Originally Posted by
Reloder
was happy with her frank dialog, but is that really the case? It seems like Alaska should be all over any of their frequent flyers since they are a smaller airline?
I fly around 250K domestic and carry Delta Diamond and United Premier Executive. If it isn't worth it to fly AS as a gold, I may just tack on two hours of sipping scotch while flying/sky clubbing through SLC. I have noticed that on the four flights I have taken, I have only been upgraded once. Two of those were last minute/full fare flights in coach.
Unlike some around here
, I think Alaska has a great program (it has just gotten a little less great lately), it sounds like you got a bad agent - most would waive the fee.
As for upgrades, it depends on the routes : Anything to California/Mexico is usually a sure thing if you book before the upgrade window. Transcon/Midcon are tough as are Hawaii (No UDU on DL) and Alaska ex-ANC/SEA/PDX - if these are your destinations you might be better off on DL as a Diamond.
As for service, I think elites are treated a little better but not much better than everybody else - which is usually pretty darn good.