Changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan will make it easier to earn miles

Comments

1. 

   I see the earning miles flying delta are slashed but on skymiles program you still get full miles flown toward your elite status. So if you fly 10k miles on v fare on delta you still get 10k miles toward status (even if you may get 2k miles toward redemption) my question is whether on alaska in the same scenario we would get 10k miles toward mvp status (along with 2500 reward miles) or only 2500 miles toward requalifying ???

   1. 

      There is no distinction between award travel miles and elite-qualifying miles in the new earning structure. In the situation you describe, you’d get 2,500 award miles that count toward elite status. Note that any elite bonus miles you’d earn wouldn’t qualify toward elite status.

2. 

   Overall the changes sound positive with the exception when on business travel my company requires booking the lowest fare. This will be a hit on Delta flights for sure. I agree with some of the other comments regarding requiring Delta Elite travelers to have to be placed behind Alaska Gold and 75K members when looking for upgrades. In addition, since Delta no longer allows Alaska 75’s or Gold to board in the SKY zone, Alaska should do the same, the Delta Elite status flyers can wait to board on Alaska flights.

3. 

   Both my wife and I were loyal Northwest/DL Gold member for years but changes to DL’s Mileage Plan left a bad taste in our mouths. No doubt they are strictly catering to the elite business class and do not care about their other customers. My wife wrote a letter to Delta to complain of the changes but to no avail. We switched to the Alaska Program in Jan 2014 and in NovemberI just had a similar experience where they wanted to charge me baggage fees because I was crediting the miles to AS. Although I was also a DL Gold it made no difference–absolutely crazy. T in Spokane

4. 

   I just read the AS email about the Mileage Plan changes. It looks to me like the big hitters are going to make out well, but the rest of us who pay our own tickets (budget) and only fly 25K a year (often on partner routes that AS doesn’t fly), not so much. It feels like a BIG takeaway to me and is causing me to rethink my loyalty to the program and associated credit card. I think this “race to the bottom with DL” (poorer and poorer service) will not help the AS in the long run. I understand your airline is a business and needs to thrive, but one component of that is to not alienate middle class paying customers.

5. 

   As a long time PDX based MVP/Gold this hurts PDX based flyers a lot. We only have two international flights (not counting Canada or Mexico) and both are Delta. I have taken the AMS flight many times and gladly paid the hugely inflated fare to do my part in keeping PDX’s only nonstop to Europe. I think from now on all my domestic travel will be AS first (as it always is), followed by American with a big hope that when the AA and US plans are merged next summer our options will be greatly enhanced to the point of not needing Delta – other than for international non-stops. I fully understand why this needed to be done and this blog clearly shows Alaska’s mileage plan is far superior. http://travelcodex.com/2014/11/alaska-airlines-will-offer-miles-next-year/

6. 

   What about international flights which are codeshared with Delta (e.g. KLM, Air France) but the flight is operated by Delta? If I purchase my ticket as a KLM ticket, will I still get the full number of miles instead of the new rates?

   1. 

      In this case, you’d earn Mileage Plan miles the same way you would on any KLM flight. Similarly, if you were to book an Alaska-operated flight that Delta ticketed, you’d earn miles based on actual flight miles, not the new Delta earning structure.

      1. 

         In this case, Delta is operating the flight, but they are codesharing with KLM / Air France. My ticket will still say Delta on it. Would I still get the full mileage of the flight according to KLM / Air France instead of Delta’s reduced rates if I purchase my flight through KLM or Air France?

      2. 

         Since Delta is operating the flight, you’ll earn miles based on Delta’s earning structure regardless of the carrier who ticketed the flight.

7. 

   This is really why #iflyalaska thank you so much for having common sense and listening /knowing your customers.

8. 

   Happy to be a member and a gold 75K. Thank you for pushing the program to perfection.

9. 

