Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Important Changes to Your Board Room Membership Benefits - DL/NW merger and CO access

Just got this email a few hours ago. Not much more than we already know

October 30, 2009

Important Changes to Your Board Room Benefits

Dear Paul,

As a frequent traveler and valued Board Room member, we wanted to let you know of some important changes to your benefits at other airline club rooms. Delta Crown Room Clubs® and Northwest WorldClubs have now combined into the new Delta Sky Club program. Additionally, Board Room member access to Continental President's Club lounges are also changing.


New Delta and Northwest Guidelines:



• Board Room members traveling same day on Delta or Northwest have access to all 57 Delta Sky Club or Northwest WorldClub locations worldwide.
• Two guests or a spouse and children under 21 may accompany the member.
• Board Room members traveling same day on Alaska Airlines have access to all Delta Sky Club locations, but this access does not include guest privileges.



New Continental Guidelines:



• Effective October 25, 2009, Board Room members traveling same day on Alaska or Continental will have access to the President's Club lounges in Denver, Las Vegas, and Newark.
• Two guests or a spouse and children under 21 may accompany the member.
• Members no longer have access to other Continental President's Club lounge locations.



As always, please don't hesitate to contact us by phone (206) 392-5496 or email if you have any questions.

We hope to welcome you again soon to the Board Room.

Sincerely,

Jeri McGarity & Melyssa Schug
Airport Club Room Managers

I'm not particularly happy about the guest situation when, for example, flying to MSP. My daughter and I made good use of the Sky Club when flying AS back to Seattle, and it's a bummer to know that free access will be gone for my girls. Then again, maybe they'd bend the rules for a cute 7 or 9 year old :).

Dave

I'm not particularly happy about the guest situation when, for example, flying to MSP. My daughter and I made good use of the Sky Club when flying AS back to Seattle, and it's a bummer to know that free access will be gone for my girls. Then again, maybe they'd bend the rules for a cute 7 or 9 year old :).

Dave

I am disappointed in this as well... it sounds like its a move from DL who was not willing, as it was from CO, not willing to extend the number of accessible clubs. Glad we kept guesting in the CO PC's though ^

I'll have to write a couple nasty letters to DL about not letting guesting... and one to AS supporting this move... :mad: (granted better then before, but come on, I travel with companions a lot, and seldom do I fly DL or they have a BR membership!)

I'll have to write a couple nasty letters to DL about not letting guesting... and one to AS supporting this move... :mad: (granted better then before, but come on, I travel with companions a lot, and seldom do I fly DL or they have a BR membership!)

It's my recollection that the policy of not allowing guests into Delta clubs has been in effect as long as Board Room members have had access to all of the Delta clubs, and weren't flying Delta or Northwest the same day. But I might be wrong. Though I doubt it. :D

It's my recollection that the policy of not allowing guests into Delta clubs has been in effect as long as Board Room members have had access to all of the Delta clubs, and weren't flying Delta or Northwest the same day. But I might be wrong. Though I doubt it. :D

With one exception... ORD :p

ORD one currently gets two guests even when flying AS... must be from an old contract...

But AS was willing to extend this more (as would make sense) but DL was not ;td:

With one exception... ORD :p

ORD one currently gets two guests even when flying AS... must be from an old contract...

But AS was willing to extend this more (as would make sense) but DL was not ;td:

That's right! ORD is a holdover from when AS switched from the AA to DL club there, so it's treated just like a "regular" Board Room.

So much for my perfect record. :eek:

That's right! ORD is a holdover from when AS switched from the AA to DL club there, so it's treated just like a "regular" Board Room.

So much for my perfect record. :eek:

But now the ORD CRC is closing and the other DL SkyClub in the other terminal does NOT allow guests.

Do you think we'll get something in IAH and AUS??

Besides CO, the only other lounge in AUS is AA. Any chance we'll get access to the KLM Crown Lounge in IAH?? Not sure if it's in the international terminal or not.

Do you think we'll get something in IAH and AUS??

Besides CO, the only other lounge in AUS is AA. Any chance we'll get access to the KLM Crown Lounge in IAH?? Not sure if it's in the international terminal or not.

Doubt it :( :td:

This whole situation made me :( I didn't pay much attention to the Continental partership thread here, so I didn't find out CO clubs were going away until the official announcement AFTER I bought my membership. Here's the text of a letter I sent to the BR admin office this weekend:

Dear Board Room Administration:

After carefully reviewing the locations and amenities included, I purchased a Board Room membership on October 1, 2009. Just a few days later, a significant number of partner lounges were removed from the Board Room program, effective October 25, 2009. I was very disappointed by both this announcement and the extremely short notice given.

