Originally Posted by
isisthecat47
I've been AA Gold for a long time, but since I live in the Pacific Northwest, AK is the home airline here. So I've been thinking about switching this year to qualify for AK MVP (equivalent first level elite).
I know that with AA Gold, even when I fly coach they hold the center seat empty as long as they can for Gold cards. I can also upgrade more easily, although I have to plan carefully so I don't get bumped by Platinum and Exec Platinum members.. Is there something equivalent for MVPs? I don't see anything on the AK website.
Does anyone have any comments about which is better? I fly across country alot, but as it happens I have 3 trips planned between now and March on AK. Gotta decide soon.
Thanks for any help.
Welcome to FT !
If your'e thinking of flying Alaska, now would be a good time to start referring to them as AS
Honestly, it really depends on where you fly. If you are looking for UGs on transcons (or even mid-cons) you probably stand a better chance with AA (near zero chance on AS, even as MVPG).
On AS, the front ~10 rows of coach are only assignable to elites until day of flight - but then it's open season.
I am a very loyal AS customer, and overall rate them well above AA, but unless you are flying up and down the coast (where the unlimited UGs are great), the AA elite Bennies are probably better.
OTOH, if what you care about is earning and using miles, then AS wins hands down (get the AS visa, and book everything as 1-ways, and you are looking at 5-10k miles earned per flight).