American, Alaska Airlines detail reciprocal elite benefits, upgrades
After years of anticipation, Alaska Airlines finally joined the Oneworld alliance. This means that frequent flyers can now earn miles across all Oneworld airlines and get more elite benefits, including access to Oneworld lounges.
But that's not all.
In addition to the standard Oneworld benefits, Alaska and American Airlines have unveiled an even deeper integration of their elite status perks, as well as a codeshare agreement. While we knew this was coming, there were many unknowns, specifically regarding how reciprocal upgrades would work.
Well, we now know most of the answers, and Alaska and American elites have a lot to look forward to.
Reciprocal upgrade benefits
In November, Vasu Raja, American's Chief Revenue Officer, teased that reciprocal upgrades may be on their way.
Well, it's actually happening.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and American Airlines AAdvantage elites will soon be eligible for first-class upgrades on each other's airlines. Upgrade benefits are supposed to go live April 5, though first-hand experiences from the TPG team suggest that they may already be available.
In a call with TPG, Rick Elieson, the president of AAdvantage, said, "we've been trying really hard to make this more than a codeshare. We're trying to make something special for customers to make it easier to do business with both airlines.”
Alaska Mileage Plan elite upgrades on American flights
Top-tier MVP Gold 75K members are eligible for complimentary upgrades when flying American Airlines. Upgrades are available within the U.S. (including Hawaii) and between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda and Central America.
The upgrades are valid from economy and premium economy to the next class of services. Elites can also upgrade one companion booked in the same reservations.
Complimentary upgrades currently clear on the day of departure, at or after check-in. However, starting later in 2021, upgrades for MVP Gold 75K members will begin to clear up to 72 hours before departure. They'll be prioritized after AAdvantage Platinum Pro elites on the upgrade waitlist.
Later this year, MVP Gold 75K members that qualify for status for 2022 will get a new Global Upgrade Certificate valid for confirmed upgrades on long-haul American flights. Currently, American Executive Platinum and Platinum Pros need to use a systemwide upgrade to confirm a higher cabin when flying on AA's long-haul international flights.
Related: Complete guide to Alaska Airlines elite status
American AAdvantage elite upgrades on Alaska flights
Similarly, top-tier American AAdvantage Executive Platinum members are eligible for first-class upgrades when flying Alaska Airlines.
Upgrades are available on all tickets, except for Saver (X) fares. They're currently only available for the status member but will eventually also be available to one companion in the same reservation.
The upgrades can be confirmed as early as 120 hours before departure — even before Alaska MVP Gold and MVP members. Executive Platinum members will be prioritized after MVP Gold 75K members, first by fare class and then by the request date and time.
Related: Complete guide to American AAdvantage elite status
Extra-legroom seating benefits
While first-class upgrades are reserved for top-tier elites, all elite status levels are eligible for extra-legroom seating on both airlines. Alaska elites will get Main Cabin Extra seating privileges on American Airlines, while American elites will get Premium Class privileges on Alaska.
Extra-legroom seating for Alaska elites on American flights
Alaska MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members can select Main Cabin Extra seats on American for free during booking. Meanwhile, similar to low-level American Gold elites, MVP members can select Main Cabin Extra seats within 24 hours of travel. There are no fare class restrictions, meaning basic economy flights are eligible for this benefit.
Extra-legroom seating for American elites on Alaska flights
Meanwhile, here's how the Premium Class upgrade rules break down for American elites flying Alaska. Saver (X) fares are never eligible for complimentary Premium Class upgrades.
- Executive Platinum members can select Premium Class seats at the time of purchase on all fares
- Platinum Pro and Platinum members can select Premium Class seats at the time of purchase if booked in the Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S or N fare classes; all other fares can select them within 72 hours of travel
- Gold members can select Premium Class seats at the time of purchase if booked in the Y, B, or H fare classes; all other fares can select them within 48 hours of travel
Related: How to snag an exit-row seat when flying U.S. carriers
Elite member airport benefits
Now that Alaska is a part of Oneworld, elites will enjoy a host of airport benefits when flying on the other carrier. This includes priority check-in, boarding, security and baggage handling. In addition, elites have an expanded baggage allowance and the ability to make same-day flight changes.
For more, see this post on everything you need to know about Alaska’s partnership with Oneworld.
Bottom line
Frequent Alaska and American Airlines flyers can now enjoy a host of valuable benefits across the two airlines. Perhaps the most exciting is reciprocal upgrades. These benefits are in addition to the standard Oneworld benefits, such as lounge access.
Additional reporting by Zach Griff.
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| 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. |
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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
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- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
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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.
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- 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.