Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Chip Chip Chip, CLUNK - No More 1000 mile CC booking bonus eff 1 AUG 12

As seen on my Signature card statement today:

"Effective August 1, 2012 there will no longer be a 1,000 mile bonus for Alaska Airlines purchases on www.alaskaair.com. Thank you for your continued patronage."

Per this poster in another thread.

Quoting myself from that thread so we can keep the discussion here:

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOoooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo oooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo ooooooooooo.............................

:( :( :(

I looked on my statement dated 26 Jun and there is no notice there, so this must be new on July(?) statements. Kinda crummy to give less than one month's notice.

This was perhaps the single most valuable benefit of the AS MP after the waived change fee for Golds. I've earned north of 100K miles just from this booking bonus alone.

Guess I may be back to booking round-trip tickets from now on.

:( :( :(

For as much as we whined about the paid baggage for upgraders, this cut stings a lot worse. It seems downright dirty to change terms like this on a whim when people have to pay for the privilege of having this card a year at a time.

Since this is still an unconfirmed report, adding the information here that is published on alaskaair.com (http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/earning-miles/bonus-miles.aspx):

http://i.imgur.com/g8CBS.png

https://www.applyonlinenow.com/us/alaska-allproducts/index.html?sc=VABC3U&mboxSession=1341375331222-532268

Yet, for new card applications, the perk is missing.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (iPhone; CPU iPhone OS 5_1_1 like Mac OS X) AppleWebKit/534.46 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/5.1 Mobile/9B206 Safari/7534.48.3)

Well, kerplunk.

Time for you guys to get a new airline and find a new forum to post in :p

Wow. Unreal... This is a shot right in the gut.

Another reason to not really like Bank of America at all.

Another reason to not really like Bank of America at all. I am sure this is a B of A decision, not an AS decision, and dealing with B of A is for me the worst part of my relationship with AS. I hate B of A. This will probably accelerate my decision to drop the card at next renewal window. I don't need it and I already miss the lounge passes.

The value proposition for this card is diminishing.

I wonder what other "enhancements" are coming our way?

My statement is due tomorrow, I will be really disappointed if this is true. My anger will be focused on BOA not AS.

My statement is due tomorrow, I will be really disappointed if this is true. My anger will be focused on BOA not AS.

Why is everyone's anger focused at BofA? This is a jointly-marketed product. Do you think BofA actually buys 1000 miles from AS every time we buy a ticket? Or do you think AS gives us 1000 miles so we use the AS Visa (where AS already gets a benefit) and not spend the $ on another card?

Look at all of the chips over the past couple of years. Where was your anger focused?

My June 21st statement doesn't say anything about the bonus going away nor do I see anything online.

I probably rack up about 50,000 to 60,000 miles each year on the purchase bonuses. I will ditch the card if the bonus goes away.

No mention of this on my June 22nd statement...

Why is everyone's anger focused at BofA? This is a jointly-marketed product. Do you think BofA actually buys 1000 miles from AS every time we buy a ticket? Or do you think AS gives us 1000 miles so we use the AS Visa (where AS already gets a benefit) and not spend the $ on another card?

Look at all of the chips over the past couple of years. Where was your anger focused?

I agree with your comments that these airline credit cards mutually benefit the bank and airline.

However, I don't care for BOA while Alaska is my friend. If this benefit goes away, I'm closing the card, no matter at AS or BOA's loss. This won't shift my business to another airline, it will make sure I don't use BOA again.

I bought a pair of AS tickets with my AS VISA for flights in November, but I never received 1K bonus miles for the ticket purchase when my last statement closed. Are the bonus miles awarded only after travel commences? If the benefit is really going away, I'm just wondering whether or not to expect to receive the bonus miles for these tickets.

I bought a pair of AS tickets with my AS VISA for flights in November, but I never received 1K bonus miles for the ticket purchase when my last statement closed. Are the bonus miles awarded only after travel commences? If the benefit is really going away, I'm just wondering whether or not to expect to receive the bonus miles for these tickets.

I'll re-add my advice from an earlier thread here as there are several qualifications for the 1000 mile booking bonus that people occasionally miss:

Did your ticket purchase meet all of the following requirements?

1) Was the ticket purchased directly from alaskaair.com (not a codeshare partner like Delta.com or a travel agent/aggregator like Expedia)?
2) Was the ticket a paid fare? Mileage awards are not eligible for the booking bonus.
3) Was at least $1 of the fare was charged to a BoA AS Visa? It's OK to use credit certificates, My Wallet credit, and discount codes, but you must charge at least a portion of the ticket to the AS Visa.
4) Was the traveler's AS Mileage Plan number correctly listed in the reservation at time of booking? You must list the AS number during booking. If it's incorrect, left blank, or credited to a partner (eg DL SkyMiles or AA AAdvantage), you will not be eligible for the bonus. The bonus will not be awarded retroactively if you forget this during purchase.
5) Are you checking the traveler's account for the miles? The miles are awarded to each traveler whose fare is paid by an AS Visa. (The purchaser and traveler do not have to be the same person, and the traveler does not have to have an AS Visa.) The purchaser does not receive the 1000 mile bonus unless he is also a traveler.

My 1000-mile bonuses are typically credited within a few days of purchase. If you haven't seen them post within 7-10 days, I would give AS a call.

I bought a pair of AS tickets with my AS VISA for flights in November, but I never received 1K bonus miles for the ticket purchase when my last statement closed. Are the bonus miles awarded only after travel commences? If the benefit is really going away, I'm just wondering whether or not to expect to receive the bonus miles for these tickets.

