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Great deal: AA offering free long-haul upgrades to top Alaska Airlines elites

April 06, 2021
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3 min read
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Great deal: AA offering free long-haul upgrades to top Alaska Airlines elites
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When Alaska Airlines joined American's Oneworld alliance last month, we learned of the two airlines' plans for reciprocal elite benefits, including lounge access, seat assignments and complimentary upgrades.

For one, Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75K members who qualify for status valid through 2022 will receive a Global Upgrade Certificate, which can be used to confirm an upgrade to business or first class on long-haul American Airlines flights.

While we aren't expecting that particular perk to be available until later this year, American Airlines is extending an incredibly generous benefit to top-tier Alaska elites now.

I earned MVP Gold 75K as part of the airline's status match last month, and today received an email offering two one-way "space available" upgrades on a handful of long-haul American Airlines flights.

(Screenshot courtesy of Alaska Airlines)

As of now, upgrades are available on the following nonstop American Airlines flights:

  • Los Angeles (LAX) and London (LHR)
  • Los Angeles (LAX) and Sydney (SYD)
  • Los Angeles (LAX) and Tokyo (HND)
  • Seattle (SEA) and Bangalore (BLR)
  • Seattle (SEA) and London (LHR)
  • Seattle (SEA) and Shanghai (PVG)

As always, note that upgrades on flights from London come along with a cash co-pay to cover the additional Air Passenger Duty (APD) for premium-cabin travel. In my experience, the upgrade fee for flights from LHR is typically around $100, though it may vary as part of this promotion.

Eligible flyers can score a lie-flat seat for the price of coach. (Photo by Zach Honig/The Points Guy)

After booking an eligible flight, Alaska elites can call American Airlines at 1-800-262-7206 and provide their Mileage Plan number and the unique "access code" from their email to upgrade their flights. If an upgrade is available, it'll be confirmed right away — otherwise, elites will be added to the waitlist.

It's possible to confirm upgrade availability for American Airlines flights before you book. To start, head over to TPG partner ExpertFlyer and complete your search there — for example, if the "C" fare class is available, there's a good chance you'll be able to instantly confirm an upgrade from economy to business class.

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Screenshot courtesy of ExpertFlyer.

Note that you'll need to specifically search using the "Award & Upgrade" tool — "C" class may appear with the "Flight Availability" option, but that doesn't necessarily mean an upgrade is available to confirm.

In the case of this particular flight, a one-way economy ticket can be had for $595, compared with $2,835 for business class — that's a heck of a deal.

Screenshot courtesy of Google Flights.

Upgrades must be requested by Sept. 30, 2021 for travel through Dec. 31, 2021. You don't need to use the upgrade yourself — you can call in to bump up another passenger if you prefer. Basic economy, free tickets, military or government fares, "opaque fares," infant tickets, award flights and purchased extra seats are not eligible.

As always, you'll earn miles based on the original purchased fare — not your upgraded cabin. Still, this is a fantastic deal if you're expecting to book one of the six eligible routes above, giving Alaska elites an opportunity to fly business class for the price of coach.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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Apply for American Express® Gold Card
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Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees
Best for dining at restaurants

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  • Intro Offer

    As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

  • Annual Fee

    $325

  • Recommended Credit

    Excellent to Good

Why We Chose It

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)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 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.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $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.