Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - $110 Companion Ticket Valid for COACH class only - Effective August 1st

Glanced over on the Alaska FB page where it is confirmed that all $110 visa companion certificates issues after August 1st will be valid only in COACH class.

"All new companion fare certificates issued after August 1st will be valid in conjunction with Coach Class only. Any unused certificates may still be used towards First Class until their expiration date. Ongoing cost pressures and growing demand for limited space in First Class (particularly on flights to Hawaii and the East Coast) prompted the changes. Our companion fare still offers tremendous value in that - unlike other airlines' offerings - it can be used for travel to anywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico. Additionally, as an MVP Gold, you can still use your benefits to upgrade to First Class when traveling on a companion fare ticket."

I was debating keeping my visa signature after the 1000 mile booking bonus, but, this change renders the card benefit-less.

Whoa...I guess we saw this coming. Wonder if these are all typos again...

Clearly this decision was made some time ago. BofA is probably going to be shocked about the number of cards that get cancelled in the next several months.

Bummer for me is, this is one of my longest standing cc's. Anyone know if I can transfer this account history over to my other BofA card to maintain the longevity and not take the hit on my credit score?

I got the letter confirming this in the mail today.
My AF is coming up in October. If history is any indication with BOFA, they will not let me change card product type. I last tried switching a year ago and they would not allow it.

To quote Eastbay 1K, this is a load of runny crap!!! The way things are going, AS is soon likely to plug up the sewer system! :(

LOL. So basically this turns the AS BofA Visa into a bad joke.

I suppose it's nice that AS hasn't turned into the arm of a bank ala DL and AMEX, but I can't see why you'd get the BofA Visa as opposed to any number of other cards with more miles and better benefits.

LOL. So basically this turns the AS BofA Visa into a bad joke.

Absolutely agree!!

The ONLY reason we used the card was for the Companion Fare for FC.

Since that's going away, so is the card.

Just got my notice today. Both hubby and I have, or I should say HAD, accounts. One to be closed immediately and the other will be shortly! No thx Visa:(

Clunk clunk clunk clunk clunk clunk.

Remember the "oops" webpage publishing this just a few months ago? Looks like "oops on the early release," because it was published using 3 different links at the time.

2 hits at the same time. I'm feeling the love. :mad:

And while we all have our various hits that hurt us the most, this may be it for me.

:td::td::td::td::td::td::td::td::td::td:

Thought about getting rid of the card when they increased the companion fare from $50-$100, kept it because of the 1000 mile bonus and because at $100 it's still a good deal for FC. Without the bonus and FC match there's no point in paying the yearly fee. I'm definitely getting rid of the card now.

Side question for those who might know: do I have to be a current cardholder in order to use the companion fare? I'm not planning on using the fare until Christmas, and probably not purchasing until September or so. Can I get rid of the card and still use the fare, or should I hold onto it until after the trip has been booked?

To quote Eastbay 1K, this is a load of runny crap!!! The way things are going, AS is soon likely to plug up the sewer system! :(


These aren't chips anymore. The Eskimo has diarrhea.

This change will probably affect most of you down in "America" but this is still an amazing perk for those of us in #49. Many of you get the perks of paying $300 r/t to fly almost anywhere in the Lower 48, while $300 will barely get us to Anchorage and back. Just to fly to Florida, I'm looking at $850 roundtrip, while I'm paying only $320 roundtrip to fly from Seattle to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Yes, it sucks they can't be used for First Class... but that doesn't make these worthless. Just worth LESS than before...

Maybe this is retribution for having lamented mightily about the checked baggage fees for upgraders?

Chip chip chip, b*tches!

http://www.preparedpantry.com/ProductImages/ingredients/Full-MintChips.jpg

This change will probably affect most of you down in "America" but this is still an amazing perk for those of us in #49. Many of you get the perks of paying $300 r/t to fly almost anywhere in the Lower 48, while $300 will barely get us to Anchorage and back. Just to fly to Florida, I'm looking at $850 roundtrip, while I'm paying only $320 roundtrip to fly from Seattle to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Yes, it sucks they can't be used for First Class... but that doesn't make these worthless. Just worth LESS than before...

Dear fellow Juneauite - I hear ya. The sun will come up tomorrow despite this loss.

However, when you step back and take a look at the bigger picture ... well .... I can't help but feel like the proverbial frog that fell into the pot of water on the stove. Our Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, AS, turned on the heat but put it at a low setting. But each time a change was instituted, the heat got ratcheted up a smidge. Therefore, us frogs really didn't feel it too badly when they did away with the cookies .... and then took away the BR visitations when we weren't flying .... and then foisted the G/T no-can-upgrade switcheroo on us .... and then ix-nay'ed the 1,000 bonus for online ticket purchases .... and then today's masterpiece. I'm sure I missed a couple. Before we knew it, the water was boiling and we were thoroughly poached!

As you well know, here in Juneau don't have a choice for getting out of town save for the ferry. Until the road to Skagway gets built (Kevlar suit being donned).

Taken one at a time, yes, the world isn't about to end (Mayan lore notwithstanding). But compare where we are today versus a couple years ago. The difference is pretty substantial.

This change will probably affect most of you down in "America" but this is still an amazing perk for those of us in #49. Many of you get the perks of paying $300 r/t to fly almost anywhere in the Lower 48, while $300 will barely get us to Anchorage and back. Just to fly to Florida, I'm looking at $850 roundtrip, while I'm paying only $320 roundtrip to fly from Seattle to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Yes, it sucks they can't be used for First Class... but that doesn't make these worthless. Just worth LESS than before...

They are now pretty much worthless for me. This cannot be sugar coated. Besides, they are sugar coating everything with so much "we are so wonderful" that we will all become diabetic, have a limb amputation or two, and then will be disabled enough to pre-board, which will give us a wonderful perk, pre-boarding, no matter where we sit.

This is F***ing outrageous !!!

:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad: :mad::mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

When they make changes, they don't mess around. :eek:

This change will probably affect most of you down in "America" but this is still an amazing perk for those of us in #49. Many of you get the perks of paying $300 r/t to fly almost anywhere in the Lower 48, while $300 will barely get us to Anchorage and back. Just to fly to Florida, I'm looking at $850 roundtrip, while I'm paying only $320 roundtrip to fly from Seattle to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Yes, it sucks they can't be used for First Class... but that doesn't make these worthless. Just worth LESS than before...

San Juan, Puerto Rico? Sorry to rain on your parade, but you can't use the discount to fly to San Juan.

From AS FB page...

"All new companion fare certificates issued after August 1st will be valid in conjunction with Coach Class only. Any unused certificates may still be used towards First Class until their expiration date. Ongoing cost pressures and growing demand for limited space in First Class (particularly on flights to Hawaii and the East Coast) prompted the changes. Our companion fare still offers tremendous value in that - unlike other airlines' offerings - it can be used for travel to anywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico. Additionally, as an MVP Gold, you can still use your benefits to upgrade to First Class when traveling on a companion fare ticket. -David"

What a bunch of bull :mad: :mad:

San Juan, Puerto Rico? Sorry to rain on your parade, but you can't use the discount to fly to San Juan.

I think his point was just how cheap fares originating from "outside" are as compared to fares originating in #49.

San Juan, Puerto Rico? Sorry to rain on your parade, but you can't use the discount to fly to San Juan.

I think s/he was just trying to project the spotlight on high air fares out of here and how the companion code can really make a big difference in lowering the cost of a trip.

This change will probably affect most of you down in "America" but this is still an amazing perk for those of us in #49. Many of you get the perks of paying $300 r/t to fly almost anywhere in the Lower 48, while $300 will barely get us to Anchorage and back. Just to fly to Florida, I'm looking at $850 roundtrip, while I'm paying only $320 roundtrip to fly from Seattle to San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Yes, it sucks they can't be used for First Class... but that doesn't make these worthless. Just worth LESS than before...

Dear fellow Juneauite - I hear ya. The sun will come up tomorrow despite this loss.

However, when you step back and take a look at the bigger picture ... well .... I can't help but feel like the proverbial frog that fell into the pot of water on the stove. Our Chief Cook and Bottle Washer, AS, turned on the heat but put it at a low setting. But each time a change was instituted, the heat got ratcheted up a smidge. Therefore, us frogs really didn't feel it too badly when they did away with the cookies .... and then took away the BR visitations when we weren't flying .... and then foisted the G/T no-can-upgrade switcheroo on us .... and then ix-nay'ed the 1,000 bonus for online ticket purchases .... and then today's masterpiece. I'm sure I missed a couple. Before we knew it, the water was boiling and we were thoroughly poached!

As you well know, here in Juneau don't have a choice for getting out of town save for the ferry. Until the road to Skagway gets built (Kevlar suit being donned).

Taken one at a time, yes, the world isn't about to end (Mayan lore notwithstanding). But compare where we are today versus a couple years ago. The difference is pretty substantial.

Agree completely...the fact that the companion cert is still valid for the entire route network does make it still valuable for many, especially cardholders that live on the fringe of AS's route network. For me personally, my travel patterns don't always involve using the companion certificate for myself. The cert + the booking bonus still made the card valuable to me - I just gifted the companion certificate the years I didn't use it personally. Now with the loss of the booking bonus, I think I'll put my $75 fee elsewhere.

The bigger concern for me is that I perceive this trend as a sign of things to come...as is being discussed in all of the rest of the threads on this forum currently. A couple of further key bean counting changes will have me looking elsewhere for my primary business. At least based in ANC I have the option to look elsewhere, albeit limited.

Corporate Alaska Air really doesn't care what their loyal clientele think about these changes; amazing how they can do it and still post cheery notices as to how this really benefits everyone. Bottom line is that it benefits the bean-counting "suits" who come up with these awesome ways to chip away. They truly don't care what we think - sad but true. As long as they get their million dollar salaries and perks, they're happy.

Eventually Alaska Air will be absorbed/merged with someone else and then none of this will truly matter since the corporate brains will be out of jobs anyway and can no longer make idiotic decisions.

Any chance they will refund the annual fee I paid when I got this card in October? I have not used the companion cert yet. Can I book it before august 1 and change flights later?

Ugh. The 1k bonus was 50% of why I got this card... The companion cert to book F tickets was the other 50... Pretty disappointing.

Cancel cancel cancel! Bye bye Alaska MC Canada... :td: :td:

Any chance they will refund the annual fee I paid when I got this card in October? I have not used the companion cert yet. Can I book it before august 1 and change flights later?

Ugh. The 1k bonus was 50% of why I got this card... The companion cert to book F tickets was the other 50... Pretty disappointing.

Your companion cert issued prior to August 1 will still be valid on first class through its expiration, the way I read it, so no changes to your cert. I do wonder if you could talk them out of last year's fee based on changing the booking bonus prior to anniversary.

Also...one consideration for many who use the companion cert for F booking...the way I read this, any cert issued prior to August 1 is still valid on F; since this card is churnable and one can have more than 1, I'd think if you apply now you'd still get the bonus and another cert valid for 1 year in F...perhaps BofA will see a huge surge in applications...and subsequent cancellations in the upcoming months.

And the silver lining for elites is that perhaps upgrade percentages will increase with the loss of this F purchasing revenue - though that would be a bit ironic if it opens up significant space in transcons or HI that they end up giving away. They'd be better off selling those as companion certs.

Any chance they will refund the annual fee I paid when I got this card in October? I have not used the companion cert yet. Can I book it before august 1 and change flights later?

Ugh. The 1k bonus was 50% of why I got this card... The companion cert to book F tickets was the other 50... Pretty disappointing.

Any certs already issued are valid for all fare classes until they expire.

And the silver lining for elites is that perhaps upgrade percentages will increase with the loss of this F purchasing revenue - though that would be a bit ironic if it opens up significant space in transcons or HI that they end up giving away. They'd be better off selling those as companion certs.

Yes, that was my point (in either this or another similar thread).

Any certs already issued are valid for all fare classes until they expire.

My anniversary date is in July, so hopefully I get my discount code in enough time to book F with it...

From AS FB page...

"All new companion fare certificates issued after August 1st will be valid in conjunction with Coach Class only. Any unused certificates may still be used towards First Class until their expiration date. Ongoing cost pressures and growing demand for limited space in First Class (particularly on flights to Hawaii and the East Coast) prompted the changes. Our companion fare still offers tremendous value in that - unlike other airlines' offerings - it can be used for travel to anywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico. Additionally, as an MVP Gold, you can still use your benefits to upgrade to First Class when traveling on a companion fare ticket. -David"

What a bunch of bull :mad: :mad:

My anniversary date is in July, so hopefully I get my discount code in enough time to book F with it...

Your original quote from AS FB page states (emphasis mine) that as long as your new cert is issued prior to August 1st, it will be valid until it expires to be used towards first class; i.e. it is when your certificate is issued, not when you make your booking, that makes the difference. You should be able to tell with relative certainty when it will be issued - look in your account and see when your last one was issued; should be a year (+/- a couple of days) later.

Your original quote from AS FB page states (emphasis mine) that as long as your new cert is issued prior to August 1st, it will be valid until it expires to be used towards first class; i.e. it is when your certificate is issued, not when you make your booking, that makes the difference. You should be able to tell with relative certainty when it will be issued - look in your account and see when your last one was issued; should be a year (+/- a couple of days) later.

Yes I mistyped. Further, I had my dates mixed up, my BOA anniversary is in January :td: while my AS anniversary was in July. So looks like no more F companion codes. Time to call BOA once I find a replacement card.

...Additionally, as an MVP Gold, you can still use your benefits to upgrade to First Class when traveling on a companion fare ticket....

This is OK if you're willing to try your luck in the upgrade crapshoot that takes place in the days and hours just before your flight -- maybe the 75Ks will do well. But if you want to get seats in F right off the bat using a companion cert then you have to hope that they will make U space available. Not holding my breath on that.

The cynic in me wonders whether they are thinking they'll effectively issue a challenge to some marginal elites this way: You can no longer use the 50% F mileage bonus on companion fare tickets to get over the top to renew your status so you have to fly more or spend more than in the past to qualify.

Edited to add: The above quote from AKLifetimeFlyer is something he got from the AS FB page. I didn't mean to make it look as if he were defending AS.

Methinks your cynic is right on point.

My anniversary date is in July, so hopefully I get my discount code in enough time to book F with it...

Same here....

Mine annual fee posted last year on July 28th..... I wonder if I'll get the cert posted at that time as well.

Maybe this is retribution for having lamented mightily about the checked baggage fees for upgraders?

Interesting thought... sucks anyway you look at it

Glad I didn't get the AS card this year. Hello WN Visa (once they offer another good signup bonus).

Now, will the flight attendants please stop hawking this card during the flight?

Now, will the flight attendants please stop hawking this card during the flight?

HA - I think they get credit of sorts when you sign up and their code is on the app.

Now, will the flight attendants please stop hawking this card during the flight?

I plan on loudly declining when the FA's do this, and I may even go so far as to talk other pax out of signing up.