   I am still a bit confused here – I understand the decrease in miles earned for flying the cheaper fares on Delta, but does that also decrease the number of EQM’s earned? Seems a real disincentive to choose Delta over AA for the flights not covered by Alaska, if so.

   1. 

      There is no distinction between award travel miles and elite-qualifying miles in the new earning structure. Note that any elite bonus miles you’d wouldn’t qualify toward elite status.

10. 

    I certainly miss the Alaska / NWA partnership of old… Done with Delta.

11. 

    Delta has been invading Washington and Alaska in 2014. The best way to beat DL is to continue to have the industry-leading mileage program. It is great that in times where DL and UA have divalued their programs, AS has chosen to enhance theirs. That is why I am an Alaska MVP gold.

12. 

    Being your Verage mileage plan member I have no idea what B S Y M and all the rest of the class of tickets are. So how do I maximize my miles ? It dosen’t sound good to me!
    ?

13. 

    Or, on second thought I could use American Airlines for my international travel? OK.

    1. 

       There are also several other good elite-qualifying partners, such as British Airways, Cathay Pacific, and Air France/KLM.

14. 

    Love my Alaska airlines and happy and proud to be 75K for a few years.
    Agree with the comments about Delta. After my last experience being treated, once again, poorly, I will go out of my way NOT to fly Delta. If all us MVP’s didn’t use them I would bet they would feel it!

15. 

    What about tickets purchased before January 1st? I have two flights in February on Delta I wanted to credit to Alaska, but of course I also planned on those earning the old mileage value.

    1. 

       The changes apply when you fly after Jan. 1, 2015, regardless of the date you purchased the ticket. This coincides with the day that the SkyMiles program is changing for all of their SkyMiles members and partner programs.

16. 

    I am extremely unhappy with this. I have been an Alaska Airlines member for 20 years or so. I might as well switch to Delta Skymiles since I fly Delta on my international trips and Alaska on domestic trips. This year I will have a total 90,000 miles combined Delta/Alaska miles but was willing to deal with second class status on Delta. Why now? And the March travel I booked on Alaska will be devalued 50%. And I should let go of my Alaska Air Visa card too I guess.

17. 

    I love to fly AS but the operation needs to expand internationally beyond Canada and Mexico. I have suggested and will suggest again that, for EU travel, Dublin needs to be looked at for the following reasons:

    Good onward EU connections with Aer Lingus (or heaven forbid, Ryanair)
    Cheap airport to operate from and reliable (if blustery) weather
    New terminal in Dublin with US Customs and Immigration IN THE TERMINAL (meaning that you would arrive back in SEA as a domestic pax)

    Now, if only a B737 would have the range…perhaps a B787? How hard could it be?

    Similarly, for Asia travel, consider ANA or Japan Airlines as the onward travel partner from Haneda (the route which Delta just vacated).

    1. 

       First of all I want to thank Alaska for not going the route of United and Delta on the changes to both their elite program and miles program. Its the very reason that I’ve switched from flying United to Alaska (that and Alaska’s customer care actually responds when you have problems unlike United). The only thing I wish is that Delta didn’t charge Alaska elites for bags. I even have a DL plat credit card that you get free bags but you have to be logged in with your skymiles number instead. I would get more benefit from one free checked bag than any upgrade or fare bonus.

18. 

    Confused why the link in my email went to a blog post apparently penned by someone who doesn’t work for Alaska (or does he?) Scott has a good site but the way this is being rolled out is confusing.

    I appreciate the possibility of earning more miles for Alaska flights, but I find it off-puttinf that the changes to Alaska’s earning structure and the reductions in Delta earning are both announced under a post claiming that it will be “easier to earn miles”.

    1. 

       I wasn’t aware that the link in the email went directly to my site. I agree it would probably make sense to head here first and then check out my blog if you want some additional commentary.

