
If you haven’t considered these cards before, now is a great time to explore their benefits. For more detailed information on the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card and the Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card, be sure to check out our full reviews.
Traveling doesn’t have to be a financial burden. With the right tools and strategies, you can enjoy incredible journeys while keeping costs manageable. Happy travels!
