Originally Posted by
enzian
OK, thanks everyone. I went ahead and booked the regular “Main Cabin” (fare class N) and then upgraded to Premium seats, aisle for my husband and middle for me. But maybe I should do exit row if that is less likely to have an extra-large seatmate?
We fly Alaska exclusively for domestic travel, but mainly between SEA, SFO, and BOI, so we do not accrue enough mileage to earn status. Starting post-covid we flew in First, often with miles, at least until this year. It seems to have become a whole lot more expensive than it was in 2021 and 2022. Mileage tix in First to New York on our date, for a mid-day flight, use more miles (70K) than our recent flight to Tokyo in Business Class on JL (60K).
How can one recognize fare class “U” when it is released? I did pay to make our flight refundable, so could re-book if that gives us a possible upgrade, but without status it sounds unlikely. And I assume we would lose what I paid for those Premium seats.
To find U space you either need to use Expert Flyer or check on Alaska's site every day. Buying refundable tickets is expensive and there is really no need. If you needed to change you can do so with a regular fare and only pay the difference in fares. For someone without status the only real way to get first is buy first, or if you have GGU's only book a flight that has current U space.