My next flight isn't for 10 days but I plan on seeing if the FA's will admit the companion tickets are valid for Y travel only.

I plan on loudly declining when the FA's do this, and I may even go so far as to talk other pax out of signing up.

My next flight isn't for 10 days but I plan on seeing if the FA's will admit the companion tickets are valid for Y travel only.

Admit? They will read their script. If they don't "admit" it, it isn't their fault.

Don't interfere with a crew at work. You never know what dark road it can lead to. A friendly "did you know how badly your company gutted these card benefits?" is a lot better than a "loudly declining."

Admit? They will read their script. If they don't "admit" it, it isn't their fault.

Don't interfere with a crew at work. You never know what dark road it can lead to. A friendly "did you know how badly your company gutted these card benefits?" is a lot better than a "loudly declining."

This is more along the lines of what I would actually say :cool:

Yes, it sucks they can't be used for First Class... but that doesn't make these worthless. Just worth LESS than before...

For us spoiled brats out here who won't fly coach, the card IS now totally worthless.

They are now pretty much worthless for me. This cannot be sugar coated.

So what is your alternative?
How do you intend to get a 2nd Y ticket for only $110 anywhere Alaskan flies?

It still seems of value when there is no other way to get a 2nd ticket for hundreds of dollars off the "retail" price.

Sure you'd like to still get a 2nd FC ticket for $110, but really,it's suddenly not worth it at all?

Sure you'd like to still get a 2nd FC ticket for $110, but really,it's suddenly not worth it at all?

If you never fly Y, then it is suddenly not worth it...

Ouch. I'm not sure whether I'm happy my card anniversary is coming up (so I can cancel) or whether I'm sad that my card anniversary is coming up (so I'll be too late to get another companion ticket in time)... :(

So what is your alternative?
How do you intend to get a 2nd Y ticket for only $110 anywhere Alaskan flies?

It still seems of value when there is no other way to get a 2nd ticket for hundreds of dollars off the "retail" price.

Sure you'd like to still get a 2nd FC ticket for $110, but really,it's suddenly not worth it at all?

I'm not going to get a 2nd ticket. We just won't go, or we'll go if I can get U space when booking. Or, we'll fly another airline with a better price.

For the most part, the only flights I'm not confirmed in a premium cabin in at the time of booking are flights that are 1000 miles or less from home.

It looks likely that only one of us will have AS status in 2014. And, most of that, at the rate things are going, will be from paid premium international travel on another carrier. And if anything further happens, who knows where I'll decide to bank those miles.

If you never fly Y, then it is suddenly not worth it...

We are talking about a short-ish 5hr flight from SFO-XXX (Hawaii for most it seems)

Most (if not all) are daytime flights. This is not a 10-18hr long international flight.

Hey, all power to your wallet if you are now going to pay for 2 FC tickets because you never fly Y.

Its just not that long of a flight or that caliber of airline that means FC is essential.

I have never used one of these before (don't have the CC) but if these passes were causing the airline to lose money (as alluded to in their post on FB) hard for me to fault them.

I am still very pleased with AS and have never had an issue with them. None of these cutback in perks have hurt me and what I get from AS.

I plan on loudly declining when the FA's do this, and I may even go so far as to talk other pax out of signing up.

My next flight isn't for 10 days but I plan on seeing if the FA's will admit the companion tickets are valid for Y travel only.

Over the top IMO.

Let them do their job and gripe to the people who are in charge of the program.

Its just not that long of a flight or that caliber of airline that means FC is essential.

For some of us, time is more important than $, and in this context, I mean that I'd rather get the 50% EQM bonus than have to take a mileage run to keep my status.

We are talking about a short-ish 5hr flight from SFO-XXX (Hawaii for most it seems)

Most (if not all) are daytime flights. This is not a 10-18hr long international flight.

Hey, all power to your wallet if you are now going to pay for 2 FC tickets because you never fly Y.

Its just not that long of a flight or that caliber of airline that means FC is essential.

You kind of sound like my mother.....:rolleyes:

You kind of sound like my mother.....:rolleyes:

Your mother sounds like a sensible lady:)

Fortunately, AS does not have a lock on my choices for flying out of Southern CA.

In fact, I have to make a special effort to fly them which I did for a recent Companion Pass FC opportunity.

On a recent FC RT itinerary from ONT to OME, my Companion Pass and the paid FC tickets cost us $3,200.

I'd truly like to see AS make up this lost income going forward by this new measure which "preserves" precious FC inventory.

I have never used one of these before (don't have the CC) but if these passes were causing the airline to lose money (as alluded to in their post on FB) hard for me to fault them.

I am still very pleased with AS and have never had an issue with them. None of these cutback in perks have hurt me and what I get from AS.

They are not losing money. They can allude all they like, but the are not losing money. They are making money. Their stock price is through the roof. They are sticking it to those who stuck by them in their hard times, and now, in their good times, the shilshul bomb has gone off over many of us. You are very fortunate that none of these cutbacks in perks have hurt you. In the course of a year-plus (but less than 2 years), this loyal AS flyer, MP since 1986, has suffered no less than the loss of an international premium cabin RT award each year, taking into account these most recent changes. That is a huge and sudden hit, and even worse because I'm not taking $250 mileage runs that net me 15K EQMs.

Fortunately, AS does not have a lock on my choices for flying out of Southern CA.

In fact, I have to make a special effort to fly them which I did for a recent Companion Pass FC opportunity.

On a recent FC RT itinerary from ONT to OME, my Companion Pass and the paid FC tickets cost us $3,200.

I'd truly like to see AS make up this lost income going forward by this new measure which "preserves" precious FC inventory.

What would the cost of 2 RT first class tickets be on AS and other airlines?

What would the cost of 2 RT first class tickets be on AS and other airlines?

I don't know. We started going to Hawaii because of the companion ticket (in conjunction with their new service). Before, it was years ago when I was a regular island visitor. So, AS gets about $1700 of revenue. Before, they got none. We wouldn't go there but for the companion ticket. I've been to the islands, perhaps 60 to 75 times. Soon, they may get little to none. It has been a nice way to get to the islands, and a nice reason to return to the islands. But if it is another 5 years before I return, fine with me.

Glanced over on the Alaska FB page where it is confirmed that all $110 visa companion certificates issues after August 1st will be valid only in COACH class.

"All new companion fare certificates issued after August 1st will be valid in conjunction with Coach Class only. Any unused certificates may still be used towards First Class until their expiration date. Ongoing cost pressures and growing demand for limited space in First Class (particularly on flights to Hawaii and the East Coast) prompted the changes. Our companion fare still offers tremendous value in that - unlike other airlines' offerings - it can be used for travel to anywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico. Additionally, as an MVP Gold, you can still use your benefits to upgrade to First Class when traveling on a companion fare ticket."

I was debating keeping my visa signature after the 1000 mile booking bonus, but, this change renders the card benefit-less.

I'm done with this card. I'll cancel it before it renews and I just got it last year. I can stand the loss of of the 1K booking bonus but with the loss of a FC companion I'm not willing to pay for this card. I've been booking family members on Alaska this year and was going to use the FC companion benefit for myself in future years but now I'll just move back to other airlines. Goodbye Alaska.

If you factor in the $75 annual charge + $110 companion charge, that makes the card ALMOST a waste. Depending on how much you charge a Visa with cash back and $0 annual fee is much better. If you charge $3,000 per month thats $36,000 per year or $360 cash you can spend ANYWHERE. If you keep the AS card that's 36,000 miles, which MAY get you one round trip ticket (on AS or a partner), but you still need to spend $75 annually to do that. Take the same $75 and add it to the $360 and you have the opportunity to spend $435 on any airline, hotel, restaurant, department store or wherever else you want. Hundreds of other credit cards are a much better value -even if you fly AS frequently.

This is complete garbage. :mad: I'll churn the cards till I hit 140K RDM for CX F to S. Africa (or whatever the new amount is come award revisions, if reasonable), burn the miles, and switch to AA.

I had already stopped flying AS on transcons or midcons because of the incredibly low upgrade rate as an MVPG, and because of the lack of any sort of E+/MCE/EC/EMS option if I didn't get upgraded. I was down to West Coast flights and then two trips a year in F with Mrs Seaflyguy thanks to our BofA Visa cards. But we'll ditch the cards now and AS will be West Coast-only for us, and then only when they're most convenient and cost-effective on a given day. In the span of just over two years, I'll end up going MVPG > MVP > nada, and Mrs Seaflyguy, an about-to-be-first-time MVP, will drop down to nothing. Oh, and this will be my last year of BR membership.

You lost me, AS. You're my hometown airline and you lost me.

If you factor in the $75 annual charge + $110 companion charge, that makes the card ALMOST a waste. Depending on how much you charge a Visa with cash back and $0 annual fee is much better. If you charge $3,000 per month thats $36,000 per year or $360 cash you can spend ANYWHERE. If you keep the AS card that's 36,000 miles, which MAY get you one round trip ticket (on AS or a partner), but you still need to spend $75 annually to do that. Take the same $75 and add it to the $360 and you have the opportunity to spend $435 on any airline, hotel, restaurant, department store or wherever else you want. Hundreds of other credit cards are a much better value -even if you fly AS frequently.

While I think the drastic and frequent changes are unfortunate, just like everyone else...I think we should put it in perspective.

If you fly coach with a companion even once per year, this card is still a good deal, and a VERY GOOD deal if you fly coach with a companion on a multi-city journey, a transcon, or a flight to Hawaii or Mexico.

Let's assume the companion is going to cost $130 (which, IME is more realistic). Even then, you're paying $205 to take a companion with you on any itinerary. Therefore, you break even on the card if you use it on a fare of $205...and you are ahead $100 CASH if you use it on a fare of $305 or more. My parents used theirs this past year on a fare of $550...so, seems to me that they came out about $345 ahead.

As for the cash back analogy - most, myself included, would value 36K AS miles at greater than $435...and I'm one of the conservative ones. True...I personally believe there are better cards out there for everyday spend, but I'd use this card over a 1% cb card anyday.

In summary...the combination of recent changes suck for people like me who didn't always use the companion fare, as well as those who exclusively used the companion fare for paid F. However, for many, many people, this card still represents a fantastic value - no matter how disappointed we personally may be with the changes.

However, for many, many people, this card still represents a fantastic value - no matter how disappointed we personally may be with the changes.

"Remain calm! All is well!" -- K. Bacon, Animal House

Does anyone know if you have to use the AS BofA credit card to buy the fare using the companion cert?

I will cancel the card but don't want to do so if I need it to redeem the cert.

You can use any credit card. Have used DL Amex for 2 purchases.

This makes my decision about renewing the BofA CC very easy. The #1 perk I liked about the card has now been removed. Not that a coach class companion ticket is worthless, but certainly has no where near the value of F, especially considering its $110 + annual fee, and you can get a coach ticket for around that $ amount anyhow depending on where you are going.

Sucks, because Alaska had become one of my 3 preferred airlines out of LAX. I have about 50k miles to burn and then off to another airline me thinks.

Well, this cinches it for me. Let me do the math:

Reduced redemption use of the companion certificate (which I've started using for First) +

No 1,000 per ticket booking bonus (which I value more than any other benefit) =

A VISA that simply earns miles plus having a more-limited companion feature

Oh. I forgot to mention this also leaves the joy of dealing with BofA customer service, which again chose not to notify me last month when my BofA AS VISA was compromised -- through no fault of my own -- by a third-party security breach. Instead my card just stopped working. Until I received, more than a week later, a letter and new card. For the second or third time since I've had the card.

That alone was going to lead me to cancel one of my two BofA VISAs by the renewal date. Now I definitely will cancel both and move my credit cards to BECU.

However, for many, many people, this card still represents a fantastic value - no matter how disappointed we personally may be with the changes.

Fantastic value? Can't help but feel this is polyannish. A $110 companion cert that costs you an additional $75 to get, with the only added incentive being 3x miles on Alaska purchases? Maybe will save some money if you live in Alaska, but sounds like garbage to me.

As stated earlier, BEFORE all these changes, it was almost worth dumping the card just so I didn't have to deal with BoA. Now, total no-brainer. I am living for the day that BoA asks me to complete a survey on what I think of their company!

Given how much my wife shops at Nordstrom (ugh!), probably gonna switch to one of their cards. Probably means that I'll be declaring bankruptcy within a year, but hey...at least we'll look good.

This is strictly an Alaska Airlines decision and not BofA. I'm sure BofA is going to be "upset" at the number of cancelled cards they will be receiving. Alaska certainly hasn't thought this out. My wife and I are MVPs and fly at least 3-4 R/Ts from Hawaii each year. Even with the companion fare First Class option, we spend at least $6-8,000/year on Alaska Airlines. We switched our loyalty from Hawaiian Airlines to Alaska because of the companion fare and will most likely go back to Hawaiian. Hawaiians First Class experience is so much better than Alaska's . . . and, now that the price of a FC ticket on Hawaiian has come down to around Alaska's, it's a moot point.

If you would like to express your concerns to Alaska Airlines, you can email Caroline Boren, Managing Director, Loyalty Marketing and Cusomer Advocacy, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

[Moderator note: email address removed for spam prevention, but Alaska Airlines email addresses are in the format of firstname.lastname@alaskaair.com]

I suggested they keep the option, but raise the price of the First Class companion fare option to maybe $199 (or, even $299. It would still be a great deal). The more opposition and emails the she gets and her committee, the better chance we as "riders" have of them changing their minds. The power of many can be significant. Don't do nothing . . . email her today!

This is strictly an Alaska Airlines decision and not BofA. I'm sure BofA is going to be "upset" at the number of cancelled cards they will be receiving. Alaska certainly hasn't thought this out. My wife and I are MVPs and fly at least 3-4 R/Ts from Hawaii each year. Even with the companion fare First Class option, we spend at least $6-8,000/year on Alaska Airlines. We switched our loyalty from Hawaiian Airlines to Alaska because of the companion fare and will most likely go back to Hawaiian. Hawaiians First Class experience is so much better than Alaska's . . . and, now that the price of a FC ticket on Hawaiian has come down to around Alaska's, it's a moot point.

If you would like to express your concerns to Alaska Airlines, you can email Caroline Boren, Managing Director, Loyalty Marketing and Cusomer Advocacy, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

[Moderator note: email address removed for spam prevention, but Alaska Airlines email addresses are in the format of firstname.lastname@alaskaair.com]

I suggested they keep the option, but raise the price of the First Class companion fare option to maybe $199 (or, even $299. It would still be a great deal). The more opposition and emails the she gets and her committee, the better chance we as "riders" have of them changing their minds. The power of many can be significant. Don't do nothing . . . email her today!

Welcome to Flyertalk. I'll act on your suggestion and email her, thanks for sharing the contact info. However, I do not support your raise-the-companion-fare option. Not sure what, if anything, I would replace it with.

I will email her as well.

