Originally Posted by
Sciarella
Hi everyone, I could use some advice.
I live in AK and I'm about to make Continental Gold Elite, but I fly a lot of little in state jaunts with Alaska Airlines. Alaska credits me for the flights with CO, but I get no upgrades, accessibility, etc. Not to mention just about everyone around here is an Alaska MVP. I fly every month or so somewhere in state, but also do several trips a year down to the Lower 48 (I did 5-6 cross continentals this year). We're planning to live in AK for at least 6 months next year, but hopefully moving back to the Lower 48 after next summer (or whenever the military says we can). My travel schedule should be pretty much the same next year as it is this one. I currently have 5 trips scheduled between now and end of year--3 in state on Alaska, 1 to the Lower 48 on AK, 1 down South that goes across 3 airlines (NW, Delta & Continental).
Question(s): does status matching imply that I have to "give up" my status on CO? If so, should I try to match to Alaska? The other option is to match to NW (which, correct me if I'm wrong, does get you upgrades on Alaska Air). Upgrades and seat availability are the big issues with me, especially the ability to upgrade companion at Gold.
Thanks in advance everyone!
Hi
Sciarella, and welcome to Flyertalk!
I never look into this thread, and first time I click on it... someone I can help
I am in Eagle River (ANC for all practicality) and fly AS enough each year to maintain MVPG (That is 40K on AS metal, 50K including partners)
If you were staying in Alaska, then I would strongly encourage you to switch to AS (Alaska Airlines), as they are 'the airline' up here, if you want to move around, or leave the State. And most other airlines partner with us for inter or intra state travel. So earning miles is not an issue.
As for when you move... it depends on where you move to... AS' route system is strong on the West Coast, with flights to BOS, EWR, DEN, DFW, MIA, MCO, MSP (soon), ORD and 10 destinations in Mexico, plus Hawaii. If this works, great~ not sure on the details, but you can fax in your 'status' to AS and they usually will extend to you MVP/G status for the next year.
As for 'abandoning' CO, to 'reearn' AS status... you may need to abandon them... but if you switch now, then you can think about it on the next few flights... maybe UG'd
ANC-SEA is very competitive... but if traveling on non-peak times/days its still possible for UG's...
And AS partners are very good... CO however does not count for earning the all mighty EQM's...
but DL, NW, AA, AF, KL all count!
So... I say
YES, but then again I am biased
