$110 Companion Ticket Valid for COACH class only - Effective August 1st, 2012
Aug 13, 2012, 3:05 pm
#571
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,599
In today's mail, the "As your account anniversary approaches" love letter arrived.
It makes no mention of any restriction on the companion fare.
*Annual Companion Fare
Receive an annual Companion Fare from $110(USD)...
After that ¶, there's an asterisk for "See terms and conditions in your Program Guide or by visiting www.alaskaair.com for details."
They now have a lot of filler on this letter, because they really don't have any benefits to offer. Other than the Companion Fare ¶, the other two "benefit" ¶s are:
A World of Mileage Earning Opportunities and Travel Awards
and
It's Easy to Earn Miles
It makes no mention of any restriction on the companion fare.
*Annual Companion Fare
Receive an annual Companion Fare from $110(USD)...
After that ¶, there's an asterisk for "See terms and conditions in your Program Guide or by visiting www.alaskaair.com for details."
They now have a lot of filler on this letter, because they really don't have any benefits to offer. Other than the Companion Fare ¶, the other two "benefit" ¶s are:
A World of Mileage Earning Opportunities and Travel Awards
and
It's Easy to Earn Miles
Aug 13, 2012, 5:39 pm
#572
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,250
Well now, that really sets AS apartNOE is alive and well.......
Aug 13, 2012, 5:55 pm
#573
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,216
What has been the history of a company reversing a decision?
I'm not sure about airlines, but JC Penney had that stupid, stupid, stupid idea of "no sales, ever" and they backtracked.
And just for argument's sake, what would happen if AS decided to reinstate the F companion fare? Would all of you who jumped ship come back and reapply for the credit card? And would you get the bonus miles for the new CC? And would those of us who did NOT cancel be the ones screwed for not cancelling, and having it be business as usual, just with the F companion back?
I'm not sure about airlines, but JC Penney had that stupid, stupid, stupid idea of "no sales, ever" and they backtracked.
And just for argument's sake, what would happen if AS decided to reinstate the F companion fare? Would all of you who jumped ship come back and reapply for the credit card? And would you get the bonus miles for the new CC? And would those of us who did NOT cancel be the ones screwed for not cancelling, and having it be business as usual, just with the F companion back?
Aug 13, 2012, 8:40 pm
#574
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: California
Programs: Alaska MVPG, SWA CP, SWA A list, Hyatt Platinum, Hhilton Gold, Makai Club
Posts: 244
once more, with feeling: if Alaska doesn't want2 antagonize their very best customers
once more, with feeling: if Alaska doesn't want2 antagonize their very best customers
there is a way out and there is precedent.
Hyatt gives different perks to those who hold its credit card based on their elite status at the time of application/renewal ie, two free suite night to Diamonds and two free regular room nights and two suite upgrades to Platinums.
They could "add" on the ability of MVPGs and 75Ks to apply their companion cert toward F. That would limit the number of F seats taken (am sure MVPGs and 75Ks with an AS VISA are just a minor percentage of all AS VISA holders)
It would be another incentive to get those BIS miles to get/keep MVPG status
That way they would leave more F seats available for sale (they hope), "expensive"(milewise) award tickets and upgrade of their "best and most loyal customers"
Sure sounds face-saving to me, though it won't help the majority of those dropping their cards..
The biggest back-flip/flip-flop I have seen in FFP programs was when SAS after many years agreed to go back to giving 100%mileage rather than 25% for their lowest fare buckets. It can be done, but took years Others, such as SWA only postponed the change, instituting it at a later date due to uproar (use of ticketless funds for others I think it was)
there is a way out and there is precedent.
Hyatt gives different perks to those who hold its credit card based on their elite status at the time of application/renewal ie, two free suite night to Diamonds and two free regular room nights and two suite upgrades to Platinums.
They could "add" on the ability of MVPGs and 75Ks to apply their companion cert toward F. That would limit the number of F seats taken (am sure MVPGs and 75Ks with an AS VISA are just a minor percentage of all AS VISA holders)
It would be another incentive to get those BIS miles to get/keep MVPG status
That way they would leave more F seats available for sale (they hope), "expensive"(milewise) award tickets and upgrade of their "best and most loyal customers"
Sure sounds face-saving to me, though it won't help the majority of those dropping their cards..