In my experience the bonus miles have generally posted within several weeks after purchase and definitely before travel commences (assuming the purchase was made at least a month before the flight.) I received all 4 bonuses for tickets I purchased in June for travel that has not yet commenced. As baliktad said, you might call AS and see what they say about your missing miles.

Hypothesis: Is it possible that the benefit is disappearing as people's cards pass their anniversary dates? As others have posted my June statement said nothing about this change.

Last year, we closed all our BoA accounts afte 16 years with the bank. One of the best decisions we made in 2011.

As has been stated earlier, having to deal with BoA because of the AS Signature Card has been the worst part of my relationship with Alaska..kinda like that cousin everyone hates but has to deal with at holiday dinners.

Cut the 1,000 mile booking bonus and I will HAPPILY close my BoA account. Forget the companion cert (pay $110 to save $200-400? No thanks.) and 3x miles for Alaska purchases - can get MUCH BETTER credit card offers elsewhere.

Honestly, even though I will take a hit on not being able to backfill my mileage plan account as quickly, will be worth it to be THROUGH with BoA. I will be smiling when I have to pay for a ticket that I would otherwise been able to obtain with miles just because I know BoA wil be getting no business from me.

I am not one to hold a grudge - but I am giddy at the prospect of being done with that bank. I've never met an organization so intent on gauging its customers.

You guys expect a fair deal from megabankster BofA? Please. We are all better off without such a horrid partner to Alaska Airlines. Their corporate values do not match up at all.

Hypothesis: Is it possible that the benefit is disappearing as people's cards pass their anniversary dates? As others have posted my June statement said nothing about this change.

The note appeared on my statement dated July 3. The anniversary date of my card is August. I'm curious if others see the same note on their July statements.

Why is everyone's anger focused at BofA? This is a jointly-marketed product. Do you think BofA actually buys 1000 miles from AS every time we buy a ticket? Or do you think AS gives us 1000 miles so we use the AS Visa (where AS already gets a benefit) and not spend the $ on another card?

Look at all of the chips over the past couple of years. Where was your anger focused?

While I am not privy to the agreement between AS and BofA, the miles are almost certainly purchased by BofA. The relationship between other airlines and banks is based on a purchase of a minimum number of miles each year with the price influenced by the level of benefits provided by each party.

The only reason AS would encourage customers to use the AS Visa on its site is that it would require BofA to purchase more miles. Therefore, if AS granted the bonus miles, I see no logical basis for them to discontinue the practice, since the cost to them is trivial.

You guys expect a fair deal from megabankster BofA? Please. We are all better off without such a horrid partner to Alaska Airlines. Their corporate values do not match up at all.

The problem is that AS has no better option. The only current issuer of loyalty credit cards with a similar footprint is US Bank and I don't think they're a major improvement over BofA. There aren't any regional banks or credit unions that can pony up the cash to AS to make the program viable.

I'll re-add my advice from an earlier thread here as there are several qualifications for the 1000 mile booking bonus that people occasionally miss

...

My 1000-mile bonuses are typically credited within a few days of purchase. If you haven't seen them post within 7-10 days, I would give AS a call.

#4 was my problem - thanks for the very useful information! I gave AS a call and they posted the missing miles for me right away.

In my experience the bonus miles have generally posted within several weeks after purchase and definitely before travel commences (assuming the purchase was made at least a month before the flight.) I received all 4 bonuses for tickets I purchased in June for travel that has not yet commenced. As baliktad said, you might call AS and see what they say about your missing miles.

I had actually called before I made the purchase to ask, since the language on the AS website regarding whether or not (1) the bonus miles are credited to the MP acct. of the cardholder purchasing the tickets, or (2) into the MP accounts of the ticketed passengers, was a little vague (at least to me). And I thought that the agent was saying that it was the form of payment and MP# of the cardholder that mattered for the 1K bonus miles. But it looks like I misunderstood.


Hypothesis: Is it possible that the benefit is disappearing as people's cards pass their anniversary dates? As others have posted my June statement said nothing about this change.

I certainly hope not. I'm up for renewal next month, but my last statement didn't say anything about the change either. Maybe I'll be seeing it on my statement that includes my membership fee.

You guys expect a fair deal from megabankster BofA? Please. We are all better off without such a horrid partner to Alaska Airlines. Their corporate values do not match up at all.

No, but I expect a fair deal from Alaska Airlines. The hatchet has been a swingin' and it doesn't show any signs of slowing down, save a temporary reprieve on upgraded F baggage fees.

The 1000 mile bonus plus the elimination of the 50K bonus for flying 75K (which included partners) has already cost me an int'l premium ticket per year. It has also cost AS $ because I've previously done a run in F to get to the 75K if I was already in the 60Ks, but I won't to get to 90K.

I only use my AS Visa card for AS airline purchases and nothing else. I haven't had to deal with BofA for a long time. My bill arrives and i pay it. Not sure what causes everyone so much grief in dealing with BofA. I'm not defending the megabank, just haven't had any problems.

Now if I had to deal with Peggy from Discover Card, I might really get upset. :)

http://www.mediaite.com/online/meet-tudor-petrut-the-algebra-teacher-who-plays-peggy-in-the-discover-card-commercials/

I only use my AS Visa card for AS airline purchases and nothing else. I haven't had to deal with BofA for a long time. My bill arrives and i pay it. Not sure what causes everyone so much grief in dealing with BofA. I'm not defending the megabank, just haven't had any problems.

My experience as well. Personally, I find concentrating my spending on credit cards offering cash back to be more lucrative then using an airline credit card.

