Check out the thread that I started concerning MVP Gold miles using AS 50...looks like others have figured out to use miles (one way) and coach the other direction to get a full 50% cost savings...same number of miles accrued as this new program with the AS 50 at half miles accrual...at the MVP Gold luncheon in Tacoma I suggested that AS 50 used on first class tickets accrue full mileage ...my main concern is accrual towards status. I think that you are going to lose a large number of loyal Alaska customers that have accrued status in the past but now are saying " what the heck...I can't accrue status so I am just going to use up my mileage plan miles instead of paying for tickets...an unintended result of this new Alaska policy.
Another suggestion is another tier of AS50 (with more miles) that accrues full miles toward status.
This is an improtant glitch in the system that management needs (should) address immediately.
Hope that Alaska can solve this issue going into the new year...it is very important