       As far as “Easier to Earn Miles” keep in mind that there were three changes announced: new tier bonus for MVP Gold 75K, new fare class bonuses for Alaska flights, and new earning structure for Delta flights. The first two are unequivocally efforts to award more miles. The third may or may not be an improvement depending on the fares you purchase.

19. 

    I just read the details of Delta’s changes and they are not changing the way MQMs are calculated (still based on distance flown). Yes, there is also a spend requirement, but it is not a very high bar. Alaska, please reconsider the way EQMs are determined for Delta flights. Otherwise it will be very punitive to MVPs to fly Delta as EQMs really take a hit.

    1. 

       Agreed with Kelly here. Is there a difference b/t award miles earned and elite qualification miles? Regardless of award miles earned, do 5,000 miles flown on Delta (regardless of fare price) count as 5,000 miles towards MVP status?

       I know the award miles formula changes on Delta, but what about earning elite miles towards MVP status?

       1. 

          There is no distinction between award travel miles and elite-qualifying miles in the new earning structure. In the situation you describe, the 5,000 miles would be multiplied by the Delta earning rate (25% to 200%) which would be both award miles and elite-qualifying miles. Note that any elite bonus miles you’d wouldn’t qualify toward elite status.

       2. 

          Base miles generally count equally toward both elite status and award miles. These new percentages for each fare class when traveling on Delta flights refer to base miles. Any other bonuses (e.g., a tier bonus for having elite status) would apply to award miles only.

    2. 

       Kelly, EQMs are still earned on AS just as always on all partners. It’s redeemable mile (RDM) earnings that are changing on DL. (And UA)

       1. 

          Where does it say that one mile flown on DL regardless of fare class still equals one AS EQM? The blog post just refers to miles and doesn’t make a distinction.

       2. 

          There is no distinction between award travel miles and elite-qualifying miles in the new earning structure. Note that any elite bonus miles you’d wouldn’t qualify toward elite status.

       3. 

          The AS website still says “Flown miles as well as premium cabin bonuses earned on Delta count towards elite status. Our Mileage Plan™ MVP® members earn 50% Elite Bonus and MVP® Gold and Gold 75K level members earn 100% Elite Bonus on miles flown. Elite Bonus Miles do not count toward elite qualification.” So maybe I have been worried for nothing, but I would still appreciate clarification from AS.

       4. 

          Thanks for pointing out that language, which is quite confusing given these changes. Elite-qualifying miles will be based on actual flight miles times the Delta earning rate (25% to 200%) for your class of service.

       5. 

          Missydarlin on flyer talk (AS rep) said that EQMs are dropping as well. 🙁

       6. 

          Can someone confirm this? Based on how I read online on the AS website it looks like the EQM and RDM will be earned at the same rate?

       7. 

          You’re correct. There is no distinction between award travel miles and elite-qualifying miles in the new earning structure. Note that any elite bonus miles you’d wouldn’t qualify toward elite status.

       8. 

          Can anyone confirm this?

          On Delta’s webpage it says, “The redeemable miles earned toward Award Travel differ from Medallion Qualification Miles (MQMs). MQMs are used to determine Medallion status and will continue to be based on distance flown and fare class paid.” So I think Bob is right.

          If Delta’s MQMs are still based on distance, then Alaska should also honor EQMs based on distance for Delta-operated flights.

       9. 

          Thank you for the feedback. As you can imagine, it’s quite difficult to reconcile the fundamental differences between Mileage Plan and SkyMiles. We’ll continue to monitor how this impacts our members and pivot where necessary. As of now, we don’t have plans to make a distinction between award travel miles and elite-qualifying miles in the new earning structure.

20. 

    I just love Alaska Airlines….can you fine folks expand internationally?!
    Thanks for holding the line and giving us mile for mile…..Delta is done in my mind …no more…..If I am only getting a fractio of miles I’ll fly Emirates..class act.

21. 

    Please, Alaska, start flying internationally – maybe just one flight to Europe and one to Asia! I would give up DL or AA in a minute – even Emirates.