I only use my AS Visa card for AS airline purchases and nothing else. I haven't had to deal with BofA for a long time. My bill arrives and i pay it. Not sure what causes everyone so much grief in dealing with BofA. I'm not defending the megabank, just haven't had any problems.


That's been my experience too. No problems so far.

From my understanding, the 1000 booking bonus is from AS, BOFA already offers 3X miles per purchase, but the 1000 bonus is all AS. Bottom line, AS cut this benefit not Bofa.

Agree with everyone that this is a hit. But...

#1 - clearly the biggest benefit of the card for most is the companion certificate, which does well offset the $75 annual fee for most...

#2 - AS was one of the last holdouts to offer an online booking bonus/incentive of any kind. Is there any legacy carrier left that has an online booking bonus? While this was a benefit that did set AS apart, it's not like this suddenly makes AS's program inferior to the competition - it's just another example of decreased services to match the mediocrity of the competition.

Don't get me wrong, this is a hit...but overall, there are still probably 3 benefits left that will keep me with MVPG vs. jumping to the competition.

From my understanding, the 1000 booking bonus is from AS, BOFA already offers 3X miles per purchase, but the 1000 bonus is all AS. Bottom line, AS cut this benefit not Bofa.

Care to explain where this understanding comes from?

From my experience with these type of agreements from the bank's side, the airline is mostly in it to sell the miles. I guess the agreement could require AS to provide a booking bonus, but the cost would be rolled into the compensation relieved from BofA.

Care to explain where this understanding comes from?

From my experience with these type of agreements from the bank's side, the airline is mostly in it to sell the miles. I guess the agreement could require AS to provide a booking bonus, but the cost would be rolled into the compensation relieved from BofA.

Note how the bonus posts to the account:

SPECIAL SERVICES
WEB PURCHASE BONUS WITH BANK CARD

Note how BofA spend posts:

BANK OF AMERICA
SIGNATURE CARD ACTIVITY

Other descriptions in my account from the past 2 years categorized as "Special Services":
CLUB49 DISCOUNT CODE AVAILABLE IN YOUR MY ACCOUNT
CLUB49 REGISTRATION
DELTA AIRLINES DOUBLE MILE PROMOTION
ALASKA/HORIZON AIRLINES DOUBLE MILE PROMOTION
AIR CARE KIT

Other descriptions in my account from the past 2 years categorized as "Bank of America":
SIGNATURE CARD TICKET PURCHASE BONUS
SIGNATURE CARD $99 COMPANION TICKET AVAILABLE IN YOUR MY ACCOUNT
BANK OF AMERICA SIGNATURE CARD PROMOTION

So...based on how it posts, I'd have to agree with golfingboy - it seems that these miles were indeed awarded by AS...

So...based on how it posts, I'd have to agree with golfingboy - it seems that these miles were indeed awarded by AS...

Mechanically, its clear what party initiates the credit. However, this provides absolutely no insight into what party is responsible for bearing the cost of the bonus.

Mechanically, its clear what party initiates the credit. However, this provides absolutely no insight into what party is responsible for bearing the cost of the bonus.

The 1000 mile booking bonus was originally awarded for online purchase at alaskaair.com regardless of method of payment. It was meant to encourage online and especially direct booking. Later that was restricted to the AS Visa only.

I guess now the airlines have figured out we don't need an online booking bonus to incent online purchases anymore. They are adding enough fees to other booking channels to drive behavior where they want without additional bonuses.

The only reason AS would encourage customers to use the AS Visa on its site is that it would require BofA to purchase more miles. Therefore, if AS granted the bonus miles, I see no logical basis for them to discontinue the practice, since the cost to them is trivial.

The cost to them to provide 100% bonus miles instead of 50% bonus miles to MVPGs is then similarly trivial. If that ever goes away, I'll be sure to remember that you said the cost of miles was trivial.

The problem is that AS has no better option. The only current issuer of loyalty credit cards with a similar footprint is US Bank and I don't think they're a major improvement over BofA. There aren't any regional banks or credit unions that can pony up the cash to AS to make the program viable.

Chase
Wells Fargo
HSBC
Barclays
Morgan Stanley
Citi

I might be missing some other small banks like the ones above who also have no experience issuing rewards cards and lack the capital to invest in buying miles from a huge mega-carrier like AS.

Chase
Wells Fargo
HSBC
Barclays
Morgan Stanley
Citi

I might be missing some other small banks like the ones above who also have no experience issuing rewards cards and lack the capital to invest in buying miles from a huge mega-carrier like AS.

Forget them- AS should just partner up with someone like Alaska USA- after all they do have branches in AK, WA and CA ;)

Agree with everyone that this is a hit. But...

#1 - clearly the biggest benefit of the card for most is the companion certificate, which does well offset the $75 annual fee for most...

#2 - AS was one of the last holdouts to offer an online booking bonus/incentive of any kind. Is there any legacy carrier left that has an online booking bonus? While this was a benefit that did set AS apart, it's not like this suddenly makes AS's program inferior to the competition - it's just another example of decreased services to match the mediocrity of the competition.

Don't get me wrong, this is a hit...but overall, there are still probably 3 benefits left that will keep me with MVPG vs. jumping to the competition.

Have to agree with this. The companion cert is pretty significant. The only time I've ever paid an F fare was because it was quite a deal using the companion cert.

I was actually surprised to see this benefit when the wife & I got these cards a few months ago. Sad to see it go but not terribly surprised.