The biggest back-flip/flip-flop I have seen in FFP programs was when SAS after many years agreed to go back to giving 100%mileage rather than 25% for their lowest fare buckets. It can be done, but took years Others, such as SWA only postponed the change, instituting it at a later date due to uproar (use of ticketless funds for others I think it was)
Aug 13, 2012, 8:48 pm
#575
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: BLI
Programs: Alaska Million Mile Flyer, Marriott Lifetime Titanium Elite
Posts: 3,193
What has been the history of a company reversing a decision?
I'm not sure about airlines, but JC Penney had that stupid, stupid, stupid idea of "no sales, ever" and they backtracked.
And just for argument's sake, what would happen if AS decided to reinstate the F companion fare? Would all of you who jumped ship come back and reapply for the credit card? And would you get the bonus miles for the new CC? And would those of us who did NOT cancel be the ones screwed for not cancelling, and having it be business as usual, just with the F companion back?
I'm not sure about airlines, but JC Penney had that stupid, stupid, stupid idea of "no sales, ever" and they backtracked.
And just for argument's sake, what would happen if AS decided to reinstate the F companion fare? Would all of you who jumped ship come back and reapply for the credit card? And would you get the bonus miles for the new CC? And would those of us who did NOT cancel be the ones screwed for not cancelling, and having it be business as usual, just with the F companion back?
Chipolte, Apple (where the JP Penney exec came from) and many other retailers do very well without sales. But that's because they either never had them, or slowly weaned customers from the expectation.
Now back to our regularly scheduled debate.
To your point, should AS retract the change on the F companion fare, I would not un-cancel one of my two AS VISA cards. BofA is still a major customer service nightmare (as I've publicly written about elsewhere) and this change by AS just cemented my decision to cancel a card.
Aug 13, 2012, 9:03 pm
#576
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: 23,194
Didn't the Cockroaches do something to get US to reverse a big change?
I think there was a big Save SkyMiles campaign a few years ago, too.
Don't remember what the changes were, but I think both movements were ultimately successful. Sometimes, companies do listen to their customers if they can be convinced that it's more profitable to do that. Sadly, AS seems to have decided it's more profitable to ignore their biggest advocates.
I think there was a big Save SkyMiles campaign a few years ago, too.
Don't remember what the changes were, but I think both movements were ultimately successful. Sometimes, companies do listen to their customers if they can be convinced that it's more profitable to do that. Sadly, AS seems to have decided it's more profitable to ignore their biggest advocates.
Aug 13, 2012, 9:11 pm
#577
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Applied for a business card a few days after the announcement was made. Approved within a couple days.
Just received the miles and voucher - of course eligible only for coach tickets (based on trying to book first). Not happy - I was hoping they would honor it for applications before 8/1.
Just received the miles and voucher - of course eligible only for coach tickets (based on trying to book first). Not happy - I was hoping they would honor it for applications before 8/1.
Aug 14, 2012, 10:36 am
#578
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: GEG
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Lifetime SkyClub, AS MVP
Posts: 2,408
I popped online to pay my AS BoA Visa card balance for last month.
Under current month transactions, it said "You have no current transactions."
That made me feel really good. Seeya, BoA!
Under current month transactions, it said "You have no current transactions."
That made me feel really good. Seeya, BoA!
Aug 14, 2012, 10:48 am
#579
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: portland, oregon
Programs: alaska, united, air france, lufthansa,delta, starwood
Posts: 382
To your point, should AS retract the change on the F companion fare, I would not un-cancel one of my two AS VISA cards. BofA is still a major customer service nightmare (as I've publicly written about elsewhere) and this change by AS just cemented my decision to cancel a card.
Last edited by jackal; Aug 14, 2012 at 10:54 am Reason: Fixing quote tags
Aug 14, 2012, 11:38 am
#580
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
If Alaska retracts the change on the F companion certificate, I'll be gratified but more than that, amazed. I just don't see it happening.
