Did the AS Visa Card just go directly to hell, do not pass go? (No more companion F?)
Mar 11, 2012, 8:37 am
#1
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Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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Did the AS Visa Card just go directly to hell, do not pass go? (No more companion F?)
https://www.applyonlinenow.com/us/al...1380106-344106
Receive an annual coach Companion Fare from $110 (USD) ($99 base fare plus taxes and fees, from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary).†
I wonder what happens with existing cards? Are we getting screwed at renewal? This is the most reprehensible benefit chop that I have experienced, should my eyes not be bleary.
Receive an annual coach Companion Fare from $110 (USD) ($99 base fare plus taxes and fees, from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary).†
I wonder what happens with existing cards? Are we getting screwed at renewal? This is the most reprehensible benefit chop that I have experienced, should my eyes not be bleary.
Mar 11, 2012, 10:01 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: PAC NW
Programs: SPG Platinum
Posts: 376
I don't think anything has changed. AS is probably just making sure they don't breach the new DOT rules in regards to advertising fares with taxes. The $99 companion fare always cost me another $10 or $20 thanks to taxes and fees.
Mar 11, 2012, 10:16 am
#3
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
Existing companion fare discount certs have been updated for compliance with the new disclosure rules ($110, consisting of $99 fare plus at least $11 fees).
The real issue is if they have imposed the ability to only use the companion certs (future ones, not existing) on COACH fares.
Time for more research.
Mar 11, 2012, 10:25 am
#4
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
"Coach Companion" is all over the website, but when you drill down into the actual terms and conditions of the offer, they don't appear to have changed.
No reference to limitations on class of service in the fine print.
It doesn't mean that they aren't changing them, just that they haven't done a very good job of making all the changes required (if in fact, the terms are changing).
Another weekend eruption of Flyertalk chatter and speculation is about to begin!
No reference to limitations on class of service in the fine print.
It doesn't mean that they aren't changing them, just that they haven't done a very good job of making all the changes required (if in fact, the terms are changing).
Another weekend eruption of Flyertalk chatter and speculation is about to begin!
Mar 11, 2012, 10:45 am
#6
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,410
Mar 11, 2012, 10:49 am
#7
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"Coach Companion" is all over the website, but when you drill down into the actual terms and conditions of the offer, they don't appear to have changed.
No reference to limitations on class of service in the fine print.
It doesn't mean that they aren't changing them, just that they haven't done a very good job of making all the changes required (if in fact, the terms are changing).
Another weekend eruption of Flyertalk chatter and speculation is about to begin!
No reference to limitations on class of service in the fine print.
It doesn't mean that they aren't changing them, just that they haven't done a very good job of making all the changes required (if in fact, the terms are changing).
Another weekend eruption of Flyertalk chatter and speculation is about to begin!
Mar 11, 2012, 10:49 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: JNU
Programs: HH D, AS MM/MVPG for life/AL, Awesome Wipes VIP Club, NEXUS, Hertz 5-Star Gold
Posts: 2,893
In a way I wish I hadn't redeemed my companion fare a few weeks ago for a pair of F seats to Hawaii in December. Then I could try booking a fake ticket to see if the restriction is for reals.
But if this is true, then I am uber-glad I acted before this purported restriction went into effect.
Can someone who has a companion fare code please test the waters for us and report back?
But if this is true, then I am uber-glad I acted before this purported restriction went into effect.
Can someone who has a companion fare code please test the waters for us and report back?
Last edited by dave1013; Mar 11, 2012 at 10:50 am Reason: Spelling
Mar 11, 2012, 10:51 am
#9
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In a way I wish I hadn't redeemed my companion fare a few weeks ago for a pair of F seats to Hawaii in December. Then I could try booking a fake ticket to see if the restriction is for reals.
But if this is true, then I am uber-glad I acted before this porported restriction went into effect.
Can someone who has a companion fare code please test the waters for us and report back?
But if this is true, then I am uber-glad I acted before this porported restriction went into effect.
Can someone who has a companion fare code please test the waters for us and report back?
Mar 11, 2012, 10:55 am
#10
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: JNU
Programs: HH D, AS MM/MVPG for life/AL, Awesome Wipes VIP Club, NEXUS, Hertz 5-Star Gold
Posts: 2,893
When is the next Gold lunch? This matter, if true, should definitely be one of the questions or feedback "gifts" given to Rick and Company!
Mar 11, 2012, 11:27 am
#11
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I have a feeling with the regime change, we're going to be getting very standard answers, and nothing more, for some time. I fear this is ride is going to be as fun as that the UA flyers are riding.
Mar 11, 2012, 11:33 am
#13
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
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Good point, thanks for the clarification. I guess we wait until someone gets a new code in the next few days or weeks.
When is the next Gold lunch? This matter, if true, should definitely be one of the questions or feedback "gifts" given to Rick and Company!
I think there is one in ANC this month...
Have not heard if any FTers have made it or not..
If true dang... Have not used this benefit myself but have come close over the holidays ex-ANC. Wonder if we can book Value+ with it for an immediate upgrade, or will this become like the DL companion cert applicable to lower fare classes. (Although DL does have a reserve card with a *much* higher annual fee, that seems to yield a companion F class ticket).
Originally Posted by dave1013
When is the next Gold lunch? This matter, if true, should definitely be one of the questions or feedback "gifts" given to Rick and Company!
Have not heard if any FTers have made it or not..
If true dang... Have not used this benefit myself but have come close over the holidays ex-ANC. Wonder if we can book Value+ with it for an immediate upgrade, or will this become like the DL companion cert applicable to lower fare classes. (Although DL does have a reserve card with a *much* higher annual fee, that seems to yield a companion F class ticket).
Mar 11, 2012, 11:41 am
#14
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Mar 11, 2012, 11:53 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: JNU
Programs: HH D, AS MM/MVPG for life/AL, Awesome Wipes VIP Club, NEXUS, Hertz 5-Star Gold
Posts: 2,893
Last year's foray to the east coast in F on a comapnion ticket is what got me the miles needed to qual for Gold this year.
