Good summary of AS Mileage Plan for VX folks.
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
#3
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,727
When booking a flight, even if I were to put in my AS FF#, it appears I still retain VX Gold benefits on choosing MC seats with option to select auto MCS upgrade.
Will booking this way with my AS FF# still enable my Gold 24 hr upgrade option? If not, then it may be better to (1) upgrade at T-24 and call in to input AS FF#, or (2) just complete the flight, then submit an online request to AS for the mileage.
If I'm reading it correctly, with the MVP Gold 100% bonus, a RT SFO --> NY flight could yield 5,000 miles. This is a nice return for lower cost flights.
Will booking this way with my AS FF# still enable my Gold 24 hr upgrade option? If not, then it may be better to (1) upgrade at T-24 and call in to input AS FF#, or (2) just complete the flight, then submit an online request to AS for the mileage.
If I'm reading it correctly, with the MVP Gold 100% bonus, a RT SFO --> NY flight could yield 5,000 miles. This is a nice return for lower cost flights.
#4
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: West Hollywood
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Alaska MVP, Delta Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 173
When booking a flight, even if I were to put in my AS FF#, it appears I still retain VX Gold benefits on choosing MC seats with option to select auto MCS upgrade.
Will booking this way with my AS FF# still enable my Gold 24 hr upgrade option? If not, then it may be better to (1) upgrade at T-24 and call in to input AS FF#, or (2) just complete the flight, then submit an online request to AS for the mileage.
Will booking this way with my AS FF# still enable my Gold 24 hr upgrade option? If not, then it may be better to (1) upgrade at T-24 and call in to input AS FF#, or (2) just complete the flight, then submit an online request to AS for the mileage.
#5
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,727
Interesting. I know that currently it's possible to store more than one FF# in a VX itinerary, so if you're logged into to the VX site when you book they're probably still associating the trip with your Elevate account regardless of what you enter in the FF# field. I'd also be (pleasantly) surprised if they let you switch your FF# after checking in and keep the better seat. Most airlines have policy of stripping away any upgrades/benefits that don't apply when you do that.
The problem is when I place in my AS FF#, the reservation is no longer automatically recognized on my VX "manage flights" section; though, I can still pull it up manually. I'm curious if by checking in with the latter will still enable the Gold upgrade at T-24.
In the end, it might be best just to fly VX and apply for AS credit post flight.
#6
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 6,727
Thanks!
#7
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: West Hollywood
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Alaska MVP, Delta Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 173
#10
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP, Bonvoy Plat, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Disc
Posts: 217
I asked this question on the AS flyertalk thread here where someone from AS is answering questions. The answer is NO. If you want Gold benefits on VX metal, you have to use your VX elevate # when booking.
#11
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 48
I got an email from Alaska Airlines with an offer of 10000 bonus miles or $100 off if I activate my new Mileage Plan account before February 28th.
1. If I do activate my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, what happens to my Virgin America Elevate account?
2. If I do activate my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, will my Virgin America Elevate points be untouched?
Edited to add: Apparently both my questions are answered in the Virgin America FAQ (although not in the corresponding Alaska Airlines FAQ), to wit:
I feel much better now and feel I can activate my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan with no fear now. Thanks
1. If I do activate my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, what happens to my Virgin America Elevate account?
2. If I do activate my Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, will my Virgin America Elevate points be untouched?
Edited to add: Apparently both my questions are answered in the Virgin America FAQ (although not in the corresponding Alaska Airlines FAQ), to wit:
3. If I am an Elevate member, what can I expect as a result of the merger?
Today, Mileage Plan and Elevate continue to operate as separate programs. Mileage Plan members will continue to hold miles in their Mileage Plan accounts and Elevate members will continue to hold Elevate points in their Elevate accounts.
Now, Mileage Plan members can earn miles on Virgin America flights, and Elevate members can earn Elevate points on Alaska Airlines flights. Click here for more information regarding earn structure. Additionally, Elevate elite members now receive priority check-in and boarding on Alaska Airlines.
We will also be rolling out additional benefits for Elevate members:
* We will invite you to enroll in Alaska's award-winning Mileage Plan, enabling access to our global partner network of over 900 worldwide destinations. You'll receive more detail on how Elevate points can be used to book award travel on Alaska and Alaska Global Partners at that time.
* Should you choose to do so, you will be able to convert existing Elevate points into Mileage Plan miles at a rate of 1.3 Mileage Plan miles per Elevate point, so you can book award travel on Alaska and its extensive network of international partners.
* As of the week of January 9th, 2017, Elevate Gold and Silver members have been status matched into Mileage Plan when they activate their new Mileage Plan account, unlocking the generous benefits of Alaska’s frequent flyer program, including complimentary first class upgrades upon availability on Alaska operated flights.
Longer term, we’ll be evaluating how to bring these programs together to deliver our loyal customers the most value...