I agree w/ITan2Much's post pretty much in its entirety. The one exception being that Alaska should simply apologize and reinstate its original policy w/regard to the companion certificates. This will be a revenue loser for Alaska. Just as ITan says, I too only have my 4 B of A accounts w/Alaska for the companion certificates, and I use them each year. In June 2012, I did a round trip PDX-DCA and return BOS-PDX w/my daughter and another to Kona (w/my wife and son and daughter). I paid more than $5100 for a total of 6 round trip tickets (the 3 full fare first and the 3 companion seats) and all but one flight segment caused me to have to go through Seattle. But for the companion certificate, I would have flown non-stop on a larger carrier w/larger planes. If this new policy sticks, Alaska will lose my $300 in annual VISA fees and my business. The seats I would have otherwise bought and paid for will not be purchased for full fare. Rather, MVPs or Golds will be seated in them generating 0 revenue to Alaska. This is a horrible play by Alaska. I suggested sending an email to both Caroline as well as President Brad Tilden in the format the moderator suggested. I sincerely hope Alaska will reverse this decision

I agree w/ITan2Much's post pretty much in its entirety. The one exception being that Alaska should simply apologize and reinstate its original policy w/regard to the companion certificates. This will be a revenue loser for Alaska. Just as ITan says, I too only have my 4 B of A accounts w/Alaska for the companion certificates, and I use them each year. In June 2012, I did a round trip PDX-DCA and return BOS-PDX w/my daughter and another to Kona (w/my wife and son and daughter). I paid more than $5100 for a total of 6 round trip tickets (the 3 full fare first and the 3 companion seats) and all but one flight segment caused me to have to go through Seattle. But for the companion certificate, I would have flown non-stop on a larger carrier w/larger planes. If this new policy sticks, Alaska will lose my $300 in annual VISA fees and my business. The seats I would have otherwise bought and paid for will not be purchased for full fare. Rather, MVPs or Golds will be seated in them generating 0 revenue to Alaska. This is a horrible play by Alaska. I suggested sending an email to both Caroline as well as President Brad Tilden in the format the moderator suggested. I sincerely hope Alaska will reverse this decision

Will email Mr. Tilden as well.

BofA is probably going to be shocked about the number of cards that get cancelled in the next several months.



BofA is such a mis-managed group that I doubt they really notice, except they will have to find a way to pay their CEO hellacious compensation and when it's not there they will notice and raise fees somewhere else.

Alaska really needs to pull away from Bof anyway.

Fantastic value? Can't help but feel this is polyannish. A $110 companion cert that costs you an additional $75 to get, with the only added incentive being 3x miles on Alaska purchases? Maybe will save some money if you live in Alaska, but sounds like garbage to me.

As stated earlier, BEFORE all these changes, it was almost worth dumping the card just so I didn't have to deal with BoA. Now, total no-brainer. I am living for the day that BoA asks me to complete a survey on what I think of their company!

Given how much my wife shops at Nordstrom (ugh!), probably gonna switch to one of their cards. Probably means that I'll be declaring bankruptcy within a year, but hey...at least we'll look good.

Again...I agree that the changes are negative.

My point is this - I don't know where your travel is based from or if you always buy first class...or really what your travel patterns are.

But...for ANYONE who will even once per year fly with anyone else on AS metal on an itinerary that costs, say $250+, they would come out ahead by keeping this card and using it even if only for that purchase.

This doesn't describe me personally...and maybe not you either. I mostly fly solo, and mostly on itineraries that are not exclusively on AS metal.

But my point is, for a lot of people that hold this card, they WILL at some point every year fly with someone on AS metal in coach on a ticket that costs more than $250...in which case they'd get free money from this cc period.

If your travel patterns only call for So-cal to PNW travel, then maybe you're among the minority who never spends more than $250 at alaskaair.com. But for anyone that is based in Alaska, Hawaii, Florida, the East coast...or travels on AS to any of those destinations or Mexico, there is still the probability that they'd save hundreds of $/year with this benefit.

If most of your travel is less than $200, or you rarely fly with a companion...then it doesn't apply to you, but don't assume that is the majority of card holders, because I highly doubt that is the case.

If both primary and companion have MVP status on AS perhaps you could still get first class (assuming U space is available) by purchasing a full flex economy ticket. Companion might not even need status if primary is MVP® Gold or Gold 75K. Guessing they would eliminate this loophole...

If both primary and companion have MVP status on AS perhaps you could still get first class (assuming U space is available) by purchasing a full flex economy ticket. Companion might not even need status if primary is MVP® Gold or Gold 75K. Guessing they would eliminate this loophole...

Actually, no. That is not a "loophole" per se, but continues to be a published benefit of status, and it appears that there is no intention of changing that yet.

I got a letter yesterday outlining the upcoming changes from Caroline Boren (Not my anniversary, so this was a specific letter just to inform me of the changes - haven't seen anyone else mention that, but I'm assuming everyone got/will get this).

In any case, her 2nd bullet point is as follows:

As a top tier Mileage Plan member, you and your companion are still eligible to secure an instant upgrade to first class at the time of booking on qualifying fares if space is available. You can purchase a non-qualifying fare and use your Companion Fare certificate and then upgrade together within 3-5 days of departure if space is available.

Right, so this doesn't seem as bad a change for elites as it will be for non-elites. High level elites can effectively book in first class assuming U space is available and save some coin, albeit lose some qualifying miles due to booking in economy.

Right, so this doesn't seem as bad a change for elites as it will be for non-elites. High level elites can effectively book in first class assuming U space is available and save some coin, albeit lose some qualifying miles due to booking in economy.

The bolded part above - that's the kicker. On the desirable routes, the instant-upgrade-post-purchase for elites is not always available.

assuming U space is available

...and that's the key. Based on my buying history, this renders it useless for transcons but still leaves Hawaii possible if you're flexible or willing to connect. So still worth a few hundred if you can make it work in F...or potentially even more if you're starting or ending in Alaska.

I agree that requiring U space makes the companion ticket less useful for elites but wouldn't say it makes it useless. As far as transcons, my experience is transcon FC fares are usually too high to justify using companion tickets, so not much of a loss there. I'd burn 2x45K US miles to fly SEA-PHL in FC before I'd use a companion ticket which would require ~$1700 if booked in FC. Hawaii and Mexico are the more compelling options because the FC fares are less and the awards are more expensive.

My wife has been urging me for years to cut this last remaining tether to the B of A, but I've repeatedly held out our annual FC trip to New York as the carrot. As for getting upgrade space on AS to the east coast, har de har har, as my dead old mother used to say. So another credit card bites the dust, selah.

ETA - has anyone phoned B of A and asked to have their certificate date accelerated to July (mine is in December) in order to grandfather in one last trip? Outcome? I plan to do so tomorrow, under threat of immediate cancellation. Not sure if B of A can even do it, but asking is free.

What a shame. Used the First class ticket option to Hawaii a number of times and enjoyed the service. It would have been better to offer something in between maybe a tier companion ticket option of $250 to $500 for the first class ticket companion.

Can you use miles to upgrade a companion fare in coach?

And while she's gone, all heck breaks loose.

No more vacations!

I'm a flyer that splits my 200k miles between AS and DL. This card IMO is still a great card to fly to mid or transcon flights that tend to be $300+. It's still much better than the DL Gold AMEX as well because only the primary flier gets mileage credit. Secondly, reading all the posts and finding out how many people were using this for outright F seats has made me excited to have more space available in F as an upgraded 75k.

Also, any people looking to rid themselves of their companion pass?

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I'm a flyer that splits my 200k miles between AS and DL. This card IMO is still a great card to fly to mid or transcon flights that tend to be $300+. It's still much better than the DL Gold AMEX as well because only the primary flier gets mileage credit. Secondly, reading all the posts and finding out how many people were using this for outright F seats has made me excited to have more space available in F as an upgraded 75k.

Also, any people looking to rid themselves of their companion pass?

Yes this may increase upgrades for AS elites as its freeing up F space- however I doubt more F will be purchased as a result decreasing revenue for AS. I have been very close to booking F before and have helped other members book F too (convinced based on value etc) but no longer... And I'll probably keep my card for now but might not use it at all except for companion cert- (already switched non AS spending to SPG AMEX a year ago) but that's another thread.

Sad to see this devaluation- the slippery slope has turned into a waterslide :(

This is strictly an Alaska Airlines decision and not BofA. I'm sure BofA is going to be "upset" at the number of cancelled cards they will be receiving. Alaska certainly hasn't thought this out. My wife and I are MVPs and fly at least 3-4 R/Ts from Hawaii each year. Even with the companion fare First Class option, we spend at least $6-8,000/year on Alaska Airlines. We switched our loyalty from Hawaiian Airlines to Alaska because of the companion fare and will most likely go back to Hawaiian. Hawaiians First Class experience is so much better than Alaska's . . . and, now that the price of a FC ticket on Hawaiian has come down to around Alaska's, it's a moot point.

If you would like to express your concerns to Alaska Airlines, you can email Caroline Boren, Managing Director, Loyalty Marketing and Cusomer Advocacy, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.

[Moderator note: email address removed for spam prevention, but Alaska Airlines email addresses are in the format of firstname.lastname@alaskaair.com]

I suggested they keep the option, but raise the price of the First Class companion fare option to maybe $199 (or, even $299. It would still be a great deal). The more opposition and emails the she gets and her committee, the better chance we as "riders" have of them changing their minds. The power of many can be significant. Don't do nothing . . . email her today!

Already had, along with Rick Rasmussen and Ray Prentice (who are good folk, as is Caroline, but the more ammo these folks have to forward to others, the better -- as long as it's polite and specific). Great suggestion for those who don't know the players.

San Juan, Puerto Rico? Sorry to rain on your parade, but you can't use the discount to fly to San Juan.

I was using it as a price comparison... I am getting 4440 EQMs each way on Delta though ^_^

Again...I agree that the changes are negative.

My point is this - I don't know where your travel is based from or if you always buy first class...or really what your travel patterns are.

But...for ANYONE who will even once per year fly with anyone else on AS metal on an itinerary that costs, say $250+, they would come out ahead by keeping this card and using it even if only for that purchase.You're exactly right and AS knows it, which is why I will not drop the card despite all the recent changes. Companion fares in coach are not just an excellent deal from Alaska...have you seen fares from PDX? I just used a companion fare PDX-PHL for coach, where the first ticket was $701, meaning the companion ticket saved me roughly $550. Of course, AS's fares were about $150 more than the competition, but that's still $250 ahead, less the $75 annual fee...no other card would get me that kind of value off of one single purchase.

An upcoming trip to LIH next winter will net me about $600. In that case, AS's fares are more competitive, meaning I'm really getting the full value since there isn't any cheaper competition.

I think they've done their homework and know that they're leaving enough on the table to keep the card a positive value for most consumers.

You're exactly right and AS knows it, which is why I will not drop the card despite all the recent changes. Companion fares in coach are not just an excellent deal from Alaska...have you seen fares from PDX? I just used a companion fare PDX-PHL for coach, where the first ticket was $701, meaning the companion ticket saved me roughly $550. Of course, AS's fares were about $150 more than the competition, but that's still $250 ahead, less the $75 annual fee...no other card would get me that kind of value off of one single purchase.

An upcoming trip to LIH next winter will net me about $600. In that case, AS's fares are more competitive, meaning I'm really getting the full value since there isn't any cheaper competition.

I think they've done their homework and know that they're leaving enough on the table to keep the card a positive value for most consumers.

Another possibility is that they are preparing to release a higher end card than the current AS Signature Visa. DL only allows Coach on its companion ticket for their Gold Amex (75 USD per year) , Coach and First for the DL Reserve Card (450 USD per year). They do have fare restrictions on both (basically only the cheapest fares on Coach and only Expensive fares in First).

Secondly, reading all the posts and finding out how many people were using this for outright F seats has made me excited to have more space available in F as an upgraded 75k.


Lack of First Class seats is a problem for Elite members.

Of course, that is my opinion.

Another possibility is that they are preparing to release a higher end card than the current AS Signature Visa. DL only allows Coach on its companion ticket for their Gold Amex (75 USD per year) , Coach and First for the DL Reserve Card (450 USD per year). They do have fare restrictions on both (basically only the cheapest fares on Coach and only Expensive fares in First).

And the DL cards give no mileage credit to the companion. It's a cheap flight much like AS, but no hopes of the companion making elite status with it.

Yes this may increase upgrades for AS elites as its freeing up F space

The change to the MVPG upgrade certificates was supposed to increase complimentary upgrades for AS elites by preventing many of the certs from being used, but I haven't heard anyone say their upgrade percentage has gone up since that happened. I think the number of people using their companion certs for full F is so small as to be a non-issue...which means that AS's use of it as the reason for the change is :rolleyes:.

Already had, along with Rick Rasmussen and Ray Prentice (who are good folk, as is Caroline, but the more ammo these folks have to forward to others, the better -- as long as it's polite and specific). Great suggestion for those who don't know the players.

Good to know Caroline is only the messenger. Folks should be sure not to direct their anger at her personally but rather at AS. Make the letters fit to forward on to the C-levels who are responsible for making these policy changes.

I have put out the idea that these changes are coming from the top down--the fruits of having an accountant take over the company and ruin what the former CEOs who came from marketing backgrounds had built up into one of the best and most-loved carriers in the market. I've even floated the idea among a few with inside knowledge, and while lips are pretty tight, the assertion has not been challenged by anyone legitimate, so I can only assume I'm hitting pretty close to home.

I have put out the idea that these changes are coming from the top down--the fruits of having an accountant take over the company and ruin what the former CEOs who came from marketing backgrounds had built up into one of the best and most-loved carriers in the market. I've even floated the idea among a few with inside knowledge, and while lips are pretty tight, the assertion has not been challenged by anyone legitimate, so I can only assume I'm hitting pretty close to home.

I don't know who you're talking to, but I've consistently heard that the change in leadership has not changed the culture.

The focus on sustainable financial results has been in place for many years. We're just seeing it manifested in areas that are more visible to consumers.

I have put out the idea that these changes are coming from the top down--the fruits of having an accountant take over the company and ruin what the former CEOs who came from marketing backgrounds had built up into one of the best and most-loved carriers in the market.

Exactly what happened 10 years ago to DL when they made a bean counter their CEO.

Leo practically destroyed the SkyMiles program and nearly took the rest of the airline down with him until the Board of Director's mercifully replaced him with someone who focused on customers and employees.

our 2 certs will be expires on 7/11. I am trying to book something refundable to extend them. I assume that the new certs would be issued on 7/12 (?). How about I will book that two new ones and cancel both card at the end of the monthly cycle to prevent the $75 fee. Can I do that? Anyone with experience can shed me some light. Thanks

our 2 certs will be expires on 7/11. I am trying to book something refundable to extend them. I assume that the new certs would be issued on 7/12 (?). How about I will book that two new ones and cancel both card at the end of the monthly cycle to prevent the $75 fee. Can I do that? Anyone with experience can shed me some light. Thanks

IME, the certs will be deposited in your account shortly after Bofa collects your annual fee. I have never seen any of my discounts/certs posted into my account on the day or a few days before the annual fee is due.