Chase
Wells Fargo
HSBC
Barclays
Morgan Stanley
CitiAnd which one of these "to big to fail" criminals should we all base our trust in. None are better than S++nk of America:rolleyes:

I too vote for the credit unions.

And which one of these "to big to fail" criminals should we all base our trust in. None are better than S++nk of America:rolleyes:

I too vote for the credit unions.

None. However, I have not had any problems (personally) with any of the above-named companies.

Until someone starts a nationwide credit union, I don't think the credit union idea will get very far. So, pick the least of the evils.

Until someone starts a nationwide credit union, I don't think the credit union idea will get very far. So, pick the least of the evils. Credit unions actually are national, to my pleasant surprise.

During my year living in Tacoma, I opened an account with BECU (aka Boeing Employee Credit Union), available to anybody who lives, breaths, or sneezes anywhere vaguely near Washington State. It probably would be trivial for them to open accounts for "... or is a member of a frequent flyer club or association or membership of a a Washington Based Airline."

I kept it open when I moved (to Uruguay/sometimes back to Colorado). Turns out I can do free ATM withdrawals at a credit union-run ATM of any credit union in the USA - like the ones on the concourses at DIA (DEN is the code, DIA is the name, like "Seatac" is the name people call SEA, before the "it's not DIA" crowd shows up.)

I can do full-service branch banking in the offices of nearly any credit union in the USA, like I did a couple of miles away last week at the Credit Union of the Rockies branch in Frisco CO. (and it is Frisco, not a bad nickname for San Francisco, when you're talking about the town next door to me.)

An hour ago I deposited a client's check for some freelance work into BECU from my scanner.

So nationwide free ATM withdrawals and inquiries. Nationwide teller service. 24/7 online deposits. That's just as nationwide as any of the bankster banks.

I'm guessing that BECU could easily open accounts for people having some affiliation via AS MP with Washington State. Perhaps if not the WA logic, the "customers of an all-Boeing Airline" - after all it is the Boeing Employees Credit Union. BECU already does some affinity Visa/MC stuff on a small scale.

They also have a smaller international transaction fee than most: 0.8% instead of 1% on Debit Mastercard ATM and POS transactions. Plus wickedly outstandingly blow-me-away excellent customer service. As in they made about 5 calls on my behalf, for hours at a time, to get TAM to give me a messed up refund. While crediting me back the full refund, due months earlier from TAM. Far beyond what the MC dispute rules require given the time and the age of the issue. Several other things that are good for travelers, including just doing the Uruguay travel notice as a "mark the card for a full year that they'll be in Uruguay most of the time" rather than the usual hypersecurity fraud dept overkill.

Natural fit in terms of aircraft manufacturer, state of headquarters, corporate culture, with AS. Let's make a deal please!

We are all better off without such a horrid partner to Alaska Airlines. Their corporate values do not match up at all.

Agreed.

Credit unions actually are national, to my pleasant surprise... I'm guessing that BECU could easily open accounts for people having some affiliation via AS MP with Washington State...

Natural fit in terms of aircraft manufacturer, state of headquarters, corporate culture, with AS. Let's make a deal please!

I'd love to see BECU pick up the AS affinity business! We moved our everyday banking business from Washington Mutual to BECU a few years ago, shortly before WaMu collapsed and was taken over by Chase, and never looked back. I'll never go back to a megabank again for anything but an arm's length relationship involving a credit card.

Wow.

This really makes the BofA card uncompetitive with everyone. Let's see, 100K on the Chase BA card, which thanks to Avios ruls can be usd to buy a lot more AS tickets for free, even to plages like Hawaii, or a piddly companion cert and 40k?

I don't think they thought this one through.

Chase
Wells Fargo
HSBC
Barclays
Morgan Stanley
Citi

I might be missing some other small banks like the ones above who also have no experience issuing rewards cards and lack the capital to invest in buying miles from a huge mega-carrier like AS.

The list is nice, but completely unrealistic (as is the thoughts of partnering with a credit union). Chase, Citi, and Barclays all issue affinity credit cards for AS competitors. The relationship between Chase/UA and Citi/AA are particularly deep.

HSBC and Morgan Stanley don't have large consumer credit card operations in the US and are unlikely to in the future.

Wells Fargo would be an excellent fit from a culture, service and footprint perspective. The only problem is that Wells Fargo does not offer any co-branded or loyalty credit cards. If Wells Fargo (or a credit union) were willing to pony up $250M+ per year, plus offer the banking services AS receives from BofA, we'd have a viable option.

The 1000 mile booking bonus was originally awarded for online purchase at alaskaair.com regardless of method of payment. It was meant to encourage online and especially direct booking. Later that was restricted to the AS Visa only.

I guess now the airlines have figured out we don't need an online booking bonus to incent online purchases anymore. They are adding enough fees to other booking channels to drive behavior where they want without additional bonuses.

I think we have a winner. :(

Well if AS did initiate this change I hope they'll do the honorable thing and announce it to everyone ASAP -- especially if it does take effect next month.

Reasoning: When I was MVP for many years the booking bonus was one thing I took into consideration when deciding whether to buy one way or roundtrip tickets. I also had change fees to contend with. So I made a decision taking into account how likely I was to need to make a change. It's only fair for people to know what the rules are when they book their tickets and not find out that they don't get a booking bonus until after they have already clicked Purchase.

Well if AS did initiate this change I hope they'll do the honorable thing and announce it to everyone ASAP -- especially if it does take effect next month.

If this is true and really is going into effect on August 1st, they've already done the cowardly thing - make no advance mention of it at all.

