Originally Posted by
thegeneral
I'm thinking of switching from CO to AS. I'm currently an platinum elite until february and then I'll switch to a gold. My new job will mean flying extensively in the NW states including the pacific states, Montana, Idaho and some Nevada. I will also have 1-2 trips to Europe this year. I was thinking of doing a status match to AS since I fly them a lot anyways and I'm not sure if I'd lose anything by doing so. My questions are:
1. Are there any benefits I don't know about in making the switch? I will only get 100% match instead of 125% with CO as a top tier elite, but they do give the 50k bonus.
Well, AS does offer a tier match, but it's a one-time offer. Your CO Gold status will earn you a tier match to AS MVP Gold status, with the full benefits of such status available
here.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
2. How good are the upgrades with NW? Are they systemwide and could I use them to go to Europe? How soon after the status match am I likely to get them.
Among other details, the NW upgrade certs for AS MVP/G members state:
Travel is permitted within the 48 contiguous United States/Alaska or between the 48 contiguous United States/Alaska/Canada/Caribbean and Mexico. You can view the certificates online
here for all of the T&Cs.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
3. Are AS associated with SkyTeam? Will I lose any international skyteam benefits by going with them? I do plan to buy a lounge membership. Could this mitigate this?
AS is independent of any alliance, but is partners with several SkyTeam and oneworld members - offering the best of both, IMHO. AS does offer an airport lounge membership, called the Board Room, with locations in ANC, LAX, PDX, SFO, SEA, and YVR, as well as a number of reciprocal agreements with other carrier's clubs in other major airports. The full details on the Board Room membership and locations are available
here. If you don't believe you'd be able to make a good use of the Board Room program, you may also want to take a look at
Priority Pass.
Originally Posted by
thegeneral
4. Are there any really good offers I should take advantage of?
There is a double miles promotion coming up for flights between SFO/LAX-SEA. The details are available
here.
Welcome to AS!