Clearly this decision was made some time ago. BofA is probably going to be shocked about the number of cards that get cancelled in the next several months.

?I wont be keeping my card around anymore. A coach companion fare will bsically cost you not 110 but $185 annually. Not worth it. I can see where this is going too. Next the fee will be raised to $95 a year. Yeah we all now know the previous so called errors or typos were not typos. They just published it prematurely.

From AS FB page...

Ongoing cost pressures and growing demand for limited space in First Class (particularly on flights to Hawaii and the East Coast) prompted the changes.What a bunch of bull :mad: :mad:on going costs to retain a worthless card is whats going to prompt me to get rid of it and make changes

I just got my annual renewal and companion cert so it can still be used for F. It expires July 3, 2013. That does not mean I have to fly by July 3, 2013, correct? It just means I have to book by next July, so I can book something for, say, May 2014 still using this F-able cert, yes?

I just got my annual renewal and companion cert so it can still be used for F. It expires July 3, 2013. That does not mean I have to fly by July 3, 2013, correct? It just means I have to book by next July, so I can book something for, say, May 2014 still using this F-able cert, yes?

Yes, you just need to book by the expiration date.

I'm a flyer that splits my 200k miles between AS and DL. This card IMO is still a great card to fly to mid or transcon flights that tend to be $300+.

Let's say the fare is $400... Your companion will cost you:

$75 annual fee
$110 companion fee
$50 in taxes

Total: $235

Total price for two tickets will be $635, which will only effectively save you $165. Does not really sound like a great deal to me... YMMV, of course.

I'd like someone to hand me $165 today.

I agree the change sucks but I'm not sure I'm going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I live in Eugene and AS is our only viable choice for the places we fly most.

I really don't put much on my AS Visa, preferring to use my Hilton Amex, but I use the Visa for transactions that don't take Amex.

Total price for two tickets will be $635, which will only effectively saves you $165. Does not really sound like a great deal to me... YMMV, of course.How is saving $165 not a good deal? Would you rather pay AS $165 more than you would otherwise?

When the competitor's flights are $83 cheaper (x2), then it's a wash (which I see a lot and which dilutes the value further), but all else being equal, I'll take $165 in my pocket all day long.

I'd like someone to hand me $165 today.

I agree the change sucks but I'm not sure I'm going to throw the baby out with the bathwater. I live in Eugene and AS is our only viable choice for the places we fly most.

I really don't put much on my AS Visa, preferring to use my Hilton Amex, but I use the Visa for transactions that don't take Amex.

How is saving $165 not a good deal? Would you rather pay AS $165 more than you would otherwise?

When the competitor's flights are $83 cheaper (x2), then it's a wash (which I see a lot and which dilutes the value further), but all else being equal, I'll take $165 in my pocket all day long.

1. Often from the east coast going to somewhere other than PNW, to get a decent connection the times usually suck if you want the lowest fare. Often requiring an overnight.

2. Often AS's fares are higher than UA/DL/AA on many east coast to west coast routes, which eats into the potential savings and often exceeds the savings.

I never meant to imply that it is worthless, I am just disagreeing on the notion that it is a "GREAT deal". I am not sure if it is worthwhile to suffer with a rather restrictive east coast to west coast schedule along with 4+ hours connections just to save $165 for two people.

If the flights you normally take and the companion discount works for you, then great, but it is not the great deal it once was for me.

Let's say the fare is $400... Your companion will cost you:

$75 annual fee
$110 companion fee
$50 in taxes
Total: $235

Total price for two tickets will be $635, which will only effectively save you $165. Does not really sound like a great deal to me... YMMV, of course.

What's the $50 in taxes?

What's the $50 in taxes?

Most likely the Hawaii/Alaska/Intl departure/arrival taxes.

just curious what sales pitch are FAs currently giving onboard? If they are still touting that you can get an annual companion fare good for any fare including first class ticket (just because if you get it from now until August thats what you get "once" the first time only) they are using deceit and possibly fraud to get people to sign up. They are about out of perks to promote that you cant find elsewhere

What's the $50 in taxes?

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. The $110 is the $99 plus tax. What's the extra $50 tax he added in?

Most likely the Hawaii/Alaska/Intl departure/arrival taxes.

What Hawaii/Alaska tax? Did I miss something?

What Hawaii/Alaska tax? Did I miss something?

Isn't there a gateway tax for flights to/from Alaska/Hawaii?

What's the $50 in taxes?Taxes can definitely go higher than $11, especially for multi-leg itineraries. My companion fare for PDX-SEA-PHL showed this:

Base Fare and Surcharges $99.00
Taxes and Other Fees $50.62
per person total: $149.62

If I apply for a new AS card today, what are the chances of the companion certificate being deposited before 8/1?

Isn't there a gateway tax for flights to/from Alaska/Hawaii?

Not that I'm aware of but I haven't looked at a ticket recently. Maybe there's an agriculture fee for Hawaii, I'm not sure.

I've thrown away my old tickets from May but we used our companion fare in F to HNL and IIRC there were about $149 in taxes...I think that was total for the 2 of us.

Do a dummy booking to Hawaii and the taxes should show up, I don't know if they were less on the $99 ticket, maybe they were percentage based.

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just curious what sales pitch are FAs currently giving onboard? If they are still touting that you can get an annual companion fare good for any fare including first class ticket (just because if you get it from now until August thats what you get "once" the first time only) they are using deceit and possibly fraud to get people to sign up. They are about out of perks to promote that you cant find elsewhere

On flight 731 yesterday, there was no sales pitch on either leg. It was a nice change.

I have never used one of these before (don't have the CC) but if these passes were causing the airline to lose money (as alluded to in their post on FB) hard for me to fault them.

AS hasn't lot money in quite a few years. They are into extreme costcutting mode right now. So don't fault them when free soda/juice/water and pretzels go away too.

They are sticking it to those who stuck by them in their hard times, and now, in their good times, the shilshul bomb has gone off over many of us.

+1 It's getting harder and harder to not take it personally when I have been so loyal to AS for so many years. But it's just business I guess.

just curious what sales pitch are FAs currently giving onboard? If they are still touting that you can get an annual companion fare good for any fare including first class ticket (just because if you get it from now until August thats what you get "once" the first time only) they are using deceit and possibly fraud to get people to sign up. They are about out of perks to promote that you cant find elsewhere

I'll by flying out in 2 hours and for the first time anxiuosly awaiting for, and intently listening to, the sales pitch.

Meanwhile, Alec Balwin is smiling somewhere. What have you got in your wallet? :)

Alaska has figured out quite a while ago that they can fill long haul first cabins (especially to hawaii) with paid first class.

I bet the award levels for first class will probably go up too.

What's the $50 in taxes?

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. The $110 is the $99 plus tax. What's the extra $50 tax he added in?

Seriously?? The "from $110" including taxes is pretty much fraudulent. You'd have to look for a while to find an itin in the entire route network with taxes that low - maybe something like 1 way CDV - ANC. In general, $50 is a pretty reasonable estimate. From our last companion cert (BZN - YVR//ANC - BZN):

Base Fare and Surcharges $99.00
Taxes and Other Fees $54.52
per person total: $153.52


And the one before that (BZN - ANC r/t):

Base Fare and Surcharges $99.00
Taxes and Other Fees $60.12
per person total: $159.12


And before that (ANC - HNL r/t):

Base Fare: 50.00
Tax: 35.08
Total: 85.08


So...for the kinds of tickets most people would use the companion cert on...the taxes are a lot higher than $11...or maybe it's just an ANC thing?

I used a companion cert for SEA-HNL a couple of weeks ago. Roundtrip companion fare was $137.70. The base fare was $99.29 with taxes/fees of $38.40. This includes a U.S. Gateway Fee of $8.40, so tusphotog was right. Don't remember if it's charged both ways or not.

These changes make the Alaska BA cards in the state more like the USAirways BA cards. I have both since I'm based in Phoenix.

My wife and I use the companion tickets for one of three trips we make -- Victoria, Portland, or Kona. Typically we make two of these trips a year. I really liked the 1st class companion ticket -- didn't always use it as the only flight it was REALLY nice for was the flights to Kona (from either Oakland or Portland). This year we doubled up -- flying to Kona via Portland and using a pair of the companion tickets to visit with friends in Portland before and after our trip to Kona. Later this month we're going to Victoria (Phoenix/Seattle/Victoria) using the companion tickets.

We actually doubled up Business and Regular B of A cards for both of us -- mostly for the mileage promotion and the extra companion tickets.

So for us, the first thing we'll do is drop the Business card prior to renewal. We will still keep the regular cards since we are willing to fly plebian and the two companion fares are worth it.

Note that the no new 1st class useable coupons not only does not apply to existing coupons, but if you have those coupons you can buy tickets near the expiration date for flights up to 11 months later. We still have a coupon that doesn't expire until next March -- we'll use that for flights up to Victoria next summer I suspect.

At least I doubt they cancel use for the Hawaii flights -- those flights from any airline run close to $1K round trip and do make the credit card worth it as long as you can live with coach for the flight. That is a major reason for me to keep the card. That plus accumulating miles to get a major trip for 2014.

Alaska has figured out quite a while ago that they can fill long haul first cabins (especially to hawaii) with paid first class.

I bet the award levels for first class will probably go up too.

Over what it costs to get into DL or AA's F cabins? I doubt it. If they all go up as a group, sure.

These changes make the Alaska BA cards in the state more like the USAirways BA cards. I have both since I'm based in Phoenix.

My wife and I use the companion tickets for one of three trips we make -- Victoria, Portland, or Kona. Typically we make two of these trips a year. I really liked the 1st class companion ticket -- didn't always use it as the only flight it was REALLY nice for was the flights to Kona (from either Oakland or Portland). This year we doubled up -- flying to Kona via Portland and using a pair of the companion tickets to visit with friends in Portland before and after our trip to Kona. Later this month we're going to Victoria (Phoenix/Seattle/Victoria) using the companion tickets.

We actually doubled up Business and Regular B of A cards for both of us -- mostly for the mileage promotion and the extra companion tickets.

So for us, the first thing we'll do is drop the Business card prior to renewal. We will still keep the regular cards since we are willing to fly plebian and the two companion fares are worth it.

Note that the no new 1st class useable coupons not only does not apply to existing coupons, but if you have those coupons you can buy tickets near the expiration date for flights up to 11 months later. We still have a coupon that doesn't expire until next March -- we'll use that for flights up to Victoria next summer I suspect.

At least I doubt they cancel use for the Hawaii flights -- those flights from any airline run close to $1K round trip and do make the credit card worth it as long as you can live with coach for the flight. That is a major reason for me to keep the card. That plus accumulating miles to get a major trip for 2014.

You're similarly situated as the wife and me. We have the regular and business card. Will you replace the business card with another or use the regular one for both purposes?

If you have status with AS, at least you have a decent shot at exit row seating in Y. That increases the tolerability if you can't score an F upgrade.

What's the $50 in taxes?

Yeah, I was wondering the same thing. The $110 is the $99 plus tax. What's the extra $50 tax he added in?

PFCs, 9/11 security tax, segment tax [$3.80 per takeoff+landing], gateway tax [HI/AK], Customs tax [Mexico], etc.

The $110 only includes Excise tax based on $99. A simple DCA-SJC roundtrip search in October [which AS wants me to pay $833 for two people in Y] shows the companion total will be $106.43 then there is a separate line item for an additional $86.40 in taxes and fees for both passengers.

Fare Taxes & Fees Charges
Airfare for Traveler 1: $641.00 $43.20 $684.20
Airfare for Companion: $106.43 $43.20 $149.63
Total Due Now: $833.83


So the companion is $99+Excise tax [$106.43] then another $43.20 in taxes on top of the $106 for a total of $149.63.

Dear Mr. dave1013,

We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.

The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.

It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.

I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that 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 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.

Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.

Warm Regards,

"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager

Funny I was in the Factoria BofA branch yesterday, all the staff was wearing Alaska Visa Polo Shirts..."Sign-up for our (reduced) benefit Alaska Visa Card today!"...urgh

I am sure a deep and through ROI analysis was done by ASA/BA, but the perks for flying Alaska are now pretty thin. I have switched to UAL and will be dropping the Visa after using my current comp. certificate.

AS Perks Gone...
- Unrestricted AS50 award
- 2 Free BoardRoom Passes (Visa)
- Mileage Upgrade on Any fare class
- Ability to standby/confirm for true 24 hours (not same day only)
- Visa Companion fare on First Class

Flew PDX-ANC last night and anxiously awaited the sales show. When it began I listened carefully. There was no mention of the 1000 mile booking bonus and when the $110 companion fare came up there was no mention of it being valid for F, nor did they state it was coach only. Just $110 plus taxes to wherever AS flies.

After cooling off a bit, my wife an I will probably keep ours, for now. But when they eliminate the companion earning miles and limit travel to the 48 contiguous states (a la DL Skymiles Amex card) we'll bail on them.

It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway. When they become just another DL/AA/UA bland mass transit carrier then who cares what airline you fly. It will all come down to price.

Dear Mr. dave1013,

We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.

The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.

It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.

I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that 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 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.

Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.

Warm Regards,

"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager

I just received the exact same email. Word for word but for I've been w/them since 1986. I also received 2 letters from Caroline yesterday at my office w/regard to the changes to my two business cards. Alaska has spent a lot of $ in postage and in people hours to change this policy and I fear the only way they will reverse course is if they, like Netflix before it, discovers it was a dumb corporate move-which it is. I am going to close all 4 of our Alaska VISA accounts and Alaska can kiss my full fare first class payment for the privilege of buying a companion ticket good bye. That was worth $5,000 last month alone. That money will be going to another carrier. The SOLE reason I am doing this is the change to the companion certificate to coach only. The rest of the changes are bad but not deal busters.

It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway. When they become just another DL/AA/UA bland mass transit carrier then who cares what airline you fly. It will all come down to price.

I would disagree that the benefits being eliminated made AS unique to the vast majority of customers or were part of the formula for AS' profitability and success.

Loosing anybenefit sucks. However, the business and competitive environment is constantly changing. AS has to continually adapt in order to fulfill its long-term obligations to its shareholders and employees. If this means eliminating a benefit, I'd rather have them focus on changes that impact the smallest number of customers possible, even if it outrages the frequent and valuable customers on FlyerTalk.

"an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders;"

What is this in regards to existing cardholders (and what are premium cards?). I've got the Signature Visa and got the BR passes when I first signed up, but nothing on my renewal.

"an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders;"

What is this in regards to existing cardholders (and what are premium cards?). I've got the Signature Visa and got the BR passes when I first signed up, but nothing on my renewal.

Curious to know what they're referring to here as well. There's no mention of any type of lounge benefit on the Visa signup page. The only thing I've ever gotten was 2 BR day passes when I first signed up, but this is not an annual benefit.

Dear Mr. dave1013,

We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.

The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.

It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.

I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that 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 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.

Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.

Warm Regards,

"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager

I got the same exact email word for word too :mad: :mad:

It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway.