22. 

    A couple of MVP Gold questions…

    If I fly at 50% (example V class) earning on Delta do I get any type of mileage bonus on top of that?

    Do I still earn a 100% bonus on all Alaska Airlines and American Airlines flights (regardless of class booked)?

    1. 

       You’ll still get elite bonus miles on Alaska and all of our Elite Qualifying partner airlines, including both American and Delta.

23. 

    Curious about this statement, it says “Alaska and ALL its partners”. But, does that mean I’ll earn 125% bonus on their new tiered Fare Class? So if I book an L fare, i really earn 62.5% of miles flown (50% X 125%)?

    “Beginning January 1, 2015, Mileage Plan will offer its top-tier MVP Gold 75K members a 125 percent bonus on flight miles for travel on Alaska and all its partners, up from the current 100 percent bonus.”

24. 

    So, just to be clear, is it true there are no changes to using accrued Alaska miles on Delta flights? I have been using my Alaska miles for Delta flights to Europe.

    1. 

       Our award charts for redeeming your miles for flights on Delta are not changing.

25. 

    As a 75k since years before the 75k designation existed, I always buy first class tickets on American and Delta as there is never any chance of an upgrade. I’ve worn down to “first or stay home” after years on the road. But I pay the fare difference to first out of my own pocket. So I am grateful for the Alaska system, which keeps me in confirmed first most of the time (EWR/DCA excepted) with fares my company pays for. I’m only 60k Alaska and 100k AMR/DL each year, so I could be platinum in either of those programs instead, but sticking with Alaska. Thanks AS team!

26. 

    Miles only good for Business Class on Delta – a bummer! On British, the fuel charges add quite a bit to the supposedly free flights.

27. 

    With Delta’s changes, AS has no choice but to lower the mileage accrual on cheaper fares as well. Otherwise everyone who flies Delta would just switch to Mileage Plan, which Delta would never go for. Delta is screwing their own elites and so we just have to come along for the ride. I still value the partnership with Delta as sometimes I have to travel routes where AS doesn’t fly, but agree with Kevin’s comments that the treatment of elites should be more equal.

28. 

    I just earned 75K for 2015 last week and now there’s this added bonus on top of the great benefits, already! Keep it up, AS! You’re continuing to build great brand loyalty.

29. 

    Ugh, I called Alaska Airlines last night to ask if there would be a change to Delta earning in 2015 (knowing that they’re changing their own program) and was told “no.” So I went ahead and bought a ticket on Delta. I wish the person I spoke to had instead told me to just wait one more day for further information. Now I’m only going to earn 50% of the miles, which means there’s probably no way I can requalify for MVP. I would have gladly spent more money if I had known that’s what would be required to earn 100% of the miles flown, which is why I called in advance!

    1. 

       Lauren, please send an email to socialcare@alaskaair.com. We would like to follow up with you.

       1. 

          It turns out that Delta also allows you to cancel a ticket within 24 hours of purchase, which I did not realize when I commented before. So long, Delta! LOL I’d much rather fly Alaska anyway. (And I agree with other folks here – I’d love to fly Alaska internationally!)

          But here’s a follow up question: if I buy a ticket from Alaska where a segment is flown on Delta, do the Alaska rules or the Delta rules apply? Because that would not be a “Delta-marketed” flight, even though it is “Delta-operated”.

          Either way, I’m better off than I was before, because I’m certain to get 100% flight miles on the Alaska part.

          Thanks for keeping Mileage Plan great, and not terrible like SkyMiles!

       2. 

          Even though we’re marketing and ticketing the flight, you’d still earn on Delta according to the new earning structure.

30. 

    This is all very good but what’s the story behind having to pay baggage fees on Delta now (adds $50 per round trip)? Also the Board room at MSP doesn’t let in Alaska Air board members.

    1. 

