New award redemption levels 11/1/08
Via email this morning:
As you are aware, the airline industry is facing unprecedented challenges. At Alaska Airlines, we are engaged in a comprehensive review of our business in an effort to reduce costs, while at the same time continuing to deliver the level of service you have come to expect. As part of that effort, today we are announcing changes to the Mileage Plan that are aimed at maintaining the program's viability as well as its strong value to our members. As one of our most valued customers, we wanted to share these changes with you immediately.
These changes will apply to Mileage Plan awards redeemed on or after November 1, 2008. Awards redeemed before November 1, 2008 will not be affected, regardless of travel date.
Award Level Changes
The domestic round-trip Coach Saver award that has been available at 20,000 miles for over 13 years is increasing to 25,000 miles whether redeemed online or through our Reservations office.
The current Saver and Peak award levels for Coach and First Class travel on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air are increasing with the exception of intra-state travel.
The popular 15,000 mile Intra-Alaska Award has been expanded to an Intra-State Award, offering travel wholly within one individual state including AK, CA, ID, MT, OR, or WA. This represents an award level reduction. First Class Intra-State awards will also be available at reduced levels.
New Three-Tier Award Levels
The previous "Saver" award types will be re-named "Super Saver Awards." These will continue to offer excellent redemption values but, as today, with limited availability compared to other awards types.
A new middle award level called "Choice" will offer Coach travel at mileage redemption levels below unrestricted awards, but with much greater availability than "SuperSaver" levels.
"Peak Awards" will become "Full Flex" awards. The new name reflects the unrestricted nature of these awards.
Partner Award Fee
To offset the high costs associated with redeeming miles on partner airlines, we will begin collecting a $25 fee for each award booked on a partner airline. There continues to be no award fee or fuel surcharge fee for award travel on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air. The fee will apply to all awards booked on or after November 1, 2008.
Money and Miles Award Changes
The "AS50" Money and Miles award will continue to offer a 50 percent discount up to $250 for 15,000 miles round-trip; however, mileage will no longer be earned with travel on these awards. The change will apply to all Money and Miles awards booked on or after November 1, 2008.
For additional details, including a new award chart, visit alaskaair.com.
We know how important the Mileage Plan program is to you and truly appreciate your business. We hope these changes will provide you the well-deserved opportunity to enjoy the privileges of Mileage Plan membership for many years to come while preserving the benefits that have earned Mileage Plan distinction as the industry's leading frequent flyer program. Thank you for flying with us. We look forward to earning your continued loyalty.
Sincerely,
Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Team