That's what you get when you have an accountant running the place....

just curious what sales pitch are FAs currently giving onboard? If they are still touting that you can get an annual companion fare good for any fare including first class ticket (just because if you get it from now until August thats what you get "once" the first time only) they are using deceit and possibly fraud to get people to sign up. They are about out of perks to promote that you cant find elsewhere

The way courts have been ruling these days, what a company advertises is irrelevant because the contract overrides everything else.

Flew PDX-ANC last night and anxiously awaited the sales show. When it began I listened carefully. There was no mention of the 1000 mile booking bonus and when the $110 companion fare came up there was no mention of it being valid for F, nor did they state it was coach only. Just $110 plus taxes to wherever AS flies...

And I'll bet they didn't even mention the annual fee, did they? I've never once heard them mention it. I want to ask them why they leave out that important piece of information but I don't because I realize they're just saying what their company tells them to say. I guess it's buyer beware.

For those who have cancelled your card, are you getting a prorated refund of the annual fee? It would seem reasonable since they are pulling other benefits (1000 mile bonus) that the annual fee presumably pays for.

Edit: to answer my own question. I just called to cancel my business card and they refunded the full fee which I had paid in May. Be sure to ask for a refund of your fee if you cancel.

It will all come down to price.For most of the traveling public, this happened a long time ago. No matter what people say ("I'd pay extra for more legroom!" or "I hate all these nickel and dime fees!") in the end, it's all about who has the lowest fare.

For most of the traveling public, this happened a long time ago. No matter what people say ("I'd pay extra for more legroom!" or "I hate all these nickel and dime fees!") in the end, it's all about who has the lowest fare.

Hmmm...I know you said "for most of the traveling public" - but if I was solely looking at price, I would rarely be on Alaska flights.

my 2011 cert expires on July 18th, You think I'll actually see my 2012 cert in my wallet/cert area by July 30th?

We'll probably cancel our cards. Although, buying one 800 buck ticket to DC and the other for 110 is still better than a poke in the eye.

For our Hawaii trips, we'll probably fly via BLI, unless they figure out how to embargo fliers from less than 85 miles away from using that airport for some lame reason.

I would even be happy paying up to 400 bucks a year for that companion cert that books into F.

"an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders;"

What is this in regards to existing cardholders (and what are premium cards?). I've got the Signature Visa and got the BR passes when I first signed up, but nothing on my renewal.

I wrote "Jane Doe" back and asked her to explain the enhanced lounge benefit. If and when I get an answer, I will share it here.

I wrote "Jane Doe" back and asked her to explain the enhanced lounge benefit. If and when I get an answer, I will share it here.

This was mentioned in the hard copy of the changes that I received via snail mail. Sit down because this is HUGE!

They are going to waive 50 dollars of the initiation fee for the BR, rather than 25 for non MVPG.

Let the celebrations begin :)

This is OK if you're willing to try your luck in the upgrade crapshoot that takes place in the days and hours just before your flight -- maybe the 75Ks will do well. But if you want to get seats in F right off the bat using a companion cert then you have to hope that they will make U space available. Not holding my breath on that.

The cynic in me wonders whether they are thinking they'll effectively issue a challenge to some marginal elites this way: You can no longer use the 50% F mileage bonus on companion fare tickets to get over the top to renew your status so you have to fly more or spend more than in the past to qualify.

Edited to add: The above quote from AKLifetimeFlyer is something he got from the AS FB page. I didn't mean to make it look as if he were defending AS.

I just spoke to Customer Care who reports that regardless of status, MVP, MVP Gold or 75k, you can still only use the companion certificate to book into coach and therefore this post is completely correct. Unless you have 75k status, you only have some chance of getting an upgrade.

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It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway.

That's what you get when you have an accountant running the place....

Mr. Tilden being an accountant has next to nothing to do with it. I've known several chief executives with accounting backgrounds who have successfully grown large companies without slashing customer benefits.

These decisions have likely been in the works for a very long time. It wasn't some overnight decision.

It sucks for us, but there is still some decent value, in particular for those that are AK-based, or in some of the smaller PNW markets that have limited/expensive service.

These decisions have likely been in the works for a very long time. It wasn't some overnight decision.

Why yes, as evidenced by the premature release of the new T&C on 3 different links, a few months back.

I just spoke to Customer Care who reports that regardless of status, MVP, MVP Gold or 75k, you can still only use the companion certificate to book into coach and therefore this post is completely correct. Unless you have 75k status, you only have some chance of getting an upgrade.

And after thinking about it I realize that even the 75Ks will have something of a disadvantage in the upgrade process in that you need 2 U seats to be available at the same time to upgrade when tickets were booked with the companion cert. So even 75Ks may be out of luck if U space is at times released 1 seat at a time.

Fortunately my card doesn't come up for renewal until the fall so I can wait a while to make a decision.

ETA - has anyone phoned B of A and asked to have their certificate date accelerated to July (mine is in December) in order to grandfather in one last trip? Outcome? I plan to do so tomorrow, under threat of immediate cancellation. Not sure if B of A can even do it, but asking is free.So I phoned B of A and asked if my renewal date could be expedited to pre-August 1. The agent said no, and when I said (nicely) that it was a shame, but that I was probably planning to drop the card as a result of this change, he said, "Have a nice day."

Dear Mr. dave1013,

We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.

The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.

It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.

I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that 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 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.

Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.

Warm Regards,

"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manageryeah that sounds to me like a phony blanket response. They dont give a #@_$ what anybody has to say

The way courts have been ruling these days, what a company advertises is irrelevant because the contract overrides everything else.

or legislation overrides the constitution for that matter. Yeah I hear ya

my 2011 cert expires on July 18th, You think I'll actually see my 2012 cert in my wallet/cert area by July 30th?

.probably be some "oh whoops were apologize there was some kind of technical glitch in our syatem that prevent the new certificate from arriving before august"

Honestly mine show up usually a week or 2 before that actual official renewal date so.......sounds like :td: keep us updated

Like a lot of you, I've had this feeling for a long time that Alaska just hasn't learned from the past.
The BofA marriage was fraught with danger from the get-go. BofA is ranked near the bottom in customer service and.... who needs to go into the mortgage debacle? My 90-something parents were double-dipped by BofA via an automatic withdrawal they didn't authorize and it took another bank and constant harassment to get them to rescind the resulting fees. Alaska's comment? "No Comment."
While it doesn't solve the need for quick travel, it's my recommendation that we business travelers start looking at Amtrak as a viable alternative, especially in well-traveled corridors (PDX/SEA, for example). Until the greedy corporate types get some pushback from the travelers, it's just going to continue.
And by the way--- BA now stands for... Boycott Alaska.:D

"an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders;"

What is this in regards to existing cardholders. $50 off the initiation fee for Board Room membership.

AS Perks Gone...
- Unrestricted AS50 award
- 2 Free BoardRoom Passes (Visa)
- Mileage Upgrade on Any fare class
- Ability to standby/confirm for true 24 hours (not same day only)
- Visa Companion fare on First Class

Great summary though you left out the 1K bonus for online purchases. I might also add that other credit cards provide the following benefits which I would find extremely valuable and would incentivize me to fly AS:


Priority Checkin
Priority Security Line
Free checked bag (this one would be huge)
Priority Boarding
Club passes and discounts
Reduced mileage awards


Unfortunately I doubt BofA will see much attrition on these cards due to this change. To be honest the elimination of the F benefit is unlikely to affect me as we only used that once when the cost differential between Y/F was fairly low. Buying F is much less attractive now, particularly when I have little difficulty with UDU or buying same-day upgrades which tend to be far cheaper.

On flight from SEA-->SNA...flight attendant just announced companion ticket good for FC. I guess Alaska is slow on getting the word out to the crew.

On flight from SEA-->SNA...flight attendant just announced companion ticket good for FC. I guess Alaska is slow on getting the word out to the crew.

Probably because if they sign up right away they will have their first companion fare code deposited prior to August 1. Still very misleading though.

I called customer service today and asked about getting a new credit card and would I be credited with my first class eligible companion certificate before August 1. I was told it would take about one month so I would not get the first class certificate. I then asked it there had been many complaints about the change in companion tickets to coach only and was told no I was the first to complain.

I called customer service today and asked about getting a new credit card and would I be credited with my first class eligible companion certificate before August 1. I was told it would take about one month so I would not get the first class certificate. I then asked it there had been many complaints about the change in companion tickets to coach only and was told no I was the first to complain.

Flyertalk is usually always ahead of the competition when it comes to airline news ;) I suspect.most people will find out once they try to use their companion cert for a trip in first class only to realize that their query has been denied.

Exactly what happened 10 years ago to DL when they made a bean counter their CEO.


And WN also has an accountant as CEO now, and a lot of unsatisfactory changes have hit us since he took over.

What keep me with them is the Companion Pass, up to 2 years free Companion travel, on any ticket (paid or award). But no F, of course.

On flight from SEA-->SNA...flight attendant just announced companion ticket good for FC. I guess Alaska is slow on getting the word out to the crew.as I suspected they are lying and trying to screw over consumers. Ignorance is no excuse for these AS employees....so before the cover for the AS FA crowd swarms in and says oh pity the poor FAs dont know.... lets get that out of the way right now they should know so they are lying. They'll never see a companion fare usable for F class if they applied on that flight. Usually I go with the flow but I think in that instance with such a massive cut in benefits I wouldve rang the FA call button and when they came to give me an app I wouldve called them on their BS

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I called customer service today and asked about getting a new credit card and would I be credited with my first class eligible companion certificate before August 1. I was told it would take about one month so I would not get the first class certificate. I then asked it there had been many complaints about the change in companion tickets to coach only and was told no I was the first to complain.

Flyertalk is usually always ahead of the competition when it comes to airline news ;) I suspect.most people will find out once they try to use their companion cert for a trip in first class only to realize that their query has been denied.

Well for those who read the mail...AS did just send out a bunch of letters notifying of the change which is stirring the masses.

as I suspected they are lying and trying to screw over consumers. Ignorance is no excuse for these AS employees....so before the cover for the AS FA crowd swarms in and says oh pity the poor FAs dont know.... lets get that out of the way right now they should know so they are lying. They'll never see a companion fare usable for F class if they applied on that flight. Usually I go with the flow but I think in that instance with such a massive cut in benefits I wouldve rang the FA call button and when they came to give me an app I wouldve called them on their BS

As much as I despise this change,* I'm going to call you on this for being beyond unfair to the FAs. You can be angry at the company and even angry at the specific executives and managers who instituted this change, but you should not take your anger out on front-line employees. If they haven't heard yet--and it's very, very likely that most haven't--it's not their fault. Direct your anger at AS for not efficiently communicating this information to their employees.

*I do despise this change, even though I never have bought and never foresee buying a full F fare (short of it being filed as a mistake fare), since even with the companion certificate cutting the cost almost in half, the cost is far beyond what I could ever afford to spend on a trip. To me, I am angry because it is a benefit that many folks whom I consider friends cherish and because it is yet another major benefit taken away in a long, long slew of benefits being taken away, which only furthers the perception that this is a long trend that shows no signs of abating. I'm choosing to honor Niemöller's quote, except that instead of "First they came for First Class with the companion certificate," it may better be stated "And the fifteenth cut in the last year and a half they came for..."

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Well for those who read the mail...AS did just send out a bunch of letters notifying of the change which is stirring the masses.

Yes, I received three of them yesterday. They did not, however, send one to someone who has a new account (opened a couple of weeks ago) with a "good" companion cert - I wonder if they don't want new CC holders to cancel before they've paid the annual fee upon receipt of bad news.

Many things that stood out for AS were great. Then good. Then okay. Now pure crap. I was a loyal AS flyer. I sat at the luncheons and heard over and over, they benefits would not be devalued.

Oops. My measly 550,000 miles flown, mostly for leisure, at higher prices, are basically persona non grata acknowledged.

All the cards go back. Makes more open FC seats "necessitiated by ongoing cost pressures and growing demand for limited space in first class, which made the costs of continuing to offer the Companion Fare fare for first class bookings unsupportable."

Dear Caroline Boren, please deliver the "targeted consumer feedback" as follows: As you no longer wish to provide a personal service oriented, cost effective, business model, I choose to no longer use your services. I have already been in touch with several colleagues who share the same opinion. My $25k annual spend is no longer needed. Who is your "micro focus monetary core"? It is obviously no longer loyalty based. Bite me.

Respectfully,
[name redacted]

You might really want to take your full name and MP# out of your post. Also, "bite me" if that is part of your real message is generally not conducive to an adult discussion, although believe me, "I feel your pain."

While I agree that I am disappointed in the overall and ongoing reduction of benefits...and definitely fear what is coming in the future, I am a bit shocked about the ongoing, spiraling downhill discussion going on here.

Let's face it, the AS visa has been on every bloggers TOP airline credit card list for years now...why? Because the full F companion ticket with mileage earning was too good to be true. Probably, for a while, only a few customers took advantage of this benefit - many never thought to try...because they probably never purchased an F ticket in their life. But, as awareness increases, soon abuse creeps in - likely many people made aware of this card, got the card ONLY for this benefit, and many ONLY flew AS once a year, and only used the card once a year for that purchase. It's no great mystery that these aren't great customers to AS or to BofA... So now when multiple FTers on this thread are saying that their 3 or 4 cards are going to be cancelled...well, it's no great mystery that the system was being abused... In some ways, I'm surprised AS maintained this benefit as long as it did. But, I'm going to have to say that the few probably killed this benefit...but the many will still value the companion certificate for what it is.

Don't get me wrong...for those that benefited from this, it sucks to lose a benefit. But for those threatening to take all of their business elsewhere exclusively because of this...well, let all of us know when you find the other airline offering an F companion certificate. AS's companion certificate post August 1 is matched by whom...US Air probably. WN...not at all (no AK, no HI, no Mexico in their route network...not to mention no place to upgrade to even if it were available.)

I just don't see how it is "abuse" to use a product as sold (and this was no secret), and to give an airline, say, $1700 to $2000 for 2 tickets when they would be much more likely to go to an upgrader or a mileage redeemer if they don't sell all the seats.

This airline has done nothing to discourage or prevent card churning and multiple cards, including multiple bonuses, and multiple companion fares. They have had years to do so. Sorry, not abuse. The credit card partnerships are way too valuable.

Let's face it, the AS visa has been on every bloggers TOP airline credit card list for years now...

Actually no. Very few bloggers had ranked it very high in the era of 50K sign up bonuses, even during the 40K promo last year which is the only time I've seen it get much press.

I just don't see how it is "abuse" to use a product as sold (and this was no secret), and to give an airline, say, $1700 to $2000 for 2 tickets when they would be much more likely to go to an upgrader or a mileage redeemer if they don't sell all the seats.

This airline has done nothing to discourage or prevent card churning and multiple cards, including multiple bonuses, and multiple companion fares. They have had years to do so. Sorry, not abuse. The credit card partnerships are way too valuable.

