Alaska not honoring $99 companion fare

Question

I finally decided on which flights I wanted to take to Maui from PDX. When I went online and put in the companion code Alaska wanted to charge me $154.81 for the base companion fare instead of $99 as it has been in the past. With taxes and fees, the total for the companion fare was $213.75. Has anyone else experienced this with the new Atmos website? When I called Alaska, Rina from Anchorage was very unhelpful : "If that's what the website says it is that's what it is", she kept repeating. I did not go through with the purchase yet.

Answer

It seems like you're encountering an issue with Alaska Airlines’ new Atmos website and the pricing for your companion fare. Based on your description, it’s possible that the companion fare pricing structure has changed, either due to the website update or changes in their promotions. Here are some things to consider and steps you can take:

1. Changes to Companion Fare Pricing

It’s possible that the $99 companion fare deal you're used to is no longer being honored in the same way, or that it is now subject to different terms or fees on the new website. Airlines sometimes adjust their fare structure, particularly after launching new websites or systems. This could explain the higher base fare and the overall increase to $213.75.

2. What to Do Next

If you haven't completed the purchase yet, here are a few options to consider:

Try Calling Again: It’s unfortunate that your initial call wasn’t helpful, but it may be worth calling again and asking to speak with a supervisor or someone from the customer service department who can provide more insight. Let them know about the discrepancy between the $99 companion fare and the current price.
Check the Terms and Conditions: Review the terms of the companion fare deal to see if there are any changes. Sometimes airlines include fine print that explains price adjustments, taxes, or restrictions that apply to certain dates, flight routes, or even changes to their system.
Try Booking via the Mobile App: Occasionally, the mobile app or other platforms like third-party booking sites can have different fare structures or more flexible options than the website. You may want to see if the companion fare displays differently through these platforms.
Contact Alaska’s Social Media Team: Some users find that reaching out to a brand's social media team (Twitter or Facebook) can lead to faster, more helpful responses. They might be able to escalate the issue or clarify what's going on with the fare pricing.

3. Website Bugs or Errors

Given that this issue arose with the new Atmos website, there could be a technical bug affecting the pricing. It's worth asking if they are aware of any issues with the system, and if they plan to resolve any discrepancies. You could also try booking the same flights through the old website (if available) or through the app to see if the price is consistent.

4. Alternative Booking Methods

If you’re not able to resolve the pricing issue with Alaska, another approach would be to check with third-party booking sites (like Expedia, Kayak, or Orbitz), as they sometimes have different pricing and promotions that include companion fares. However, be mindful of any additional service fees or restrictions that might apply.

Hopefully, one of these steps will help you get the correct fare for your companion ticket. Let us know if you need further assistance, and good luck with your booking!