Last edit by: beckoa
Welcome to the Newbie Lounge Thread!
Anyone is welcome to ask anything, even the most basic questions, in this thread without having to fear a snarky response. In this thread, there's no such thing as a dumb question--we were all new to Alaska Airlines, FlyerTalk, and even the whole idea of mileage programs once and needed some help navigating the ropes. We're here to help you do just that!
That said, if you want to do a little reading to see if your question has been previously discussed, links to some of the most common and extensive topics in this forum are listed in our FAQ thread--click here to check it out.
Special care will be given in this thread to trying to provide answers in a clear manner with minimal use of acronyms and jargon.
If you need to contact someone for help, here's a current list of our forum's team:
Ambassadors (Our Greeters--members who have specifically volunteered to welcome and mentor newbies and monitor this thread):
ANC RED-EYE
baliktad
beckoa
golfingboy
Moderators (Our Janitors--members who have volunteered to do housekeeping/keep the forum in order)
Cholula
jackal
You are welcome to send a private message to any of these individuals for assistance, but you'll generally get a faster response and broader palette of answers if you simply post your inquiry here in this thread.
Welcome, and we look forward to providing any assistance we can!
~the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan forum team~
Anyone is welcome to ask anything, even the most basic questions, in this thread without having to fear a snarky response. In this thread, there's no such thing as a dumb question--we were all new to Alaska Airlines, FlyerTalk, and even the whole idea of mileage programs once and needed some help navigating the ropes. We're here to help you do just that!
That said, if you want to do a little reading to see if your question has been previously discussed, links to some of the most common and extensive topics in this forum are listed in our FAQ thread--click here to check it out.
Special care will be given in this thread to trying to provide answers in a clear manner with minimal use of acronyms and jargon.
If you need to contact someone for help, here's a current list of our forum's team:
Ambassadors (Our Greeters--members who have specifically volunteered to welcome and mentor newbies and monitor this thread):
ANC RED-EYE
baliktad
beckoa
golfingboy
Moderators (Our Janitors--members who have volunteered to do housekeeping/keep the forum in order)
Cholula
jackal
You are welcome to send a private message to any of these individuals for assistance, but you'll generally get a faster response and broader palette of answers if you simply post your inquiry here in this thread.
Welcome, and we look forward to providing any assistance we can!
~the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan forum team~
[Alaska Airlines NEWBIE LOUNGE] Ask Your Questions Here (flame free) (2010-2014)
#61
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: SEA, PAE, BLI
Programs: WN A-List Preferred, AS, DL Kryptonium
Posts: 1,605
Delta should be able to check you in for all of your flights in MSP. You may even be able to check in online with Delta, though some posters have reported difficulty with that.
#62
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Howdy! Total n00b here, although I've been lurking for a while, thanks to Google.
Gots a quick question:
I just made MVP, and will be pretty close to MVPG by the end of the year (3000-4000 short). I know American Air has an end of year "challenge" which can catapult you into the next tier by pro-rating the mileage necessary (of sorts).
Does Alaska have anything similar? Any other ideas on ways to make up the extra miles?
Gots a quick question:
I just made MVP, and will be pretty close to MVPG by the end of the year (3000-4000 short). I know American Air has an end of year "challenge" which can catapult you into the next tier by pro-rating the mileage necessary (of sorts).
Does Alaska have anything similar? Any other ideas on ways to make up the extra miles?
The closest I've come is hearing that AS has occasionally made an exception and allowed someone within maybe less than 100 miles of the tier to make the tier, but even then, it's never a certain thing.
The only way to make sure you'll get status is to do a mileage run and fly the necessary miles. With only 3,000 to go, I would definitely make the effort to go for the Gold!
You should receive all of your boarding passes at MSP.
#63
Join Date: Nov 2010
Posts: 1
Alaska Airlines "Special Services" mileage deposit of 20k miles
Has anyone heard of miles being deposited 20,000 at a time and listed as "special services" on an Alaska Airlines mileage activity statement for no apparent reason? Several one way tickets have been purchased but not sure if there is a connection to the one way travel and the sudden deposit of miles in question.
#64
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: JNU
Programs: HH D, AS MM/MVPG for life/AL, Awesome Wipes VIP Club, NEXUS, Hertz 5-Star Gold
Posts: 2,893
There was a thread recently where one of our fellow posters had 100,000 miles deposited in his account and didn't understand why. Turns out it was a technical glitch that, sadly, got resolved, i.e., the 100,000 miles were eventually deducted from his MP balance.
Perhaps your situation is a glitch, too. Seems the other situation got resolved in a day or so. Maybe you should just wait and see.
Perhaps your situation is a glitch, too. Seems the other situation got resolved in a day or so. Maybe you should just wait and see.
#65
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
I came across this message board while searching Google for something, I forget what, and have been absolutely fascinated to read this thread. I'm not quite done reading all the posts, but this one caught my eye. I was working on a fluid mechanics talk a presentation years ago, and had trouble getting any information on realistic angles of attack for commercial aircraft in various phases of flight: takeoff, level, approach. It didn't seem to be a number that pilots were too interested in, or it was not available to them.