You're absolutely correct. Perhaps abuse was the wrong word. But I don't fault those who took advantage of the ability to have multiple cards...and multiple bonuses...and book companion F tickets multiple times per year... This behavior was not discouraged.

I guess I'm just surprised that everyone is so surprised to see this go. I'm sure if AS reviewed it and saw that it was mostly 75K's and MVPG's using the companion certs for F once or twice a year, they might not close it...but my guess is, as above, they realized that a lot of people reaping the benefit weren't repeat and valuable customers.

Therefore, the conclusion is that the marketing incentive did not work - it did not bring back repeat and profitable customers...so, yeah, maybe they do want to hold back those seats so that 75K's have higher upgrade chances...because the 75K's will ultimately prove more profitable than those that only book F companion certs.

It's a business. The business decision will hurt some loyal customers, but my best guess is that AS concludes that mostly it will alienate less valuable, infrequent customers who were only taking advantage of this one benefit.

what if holders of the alaska visa who are also MVPG could use companion pass for F and those with lower status could not? They could offer MVPs something better than just coach ie instantly upgradeable U class on certain fare bases for their companion tickets. Those without status could redeem for coach or for an upgrade eligible fare if bought in a high enough fare basis '

THE LATTER TWO CASES ARE ALREADY THE CASE, IT IS JUST A QUESTION OF WHICH FARE BASES WOULD BE UPGRADEABLE AND WHETHER INSTANTLY OR ONLY 24 HRS BEFORE OR ON DAY OF....

Probably time to send the Freddie acceptance speeches back to word processing.

Probably time to send the Freddie acceptance speeches back to word processing.

I don't think AS won any this year...

You're absolutely correct. Perhaps abuse was the wrong word. But I don't fault those who took advantage of the ability to have multiple cards...and multiple bonuses...and book companion F tickets multiple times per year... This behavior was not discouraged.

I guess I'm just surprised that everyone is so surprised to see this go. I'm sure if AS reviewed it and saw that it was mostly 75K's and MVPG's using the companion certs for F once or twice a year, they might not close it...but my guess is, as above, they realized that a lot of people reaping the benefit weren't repeat and valuable customers.

Therefore, the conclusion is that the marketing incentive did not work - it did not bring back repeat and profitable customers...so, yeah, maybe they do want to hold back those seats so that 75K's have higher upgrade chances...because the 75K's will ultimately prove more profitable than those that only book F companion certs.

It's a business. The business decision will hurt some loyal customers, but my best guess is that AS concludes that mostly it will alienate less valuable, infrequent customers who were only taking advantage of this one benefit.

...if it does increase upgrade space on flights... I won't be as peeved. Will this happen is the bigger question...

...if it does increase upgrade space on flights... I won't be as peeved. Will this happen is the bigger question...

It didn't with the slaughtering of the Gold upgrade certificates.

If I apply for a new AS card today, what are the chances of the companion certificate being deposited before 8/1?

Is the concensus that it's no longer possible to apply now, and get the cert deposited before August 1?

The BofA marriage was fraught with danger from the get-go. BofA is ranked near the bottom in customer service and....

Actually, BofA is at the bottom, number one in the just-released 2011 Customer Hall of Shame survey from MSN Money:

http://money.msn.com/investing/the-2011-customer-service-hall-of-shame.aspx?cp-documentid=6821116&GT1=33002

In the 2011 MSN Money-Zogby survey of customer service, a whopping 41.4% of respondents called Bank of America's service as a credit card company poor; 39% called its service for banking poor.

It's a bad partner for Alaska Airlines if it wants to be known for good customer service.

Because the full F companion ticket with mileage earning was too good to be true. Probably, for a while, only a few customers took advantage of this benefit - many never thought to try...because they probably never purchased an F ticket in their life. But, as awareness increases, soon abuse creeps in - likely many people made aware of this card, got the card ONLY for this benefit, and many ONLY flew AS once a year, and only used the card once a year for that purchase. It's no great mystery that these aren't great customers to AS or to BofA... So now when multiple FTers on this thread are saying that their 3 or 4 cards are going to be cancelled...well, it's no great mystery that the system was being abused... In some ways, I'm surprised AS maintained this benefit as long as it did. But, I'm going to have to say that the few probably killed this benefit...but the many will still value the companion certificate for what it is.

I've used the companion certificate to purchase a First Class fare exactly once: for a flight to EWR the week after Thanksgiving when even coach fares are extremely high.

That said, I do plan to cancel my two, and my spouse plans to cancel her one, BofA AS credit cards mostly because of BofA's bad service (after yet another mandatory credit card number switch, not communicated until after the card stopped working).

Our switch was already being considered. The reduction in benefits -- mostly the end of the 1K booking bonus, not the FC companion fare -- tips the balance.

I still plan to fly AS, regardless.

The application process still shows no mention of the new T&C, so either (1) they expect to approve everyone who applies AND have codes issued prior to 1 Aug, or (2) .....

Weird timing. Had been seriously considering cancelling AS visas (two personal and one business) for quite some time, but held on for companion fare in FC alone. Now will cancel all, as it serves no purpose for us to keep them.

I have read through this thread and many apologies if I've missed the obvious - anniv dates are in the fall. If I cancel cards now, assume I can still use the one certificate I have left to book companion + FC?

And now comes the search for the best value on credit cards ... does anyone have a suggestion on where to start the search? Our flying habits are way down - aside from every other year trips down under to see daughter who will be moving there next year - we have decided the headaches of flying, at least in the continental US - just simply aren't worth the trouble. Losing MVP status, paying for baggage, no upgrade chance, no value on companion fare booking - it's been brewing awhile so no big loss - so visa cards are going to be about convenience and cost, not frequent flyer related.

I have read through this thread and many apologies if I've missed the obvious - anniv dates are in the fall. If I cancel cards now, assume I can still use the one certificate I have left to book companion + FC?

The answer is "yes". Your remaining companion code, issued before August 1, 2012, is good for buying F tickets until expiry.

I'm finding I like my hotel cards better than my airline cards. We are retired leisure travelers, so everything comes out of our pocket. We also can plan very far ahead.

If you think about it, your plane fare is just a one time hit on your vacation...with planning you can find a decent airfare.

But your hotel is multiple nights...we like nice places (not really top end) so the places we want to stay are usually in the $300 a night range, and multiply that for a week and it's WAY more than the bargain airfare you were able to score. And don't forget when you pay for a hotel, you pay the taxes - when you use hotel points, taxes are included, which can be huge in some pricey destinations.

So I'd think about what chain you like best (we had a Starwood card for a while, and now we have a Hilton Amex) and we're just racking up the Hilton points - and the Hilton card has no annual fee.

I'm still keeping my AS Visa as a backup to places that don't take Amex (and the fact we live in an AS town), and I will continue to use the coach companion fare...as someone said, saving any amount of money is better than a stick in the eye.

...

I guess I'm just surprised that everyone is so surprised to see this go. I'm sure if AS reviewed it and saw that it was mostly 75K's and MVPG's using the companion certs for F once or twice a year, they might not close it...but my guess is, as above, they realized that a lot of people reaping the benefit weren't repeat and valuable customers.

Therefore, the conclusion is that the marketing incentive did not work - it did not bring back repeat and profitable customers...so, yeah, maybe they do want to hold back those seats so that 75K's have higher upgrade chances...because the 75K's will ultimately prove more profitable than those that only book F companion certs.
...

I honestly don't believe that is the reason.

It was a marketing program. They wanted to bring in customers and this was an incentive. They are reducing the incentive and probably will evaluate what else they can reduce in the future and then what else etc etc. That is how the marketing programs go.

Who pays for the companion Alaska or Bank of America? Do we know? If it was B or A they I am sure want to spend the least they can and so trying to encourage the cheapest companion would cost them the less.

If it was Alaska that paid, then they probably feel that either they gave enough First trial seats out for people to taste first that they want to see if they will now purchase first on their own.

My choice, and the choice of many people I know is going to be cancelling the card. This was a huge benefit for the card and with it gone - its other cards for me!

I honestly don't believe that is the reason.

It was a marketing program. They wanted to bring in customers and this was an incentive. They are reducing the incentive and probably will evaluate what else they can reduce in the future and then what else etc etc. That is how the marketing programs go.

Who pays for the companion Alaska or Bank of America? Do we know? If it was B or A they I am sure want to spend the least they can and so trying to encourage the cheapest companion would cost them the less.

If it was Alaska that paid, then they probably feel that either they gave enough First trial seats out for people to taste first that they want to see if they will now purchase first on their own.

My choice, and the choice of many people I know is going to be cancelling the card. This was a huge benefit for the card and with it gone - its other cards for me!

Agreed. Moreover, this will be revenue loss for B of A (I'm cancelling my 4 VISA cards) which I used to spend heavily on -so bye bye $75 annual fee and the 2%-2.5% skim + AK as I'm switching carriers as a consequence of the companion certificate fiasco so no more full fare first from me.

Yesterday, my wife and I both received letters confirming the benefits changes (we both have cards). At the end of the year, we are going to cancel my wife's card (it is scheduled to renew in January). We are going to keep my card, because once a year, we travel to Fresno. Given there is no first class on the aircraft serving SEA-FAT, this is a good use the companion fare for us.

Just in time for the dreaded automatic account closing "for my security.":td::td::td:

I most likely will never use the companion cert in FC, but my parents have had to use it several times in the past when traveling back home after surgery when either one of them physically could not contort themselves in a coach seat. They'll most likely will need this benefit in the future again, but now it's gone...

As much as I despise this change,* I'm going to call you on this for being beyond unfair to the FAs. You can be angry at the company and even angry at the specific executives and managers who instituted this change, but you should not take your anger out on front-line employees. If they haven't heard yet--and it's very, very likely that most haven't--it's not their fault. Direct your anger at AS for not efficiently communicating this information to their employees.

I guess I could have re phrased or reworded things better. They may not knowingly be lying or saying fraudulent things but they still are, on behalf of AAG. They represent AAG on the flight and I agree there must be some lack of communication. A cutback of this magnitude should have been communicated to all staff at least an hour before the announcement went officially public

I called customer service today and asked about getting a new credit card and would I be credited with my first class eligible companion certificate before August 1. I was told it would take about one month so I would not get the first class certificate. I then asked it there had been many complaints about the change in companion tickets to coach only and was told no I was the first to complain.thats why they gave such a short notice....3 weeks .....

I called customer service today and asked about getting a new credit card and would I be credited with my first class eligible companion certificate before August 1. I was told it would take about one month so I would not get the first class certificate. I then asked it there had been many complaints about the change in companion tickets to coach only and was told no I was the first to complain.

Was fortunate to get a card about a month ago. Did it on line and was approved within 60 seconds. The certificate was posted within a week or two. I would give it a shot. All you can lose is $75 and you still get the mileage and a coach certificate. .

These certificates were the only reason that we flew Alaska - frankly first class is not that great and NOT worth full price. We will move to another airline that has decent economy and better flight options. We have 4 credit cards in the family and fly a combined total of about 50 flight segments. Hope the financials are working out for them.

Bad decision by both Alaska and BoA.

The application process still shows no mention of the new T&C, so either (1) they expect to approve everyone who applies AND have codes issued prior to 1 Aug, or (2) .....

Still no mention as of today via the link from AS' homepage:

https://www.applyonlinenow.com/USCCapp/Ctl/entry?sc=VABC3G&mboxSession=1342131391412-163799

Nor is there any mention of the change on the link from the hompage to the "Companion Ticket Discount Code Q&A" page:

http://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/frequently-asked-questions/faq-companion-certificate.aspx?lid=home-page:quick-links::faq-companion-cert

decent economyWho would that be?:confused:

AS Y is still pretty good compared to most.

Who would that be?:confused:

AS Y is still pretty good compared to most.

If you have even low-level elite status providing access to E+/EC/etc style seating, which is now available on or being implemented by most other US carriers, then AS Y comes up short.

If you have even low-level elite status providing access to E+/EC/etc style seating, which is now available on or being implemented by most other US carriers, then AS Y comes up short.

Precisely. E+ is a huge deal to me considering it is illegal for me to sit in the exit row. The ironic part, I am sure many people would prefer a deaf person in the exit row than an intoxicated person in the exit row [yes, airlines serve/sell booze to people sitting in the exit row].

Good riddance.

But for those threatening to take all of their business elsewhere exclusively because of this...well, let all of us know when you find the other airline offering an F companion certificate. AS's companion certificate post August 1 is matched by whom...US Air probably. WN...not at all (no AK, no HI, no Mexico in their route network...not to mention no place to upgrade to even if it were available.)

Your challenge implies that AS and other airlines are roughly equal in terms of benefits, except that AS used to have F companion certificates and no longer does, and since others don't, either, then there's no reason to leave AS. "Benefits" are in the eye of the beholder; for someone, say, who doesn't fly to AK, AS' route network there means nothing, whereas for someone, say, who doesn't fly internationally, AA's SWUs would mean nothing. In my particular case, what AS had going for it was, in no particular order, West Coast ubiquity, nonstops to HI, and the F companion fare. Now it's down to West Coast frequency and HI nonstops, and that's just not enough to keep me motivated to make MVP, much less retain my current MVPG status. In other words, flying AS wasn't all about the F companion fare; it's just that its loss was, for me, the straw that broke the camel's back.

Weird timing. Had been seriously considering cancelling AS visas (two personal and one business) for quite some time, but held on for companion fare in FC alone. Now will cancel all, as it serves no purpose for us to keep them.

And now comes the search for the best value on credit cards ... does anyone have a suggestion on where to start the search?

I plan on cancelling both of ours in the family as well now.

As for your question about a good card. I have been EXTREMELY happy with my Chase Sapphire Preferred card. Has a nice signup bonus, and can download points 1 for 1 into a carrier of each alliance so you can fly MANY MANY different airlines. In fact you could transfer your points into British Airways Avios, and then (on some routes) use less of them to fly on AS metal than using AS miles themselves.

I plan on moving most of my business and point gathering over to *Alliance once I burn the rest of my AS miles.

I really appreciated what someone said earlier... we stood by during the great recession, the high oil prices of recent and a few years ago and all these cutbacks... Truth be told, I've NEVER used the cert for First Class, but its just the principle and I feel like this was the straw that broke the camels back. I plan on using my one existing cert on perhaps for a Kona trip in F and then off you go AS. I just tallied up what I've spent with Alaska since 2006 = 820,000 miles. Maybe not a lot to many of you but my Wife and I had a lot of nice trips on Alaska and its partners... I think United or American will be happy to get our business in the future.

More than a little disappointed with the letter I received from Alaska Airlines today. I'll be cancelling one of my two BofA AS MCs tomorrow. The other one will go before the annual fee comes up if they don't withdraw the changes to the companion certificate.

These certificates were the only reason that we flew Alaska - frankly first class is not that great and NOT worth full price. We will move to another airline that has decent economy and better flight options. We have 4 credit cards in the family and fly a combined total of about 50 flight segments. Hope the financials are working out for them.

Bad decision by both Alaska and BoA.