The only real honorable way to end a benefit like this that is tied to an annual fee-based credit card is to announce it more than 12 months in advance. That way everyone who is paying for the credit card can evaluate whether or not to keep the credit card on their renewal date.

If the miles AS were handing out were so significant that they feel the need to eliminate the benefit, then surely they recognize that the miles were a significant benefit to customers. Yanking this benefit is disappointing, but doing it like this with no warning or announcement is a scummy move I would have expected from a huge faceless carrier that is really just a bank subsidiary with a lot of planes (DL, UA), not my friendly local carrier known for its personal service.

...The only real honorable way to end a benefit like this that is tied to an annual fee-based credit card is to announce it more than 12 months in advance. That way everyone who is paying for the credit card can evaluate whether or not to keep the credit card on their renewal date...

That's why I hypothesized earlier that B of A may be notifying people and ending the benefit as people's cards come up for renewal on their anniversaries. If we don't agree with the change we don't pay the annual fee. We don't have enough data points yet to know one way or the other whether that is what's happening.

I get that benefits change but it really annoys me when a company doesn't tell me what's going on in a timely manner. That's the quickest way to lose my business.

And it's official. The bonus ends 31 Jul 2012 (http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/earning-miles/bonus-miles.aspx) for everyone:

http://i.imgur.com/PazUv.png

I hope AS doesn't think that posting it on the website in this manner is adequate notice for a change that takes place so soon. If they can send me e-mails for every piece of good news then they can let me know about the bad as well.

And it's official. The bonus ends 31 Jul 2012 (http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/earning-miles/bonus-miles.aspx) for everyone:

I'm thinking about buying future AS flights with my AmEx Gold, which offers 3x points on airfare spend and far better trip insurance protections. I will not be feeling sorry that AS has to spend an extra percent or so on credit card merchant fees for me to use my AmEx.

I hope AS doesn't think that posting it on the website in this manner is adequate notice for a change that takes place so soon. If they can send me e-mails for every piece of good news then they can let me know about the bad as well.

What irks me even more is that AS knew about this long enough ago to have it printed on July BoA Visa statements. But rather than owning up to it and communicating, they again tried to sweep it under the rug. My statement closes on the 26th, so my only proactive notice will probably not even arrive until after the bonus is over anyway.

I'm thinking about buying future AS flights with my AmEx Gold, which offers 3x points on airfare spend and far better trip insurance protections. I will not be feeling sorry that AS has to spend an extra percent or so on credit card merchant fees for me to use my AmEx.

Hmm, interesting. I only used my AS Visa for AS ticket purchases anyway.

I think I will still keep the AS Visa, if only for the companion cert. But my prediction is that within the next 18 months, AS/BoA will alter the terms of the companion cert in at least one of the following ways:

- increased base fare. They did it recently from $50 to $99
- fare restrictions. prohibiting G/T fares and/or F fares
- mileage earning. No mileage accrual for companion

When any one of those changes arrives, I'll be ditching the AS Visa for a different card as well.

And it's official. The bonus ends 31 Jul 2012 (http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/earning-miles/bonus-miles.aspx) for everyone:

http://i.imgur.com/PazUv.png

Very disappointing news. We will need to reconsider our AS BofA cards. Might be well past time to more carefully review other financial institutions cash reward cards. My old Schwab card (sigh..it is now also BofA) has reduced many of their more lucrative rewards as well. They also want us to have a savings or checking account. I'd rather run far and fast in the other direction away from any closer affiliation with BofA.
The BECU idea is a solid one!

I'm thinking about buying future AS flights with my AmEx Gold, which offers 3x points on airfare spend and far better trip insurance protections. I will not be feeling sorry that AS has to spend an extra percent or so on credit card merchant fees for me to use my AmEx.I will be booking 4 one way tickets to wedding in SEA with a side trip to eastern WA before the end of July. That will end my purchases with the BofA VISA. Amex, due to trip insurance will be my card of choice.

While disappointed about the change, this is good to know. I can then cancel our two cards after I use up our remaining companion cert.

For whatever reason, I have never gotten much value out of the companion cert. When I book way in advance, the cheapest fare is often so much cheaper than a F seat - so I just pass. I usually end up cashing it in around Thanksgiving and only get a couple hundred dollars of value out of it.

The 1,000 point bonus was my main purpose for keeping the card, especially using it for one-way purchases with my MVPG status and no change fees.

I've got too many credit cards right now and this will give me a bit more freedom.

Sad to see it go. Time to move on.

And it's official. The bonus ends 31 Jul 2012 (http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/earning-miles/bonus-miles.aspx) for everyone:

http://i.imgur.com/PazUv.png

This is a load of runny crap. While they may refund a recent applicant's annual fee, at a minimum, this should have been rolled out per the expiration period of the card. Less than 30 days notice for everyone, and given my statement closing dates, the earliest I'll "learn" about this is next week. (If I only had one card, I'd learn about it a few days before the change.) That is, unless we receive T&C change letters with a fart balloon attached. I'm sure we'll hear how beautiful the fragrance of the change in terms smells.

- increased base fare. They did it recently from $50 to $99
- fare restrictions. prohibiting G/T fares and/or F fares
- mileage earning. No mileage accrual for companion



Nah, I wouldn't worry about any of these, AS knows better than to mess with the companion ticket. I can see them raising the base fare to 149, but definitely never the second two on your list.

Nah, I wouldn't worry about any of these, AS knows better than to mess with the companion ticket. I can see them raising the base fare to 149, but definitely never the second two on your list.

Is the companion ticket actually much of a profit center for AS?

