Alaska Airlines Overhauling Upgrade Procedure and Eligibility
Alaska Airlines just announced significant changes to its first-class upgrade policy. The impact on your upgrades will depend on how you fly the carrier — including the fare classes you purchase and more. From Alaska's announcement, here's a quick summary of what's changing:
- Complimentary first-class upgrades on award travel, beginning December 5, 2016
- Qualifying fare class changes for flights booked on or after December 5, 2016
- Complimentary upgrades into Premium Class, launching January, 2017
- Changes to first-class upgrade waitlist order, beginning for flights booked on or after December 5, 2016
Now, let's dive into the details of each of these.
Change to First-Class Upgrade Order
First, we need to understand the changes to the first-class upgrade list. Currently, Alaska clears first-class upgrades based on your elite status level — with time of booking being the tiebreaker. For those familiar with American Airlines upgrades, this is the same as AA's current upgrade order.
Beginning with bookings as of December 5, 2016, there will be a new, more-important tiebreaker: fare class. Instead of it being more important when you book, it's going to be more important which fare class you booked. The priority will be the following order: Y, Z, S, B, M, H, Q, L, V, N, K, G, T, R, W.
Elite status is still going to be the #1 priority. That means that MVP Gold 75K elites booking in the least-expensive R class will still be on the upgrade list ahead of MVP Gold elites in the most-expensive Y class. But, MVP Gold members booking into K class the week before the flight will jump a MVP Gold member who booked a G-class flight months in advance.
For those who book far in advance, this is a bummer. No matter which class you booked, you're currently put on the upgrade list first. But, for last-minute travelers who are booking into a more-expensive fare class, this will definitely impact the odds of getting an upgrade.
Change to Immediate Upgrades
Currently MVP elites will get an immediate upgrade to first class when booking certain fare classes. All three elite levels currently get upgraded from Y, S or B classes. MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members also get immediate upgrades from M and H fare classes.
Effective for flights booked on or after December 5, Alaska is dropping two of these immediate upgrades: MVP members won't get immediately upgraded when booking B fares, and MVP Gold members won't get immediately upgraded when booking H fares.
However, there's some good news in here. If you book Z award tickets — which are the most expensive award tickets — you'll get an immediate upgrade no matter which of the three elite levels you are. As long as there's upgrade space, you can think of Z awards as another level of first-class awards.
Free Upgrades for Award Travel
Speaking of upgrades on award tickets: Starting December 5, Alaska is going to start allowing first-class upgrades on award tickets. As covered above, Z-class award tickets will earn Alaska elites an immediate upgrade. But that's not all; even the saver award tickets will become eligible for upgrades.
In the upgrade priority list above, you might have noticed that fare classes Z, N and W were included. These are Alaska's three award fare classes. If you book a Z-class ticket — and don't get an immediate upgrade — you'll get second priority, just behind all elites who didn't get an immediate upgrade from a full-fare Y booking class. Meanwhile, the mid-tier award level N fares get priority in the middle of the pack. Saver-level W fares get upgraded last, behind all revenue and award tickets.
This is great news for MVP Gold 75K members. Instead of debating between an award flight in the back of the plane or paying more for a first-class award ticket, now you can book that economy saver award and know that you have a decent chance of upgrading to first class. Soon, even with this saver award ticket, you'll be on the upgrade list ahead of any MVP Gold members.
Premium Class Upgrades
Staring in January 2017, Alaska Airlines is re-classifying its extra legroom seats as Premium Class, similar to what codeshare partner Delta has done with Delta Comfort+. As part of these changes, Alaska is setting up a new upgrade system from economy to Premium Class.
The good news for MVP Gold 75K elites is that all fare classes will grant you an immediate upgrade to Premium Class. Unfortunately, MVP Gold and MVP members have a much shorter list of fares that grant immediate upgrades.
Even if you don't get an immediate upgrade, you're not out of luck. There'll be another upgrade list (in addition to first class) for Premium Class. MVP Gold members will start clearing 72 hours prior to departure and MVP members start 48 hours prior to departure.
Falling in Line with American Airlines?
This move seems to be trying to somewhat mirror codeshare partner American Airlines' new changes. AA is changing its upgrade policy "later in 2017" to allow complimentary upgrades on award tickets — but only for top-tier elites.
At that time, revenue upgrades will be prioritized by the number of Elite Qualifying Dollars (EQDs) that the elite member has earned in the last 12 months. Since Alaska doesn't have an EQD system in place, prioritizing the upgrades by fare class — which is usually an indicator of how much was spent for the ticket — makes sense as a substitute.
Bottom Line
Not sure whether or not to be upset about these changes? Here's a quick reference. This change is good news for:
- Last-minute business travelers buying expensive fares — who used to be last on the upgrade list among their status level
- Award travelers — who didn't used to have any chance of upgrading
But, this change is bad news for:
- Alaska elites who book cheap travel further in advance — as they used to get first dibs on upgrades
- MVP members — who effectively have less of a chance of upgrading on any flight thanks to award tickets now being eligible for upgrades
- MVP members who booked B fares — as they'll no longer get an instant upgrade
- MVP Gold members who booked H fares — as they'll no longer get an instant upgrade
H/T: One Mile at a Time
[card card-name='Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card' card-id='220611156' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
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.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | 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. |
| 4X | 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.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.