Negative Changes to Alaska Airlines Companion Fare
The Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit card comes with an annual Companion Fare benefit that gives it extra value. You pay $99 plus any fees, that usually start at around $28) and you get a companion fare for friends or family members.
Previously you didn’t even need to pay with your Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit card for the fare. Which meant that you could use a card that gave you the most rewards on airfare. But that is now changing.
TPG reports that the companion fare FAQ page on Alaska’s website has been updated and now states the following:
“For companion fares issued on or after October 1, 2019, both the primary fare and the companion fare must be purchased using your Alaska Airlines credit card.”
Conclusion
Maybe not a huge deal to many people, but being able to maximize rewards everywhere possible is a big part of this game. From now on, you will need to use your Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit card every time you use a Companion Fare. You will still earn a respectable 3x on Alaska purchases, but cards like Amex Platinum for example would get you 5x.
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[…] Alaska recently added one new rule. You used to have the ability to pay in your ticket with any bank card, and it didn’t must be […]
[…] Alaska recently added one new rule. You used to be able to pay for your ticket with any credit card, and it didn’t have to be […]
I always use use my AS card as I assumed it was required to get the deal and (more recently) free checked bags. It is the only charge I make each year.
The major downside are not the value of miles but the lack of travel insurance that is included with better cards like CSR & Amex
Wait a minute, AS miles are commonly valued at 2 cents per mile. so why wouldn’t you want 3×0.02=$0.06/mile on dollar spent? Better than 5×0.01=$0.05/ mile for AMEX Plat. Gotta do the math and not value a mile as a mile or point. Note that I have both BOA AS CC and AMEX Bus Plat so analyze this all the time.
Who values Membership Rewards at 1 cent though Glenn? If you have the business platinum you should be getting at least 1.5 cents per point so the Amex Plat is in fact a better earner on flights.
Good heads-up. Also, not being able to use CSR for the trip cancellation insurance. Uggh.