Since this removal of partner lounges is a material change of contract that significantly degrades the value of the membership, I am requesting both a prorated refund of the annual membership fee as well as a full refund of the initiation fee. I have included my Board Room membership card (member xxxxxxxx) with this letter.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx.

I plan on using the money refunded to buy a Priority Pass instead. Since I travel alone the majority of the time, access to AS + CO + UA lounges is a much better deal than AS + DL. Heck, there's even a RCC at the N gates in SEA! Pretty much the only airport I frequent with no lounge access will be SLC.

Sorry to see you go, AS BR membership, I hardly knew ye.

This whole situation made me :( I didn't pay much attention to the Continental partership thread here, so I didn't find out CO clubs were going away until the official announcement AFTER I bought my membership. Here's the text of a letter I sent to the BR admin office this weekend:



I plan on using the money refunded to buy a Priority Pass instead. Since I travel alone the majority of the time, access to AS + CO + UA lounges is a much better deal than AS + DL. Heck, there's even a RCC at the N gates in SEA! Pretty much the only airport I frequent with no lounge access will be SLC.

Sorry to see you go, AS BR membership, I hardly knew ye.
Wow. Interesting move. Keep us notified--I'm curious to know if AS actually will do as you request.

Yours is, IMHO, a fair request (though I don't know that I'd expect a full refund of the initiation fee). In AS's defense, though, it was not their decision to eliminate the PC partnerships. All the information we had here indicated that AS was willing to continue but that it was CO's decision to terminate the partnership.

This whole situation made me :( I didn't pay much attention to the Continental partership thread here, so I didn't find out CO clubs were going away until the official announcement AFTER I bought my membership. Here's the text of a letter I sent to the BR admin office this weekend:

I plan on using the money refunded to buy a Priority Pass instead. Since I travel alone the majority of the time, access to AS + CO + UA lounges is a much better deal than AS + DL. Heck, there's even a RCC at the N gates in SEA! Pretty much the only airport I frequent with no lounge access will be SLC.

Sorry to see you go, AS BR membership, I hardly knew ye.

Wonder what AS will do, as here's its own Policies: (http://www.alaskaair.com/as/www2/Flights/Boardroom/Policies-Rules.asp)


Board Room Policies

To protect the value of your Board Room membership we ask your cooperation in observing the following membership policies:

* Membership in the Board Room is open to all persons 18 years of age and older (excluding airline and airport employees), upon application and payment of appropriate dues.
* A valid membership card and government issued photo ID must be presented when entering a Board Room and affiliated lounges. You will be asked to sign a roster with your name and Board Room account number upon entering affiliated lounges.
* Expired membership cards will be retained by the Board Room Concierge. A temporary new membership card will be provided immediately upon renewal or purchase of new membership.
* Membership cards are not transferable and may not be loaned to others. Board Room Concierge will retain membership cards presented by anyone other than the cardholder.
* Members are welcome to bring members of their immediate family (spouse and children under the age of 21) or as many as two guests at no extra charge; however, members must accompany and remain with family members or guests at all times.
* Members may purchase single-day guest passes for additional traveling companions, or for guests and family members not traveling with the member, at a reduced rate of $15 (USD) per person (regularly $30 (USD) per person for non-members).
* Spouse memberships can be issued in conjunction with paid primary membership and apply only to legal spouse or domestic partner. Marriage certificate or proof of relationship is required.
* Spouse memberships do not include guest privileges. Children under 21 may accompany the spouse. Spouse members may purchase single visit guest passes for the discounted members-only fee of $15 (USD) per person.
* Membership expires one year from the date of processing, on the last day of the month. Memberships may be renewed online, by mail, at any Board Room location, or by phone by calling your preferred Board Room location or Board Room Administration at 206-392-5496.
* The $100 (USD) initiation fee will apply if membership lapses. Please renew membership before the expiration date to avoid repayment of initiation fee. The initiation fee is nonrefundable.
* If your Board Room membership card is lost or stolen, please contact a Concierge at your preferred Board Room location or call Board Room Administration to request a replacement card. A replacement fee of $10 (USD) will be charged at time of processing.
* Alaska Airlines reserves the right to restrict, alter and/or modify the fees, benefits, services and club room locations and hours at any time with or without written notice to its members.
* Alaska Airlines reserves the right to revoke membership privileges of those who fail to comply with the above guidelines and/or disrupt other members or guests.
* Passengers ticketed in First Class in either F or A class have access to the Alaska Airlines Board Room included in their ticket (excluding reciprocal agreements with other airline clubrooms). Passengers traveling on an upgraded ticket booked in U class do not have access.

