Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Paid mileage upgrades

How often do non-MVP passengers get to pay by the miles to upgrade? I'm a new MVP and am assuming that MVP would clear before upgrades. The last several times at the Alaska gates in Seattle I haven't seen seats being offered to non-MVP to pay for and so assuming none are available which makes my chances less to get an upgrade as an MVP, correct?

You must buy a value fare and I think U space must be available for a MVP to use miles to upgrade.

It sounds like you’re dissatisfied with the upgrade process because you don’t see paid upgrades being offered at the gate. As an MVP, you are eligible for an upgrade either:
- as soon as you purchase your ticket (when booking a Y/S/B fare)
OR
- starting at 48 hours prior to the flight for all other fares.

When you actually get upgraded will depend on if/when Alaska opens up ‘U’ space.

Those seeking to redeem miles for upgrades may do so as soon as they purchase their ticket (which must be a Y/S/B/M/H fare). As with complimentary upgrades, U space must be available to process an upgrade.

When you don’t see paid upgrades offered at the gate, that just means the first class cabin has already been filled, usually with either paying customers or complimentary elite upgrades. As an MVP, you have priority to receive a complimentary upgrade before any paid upgrades are offered. Of course, there are other elites with higher priority than you, so you may not always get upgraded.