       Delta has made significant changes to its SkyMiles program for 2015. These changes reflect an overall change in the way Delta wishes to administer its program for both its own customers and customers from other airlines, including Alaska. Delta could better answer any questions regarding their decision to remove elite benefits like baggage waivers.

       The SkyClub at Minneapolis should be letting current Board Room members into the room. We’ve let our Board Room team know of these issues. If you’d like us to follow up, please contact customer care who will gladly assist.

       1. 

          From the alaskair site:
          http://www.alaskaair.com/content/gifts-and-products/board-room/boardroom-locations-and-hours.aspx

          Minneapolis International Airport (MSP)

          Delta Sky Club – 2 locations

          Board Room members must have a valid ticket for same day travel on Alaska Airlines or Delta Air Lines.

          Effective May 1, 2014, there are no guest privileges. Board Room members may purchase guest access for $29 per guest per Club visit, up to two guests at any Delta Sky Club location.

          Locations: C Concourse next to gate C12, and F/G Concourse (entrance located at the beginning of the concourse)

          Hours: Delta Sky Club

       2. 

          That policy refers to the fact that Board Room members can no longer have guests accompany them into SkyClub locations for free. Instead, your guests would have to have their own Board Room membership to enter; otherwise, they’ll have to pay $29 per guest. This mirrors Delta’s own policy for its members. As a Board Room member, you can enter the SkyClub as many times as you like when you fly Alaska or Delta.

31. 

    OK and since it’s almost Christmas – a couple other wish list:

    – Llike Mike I wish there was a priority bag tagging.
    – Add a second meal option in First for Pete’s sake!
    – Offer a beverage during boarding like every competitor.

    Don’t get me wrong – your people compensate and I still enjoy/prefer flying Alaska, but first class need a refresh.

32. 

    Looks like just another case of taking from the poor and giving to the rich. I am dissapointed, to say the least.

    1. 

       Ditto. Disheartened with 1% mentality creeping in.

33. 

    Current earning Earning effective Jan. 1, 2015
    Economy B, M, S 100 percent of miles flown 100 percent of miles flown
    Economy H, Q, K 100 percent of miles flown 75 percent of miles flown
    Economy L, U, T, X, V 100 percent of miles flown 50 percent of miles flown
    Economy E 100 percent of miles flown 25 percent of miles flown
    Hmm…So if you don’t fly as much to get higher tier levels and buy cheaper tickets like the masses it looks most likely you’re getting the short end of the stick! So much for getting MVP ever again.

    1. 

       That’s Delta’s doing. At least Alaska didn’t change the earning percentage for Alaska-operated flights. 1 mile flown = 1 mile earned, at minimum.

    2. 

       So Agree with you…I have zero shot at ever gaining MVP again….

    3. 

       This post is about mileage rewards so your rewards miles might be lower than expected (on Delta). MP, MVP and 75k will still have the same segment, miles flown requirement.

    4. 

       I agree with this comment. I have been an Alaska FF since the 90s and did get in the high status for a few years from my previous company flying me all over the place, but currently don’t earn that much / year anymore so I don’t travel even half as much as I used to during my previous career (I was in IT but I’m a locksmith now) . This new change seems to negatively affect those of lower financial means such as myself. It effectively creates a “Upper Elite Class” and “Lower less rewarded Class” status as the old Luxury Ship liners did. Those who can’t afford the better class flights, will not get rewarded as well based on the actual miles flown any more. Too bad. This is the typical societal thinking trend that the wealthy& elite continue to get the better rewards. Too bad…

       1. 

          I couldn’t possibly agree more regarding the comment you made for all us middle income flyers.

34. 

    Can you please answer Kevin’s question?

    Also I would like to see some type of priority bag tag system like Delta has, I don’t like my bagged bumped when I fly to Dutch Harbor. I would pay for this not to happen.
    Thanks

    1. 

