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Alaska Airlines Details 'Saver Fares' Basic Economy Policy — Carry-On Bag Included

Oct. 24, 2018
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3 min read
alaska airlines
Alaska Airlines Details 'Saver Fares' Basic Economy Policy — Carry-On Bag Included
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At the beginning of the year, Alaska Airlines announced that it was jumping on the basic economy bandwagon, planning to launch its own product by the end of the year. While launch details were pretty scarce as far as what Alaska's basic economy fare would entail, now we know more about what travelers can expect.

As SF Gate reports, Alaska's detailed what its Saver Fares will look like. One of the most detested aspects of basic economy is the lack of a carry-on bag — at least for United. Good news: Alaska's basic economy will allow passengers to bring both a carry-on bag and a personal item. While Delta has always had that baggage policy in place for BE ticket holders, American recently announced it would also start allowing BE passengers a carryon bag. On the other side, in the carrier's Q3 earnings call, United's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Nocella said United has no plans to change its BE policy, which restricts BE passengers to only a personal item.

Unlike other basic economy fares out there, Alaska's will also allow passengers to buy up to Premium Class or a better class if they so please — a feature that's expected to roll out in Q1 2019. Delta, American and United don't allow BE passengers to buy up. In addition, Alaska's going to allow its Mileage Plan members to earn elite-qualifying miles as part of its BE fare — a positive for those looking to pursue elite status.

Keep in mind that while many of these are great for passengers, as like all basic economy fares, there are some drawbacks. For example, BE passengers won't be able to make same-day changes, and there will be no standing by for earlier or later flights. Not even elite members will be able to bypass this policy. In addition, all seats will be assigned at check-in — not when purchasing a ticket.

Basic economy passengers with Alaska will also board last, meaning overhead bin space could be limited. However, Mileage Plan elite members are exempt from this restriction and can board with their applicable group. Elites will also want to know that they won't be eligible for complimentary upgrades, and no shows will be required to forfeit their itinerary.

Alaska is reportedly telling travel agents that it plans to begin selling the Saver Fares in November 2018 for travel beginning in January 2019. As the carrier slowly rolls out the new fare class, the airline is telling travel agents that first flights with a Saver Fares option might begin as early as December.

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In September, JetBlue announced it would soon be adding its version of basic economy. With the inclusion of Alaska and JetBlue as airlines that offer a BE product, now all major US carriers with the exception of Southwest offer a saver fare option.

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

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  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
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  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.