Care to name the airlines and the routes.

Care to name the airlines and the routes.

Here is an example... I am scheduled to fly to Las Vegas from the east coast with a friend in August on United. The return we are flying via IAH and the last leg, which is three hours long, was swapped from a 737 to a CR7. The times did not change, just the equipment.

A quick call got us re-routed via IAD and gets us back an hour earlier, where we will also get to enjoy the LH SEN lounge. I just called with the flight numbers I want to be rebooked on and within 10 minutes our PNRs [separate] was good to go. Even if the last segment only had 5 seats left. Oh, no change fees or request to collect the fare difference.

With AS, that would never happen, even as an MVPG75K and AS comes no-where near offering the vast amount of routing options as UA.

Of course, we also have E+, which beats 90% of the Y seats on AS planes.

Of course, we also have E+, which beats 90% of the Y seats on AS planes.

I believe you should be at 95%, since the only seats it doesn't beat would be exit rows.

;)

I believe you should be at 95%, since the only seats it doesn't beat would be exit rows.

;)

Hey there, I was trying to throw AS a bone! ;)

I counted in the bulkhead seats :p

I counted in the bulkhead seats :p

I'd rather be in E+ than bulkhead (for the legroom).

I'd rather be in E+ than bulkhead (for the legroom).

Agreed. As a matter of fact, I'd rather be in a regular 32" pitch Y seat than in a bulkhead row with a fixed bulkhead. I get a little claustrophobic for some reason, when I can't stretch my legs out. On the sCO birds, the 737 bulkheads have a 6 inches cut-out at the bottom, plus the bottom half of the wall cuves towards the F cabin to ensure there is plentiful knee space and legroom.

With AS, that would never happen, even as an MVPG75K and AS comes no-where near offering the vast amount of routing options as UA.

Of course they offer better routings. They have 620 more planes than Alaska.

I too received the same canned letter today in response to my emails to Alaska management talking about how great they still are blah blah blah.

Its irritating to not get a real response from someone when so many of us are voicing our concerns.

One part that really killed me was:
"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"

Protecting what WE felt were the most important components... what about what your CUSTOMERS feel are the most important parts? We're the Alaska customer focus groups asked about these changes at all? Anyhow... I'm still all the more so convinced I'm done with AS.

It was a good run Alaska... but you broke our relationship.

Care to name the airlines and the routes.

we own property in hawaii and regularly fly there, at least 3 trips a year - we have a stop over, so 4 segments per person, per trip (2 segments each way). 4 person family = 3 trips a year, which equals 48 segments. We always have flown Alaska despite the lack of direct flights because that way we get the miles and can use companion certs and get first class on at least 1 flight.

In addition, I fly additional 2 business trips a year. my in laws have the other 2 cards and also fly, so in all the segments actually exceed what is quoted.

not sure I want to publish the actual route because I dont' see the relevance to the discussion.

Of course they offer better routings. They have 620 more planes than Alaska.

True, but if one SEA-BUR flight was downgauged to a CR7, AS would not rebook me on one of the two other 737 flights.

Bottom line, AS has to differentiate themselves if they want to be the primary airline for high yield frequent travelers to offset their small route network that only has 1-2x flight per day to most business destinations west of Colorado. I view AS as Apple in the PC market.

The companion certificate was something that truly differentiated AS, so was their old SDC policy, the 1,000 booking bonus, unrestricted MVPG Gold Upgrade Certificate, their solid F product, MVPG cookies, AS50, etc. AS managed to un-differentiate themselves in less than three years.

Right now, only two things that differentiates AS from the competition is the change fee waiver and the front line employees, specifically the FAs ^

I want to stay with AS, but they are making it impossible. Heck, my info here still lists AS first.

I'm not overly impressed with their FAs, at least not in first class. About average, if anything.

Bottom line, AS has to differentiate themselves if they want to be the primary airline for high yield frequent travelers to offset their small route network that only has 1-2x flight per day to most business destinations west of Colorado. I view AS as Apple in the PC market.

The companion certificate was something that truly differentiated AS, so was their old SDC policy, the 1,000 booking bonus, unrestricted MVPG Gold Upgrade Certificate, their solid F product, MVPG cookies, AS50, etc. AS managed to un-differentiate themselves in less than three years.

Right now, only two things that differentiates AS from the competition is the change fee waiver and the front line employees, specifically the FAs ^

I want to stay with AS, but they are making it impossible. Heck, my info here still lists AS first.

Isn't having non-stop service in markets where this is no non-stop service, or a better schedule out of smaller connecting cities, a pretty significant differentiator?

As someone who mostly travels for business, I could care less about the changes the SDC policy, the loss of the booking bonus, or no cookies. Yes, there are other changes that sting, but they're not enough to outweigh the benefits.

I find the complaints from posters outside of AS' core markets to be quite interesting. While MP has some advantages for everyone, I really don't know why you'd pursue elite status on AS unless your travel was focused on the cities AS serves non-stop from your home airport.

Another new restriction from the AS website:

"Valid for round-trip or one-way travel. Multiple stopovers not allowed."

and when shopping for a two city stopover I got:

"The Discount Code entered is valid for round-trip or one-way travel, however the itinerary selected exceeds the maximum stopovers. Clear all selections to choose other flight options."

Shuts down a lot of options:(

I too received the same canned letter today in response to my emails to Alaska management talking about how great they still are blah blah blah.

Its irritating to not get a real response from someone when so many of us are voicing our concerns.

One part that really killed me was:
"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"


Wake up folks: You can't expect to get anything other than a canned response if everyone is voicing the same complaint. Front-line staff at any business will state a FAQ-like response if the complaint is similar. That's how first-line customer service works, and there are many good reasons for it.

While it makes me cranky that the 1K online booking bonus is gone, it makes sense if I take a step back. It's a relic. It was created in a time when it was unusual to book on the web. Now, you're penalized if you don't. So while I benefited from the bonus, I can't argue with the fact that the original reason for the incentive no longer exists.

I don't like the loss of the first class use of the companion certificate, but I only used mine once that way.

So in the grand scheme of things, the reduction in benefits is not huge. It's annoying. But it's not huge.

What's more significant to me is the crappy BofA customer service, and that's a BofA problem, not an AS problem. And it's why I still plan to cancel my cards as soon as I can can get replacements in place at BECU. I simply don't believe any BofA promises, if there are any, to make that part of the experience better.

Check it out - so far fourteen pages of flyer talk comments on another decision that lessens the uniqueness of what made Alaska Airlines special.

As a customer of AkAir since 1972 when they only owned/leased five planes, had trouble paying fuel bills, and were known as "Elastic Air", I enjoyed how they improved over the years and became known as the best carrier in the business.

Now that is being eroded away by "nit-picky" corporate decisions that supposedly have "the customer in mind". Management can say all they want in emails, letters, or the friendly stories in the monthly magazine; the fact remains that Alaska Airlines is changing again and not necessarily for the better.

Too bad those that make the decisions are tone-deaf to their loyal customers.

While it makes me cranky that the 1K online booking bonus is gone, it makes sense if I take a step back. It's a relic. It was created in a time when it was unusual to book on the web. Now, you're penalized if you don't. So while I benefited from the bonus, I can't argue with the fact that the original reason for the incentive no longer exists.


What you say is partially correct. The 1K for any online purchase is a relic. The 1K for using the branded credit card is a an additional $ incentive for AS.

No - no status with AS (not enough flights for us to get there). I'm silver with USAirways.

I figure to dump my wife's business card first -- I added that primarily for the miles offer as well as to provide the companion fare this year (we will have used three during this year and still have one of the 'FC companion' coupons in hand (will possibly use that next year for a trip up to Victoria).

The thing is, the only time I've used the FC option is for a trip this December to Hawaii. The other times we use AS it typically is shorter haul flights (Phoenix/Portland or Phoenix/Seattle).

The other reason we have their cards is to run expenses through them for overseas matches. Last year it was LA/Nadi/Auckand and return Christchurch/Nadi/LA.

Actually, I think I'll start another thread for my next miles vacation.



You're similarly situated as the wife and me. We have the regular and business card. Will you replace the business card with another or use the regular one for both purposes?

If you have status with AS, at least you have a decent shot at exit row seating in Y. That increases the tolerability if you can't score an F upgrade.

Wake up folks: You can't expect to get anything other than a canned response if everyone is voicing the same complaint. Front-line staff at any business will state a FAQ-like response if the complaint is similar. That's how first-line customer service works, and there are many good reasons for it.

While it makes me cranky that the 1K online booking bonus is gone, it makes sense if I take a step back. It's a relic. It was created in a time when it was unusual to book on the web. Now, you're penalized if you don't. So while I benefited from the bonus, I can't argue with the fact that the original reason for the incentive no longer exists.

I don't like the loss of the first class use of the companion certificate, but I only used mine once that way.

So in the grand scheme of things, the reduction in benefits is not huge. It's annoying. But it's not huge.

What's more significant to me is the crappy BofA customer service, and that's a BofA problem, not an AS problem. And it's why I still plan to cancel my cards as soon as I can can get replacements in place at BECU. I simply don't believe any BofA promises, if there are any, to make that part of the experience better.

I do not mean to come off as defensive but feel the need to provide some feedback to the bolded comments above.

You offer up a unique insight on the 1,000 mile online booking bonus. But while you're taking a step back on that, consider all the changes that have happened in the past few years (AS has truly transformed itself). I refer back to my boiled-frog parable. I imagine AS felt they had to all the cuts and changes to survive. In any event, they are a completely different airline now and I would argue that, considered in their totality, the scope of changes in benefits is huge. Reality sucks.

When you say that the loss of the companion F ticket is not a big deal, you project your values over the rest of us. That one change will preclude me, as a person who doesn't fly quite as much as I used to, from accruing a 50% EQM bonus. The answer to that might be, "use the companion code to buy a Y ticket and you'll still get a 25% bonus." Point taken. It's left to me to decide if it's worth buying Y with the companion code. The 50% windfall was what I valued most about the companion code and it's doubtful I'm the only one who feels that way.

What you say is partially correct. The 1K for any online purchase is a relic. The 1K for using the branded credit card is a an additional $ incentive for AS.

How do you figure it is and additional cash incentive for AS? If that were the case, why would they get rid of it?

How do you figure it is and additional cash incentive for AS? If that were the case, why would they get rid of it?

It makes us more likely to use our AS Visa for AS flight purchases. That is the cash incentive. If we use the Podunk Visa, AS doesn't make any $, and it has a transaction fee.

The 50% windfall was what I valued most about the companion code and it's doubtful I'm the only one who feels that way.

That is a big deal to me.

Another new restriction from the AS website:

"Valid for round-trip or one-way travel. Multiple stopovers not allowed."

and when shopping for a two city stopover I got:

"The Discount Code entered is valid for round-trip or one-way travel, however the itinerary selected exceeds the maximum stopovers. Clear all selections to choose other flight options."

Shuts down a lot of options:(

I believe that is going to be a material stab for at least a few posters here. On the other hand, they might as well just stick the knife in hard and twist it around, all at once.

Just so I'm clear on this: does it mean no more open-jaw itineraries for a companion code ticket?

Just so I'm clear on this: does it mean no more open-jaw itineraries for a companion code ticket?

Well this is all interesting because if it isn't a "computer glitch or typo" (the excuse for changes that aren't spelled out on a cave wall) it means there has been a material change to the T&C / validity of the discount codes that were already issued, during the period of their validity.

Just so I'm clear on this: does it mean no more open-jaw itineraries for a companion code ticket?

Apparently not. I just did a dummy booking ANC-SAT and MCO-ANC and it priced it out all the wat to the payment screen, so open jaws are still available.

Apparently not. I just did a dummy booking ANC-SAT and MCO-ANC and it priced it out all the wat to the payment screen, so open jaws are still available.

But two city stopovers that used to be allowed, are no longer allowed?

But two city stopovers that used to be allowed, are no longer allowed?Nope:mad:

I do not mean to come off as defensive but feel the need to provide some feedback to the bolded comments above.

When you say that the loss of the companion F ticket is not a big deal, you project your values over the rest of us.

I didn't say it was "not a big deal." I said, "I don't like the loss of the first class use of the companion certificate, but I only used mine once that way."

Any comments I made about reduction in benefits was limited to my perception of the credit card benefit changes alone. I don't claim to speak for anyone else and this is, after all, a discussion forum in which perspectives are freely shared.

I suspect you may be projecting your disappointment, which is - considering how you used the card - understandable.

It makes us more likely to use our AS Visa for AS flight purchases. That is the cash incentive. If we use the Podunk Visa, AS doesn't make any $, and it has a transaction fee.

Why would AS get a cash incentive for ticket purchases with AS Visa over other cards? Are you talking about the additional miles BoA awards?

I didn't say it was "not a big deal." I said, "I don't like the loss of the first class use of the companion certificate, but I only used mine once that way."

Any comments I made about reduction in benefits was limited to my perception of the credit card benefit changes alone. I don't claim to speak for anyone else and this is, after all, a discussion forum in which perspectives are freely shared.

I suspect you may be projecting your disappointment, which is - considering how you used the card - understandable.

You are right, I am disappointed. That said, I am choosing not to give up the card (at this time). I still think there is value in the companion fare program. But that is subject to change if and when future cuts come along.

Why would AS get a cash incentive for ticket purchases with AS Visa over other cards? Are you talking about the additional miles BoA awards?

BoA has to buy the miles from somewhere. AFAIK, the only source is AS.

BoA has to buy the miles from somewhere. AFAIK, the only source is AS.

I would be surprised if the additional sale of miles exceeded the cost of providing the bonus miles.

You are right, I am disappointed. That said, I am choosing not to give up the card (at this time). I still think there is value in the companion fare program. But that is subject to change if and when future cuts come along.

For me, the sole motivation of having 4 Alaska branded VISA accounts and paying the $75 per account annual fee way the companion certificate, and more specifically, the ability to use it to buy first class seats. That change alone is a big enough deal for me to give up all 4 cards. I can get 1.25 Alaska miles for every dollar I spend on my Starwood Preferred AmEx which has a $65/year annual fee (not to mention much better convertibility to about 30 airlines and hundreds if not thousands of hotels). I wonder if B of A understood that Alaska could unilaterally change the terms and conditions of the card to make these types of changes at the time they spent a kazillion dollars buying Alaska Airlines frequent flyer miles. I further wonder whether B of A will offer Alaska less $ at the time of contract renewal when it loses customers-consumer and business accounts like mine. I would guess that if Alaska loses people like me who are paying full fare first class in conjunction w/the companion certificate- completely as I will change carriers- it will result in less revenue to both B of A AND Alaska. I actually feel bad for B of A because it's going to lose a lot of business for a decision it had nothing to do with. If I were it, I'd be raising hell

It makes us more likely to use our AS Visa for AS flight purchases. That is the cash incentive. If we use the Podunk Visa, AS doesn't make any $, and it has a transaction fee.