I'm NYC-based, so the AS metal out of EWR is somewhat poorly scheduled for me to go to Hawaii in F with it. I'm willing to suffer the inconvinence to ensure F travel the entire way for two at a comparable cost of buying two coach tickets on my primary airlines (AA and UA), but I do have to wonder who is getting the better deal out of this.

If AS starts tinkering with the companion pass, I might drop the card. Huff and puff as I might, it would be hard to blame them for doing so.

Nah, I wouldn't worry about any of these, AS knows better than to mess with the companion ticket. I can see them raising the base fare to 149, but definitely never the second two on your list.

Nothing is sacred. And to think, this all started (well, maybe not the real start) when we didn't get our cookies. It has been like a wildly-swinging hatchet.

The only way they're going to learn that this was a bad move is dropping the card.

Though it is churnable, isn't it? ;)

Nothing is sacred. And to think, this all started (well, maybe not the real start) when we didn't get our cookies. It has been like a wildly-swinging hatchet.

"The Race" has been going on for a long time. My big dis with AS is that they will not "MAN UP" and announce these changes up front. Simply putting the change on a very obscure (to 99.999% of their customers) little part of a back water web page is cowardly at best and dishonest at least. And to do it with little time before the change is repulsive.

This post will be deleted in 9..8..7....

Though it is churnable, isn't it? ;)

YUP.

Agreed with many sentiments above. I probably should have ditched the card some time ago. I only sometimes have gotten any significant value out of the companion cert, but have earned lots of miles with the 1K bonus - enough that the combination of the 2 is valuable to me...

I would not be surprised at all if the companion cert does devalue in the near future - it's one of the last couple of valuable benefits...

I think this makes me look to the Citi Thank You Premier as my primary card for airline purchases:

-companion certificate (limited to lower 48, so not a true replacement)
-15% off on flight purchases (limited options)
-miles flown matched with Thank You points - earning 4K thank you points on my last $270 ticket was much better than triple miles... - 4K Thank you points is redeemable for $53 worth of flights...more than I can say for 810 miles...

YUP.

Then the answer is "churn away".

If AS would rather give you miles 25K at a time as opposed to 1K every so often when you purchase a ticket... ;)

Last year, we closed all our BoA accounts afte 16 years with the bank. One of the best decisions we made in 2011.

As has been stated earlier, having to deal with BoA because of the AS Signature Card has been the worst part of my relationship with Alaska..kinda like that cousin everyone hates but has to deal with at holiday dinners.

Cut the 1,000 mile booking bonus and I will HAPPILY close my BoA account. Forget the companion cert (pay $110 to save $200-400? No thanks.) and 3x miles for Alaska purchases - can get MUCH BETTER credit card offers elsewhere.

Honestly, even though I will take a hit on not being able to backfill my mileage plan account as quickly, will be worth it to be THROUGH with BoA. I will be smiling when I have to pay for a ticket that I would otherwise been able to obtain with miles just because I know BoA wil be getting no business from me.

I am not one to hold a grudge - but I am giddy at the prospect of being done with that bank. I've never met an organization so intent on gauging its customers.

Well said. BofA is the worst. I can't understand why a customer-focused organization like Alaska would partner with them.

Well said. BofA is the worst. I can't understand why a customer-focused organization like Alaska would partner with them.

Because BofA bought out Seafirst Bank. Each of the majors (banks) are about as offensive as the others. While we may have individually have had better or worse personal experiences with any of them, at the end of the day (or month, or year), they are all about the same. AS will not be as successful marketing with a smaller regional bank while trying to attract customers outside of the region. As for a credit union, the underwriting standards may be drastically different than that of a major bank, and again, many people want to deal directly with a major bank.

This is definitely some disappointing news. I loved the 1k bonus and pretty much used the BofA Visa just for that. The companion ticket was nice, but I don't frequently travel with others, so it's less of a draw.

I guess I'm a little surprised too. I sort of felt like I was taking advantage of the system, booking two one-ways to maximize the bonus miles, but if this was an issue, AS could have at least restricted it to r/t tickets only.

Like a lot of people have already said, I'm dumping this card after 31 July. No need for it anymore. :(

The companion cert lost almost all value with the move from $50 to $100, so I stopped using it. So paying $75 annually for the privilege of earning 3 miles / dollar spent at AS.com and 1 mile per dollar for other purchases is not enough to keep my business.

I'll be cancelling my card and getting my $75 annual fee refunded (which hit May 26). Time to go card shopping. Also there's a good chance I migrate to DL for my travel. Need to do some analysis on that move, and now's the time to do that.

I rarely, if ever, complain when airlines or hotels reduce program "benefits." Upgrades, BOGO's - they don't impinge on points/miles. And I am a point junkie. And the elimination of the 1000 point bonus hits me where it hurts.

If I fly, for example, to San Francisco, I score - with the 75 Gold bonus - about 2700 miles. The 1000 mile booking bonus is nearly 40% of what I earn actually flying - something very important to this point junkie.

In addition to being a 75 Gold with Alaska, I am a lifetime Premier 1K with United. In the past, I have been more than willing to pay a bit more on Alaska because of the bonus booking points. I have, with trips booked, already clinched 75 Gold for next year. You can bet that my subsequent bookings to the Bay Area will be based on price.

For me, and for others, the booking bonus was very much a difference maker. I certainly wish someone would reconsider. I've been altogether accepting in the past about program changes. But this one hurts. Once thousand miles don't cost much. I'm sorry (for myself) that Alaska is losing the competitive advantage they once had by watching this bonus bite the dust.