<emphasis mine>

Any chance we'll get access to the KLM Crown Lounge in IAH?? Not sure if it's in the international terminal or not.
At IAH, KL is operating at Terminal D, the main international terminal, while AS is at A. If access was granted it would be possible to check out the lounge. However, it's a bit difficult to go from A to D at this time. The airport is working to complete TerminaLink to A soon which will all be post-security. There is an underground train, but you would have to go through security again and will look at you funny with the AS boarding pass.

So I guess no more CO Presidents Club @ DCA. The DL lounge is in the same terminal though a decent walk. The CO lounge is directly across from the AS gate.

The CO lounge welcomed AS paid/award F as well, assume the DL lounge does not..

So I guess no more CO Presidents Club @ DCA. The DL lounge is in the same terminal though a decent walk. The CO lounge is directly across from the AS gate.

The CO lounge welcomed AS paid/award F as well, assume the DL lounge does not..

Guess not :sigh:

The CO PC was a beautiful lounge- the old dining room of DCA... but the DL Skyclub is enroute to the AS gates (right past security to the stairwell... and it even has a putting green :rolleyes:)

But no guests :td: unless on NW/DL metal...

mrs. gleff and I will plunk down a couple CO passes or my Priority Pass membership for the CO lounge when flying DCA-SEA. Am not a BR member, and my DL lounge access is via Amex Plat so only valid when flying DL metal :(

This whole situation made me :( I didn't pay much attention to the Continental partership thread here, so I didn't find out CO clubs were going away until the official announcement AFTER I bought my membership. Here's the text of a letter I sent to the BR admin office this weekend: (snip)

A credit showed up on my credit card statement today from Alaska Airlines in the exact amount requested (prorated membership fee + entire initiation fee). Good job AS for acting promptly and exactly as expected here with a minimum amount of fuss.

While I'm sorry to give up the BR membership, my Priority Pass arrived last week and I've already used it at the SEA BR and the DEN PC with no troubles. Next year I'll reevaluate and see if the BR makes any more sense.

My attempt at DL MSP admission went off without a hitch using my temporary card, going to trying the guesting privledges next week. While losing benefits is never good I am glad the new list is working without issue.

My attempt at DL MSP admission went off without a hitch using my temporary card, going to trying the guesting privledges next week. While losing benefits is never good I am glad the new list is working without issue.

Guesting w/ or w/o DL metal involved?

Guesting w/ or w/o DL metal involved?

NW metal for both myself and the guest. The Alaska T&Cs say it should be no issue but the enforcement is NW/DL personnel.

NW metal for both myself and the guest. The Alaska T&Cs say it should be no issue but the enforcement is NW/DL personnel.

Ah, ok...

You should find a second guest to bring in too :p

A credit showed up on my credit card statement today from Alaska Airlines in the exact amount requested (prorated membership fee + entire initiation fee). Good job AS for acting promptly and exactly as expected here with a minimum amount of fuss.

While I'm sorry to give up the BR membership, my Priority Pass arrived last week and I've already used it at the SEA BR and the DEN PC with no troubles. Next year I'll reevaluate and see if the BR makes any more sense.
To tie this one up, I noticed early this week that the expiration date of my AS Board Room membership had changed in "My Programs" from Oct 31, 2010 to Nov 30, 2009. Guess I could still use my temporary pass at AS BR's for a few more weeks if I wanted to.

The best part, though, was this email I got today (large red text and all):

Final Notice
Dear BALIKTAD,

As an Alaska Airlines Board Room member (#XXXXXXXX), you've enjoyed all that the Board Room has to offer. We hope you've been pleased with your membership during the past year, and would like to remind you that it's now up for renewal.

Your current membership expires at the end of November 2009. In order to continue your membership, the $275 membership fee must be paid by the end of December 2009. A $100 initiation fee will be added to the membership fee if you elect to renew your membership after this date. You may purchase a membership card for your spouse for an additional $150. As another option, you can purchase a 3-Year Board Room membership for $750, and a 3-year spouse card for $350.

