last thursday, on as 7 ewr-sea somewhere west of minneapolis, i crossed the million mile flyer threshold.
While i don't know how typical my experience was, after landing (more than three hours late, due to weather in ewr, at 12:40am), i was pleasantly surprised to be greeted by three folks in alaska airlines management who presented me with a "million mile flyer" kit, a large box that contained:
- a metal model of an alaska airlines jet (the side of the box stated, "alaska b737-900 w/winglets 1/100") about 15" long and 14" wide, with a display stand with a plaque that reads, "alaska airline million mile flyer, [seattlenerd's real name], 2013."
- a letter signed by alaska president and ceo brad tilden.
- three luggage tags that state, "million mile flyer" where the usual frequent-flier status would go.
- a new mileage plan card that states, "million mile flyer" and says "valid through: Lifetime"
- a promise of eight one-way guest upgrades to be added to myaccount.
(as an aside, it was telling to see that i've been a member since april 1988, meaning it took me almost exactly 25 years to reach million mile flyer status, about 18 of those as mvp gold or higher.)
i've posted photos of the kit and airplane model on twitter, which @flyertalk retweeted. The model, especially, is quite classy.
On board the flight, the pilot and first officer made a brief announcement (the brevity of which was probably good for all, as many were sleeping) and gave me a pair of wings and the "as briefing packet" page signed by the pilot and first officer. Even though i'm not an airline geek, this was pretty cool.
And i am somewhat in awe that alaska airlines management would meet me at the gate that many hours after a weather-related delay to present the kit, take photos, and give me a genuinely warm welcome. ^