A change to the Companion Fare benefit for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has affected travelers who use Atmos Rewards credit cards. The airlines have confirmed that the Companion Fare discount can no longer be applied to itineraries that include multicity or stopover travel. This update impacts cardholders of the Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature Credit Card and Atmos Rewards Visa Signature Business Card.
Previously, these cardholders could use their Companion Fare codes on more complex itineraries with stopovers, allowing them to book multiple flights under a single itinerary and pay $99 plus taxes and fees from $23 for one ticket. Now, the benefit is limited to simple one-way or round-trip flights within North America on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines.
An Alaska Airlines spokesperson explained the change in an email statement: “While we understand that cardholders have appreciated the flexibility to book multicity or stopover travel using the $99 Companion fare, our recent systems modernization has closed this long-standing loophole. We are actively exploring solutions to reintroduce greater booking flexibility in the future.”
The statement suggests that there may be a return of multicity options as Alaska continues to integrate its booking systems with merger partner Hawaiian Airlines. For now, however, travelers must adjust their plans and use the Companion Fare only for straightforward itineraries.
Cardholders can still earn the Companion Fare through current welcome offers on both Atmos Rewards cards. New customers receive 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after meeting spending requirements within a set period after account opening. Additionally, those who keep either card can earn another Companion Fare each year by reaching an annual spending threshold.
Despite this reduction in flexibility, travelers can continue to save money by using the perk on eligible round-trip flights.