       I’ve noticed on my last Delta flights that bags no longer have priority tagging and have gone to a more egalitarian system. I think Delta is leaving its passengers behind in customer relations.

35. 

    As a MVP 75K I am not sure why the miles have to be adjusted based on airfare. We are traveling the same distance and if by chance we get to capitalize on a lower fare why are we penalized? Instead of increasing some amounts and destroying others why not just leave it as it is? if Alaska would choose to leave Delta i would have no choice but to leave as well. What is the driving force behind these changes? Although probably not an option I believe that Alaska should just acquire Delta which would solve all the issues.

    1. 

       Hey Rich – I think it’s because their FF’s actually got hit with this. Essentially we’d be getting more miles/value flying Delta then their own SkyMiles members. They have really become the worst, most restictive program.I wish AS would ditch them as a partner, but am sure the big source of revenue from code share makes that untenable for AS right now.

36. 

    I agree with many of the negative Delta comments here. I have to travel on Delta quite a bit and we’re treated no better then Economy Plus travelers. That’s pretty pathetic in my view. I’ve contemplated switching over to AA just because I do have to travel internationally and get no benefit from Alaska for those trips other than miles. I would second the motion to become part of OneWorld or simply start flying overseas. 🙂 Love you guys, but I just don’t do enough traveling in the “Alaska Zone” to have this as much of a benefit unless some things changed (i.e. lowering partner miles requirement for 75k, etc…) This coming from someone who had 75k for many years and lost it last year because of not as much international flying!

    1. 

       I curious as to how many years you think you had 75k status? It’s only been around 2-3 years.

37. 

    One thing not mentioned are the flight segments. With the new Delta program forcing Alaska to reduce the number of miles earned on a flight, will there be any changes to the number of segments earned? I don’t see this addressed anywhere, so is it safe to assume a segment will still count as one segment on Delta?

    1. 

       We’re not changing the number of segments required for Mileage Plan members to earn elite status and the way we count segments will not be changing. One segment is still one segment.

38. 

    I just want to be able to use the miles I have more easily. I fly internationally several times a year, but can seldom get mileage tickets unless I book 9 months ahead.

    1. 

       Sorry you have had a problem getting the tickets you want. I use the Alaska Web search and almost always find the dates and times that match my needs. And the Call Center couldn’t be nicer. #openjawinternationalticketsallthetime.

39. 

    I was expecting much worse. I was expecting 0 on “LUT: fares

40. 

    Yikes. Looks like I’m going to have to travel AA more now to get full mileage accrual now. One of the things as an MVP that I enjoyed about Delta was getting upgraded once in a while… But now with less mileage accrual that might not be so ideal now…

41. 

    BTW couldn’t agree with Kevin more!! In fact, while it would be really difficult, I now wish Alaska would just leave Delta behind and maybe join OneWorld. Delta treats Alaska elites like dirt and their agressive tactics toward Alaska should respond to ensure they are around for many, many more years! .

    1. 

       I just flew from SFO to LAX to Guatemala and returned the same route on Delta and was automatically upgraded to First Class on all of the flights and service was great all the way around.

    2. 

       Agreed! I think the million-dollar question is when Alaska will “consciously uncouple” from Delta. I think their tactics are overtly aggressive and I have read countless articles from airline industry experts advising them to focus on more international expansion and leverage a solid partnership. And now with the Big Airbus order: no friend of Seattle in my book!

42. 

    I find it odd that you have chosen to leave off the end of that Delta table. It should read:

    Economy B, M, S 100% of miles flown
    Economy H, Q, K 75% of miles flown
    Economy L, U, T, X, V 50% of miles flown
    Economy E 25% of miles flown

    That paints a very different picture.

    Spin, much?

    1. 

       Chris, you are so right – that was a coding error on our end and we’ll get it corrected ASAP. Great catch!

43. 

    As a MVP Gold, I appreciate the mileage plan. I understand these changes on Delta are adjusting due to their highly devalued program.