Renewing your Board Room membership is easy. Simply sign in to your MyAccount profile at alaskaair.com, go to "My Programs" and select "Renew Membership". Follow the easy steps and you'll continue to enjoy the many benefits of membership. View more details on the benefits of Board Room membership and take a look at our Board Room locations (including partner room use agreement locations) at www.alaskaair.com/boardroom.

We look forward to seeing you in the Board Room very soon. Thank you for choosing Alaska Airlines!


Good job, Mr. automated emailer, for failing to recognize 1) I've not been a member for the past year, 2) I explicitly cancelled my membership rather than just letting it lapse, and 3) the $100 initiation fee is waived for me as an MVPG.

To tie this one up, I noticed early this week that the expiration date of my AS Board Room membership had changed in "My Programs" from Oct 31, 2010 to Nov 30, 2009. Guess I could still use my temporary pass at AS BR's for a few more weeks if I wanted to.

The best part, though, was this email I got today (large red text and all):



Good job, Mr. automated emailer, for failing to recognize 1) I've not been a member for the past year, 2) I explicitly cancelled my membership rather than just letting it lapse, and 3) the $100 initiation fee is waived for me as an MVPG.

Guess that yes, the auto-emailer worked :p

But yes, it does not differentiate between MVPG's and non for the $100 fee...

From the boardroom website:

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
American Airlines Admirals Club

Club Room members must have a valid ticket for same-day travel into or out of Chicago on Alaska Airlines. Two guests or immediate family members may accompany the member.

Location: In the crosswalk between gates H6 & K6

Hours: Sun-Fri: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Sat: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.


Austin - Bergstrom International (AUS)
American Airlines Admirals Club

Club Room members with same day travel on Alaska Airlines may access the Admirals Club. Two guests or spouse and children under 21 may accompany the member.

Location: Across from gate 13 on the Mezzanine level

Hours: Daily: 5:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.


Well, it looks like we're back in the Admirals Club for ORD. No free... well, anything. It doesn't mention anything about access if flying AA. Do you suppose if I fly AA out of ORD they'd let me in?

Sitting at SFO's Delta pre-security domestic terminal Sky Club with three other lost traveling souls tonight. Thank You Delta and AS. Although I was dissapointed that the AS BR was already closed at 4PM on a Saturday. Oh well, the Sky Club is very pleasant. I am on AS metal tonigth and the Sky Club concierge asked to see my card to swipe in the card reader. Showed my AS boarding pass and I was off to the quiet room.

I like the program. I'll explore more in ATL next week.

From the boardroom website:

Chicago - O'Hare International Airport (ORD)
American Airlines Admirals Club

Club Room members must have a valid ticket for same-day travel into or out of Chicago on Alaska Airlines. Two guests or immediate family members may accompany the member.

Location: In the crosswalk between gates H6 & K6

Hours: Sun-Fri: 5:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.; Sat: 5:00 a.m. - 9:30 p.m.


Austin - Bergstrom International (AUS)
American Airlines Admirals Club

Club Room members with same day travel on Alaska Airlines may access the Admirals Club. Two guests or spouse and children under 21 may accompany the member.

Location: Across from gate 13 on the Mezzanine level

Hours: Daily: 5:15 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.


Well, it looks like we're back in the Admirals Club for ORD. No free... well, anything. It doesn't mention anything about access if flying AA. Do you suppose if I fly AA out of ORD they'd let me in?

Nice to see another option in ORD :cool: Now I can club hop ;)

And... A shower! (That's free... right?)

http://www.aa.com/i18nForward.do?p=/travelInformation/airportAmenities/AdmiralsLocations.jsp#ORD

Anyone able to explain why - of all the CO clubs - AS kept access to that one, and ditched UA in the same concourse as the AS flight(s)?

Anyone able to explain why - of all the CO clubs - AS kept access to that one, and ditched UA in the same concourse as the AS flight(s)?

Has AS used UA before for club access in EWR?

Has AS used UA before for club access in EWR?

I had thought that the UA club was the designated BR access lounge @ EWR (in the AS concourse) until recently - similar to the previous one-off US club access @ BOS? Am I missing something?

I had thought that the UA club was the designated BR access lounge @ EWR (in the AS concourse) until recently - similar to the previous one-off US club access @ BOS? Am I missing something?

I've been flying out of EWR on AS for 5+ years, and never had access to the UA club. Always been CO.

I've been flying out of EWR on AS for 5+ years, and never had access to the UA club. Always been CO.

I hear its close... but yes, haven't heard of use besides priority pass members...

Then I guess I'd been confusing BR access with Priority Pass - thanks for the input.