Alaska Airlines is making 3 big changes to the upgrade process
Editor's Note
Alaska Airlines is making some big changes to the upgrade process.
Specifically, the Seattle-based carrier is rolling out three tweaks to the upgrade waitlist, as confirmed by a carrier spokesperson. While the majority of the changes are good news across the board, one is a little bit more complicated.
The airline confirmed that the following changes apply to both first-class and Premium-class (extra-legroom seats) upgrades.
The waitlist will show all eligible passengers
Alaska's upgrade waitlist now lists all passengers standing by for a first-class seat, regardless of whether they're checked in.
This is a welcome change for everyone, as you'll no longer have a situation where you see yourself as No. 1 because you happened to check in first, but then drop five spots as others with higher priority start checking in.
Companions will appear on the waitlist
Alaska's upgrade waitlist will now also display all eligible companions next to the elite they are traveling with. This will make it much easier to ascertain where you and your companion are ranked on the upgrade list.
MVP Gold members and higher may upgrade one companion traveling with them on the same flight, in the same reservation and in the same class of service. If a reservation includes more than one companion, it will not be eligible for complimentary upgrades.
The companion will enjoy the same upgrade priority as the elite member.
A more equitable prioritization
The airline is also changing the waitlist prioritization on the day of departure.
Going forward, any members added to the waitlist between 24 hours and 60 minutes before the flight will have the exact same priority as prior to the day of travel — namely, elite tier, fare class and time of the request.
Previously, members who booked a flight within 24 hours of departure or made a same-day change within 24 hours were prioritized on the waitlist by tier and check-in time — without factoring in the fare class.
That was especially punitive to members booking last-minute tickets, as well as those making close-in changes.
For instance, if an MVP Gold 75K member purchased a full-fare Y-class ticket 12 hours before a flight, they previously would have been below any 75K members who were on the waitlist — even though they purchased the most expensive coach fare. (This assumes that there wasn't any confirmed upgrade space available at the time of purchase.)
Under the new rules, that same member will be placed at the bottom of any other waitlisted 75Ks who also purchased a Y fare, but above 75Ks in other fare classes — a welcome change for those buying expensive tickets at the last minute
Related: What airline fare classes tell you about your ticket
What isn't changing
While Alaska is changing three elements of the waitlist process, the airline isn't (currently) making any other adjustments.
Elites will continue to enjoy complimentary space-available upgrades, beginning as early as 120 hours before departure for top-tier MVP Gold 100K and 75K members. Those purchasing the most expensive tickets can even enjoy a confirmed bump to first class at the time of booking, assuming that upgrade space is available.
In addition to Alaska Mileage Plan elites, American's top-tier Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members will continue to enjoy space-available first-class upgrades on Alaska flights.
For more details, be sure to check out our comprehensive guide to getting upgraded on Alaska Airlines flights.
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| 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. |
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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.