5. I have elite Elevate status (Gold or Silver). Will I receive elite benefits when flying on Alaska?
Today, you'll continue to enjoy all the Elevate elite status benefits you’ve come to love when flying on Virgin America. Plus, Elevate Gold and Silver members will now receive priority check-in and boarding when flying on Alaska Airlines. We are working quickly to extend a range of reciprocal elite benefits to both Elevate and Mileage Plan members across Virgin America and Alaska flights.
6. What is happening to my Elevate status?
There are no changes to your Elevate status. However, Elevate Gold and Silver members are now able to enjoy priority boarding and check-in when flying with Alaska Airlines – with more reciprocal status recognition updates coming in the future. As of today, there is also no change to your points balance or the flying experience with Virgin America...
9. What do I do if I have an Elevate account and a Mileage Plan account?
If you already have Mileage Plan and an Elevate account, you don’t have to do anything for now. You can continue to earn Points on Virgin America and Miles on Alaska Airlines (and vice versa).
Elevate members can now convert their points to Alaska Mileage Plan miles at a rate of 1.3 Mileage Plan miles per Elevate point, so that you can access award travel on Alaska’s network. For more information, visit: www.alaskaair.com/convertpoints.
10. What happens if I don’t transfer my Elevate points to Mileage Plan miles?
Rest assured, your Elevate account will remain active, your point balance isn't going anywhere, and in fact, you can continue to earn Elevate points. We appreciate your ongoing loyalty to Virgin America and we’re excited to now bring you all the generous benefits of Alaska Mileage Plan.
Today, Mileage Plan and Elevate continue to operate as separate programs. Mileage Plan members will continue to hold miles in their Mileage Plan accounts and Elevate members will continue to hold Elevate points in their Elevate accounts.
Now, Mileage Plan members can earn miles on Virgin America flights, and Elevate members can earn Elevate points on Alaska Airlines flights. Click here for more information regarding earn structure. Additionally, Elevate elite members now receive priority check-in and boarding on Alaska Airlines.
We will also be rolling out additional benefits for Elevate members:
* We will invite you to enroll in Alaska's award-winning Mileage Plan, enabling access to our global partner network of over 900 worldwide destinations. You'll receive more detail on how Elevate points can be used to book award travel on Alaska and Alaska Global Partners at that time.
* Should you choose to do so, you will be able to convert existing Elevate points into Mileage Plan miles at a rate of 1.3 Mileage Plan miles per Elevate point, so you can book award travel on Alaska and its extensive network of international partners.
* As of the week of January 9th, 2017, Elevate Gold and Silver members have been status matched into Mileage Plan when they activate their new Mileage Plan account, unlocking the generous benefits of Alaska’s frequent flyer program, including complimentary first class upgrades upon availability on Alaska operated flights.
Longer term, we’ll be evaluating how to bring these programs together to deliver our loyal customers the most value...
5. I have elite Elevate status (Gold or Silver). Will I receive elite benefits when flying on Alaska?
Today, you'll continue to enjoy all the Elevate elite status benefits you’ve come to love when flying on Virgin America. Plus, Elevate Gold and Silver members will now receive priority check-in and boarding when flying on Alaska Airlines. We are working quickly to extend a range of reciprocal elite benefits to both Elevate and Mileage Plan members across Virgin America and Alaska flights.
6. What is happening to my Elevate status?
There are no changes to your Elevate status. However, Elevate Gold and Silver members are now able to enjoy priority boarding and check-in when flying with Alaska Airlines – with more reciprocal status recognition updates coming in the future. As of today, there is also no change to your points balance or the flying experience with Virgin America...
9. What do I do if I have an Elevate account and a Mileage Plan account?
If you already have Mileage Plan and an Elevate account, you don’t have to do anything for now. You can continue to earn Points on Virgin America and Miles on Alaska Airlines (and vice versa).
Elevate members can now convert their points to Alaska Mileage Plan miles at a rate of 1.3 Mileage Plan miles per Elevate point, so that you can access award travel on Alaska’s network. For more information, visit: www.alaskaair.com/convertpoints.
10. What happens if I don’t transfer my Elevate points to Mileage Plan miles?
Rest assured, your Elevate account will remain active, your point balance isn't going anywhere, and in fact, you can continue to earn Elevate points. We appreciate your ongoing loyalty to Virgin America and we’re excited to now bring you all the generous benefits of Alaska Mileage Plan.
Last edited by jalabi99; Feb 26, 2017 at 1:30 am Reason: added links to FAQs
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
Much to the chagrin of the AS elites, the VX elites are getting warmly welcomed with a nice sprinkling of bennies right away.
A good sign, but the real challenge is retaining the VX elites on AS metal as it currently exists.
A good sign, but the real challenge is retaining the VX elites on AS metal as it currently exists.
#13
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AS MVP, Bonvoy Plat, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Hyatt Disc
Posts: 217
Exactly. Despite being matched to MVP 75k, I have yet to take a flight on AS, credit VX flights to AS (lest I lose my Gold benefits on that flight), or have any plans to take an AS flight in the foreseeable future. Maybe when VX goes away, those routes are covered by AS, and there are no choices other than similarly bad hard products, then I'll choose the least of the evils and take AS (except when flying SFO-NYC). Until then, very doubtful.