I have never had the card. Wife does but not sure why since she never travels.

Like any business transaction ....everyone will just need to consider the bottom line. 1000 non EQMs costs 27.50 (that is the cost to buy them via AS/points.com). Figure out what you might earn using another rewards card and the cost of the annual fee ...and the value of the companion certificate to you. Never ever get emotional about this kind of thing.

I'd be curious for the board's thoughts on the next-best card for the typical AS traveler (if there is such a thing). Tons of threads on the CC forums, but what comes closest to replacing the primary bennies of the AS card for a traveler who flies primarily on QX routes and doesn't have a major alternative?


Booking bonus
3x miles for airline purchases
Companion cert
1x miles for dollars spent

T minus 25 days until I close my BoA Signature card...why can't I wipe this Joker-like smile off my face?

Between business and personal charges, spend over $100K a year on this card. Have had to take a cash advance a few times, in light of the outrageous fees. No way BoA comes out ahead of this on me.

When we ditched BoA for checking/savings/CDs, we switched everything to HomeStreet Bank. Such a lovely organization. Even though their credit card won't have the same "bennies", will gladly give them my business. (I could go with one of the other big banks and come out ahead, but just have that sinking feeling that I will regret it later.) That's how bad BoA is - motivates me to sacrifice my self-interest just to not deal with them again!

Post again on July 31st

Sad day indeed, but mine is closed. I ended up using the companion cert about every other year. So, now when I need to use one I'll just churn the card. With an 800+ credit score I really don't think it's going to impact things. So, I'll take the companion cert and 25K bonus!

When I cancelled my annual fee was reversed because it was within 30 days of being assessed. I'm curious if anyone outside of that window has successfully gotten the annual fee reversed due to a material adverse change in terms.

The 1,000 bonus miles was one of the primary reasons why I would consider getting the AS BOA Visa. Now that it's gone, I have less of a reason to get it since I don't currently fly enough expensive trips solely on AS/QX to make the companion certificate worthwhile.

DL had/has a debit card issued through SunTrust, which is only open to residents of certain states. An AS-issued credit card through BECU might be feasible; while 51% larger than BECU by assets, PenFed has been able to market credit cards (Visa and AmEx) and other financial products nationwide despite similar membership requirements, limited locations, and a very conservative lending policy. One could have the PenFed Amex and Visa and earn 5 points per dollar on groceries and gas, 3 points per dollar on groceries, and 1 point per dollar on everything else.

Non-Credit Union options for future AS credit cards could include Union Bank (many California and Washington branches) and possibly Nordstrom Bank (2.6 million credit/debit cards currently issued).

I'd be curious for the board's thoughts on the next-best card for the typical AS traveler (if there is such a thing). Tons of threads on the CC forums, but what comes closest to replacing the primary bennies of the AS card for a traveler who flies primarily on QX routes and doesn't have a major alternative?


Booking bonus
3x miles for airline purchases
Companion cert
1x miles for dollars spent


If you need the 3x Miles, the Premier Rewards Gold from Amex is great. Its 3x on any airline booking and 2x on groceries/gas. Hefty 175$ annual fee though(waived first year). If you need something that can earn you AS miles(at a decent rate), SPG amex is the only way to go.Net 1.25 miles for every dollar spent with their 20000 starpoints = 25000 miles bonus. There's nothing for the companion cert I'm afraid. I'll probably shift to a combination of both next year.

I'd be curious for the board's thoughts on the next-best card for the typical AS traveler (if there is such a thing). Tons of threads on the CC forums, but what comes closest to replacing the primary bennies of the AS card for a traveler who flies primarily on QX routes and doesn't have a major alternative?


Booking bonus
3x miles for airline purchases
Companion cert
1x miles for dollars spent


If you book and pay for your own travel, rather than being reimbursed, I like the Citi ThankYou Premier lately (though I am just trying it out). I draw the distinction, because one of the bigger perks is a 15% discount up front off base fare - the catch is the flight you want has to have the lowest base fare available for the day you travel or you can't book through their website for the discount.

It does have a companion certificate (valid 48 US only)

miles flown on flights booked with the card are matched with thank you points 1:1, not to exceed TY points earned for regular spending annually (1 pt/$)

TY points can be redeemed at 1.33 cents/point towards airline tickets. Not transferable to airline miles (though rumors of such have been around for a while), so if you're willing to consider points/$ equivalents instead of miles, it is a consideration.

I think, for me, the TY program is more lucrative than the AS cc for flight purchases - based on my valuation of AS miles at 1.9 cents each (since AS will sell them to you for that after ticket purchase).

I just received a letter in the mail from Alaska. It confirms the ending of the 1,000 bonus miles promotion.

It also states:
"Each year on your anniversary, you receive a Companion Fare from $110 (USD) $99 base fare, plus taxes and fees from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary) good for airfare anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, including Hawaii and Alaska. All companion fares issued beginning August 1, 2012 may be used for coach class bookings only." It explains why the change - basically cost pressures and growing demand for the limited space in first class. It also mentions that the "companion fare continues to remain without fare requirements or other limitations"

Bolding is my emphasis.

I just received a letter in the mail from Alaska. It confirms the ending of the 1,000 bonus miles promotion.

It also states:
"Each year on your anniversary, you receive a Companion Fare from $110 (USD) $99 base fare, plus taxes and fees from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary) good for airfare anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, including Hawaii and Alaska. All companion fares issued beginning August 1, 2012 may be used for coach class bookings only." It explains why the change - basically cost pressures and growing demand for the limited space in first class. It also mentions that the "companion fare continues to remain without fare requirements or other limitations"

Bolding is my emphasis.

wow...strike one and strike 2 this week...the chips aren't even coming occasionally anymore...at this rate, I wonder what comes next week?