The only reason they are reconsidering the F baggage change is, IMHO, they would be setting a precedent and they finally determined it's not a path they wanted to go down. It's not the same situation with the companion discount code.
The only reason they are reconsidering the F baggage change is, IMHO, they would be setting a precedent and they finally determined it's not a path they wanted to go down. It's not the same situation with the companion discount code.
Aug 14, 2012, 8:06 pm
#581
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: AS MVPG, SPG Gold, ICH P Club Plat, Hertz#1 5Star, Marriott Gold
Posts: 227
This is strictly anecdotal but really did surprise me. I work out at the Athletic Club of the Captian Cook Hotel in Anchorage ...which is ...where the "moneyed crowd" tends to go ...and the removal of F on the BOA Companion Cert was a huge topic of dicussion with several of the guys saying they had cancelled. I did think this wasn't a huge deal outside of FT, but ...guess not.
Aug 15, 2012, 9:18 pm
#583
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Mt. Laurel, NJ USA
Programs: Hyatt Explorist, Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, IHG Diamond
Posts: 156
Here is an email which I received today (names redacted):
August 13, 2012
Dear
We appreciate that you took the time to contact us regarding the upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were made to maintain the program's financial viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like you.
It has been many years since we've made significant changes to our credit card benefits; however, today’s challenging economy coupled with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific prompted us to adjust some features to ensure we could continue to offer a program that is both competitive and sustainable for the future.
We still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can be used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
For more information on our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit card features, please visit our website, www.alaskaair.com. From our home page, click on Ask Jenn located in the top right-hand corner. Type “Credit card” and Jenn will navigate you to the information you seek in addition to being able to answer many of your other travel-related questions.
We value your business and look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Sincerely,
Customer Care Specialist
August 13, 2012
Dear
We appreciate that you took the time to contact us regarding the upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were made to maintain the program's financial viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like you.
It has been many years since we've made significant changes to our credit card benefits; however, today’s challenging economy coupled with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific prompted us to adjust some features to ensure we could continue to offer a program that is both competitive and sustainable for the future.
We still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can be used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
For more information on our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit card features, please visit our website, www.alaskaair.com. From our home page, click on Ask Jenn located in the top right-hand corner. Type “Credit card” and Jenn will navigate you to the information you seek in addition to being able to answer many of your other travel-related questions.
We value your business and look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Sincerely,
Customer Care Specialist
Aug 15, 2012, 10:30 pm
#584
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: portland, oregon
Programs: alaska, united, air france, lufthansa,delta, starwood
Posts: 382
Here is an email which I received today (names redacted):
August 13, 2012
Dear
We appreciate that you took the time to contact us regarding the upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were made to maintain the program's financial viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like you.
It has been many years since we've made significant changes to our credit card benefits; however, today’s challenging economy coupled with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific prompted us to adjust some features to ensure we could continue to offer a program that is both competitive and sustainable for the future.
We still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can be used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
For more information on our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit card features, please visit our website, www.alaskaair.com. From our home page, click on Ask Jenn located in the top right-hand corner. Type “Credit card” and Jenn will navigate you to the information you seek in addition to being able to answer many of your other travel-related questions.
We value your business and look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Sincerely,
Customer Care Specialist
August 13, 2012
Dear
We appreciate that you took the time to contact us regarding the upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were made to maintain the program's financial viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like you.
It has been many years since we've made significant changes to our credit card benefits; however, today’s challenging economy coupled with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific prompted us to adjust some features to ensure we could continue to offer a program that is both competitive and sustainable for the future.
We still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can be used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
For more information on our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit card features, please visit our website, www.alaskaair.com. From our home page, click on Ask Jenn located in the top right-hand corner. Type “Credit card” and Jenn will navigate you to the information you seek in addition to being able to answer many of your other travel-related questions.
We value your business and look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Sincerely,
Customer Care Specialist
Aug 15, 2012, 10:52 pm
#585
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,599
Dear
...
The changes to the credit card program benefits were made to maintain the program's financial viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like you.
...
Sincerely,
Customer Care Specialist
...
The changes to the credit card program benefits were made to maintain the program's financial viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like you.
...
Sincerely,
Customer Care Specialist