    One thing – I really do with Alask would develop an intermediary product – Economy Comfort and/or easier upgrades for pay. I like have choices and when it’s either First or coach, it makes Alaska a bit less appealing during busy travel weeks with high numbersof elites.

    1. 

       It would appear that Alaska has plans to introduce seats with extra leg room in 2015. https://twitter.com/veresh/status/540568170453811200

44. 

    Are the Delta changes for flights or purchases after Jan 1? I have a flight Jan 2nd for Europe to the US and would like the 100% miles rather than 50% miles that I would receive with the change. The ticket was purchased in August, 2014

    1. 

       I checked and it is retroactive – 99% sure !, she said, with no flexibility. C’est la vie !

    2. 

       The changes apply to flights after Jan. 1, 2015, regardless of the date you purchased the ticket. This coincides with the day that the SkyMiles program is changing for all of their SkyMiles members and partner programs.

45. 

    After flying extensively on Delta the last year I wonder why their elite members get access to Alaska planes with First Class & Gold, and when you fly on Delta we are in Tier One behind their elites and First Class? Also why do we have to pay for a bag when we start a code share flight on Delta & end up on Alaska? If there are changes coming, these changes should be changed back to the way it was prior to April 2014 or their elites should not be allowed access until after MVP and they should have to pay the bag fee as well.

    1. 

       Thank you for your comments about our elite program. We’re always looking for feedback as to how to make it the best experience for our best customers.

       1. 

          AK75k here who also had to fly extensively on American and Delta for business last year and I wondered the same thing as Kevin. Both of those partners do not give priority boarding for Alaska Elites (you now get put into group 1- which is basically after 75% of the plane has boarded, used to be the priority group) and do not upgrade for Alaska elites anymore (Delta used to do this, American never). Also, they both charge for bags, even when Kevin noted the ticket is paid through Alaska. Yet Alaska still graciously offers priority boarding for partner elites and I think upgrades for Delta elites. Since the partners are not offering any reciprocal benefits to AK elites, why does AK continue to extend them to partner elites flying AK?

       2. 

          I have to agree with Kevin & Emme. Alaska doesn’t fly to one of my regular business destinations and because of my starting airport, which isn’t SEA, I end up on Delta more times than I like. I think since Delta took away a lot of our Elite privileges earlier this year, Alaska should do the same. Make them wait and charge them for baggage. I try to fly Alaska whenever possible but when my company is controlling my flight costs, I end up on at least one Delta segment.

    2. 

       I second Kevin’s comment. I find it rather annoying that Delta and Alaska FF treatment are no longer reciprocal. But no matter which airline, I always seem to be lined up behind some Delta FF. My preference of course would have been to keep the reciprocal arrangement that was in place, prior to last year’s change with Delta, but since they have opted to favor their program members, I feel so should Alaska. This applies in general to all partner airlines.

    3. 

       I too would like at least one free bag on Delta. And also see our boarding process changed. Delta Mileage plan members can wait the extra 2 minutes until I get a chance to sit.

    4. 

       Tier 1? You are lucky! I have never been higher than tier 2 even when wwe were allowed to board with the Delta Elites!

46. 

    What is the treatment for a “V” class fare?

    1. 

       Michelle – the end of the second table was inadvertently not shown due to a coding error. It is updated now, and V fares will receive 50 percent of miles flown.

       1. 

          Thanks-So does this mean that in this scenario, as an MVP member I would earn a bonus 50% miles on top of the reduced 50% earned? I’m assuming the breakdown as follows for a 10,000 Mile trip with Delta in class V:
          – Miles earned toward elite status: 50% * 10,000 = 5,000
          – Extra miles earned for award travel: 5,000 * 50% = 2,500 (Total miles 7,500)
          Is this correct?

       2. 

          That’s correct. Elite bonus miles are in addition to the actual amount earned.

47. 

