First Class Paid Upgrade Changes Effective Dec.1, 2012
Feb 3, 2012, 7:04 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2006
Posts: 325
First Class Paid Upgrade Changes Effective Dec.1, 2012
Does anyone know when they made the $$$ increase announcement for upgrading to F/C at the airport?
I didn't see anything posted and then when I was looking at the $$$ to upgrade a seat tomorrow, i noticed the change there.
Thanks
I didn't see anything posted and then when I was looking at the $$$ to upgrade a seat tomorrow, i noticed the change there.
Thanks
Feb 3, 2012, 7:42 pm
#2
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
There was no announcement as paid upgrade fees are not a part of any commitment or elite benefit. The posting on the website is relatively recent but seems clear about effective dates. I would say kudos for the advance notice, although paid upgrades are pretty rare nowadays with all DL and AS elites in line for a free seat.
Effective For Travel Beginning June 1, 2012
0 - 1,000: $50
1,001 - 2,000: $100
2,001 - 3,000: $150
3,001 and above: $250
Effective through May 31, 2012
All Flights between California and Guadalajara: $50
All flights between California and Hawaii: $150
0 - 1,250: $50
1,251 - 2,500: $100
2,501 - 3,750: $150
3,751 and above: $200
Effective For Travel Beginning June 1, 2012
0 - 1,000: $50
1,001 - 2,000: $100
2,001 - 3,000: $150
3,001 and above: $250
Effective through May 31, 2012
All Flights between California and Guadalajara: $50
All flights between California and Hawaii: $150
0 - 1,250: $50
1,251 - 2,500: $100
2,501 - 3,750: $150
3,751 and above: $200
chip chip chip 
Feb 3, 2012, 11:34 pm
#7
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP, Hhonors Gold, National Executive, Identity Gold, MLife Gold
Posts: 2,687
Nobody is going to be forced to sit in F. So if you don't like the change, then you just don't pay for the upgrade.
The increase seems reasonable to me. If they think they can get a few more $$$ for selling them, then why shouldn't they do it? If they don't sell them, then that's a good thing for MVP/G/75K's.
I think the only way this turns into a negative for AS is if they hold back on U inventory as a way to squeeze out a few more bucks. Good luck proving that
The increase seems reasonable to me. If they think they can get a few more $$$ for selling them, then why shouldn't they do it? If they don't sell them, then that's a good thing for MVP/G/75K's.
I think the only way this turns into a negative for AS is if they hold back on U inventory as a way to squeeze out a few more bucks. Good luck proving that
Feb 4, 2012, 5:38 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,214
The small solace in this is that the higher prices are more likely to discourage non-elites from buying the seats out from under the waitlisted elites. Maybe battlefield upgrades will become a bit more common, although I'm not optimistic on that, given I've seen F seats go out empty when there were plenty of people on the waitlist.
Feb 4, 2012, 8:17 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
Feb 4, 2012, 8:42 am
#10
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,968
the pricing structure is not per segment... its per direction.
So, theoretically, you could upgrade MIA-HNL for the 3K price..but the upgrade would have to be available all the way through for that to work.
So, theoretically, you could upgrade MIA-HNL for the 3K price..but the upgrade would have to be available all the way through for that to work.
Feb 4, 2012, 9:10 am
#11
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska 100K - MM, defender of shoes on the carpeted bulkhead 4ever, AA LT PLT, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia
Posts: 7,462
FWIW, there were two seats for sale on 859 last night for 150 or 15k miles. I think one remained unsold. I think 150 bucks is reasonable for a six hour flight. On the off chance you could actually get an at the gate upgrade at DCA or MIA, 250 is fantabulous.
Feb 4, 2012, 9:30 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2008
Programs: AS MVPG, CO, NW(now DL), Flying Blue
Posts: 6,554
Might have better odds winning power ball. Although FWIW I do know somebody that once was able to buy the upgrade SEA-MCO during the free for all OLCI probably to the dismay of some gold that ended up in coach 
Feb 4, 2012, 1:13 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,974
How is someone willing to pay for something "sniping" something from someone that was hoping to get it for free? I'm not begrudging anybody their space available upgrades that were earned that are part of their status but if someone's wanting to pay for it then how can that be considered "sniping" - the airline's job is to make money if they're able.
Feb 4, 2012, 1:35 pm
#14
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: SEA
Programs: No status anywhere :(
Posts: 867
How is someone willing to pay for something "sniping" something from someone that was hoping to get it for free? I'm not begrudging anybody their space available upgrades that were earned that are part of their status but if someone's wanting to pay for it then how can that be considered "sniping" - the airline's job is to make money if they're able.
Feb 4, 2012, 2:36 pm
#15
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,391
How is someone willing to pay for something "sniping" something from someone that was hoping to get it for free? I'm not begrudging anybody their space available upgrades that were earned that are part of their status but if someone's wanting to pay for it then how can that be considered "sniping" - the airline's job is to make money if they're able.
I am pretty sure AS would rather give up the measly $50-100 rather than screwing over a valuable repeat customer unless they are short-term sightened.