How I've benefited from being an Alaska MVP Gold 100K when flying American
I wasn't expecting much when I learned that Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members would be enjoying the benefits of status on American Airlines flights. I assumed American Airlines would prioritize its own elite members over its partner Alaska's.
I was really wrong.
As a top-tier Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 100K, I've been treated as well as an AAdvantage Executive Platinum on many of my American Airlines flights. In fact, I've gotten upgraded on most of the AA flights I've taken this year. I've even been gifted two systemwide upgrade certificates, and I was able to apply them to an upcoming flight on American Airlines metal for a trip to Paris.
Here are all the ways I'm benefiting as an Alaska elite member flying American metal, and why it might make sense for you to pursue status with Alaska even if you don't live on the West Coast.
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All about the upgrades
MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members are eligible for complimentary domestic upgrades on American Airlines (including on Hawaii flights).
I've been extremely fortunate flying American Airlines as an Alaska elite member. So far in 2022, I've flown 11 segments on AA as an Alaska Gold MVP 100K. I've been upgraded on six of those 11 flights. That's a better-than-50% upgrade rate. It's also a better track record than when I was an Executive Platinum flyer on American Airlines in the five years that I had top-tier status with American.
I even got upgraded to business class on three of American's long-haul flights where it runs the premium-heavy A321T aircraft with three-class service. I cleared the upgrade from Santa Ana, California's John Wayne Airport (SNA) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and enjoyed the cross-country jaunt in a lie-flat seat.
Earlier this year, I also scored upgrades from JFK to San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and the return. This flight is also equipped with lie-flat seats.
For my flight from JFK, I was upgraded literally within a few minutes of checking in. These upgrades have typically cleared around check-in time, but they can clear as early as 72 hours before the flight.
While I haven't cleared every upgrade, I've still had really good luck. I feel like I'm treated at least as well as AA Executive Platinum members are.
In fact, according to American Airlines, top-tier Alaska elite members trump American Airlines' Gold and Platinum members on the upgrade priority list but not Platinum Pro members: "Elite members with oneworld Emerald Priority Tier (MVP Gold 75k and MVP Gold 100k) will be prioritized after AAdvantage® Platinum Pro members on the upgrade waitlist."
Related: How and why I went for top-tier status with Alaska Airlines
Extra-legroom seats
Alaska MVP Gold, Gold 75K and Gold 100K members get access to American Airlines' extra-legroom seats, which American calls Main Cabin Extra. MVP Gold members can choose better seats within 24 hours of travel, but MVP Gold 75K and 100K members can choose extra-legroom seats at the time of booking. It's a pretty compelling perk that has really come in handy for me, especially on those flights where I didn't get upgraded.
Priority boarding
Alaska elite members also get priority boarding on AA flights. I get to board with Group 2 as an Alaska elite member ... just behind first class.
That's another compelling perk, especially on full flights where there is no guarantee there will be room for your carry-ons.
2 systemwide upgrades on American Airlines
When I qualified for Alaska MVP Gold 100K, I was also gifted two super-valuable systemwide upgrade certificates for American Airlines flights. I had the perfect flight to try to use them on: a long-haul flight from New York to Paris. I simply called a special American Airlines phone line where I was connected to an agent who told me he usually helps AA Concierge Key members. It took a bit of time since the agent hadn't helped many Alaska elite members before, but he got me waitlisted for business class.
One of my upgrades has already cleared! I didn't get a notification, but when I checked the reservation a few weeks after being added to the waitlist, I realized I no longer had a premium economy seat assignment, and I was able to pick a business-class seat. Score!
TPG conservatively values systemwide upgrades at $500 each, so I would say that's a potential value of $1,000 if both upgrades clear.
Just note that, in order to confirm an upgrade, the flight must have open "C" space. Otherwise, you're put on a waitlist.
Oneworld Emerald status
As an elite member of the Oneworld alliance, I get to enjoy the benefits of Emerald status on a slew of airlines worldwide. This includes British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Japan Airlines and Qantas, to name a few.
It includes priority boarding, the potential to choose better seats and priority check-in access.
It also means when I'm flying with a partner airline, I get access to both first- and business-class lounges. Here in the U.S., this includes flights on American when on a long-haul international flight.
Earlier in the year, I used American lounges even when flying in coach on domestic flights, but they've tightened the rules since then. Now you can only access Admirals Clubs if you are flying internationally or if you have a special Lounge+ membership.
Related: Everything you need to know about Alaska’s partnership with Oneworld
The only wrinkle
The only wrinkle I've found when flying AA flights as an Alaska elite member is earning mileage credit.
Every time I fly American, I do earn miles toward Alaska status.
Unfortunately, I don't earn a mile for every mile I fly on American Airlines (on Alaska you still get credit for every mile you fly). I've found some of my AA flights earn me as little as 25% of the base miles I'd earn on Alaska. Still, I've generally done OK when it comes to mileage credit.
Related: Your complete guide to Alaska Airlines partners
For example, due to my fare class, I only earned 1,293 base miles for a flight from San Francisco to New York in August. If I'd been on Alaska metal, I would have earned 2,586 base miles.
Other than that, I've been a very happy camper flying American with my Alaska status.
Bottom line
As an Alaska elite member flying American Airlines, I've enjoyed many great benefits, including domestic upgrades, priority boarding, free extra-legroom seats and even the chance to get a free upgrade to business class on an international flight.
While I'm unlikely to requalify for Alaska's top-tier 100K status this year, I will squeeze every last drop out of this incredible partnership while I still can. For the rest of the year, I'll use my Alaska Mileage Plan number on all my AA flights and credit all my American Airlines flights to Alaska.
I can recommend becoming an elite member with Alaska Airlines to get status on American Airlines flights. It's certainly paid off for me. Just keep a close eye on those fare classes and ensure you are flying the minimum of six Alaska-marketed and -operated flights you'll need to qualify for Mileage Plan status.
If you qualify for top-tier status this year, you are even eligible for new benefits for next year, including 50,000 bonus miles.
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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.