I just received a letter in the mail from Alaska. It confirms the ending of the 1,000 bonus miles promotion.

It also states:
"Each year on your anniversary, you receive a Companion Fare from $110 (USD) $99 base fare, plus taxes and fees from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary) good for airfare anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, including Hawaii and Alaska. All companion fares issued beginning August 1, 2012 may be used for coach class bookings only." It explains why the change - basically cost pressures and growing demand for the limited space in first class. It also mentions that the "companion fare continues to remain without fare requirements or other limitations"

Bolding is my emphasis.


So, they would apparently not have my (approx.) $1700 for 2 F tickets ($1600 + $100) and rather have me pay 1/3 of that, and shop for flights with U space at booking.

Given that the BofA card has become next-to-worthless, I really wish AS would stop AGGRESSIVELY hawking this card on every single flight I take!

AS needs to find a new credit card partner.

The only way they're going to learn that this was a bad move is dropping the card.I would be willing to bet that the righteous indignation that is expressed here only extends to a tiny minority of users (albeit potentially high-value users). I get that if you routinely used the companion certificate to buy 2 x F losing that benefit is a real bummer.

But I think a more representative cardholder is my mother. She lives in Virginia and uses the companion certificate for an annual trip to the West Coast with her husband. I guarantee you she was never aware of the 1000-mile bonus and the notion of paying for F (even with a 2-for-1.1 companion deal) would never occur to her. Just with the companion pass alone, she is probably a few hundred dollars ahead every year and she values that savings.

I just think that cardholders like Mom are much more typical than those expressing their disappointment here.

I just think that cardholders like Mom are much more typical than those expressing their disappointment here.

Query why if we are atypical, then why are they chopping the benefit?

Query why if we are atypical, then why are they chopping the benefit?For the reasons outlined in Post 77 (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18887331-post77.html)?

,
Query why if we are atypical, then why are they chopping the benefit?

The are cutting these benefits BECAUSE you are atypical.

If you value the miles at a low one cent, that meant AS was giving ten bucks off each booking. Us wise ones would book as 2 one ways, $20 off each round trip. Take away this benefit and 90% don't miss it. Huge savings, small number of people notice or care.

I have many friends who have this card and never would have thought of using the cert for F. Now, some people have figured out that rather than think about what you're savings with the cert, think about what you can GET. PDX-HNL best Y fare right now is in the $650 range. F is $1428 + $75 annual fee + $110 = $1633, $817 per person. So, around $150, the same cost as a day of travel upgrade, you get a guaranteed big seat, bonus miles, boardroom, booze, food, no change fee. So, for the same money you're getting filet instead of scraps. Multiply that by 2, 3, 4 or more cards per household....

The wording and prominence of the published end date has changed slightly. Instead of "through Jul 31," it's been changed to an underlined "Offer ends Jul 31."

http://i.imgur.com/IRs1E.png

The original wording implies this was an ongoing benefit that is now ending. The new wording implies this was a limited time offer that was expected to expire anyway. It's a subtle distinction, but no amount of wordplay is going to make up for the fact that this valuable benefit is being yanked out from under us without any real advance notification.

Nah, I wouldn't worry about any of these, AS knows better than to mess with the companion ticket.

Whoops. Very prophetic of you.

Well said. BofA is the worst. I can't understand why a customer-focused organization like Alaska would partner with them.

Customer focused? Feeling that less and less day by day.

So, they would apparently not have my (approx.) $1700 for 2 F tickets ($1600 + $100) and rather have me pay 1/3 of that, and shop for flights with U space at booking.

I know, weird, huh?

Forget them- AS should just partner up with someone like Alaska USA- after all they do have branches in AK, WA and CA ;)

My thoughts exactly. They're even truly Alaska-based, unlike AS (Air Seattle :D).

I just received a letter in the mail from Alaska. It confirms the ending of the 1,000 bonus miles promotion.

It also states:
"Each year on your anniversary, you receive a Companion Fare from $110 (USD) $99 base fare, plus taxes and fees from $11 depending on your Alaska Airlines flight itinerary) good for airfare anywhere Alaska Airlines flies, including Hawaii and Alaska. All companion fares issued beginning August 1, 2012 may be used for coach class bookings only." It explains why the change - basically cost pressures and growing demand for the limited space in first class. It also mentions that the "companion fare continues to remain without fare requirements or other limitations"

Bolding is my emphasis.

Crap. Was going to have my GF sign up for the card to get the 2-for-1 Companion cert for a trip to Hawaii. Wonder if she applies today if she'd still get the certificate that will work for F. Or is it based on date of booking?

Sorta glad I "dumped" AS after all!

Crap. Was going to have my GF sign up for the card to get the 2-for-1 Companion cert for a trip to Hawaii. Wonder if she applies today if she'd still get the certificate that will work for F. Or is it based on date of booking?

Unfortunately I don't think so.

Letter states "If you currently have a Companion Fare code in your Alaska Airlines 'My Account', you can apply it to a first class booking until its expiration date."

Forget them- AS should just partner up with someone like Alaska USA- after all they do have branches in AK, WA and CA ;)

My thoughts exactly. They're even truly Alaska-based, unlike AS (Air Seattle :D).

They've been my bank for decades, but I was very surprised a while back to find the Alaska USA Tower in beautiful downtown Seattle. I need an ATM


and......


There It Was:D