What' AS gets from us using the card is BofA buying miles. They MIGHT also get a lower discount rate, if negotiated, with BofA, since BofA processes AS CC transactions. All of which is subject to negotiation. Additionally, they were giving the bonus to ALL AS Visa transactions, not just the marginal ones, so it's far greater than you give credit. How many people do you think will still use the card for the 3x miles without the 1K bonus? In full disclosure, I've cancelled MY card. But, outside of this forum, how many people do you really think have?

What' AS gets from us using the card is BofA buying miles. They MIGHT also get a lower discount rate, if negotiated, with BofA, since BofA processes AS CC transactions. All of which is subject to negotiation. Additionally, they were giving the bonus to ALL AS Visa transactions, not just the marginal ones, so it's far greater than you give credit. How many people do you think will still use the card for the 3x miles without the 1K bonus? In full disclosure, I've cancelled MY card. But, outside of this forum, how many people do you really think have?

With time, as people renew and discover their card no longer has any true value-and the benefits they have previously relied on no longer exist- I think more and more people will cancel their accounts. Hopefully, enough of a deluge of cancellations to cause BofA to tell Alaska they will pay them 10 cents on the dollar for future miles which will cause Alaska to reinstate the benefits they've stripped out of the card. Fingers crossed. I agree this will take time. However, for those canceling their cards, I think it would be a great idea to get a manager on the phone and tell them why we are canceling and get them to exert pressure on Alaska. I intend to.

Evidently, enough people were using the companion cert to fly F that it was diluting F revenues. I still think AS would find it advantageous to have seats paid for by pax traveling on Visa companion fares as opposed to just filling up more seats with free upgrades. However, I guess if they can fill up an F cabin strictly on paid fares, more power to them. Even as an AS fan, I admit that AS F is more of a business class product than a true F product and is not worth paying full price for. I was willing to pay for F with the companion fare, as it made the price "reasonable." There is no way I'm shelling out $2600 for two round-trip F tickets to Hawaii.

AS needs to do one of two things IMHO: 1) expand the F cabin (from 16 to 20 seats on the 738/739). or 2) Maintain the existing number of seats but improve the F seat legroom/comfort/recline. The food and service are OK to me, but the seating I think is the real shortfall on longer flights.

However, I guess if they can fill up an F cabin strictly on paid fares, more power to them. Even as an AS fan, I admit that AS F is more of a business class product than a true F product and is not worth paying full price for. I was willing to pay for F with the companion fare, as it made the price "reasonable." There is no way I'm shelling out $2600 for two round-trip F tickets to Hawaii.

Totally agree - their seats are more like economy plus than first or business class. Very few other perks offered any more. I find it irritating that gate agents or FA's rarely enforced things like the boarding priority (crowd standing in front of boarding line makes it difficult to get to priority line) or prevent people from shouldering their way through from economy to get to the bathroom. The last 2 flights to Hawaii i actually had to stand in line, despite this being security issue. Kids messed it up and one poor confused guy fumbled around looking for the door for 5 mins and then forgot to lock it, so the next visitor from economy walked in on him. This all played out in front of the FA with no comment.

I could put up with it if using companion fare, but frankly if paying I expect much better.

Someone earlier commented along the lines that the people using companion fares for first class are more price conscious. I humbly disagree. Anyone price conscious would use companion fares for economy because that is going to be best price. People using companion fares for first must have additional means, and wouldn't you want to attract these purchasers? It certainly meant more money and full fare trips using alaska for me, just out of loyalty. Now i will switch to a different airline. For us the companion cert in first class was the only positive differentiator.

As stated above, if AS can fill all the F seats at full price, they win. If not they lose our appx. $4000 per year and $ from many others. Goodbye!

I wonder if B of A understood that Alaska could unilaterally change the terms and conditions of the card to make these types of changes at the time they spent a kazillion dollars buying Alaska Airlines frequent flyer miles. I further wonder whether B of A will offer Alaska less $ at the time of contract renewal when it loses customers-consumer and business accounts like mine... I actually feel bad for B of A because it's going to lose a lot of business for a decision it had nothing to do with. If I were it, I'd be raising hell

I can guarantee there none of the changes were unilateral. Every aspect of the relationship between the airline and the bank is negotiated and agreed to.

Further, no one should feel bad for BofA. The only reason they got people to sign up for these cards in the first place is because they provided a few generous benefits. BofA has to ultimately back that up with excellent service if you want to keep the customers.

I would be surprised if the additional sale of miles exceeded the cost of providing the bonus miles.

You shouldn't be. BoA is paying an agreed upon price for the miles to AS to buy the miles that they give out.

AS is giving out miles that have an extremely low cost to them --- the pro-rata share of the marginal cost of providing the services once the miles are redeemed. There is no out of pocket cash cost to AS to provide those miles.

The 1,000 bonus miles have a good perceived value to the consumer, but the marginal cost to provide them to the consumer is very, very low.

BoA's purchased miles, however, are real cash to the airline. Probably a great negotiated rate (see, e.g., Delta and Amex discussions elsewhere), but a money-maker nonetheless.

You shouldn't be. BoA is paying an agreed upon price for the miles to AS to buy the miles that they give out.

AS is giving out miles that have an extremely low cost to them --- the pro-rata share of the marginal cost of providing the services once the miles are redeemed. There is no out of pocket cash cost to AS to provide those miles.

The 1,000 bonus miles have a good perceived value to the consumer, but the marginal cost to provide them to the consumer is very, very low.

BoA's purchased miles, however, are real cash to the airline. Probably a great negotiated rate (see, e.g., Delta and Amex discussions elsewhere), but a money-maker nonetheless.

You're correct that there is no cash cost for AS to give away miles. However, the magnitude of impact on the P&L for miles sold and miles given away is the same.

BofA has to ultimately back that up with excellent service if you want to keep the customers.

I have better odds of being able to use 25K miles for a one-way F ticket to Orlando before Thanksgiving than in getting excellent customer service from BoA.

In fact, I have better odds of getting a smile out of a US Airways agent than getting even good customer service from BoA...but just barely.

I hate to say this, but i have always felt the companion ticket in F was overly generous. Many of my friends and I are professionals that do not fly for business. I get my status on another airline because of long international flights and we rarely fly AS. We all have the AS card for our yearly trip to Hawaii on first during the winter. While, I hate to lose the benefit, i wouldn't be surprised that there are many people like us

I hate to say this, but i have always felt the companion ticket in F was overly generous. Many of my friends and I are professionals that do not fly for business. I get my status on another airline because of long international flights and we rarely fly AS. We all have the AS card for our yearly trip to Hawaii on first during the winter. While, I hate to lose the benefit, i wouldn't be surprised that there are many people like us

Yet others fall into the category of supporting Alaska Airlines over the years (since 1972 for me) who stick with them through thick and thin even though other choices are there (increasingly hard to find alternatives in Anchorage).

I see the companion fare change as another example of the "chip away" effect that has become dominant over the past several years. It's as though Alaska really doesn't care anymore what we think. Let's see what we can get away with this time. After all, it's not about our customers, it's about way to cut something else and convince people it's really in their best interest.

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to this companion fare thing.

Say you saved your last companion F fare certificate, and just had it sitting in your account. Then you got your next new Y only companion certificate. Can you choose which one you use for a flight, or does it somehow make you use the one with the earliest expiration date first?

Wirelessly posted (beckoa's PWP wondrousdevice3.0: Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9810; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.11+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/7.0.0.583 Mobile Safari/534.11+)

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to this companion fare thing.

Say you saved your last companion F fare certificate, and just had it sitting in your account. Then you got your next new Y only companion certificate. Can you choose which one you use for a flight, or does it somehow make you use the one with the earliest expiration date first?

I imagine it would make a difference which one you used...

upgraded elites

I repost my previous reply to this thread:

suggestion--MIGHT SUIT BEANCOUNTERS AND PASSENGERS

what if holders of the alaska visa who are also MVPG could use companion pass for F and those with lower status could not? They could offer MVPs something better than just coach ie instantly upgradeable U class on certain fare bases for their companion tickets. Those without status could redeem for coach or for an upgrade eligible fare if bought in a high enough fare basis '

THE LATTER TWO CASES ARE ALREADY THE CASE, IT IS JUST A QUESTION OF WHICH FARE BASES WOULD BE UPGRADEABLE AND WHETHER INSTANTLY OR ONLY 24 HRS BEFORE OR ON DAY OF....

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to this companion fare thing.

Say you saved your last companion F fare certificate, and just had it sitting in your account. Then you got your next new Y only companion certificate. Can you choose which one you use for a flight, or does it somehow make you use the one with the earliest expiration date first?

You can choose the one you want to use. You have to click on it, or manually enter the discount code, to apply the one you want to use.

Thank you, that answers my question. I wanted to save my F one for Hawaii, which won't be until after we use next year's Y one for a (lower 48) trip. I never had two at a time sitting there before so wasn't sure of the procedure.

I will be canceling both my cards the beginning of August, as they are up for renewal in September. I have never cared for B of A and the loss of benefits is a great reason to save $150 in renewal fees. I would have stayed with losing the 1000 miles bonus for booking on line--but the elimination of the companion certificate eligibility in First is too big of a benifit to loss--as they say it is "unsustainable".
I am sure Alaska Airlines will let me buy flights with my AMEX Membership Miles Card;)
And down the road I might accept a 25k bonus for a new card--for a year anyway!

I never had two at a time sitting there before so wasn't sure of the procedure.

They do expire, so double check expiration dates.

Most folks who have posted here are against these new changes while some are neutral toward them.

I have yet to see someone post that they are signing up for the card...or getting an additional card...due to the changes.

So at best it seems that AS is chasing away a lot of business for what?

To free up FC inventory so they can give FC seats away as upgrades? I seriously doubt many folks will buy full fare FC tickets. I know I certainly wouldn't. I'll buy one if I have a companion certificate as that relieves some of the sting. But to buy two??

Not going to happen here.

Most folks who have posted here are against these new changes while some are neutral toward them.

I have yet to see someone post that they are signing up for the card...or getting an additional card...due to the changes.

So at best it seems that AS is chasing away a lot of business for what?

To free up FC inventory so they can give FC seats away as upgrades? I seriously doubt many folks will buy full fare FC tickets. I know I certainly wouldn't. I'll buy one if I have a companion certificate as that relieves some of the sting. But to buy two??

Not going to happen here.

You've hit the nail squarely on the head. My wife and I have used the companion fare to book first class for long trips from Anchorage to visit relatives on the east coast. The long trip in coach is exhausting (if not painful) so we willingly paid the extra to do first when we can get a 2-1 deal. The trip still costs us nearly $2,000 but it can save us a trip to the chiropractor's office:D

Simply put, Alaska first class is more like a business class. The seats are more comfortable than coach but the service is nothing to get excited about. A free digiplayer, a glass of water, free liquor and a meal that used to be the standard in coach class. In fact, both of us often prefer the meals for sale in coach vs. the attempts at "gourmet" up front (the portobello mushroom sandwich is scary). Thank goodness the wonderful flight attendants are usually the highlight of the experience. The price differential is simply too great to buy two outright FC tickets but the companion has helped over the years.

I agree - it's going to hurt more than help Alaska's image since it seems so nit-picky. Funny to see this happening right when several "airline satisfaction" awards are announced :)

I received a canned reply from someone at AS.

Here is my response to that reply:





Hello Txxxx -

Thank you for the email.

That was one of the more impressive and polite cases of "too bad, buddy" I've ever received.

"Challenging economy"?

Perhaps you don't read your own financial reports:

Alaska Air Group Reports June Operational Results

7/5/2012 9:15 a.m.

SEATTLE - Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) today reported June operational results for its subsidiaries, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, and on a combined basis. Detailed information is provided below.

ALASKA AIRLINES - MAINLINE

Alaska reported a 10.6 percent increase in traffic on a 7.5 percent increase in capacity compared to June 2011. This resulted in a 2.5-point increase in load factor to a June record 87.9 percent. This also contributed to a record second quarter load factor of 87.4 percent. Alaska also reported 88.4 percent of its flights arrived on time in June, compared to the 91.4 percent reported in June 2011.

The following table shows Alaska's operational results for June and year-to-date 2012, compared to the prior-year periods:



I wish my business was going as well as the Alaska Air Group.

You can count me as a former cardholder as soon as my anniversary date comes up.
I'm not the only one either. Many of the folks that participate in the frequent flyer forums are fed up as well.

The 1,000 mile flight bonus but even more importantly the ability to buy an F companion fare were the only reasons to put up with the miserable service at Bank of America.

Have you ever had your card cancelled without notice due to a security breach? I have. At least three times.

The last time I was in Chicago and all I asked of B of A was to either Fedex me a replacement card or just approve the three upcoming auto-pays I had set up using the AS Visa.

They refused to do either. That did not strike me as being very customer service focused.


Respectfully yours,


sea_jeff :)

Sorry if this is a stupid question, I'm new to this companion fare thing.

Say you saved your last companion F fare certificate, and just had it sitting in your account. Then you got your next new Y only companion certificate. Can you choose which one you use for a flight, or does it somehow make you use the one with the earliest expiration date first?

Each certificate has an individual code. Use the one with the F code to book your F trip. Use the other on for a coach trip.

You choose which cert to use and when.

Most folks who have posted here are against these new changes while some are neutral toward them.

I have yet to see someone post that they are signing up for the card...or getting an additional card...due to the changes.

So at best it seems that AS is chasing away a lot of business for what?

To free up FC inventory so they can give FC seats away as upgrades? I seriously doubt many folks will buy full fare FC tickets. I know I certainly wouldn't. I'll buy one if I have a companion certificate as that relieves some of the sting. But to buy two??

Not going to happen here.

AS prices their F significantly under other competing carriers on competitive routes. I would guess they have done market analysis that shows that they can sell marginally more discounted F than giving it away as a 241.

And if they are wrong, more F seats for me on G/T fares. :D

Simply put, Alaska first class is more like a business class. The seats are more comfortable than coach but the service is nothing to get excited about. A free digiplayer, a glass of water, free liquor and a meal that used to be the standard in coach class. In fact, both of us often prefer the meals for sale in coach vs. the attempts at "gourmet" up front (the portobello mushroom sandwich is scary). Thank goodness the wonderful flight attendants are usually the highlight of the experience. The price differential is simply too great to buy two outright FC tickets but the companion has helped over the years.

Flying SEA-ANC-SEA on a companion fare in F, we had a prime dinnertime departure, and on a three-and-a-quarter-hour flight, the F meal service was a bag of snack mix and a small plate with a bit of salad greens and two small pieces of beef. That was it. No bread, no dessert, nothing else. Mrs Seaflyguy recently flew SEA-ORD-SEA and was upgraded to F in both directions. It was a pleasant surprise but she said the beef bourgignon she was served on both flights was literally the least edible airline meal she had ever been served, including back when airlines provided free "meals" in Y.

On a long flight, like SEA-HNL or SEA-SJD, I'd use my companion fare to upgrade to F for the improved personal space at a small-ish premium over Y. But pay for F outright? Are they kidding?