    Will there be changes in our mileage credit with American Airlines as they fully integrate the merger with US Air?

    1. 

       I think there are lots of us interested in the answer to this question!

    2. 

       We have a longstanding relationship with American that we plan to continue as US Airways integrates into the new American. We don’t have any plans to work with the US Airways Dividend Program since that program will merge into the AAdvantage in just a few months. We’ll share updates as they become available.

       1. 

          I’m wondering whether USAir-operated flights will qualify for AS-Qmiles, now or in the future. The problem is that AA has integrated them into the booking engine, so there is really no way to exclude US Air when shopping for tickets on AA.com.

       2. 

          As US Airways folds into the AAdvantage program, this should resolve itself. In the interim, we don’t have any plans to work with the Dividend Program.

    3. 

       American Airlines recently announced some integration plans for AAdvantage as it merges with US Airways. It currently has no plans to move to a revenue-based model. So for the time being, there’s no reason that I can see why Alaska would change how American Airlines flights credit to Mileage Plan.

48. 

    Very happy 75k member! Love you guys!

49. 

    Bravo! Love that you guys are bucking the trend. Very proud MVP Gold who’s happy to say that #iflyalaska!

50. 

    The main question I have is will there be a change in total miles required when qualifying for status using partner qualifying miles. It is currently set at 90k miles (to earn 75k Gold status). Is it fair to ask that the mileage requirement for partners be lessened?

    1. 

       This is my own opinion, not Alaska’s, but I would say that adjusting the qualification requirement isn’t necessary. The benefits are already pretty generous when you compare them to what you get for flying 100,000-125,000 miles on another carrier.

       There are no international upgrades, true, but that’s because Alaska doesn’t have any long-haul international flights. Also, the success rate for complimentary upgrades as MVPG 75K is very good, and with all these miles it should be easier to book business or first class awards on partners that do fly long-haul routes.

       1. 

          Hey Scott I have to disagree with the success rate of Gold 75k. That is true when flying west coast routes but almost never successful east/west flights. I was going back and forth to DC for a while as Gold 75k and there was more elite class early boarding both in SEA and DCA then the remaining flights passengers. Upgrades would be nice on those flights to Boston, Philly, NYC, DC and FLA. Add more flights to those routes maybe?

    2. 

       Especially as flights on partner airlines are typically for oversee flights where one doesn’t have a choice of using Alaska Airlines. In addition these flights are more expensive per mile flown, so the logic of requiring 90k miles doesn’t really make sense.

    3. 

       There are no changes in the total miles required qualifying for status. Unlike many other programs, we offer elite-qualifying miles on most of our partners, which we hope will provide plenty of options for you to earn elite status wherever you go. http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/partners/partner-overview.aspx

    4. 

       Grateful for the MVP benefits and I understand why Alaska is doing this but I’m disappointed because 90% of my flights are for business and our company forces us to fly class H, Q, or lower whenever it’s available. Also wish the Delta elites had to wait in line behind AS MVPs for upgrades – that would make up for the mileage hits we’ll be taking with the new rules.

    5. 

       I’m a happy Alaska flyer & MP member for over 35+ years …… never made 75K status, and that doesn’t matter with Alaska’s people centered service…..that focus shows over the years and with these positive changes (in spite of Delta and some others’ following solely $$$)…. and that is where my allegiance will stay “with the 49th state’s airline”…..My thanks

       Gregory R. McClarren

    6. 

       Sorry Nick. I earn 75k status by segments. BTW all my segments are direct flights. So that 45 weeks of travelling. I still don’t reach the 75k miles flown. So I don’t think there is a reason to lower the 90k miles flown. There are a lot of my 75k friends that fly international or East-West routes and make 75k (via the 90k miles) in half the number of flights. If anything was to change for 75k status, it would be segments not actual miles. It appears Alaska is doing a great job of leveling the mileage awards. This change isn’t about status change but award miles.

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