AlaskaCoho, could you give me an idea of what reasonable values for these numbers might be? And thanks for all the very interesting information so far.
AlaskaCoho, could you give me an idea of what reasonable values for these numbers might be? And thanks for all the very interesting information so far.
I'd say its generally an upward direction though (well for takeoff and normal cruise)
#66
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Has anyone heard of miles being deposited 20,000 at a time and listed as "special services" on an Alaska Airlines mileage activity statement for no apparent reason? Several one way tickets have been purchased but not sure if there is a connection to the one way travel and the sudden deposit of miles in question.
20,000 is also a rather large number, and not characteristic of a service gesture (unless something really went wrong, or you helped AS in a big way). Did you perhaps sign up for an AS Credit Card recently?
And what was the 2nd line of Special Services? Typically it'll say Special Services, and then the line below that will have what it was, like "WEB PURCHASE BONUS WITH BANK CARD" or "BAG SERVICE GUARANTEE 2500 MILES" and even "50K MVP GOLD PREMIUM BONUS".
Those were a couple that were in myaccount. So there typically is more of a description...
#67
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: AK Air MVPG
Posts: 1
Three Questions
I am MVPG and working towards MVPG75K and am pretty familiar with AK Air website, but new to FlyerTalk. I have been reading through the forum and I have three questions:
1) I see lots of folks referring to F2 U0 kinds of things when looking to see if they can get upgraded....just wondering where they see that or how they know. I usually just pull up the same itinerary as a new reservation to see if seats are available but am wondering if there is a better way.
2) I am frustrated that I can't seem to use my 4 upgrade coupons easily.....seems like it was easier in the past....do they only work on the flights that have the U on the fare choice list. I never paid that close attention to that in the past but I may have just been lucky. I tried to use my coupons for two upcoming MR trips and was told that I could not for any of those legs which is a bummer. Any secrets here?
3) How are folks adding their mileage plan and program info to their profiles? I am looking through the profile info and am not seeing it.
Thanks in advance....this is a great forum and I am learning lots from it.
:-:
1) I see lots of folks referring to F2 U0 kinds of things when looking to see if they can get upgraded....just wondering where they see that or how they know. I usually just pull up the same itinerary as a new reservation to see if seats are available but am wondering if there is a better way.
2) I am frustrated that I can't seem to use my 4 upgrade coupons easily.....seems like it was easier in the past....do they only work on the flights that have the U on the fare choice list. I never paid that close attention to that in the past but I may have just been lucky. I tried to use my coupons for two upcoming MR trips and was told that I could not for any of those legs which is a bummer. Any secrets here?
3) How are folks adding their mileage plan and program info to their profiles? I am looking through the profile info and am not seeing it.
Thanks in advance....this is a great forum and I am learning lots from it.
:-:
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
1) I see lots of folks referring to F2 U0 kinds of things when looking to see if they can get upgraded....just wondering where they see that or how they know. I usually just pull up the same itinerary as a new reservation to see if seats are available but am wondering if there is a better way.
F7 U7 73 hours before departure is exciting, since at 72 hours out, one of those F seats could very well become mine!
(7 is the most AS shows, so F7 means there could be 7, 8, 10, or even all 16 seats available for sale.)
2) I am frustrated that I can't seem to use my 4 upgrade coupons easily.....seems like it was easier in the past....do they only work on the flights that have the U on the fare choice list. I never paid that close attention to that in the past but I may have just been lucky. I tried to use my coupons for two upcoming MR trips and was told that I could not for any of those legs which is a bummer. Any secrets here?
Again, welcome to FlyerTalk!
#69
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ANC, SAP
Programs: AS MVP Gold, Priority Pass
Posts: 1,863
Has anyone heard of miles being deposited 20,000 at a time and listed as "special services" on an Alaska Airlines mileage activity statement for no apparent reason? Several one way tickets have been purchased but not sure if there is a connection to the one way travel and the sudden deposit of miles in question.
DELTA AIRLINES DOUBLE MILE PROMOTION
ALASKA/HORIZON AIRLINES DOUBLE MILE PROMOTION
WEB PURCHASE BONUS WITH BANK CARD
#70
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: Alaska Mileage Plan, AAdvantage
Posts: 9
Valor, welcome to FT and the Alaska Airlines Forum!
AS has conducted a challenge the last few years. It targets people who, like you, just can't quite get over the hump. For the Gold challenge they want you to fly eight segments between mid-January and mid-March; for MVP, it's four segments (at least that is how it's been done in the recent past). It is announced on or about January 15. Normally AS has issued invites to customers who fit the parameters. So you may get an invitation to register without having to do anything.
The challenge will be well-chronicled here, so stay tuned!
AS has conducted a challenge the last few years. It targets people who, like you, just can't quite get over the hump. For the Gold challenge they want you to fly eight segments between mid-January and mid-March; for MVP, it's four segments (at least that is how it's been done in the recent past). It is announced on or about January 15. Normally AS has issued invites to customers who fit the parameters. So you may get an invitation to register without having to do anything.
The challenge will be well-chronicled here, so stay tuned!
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
#72
Join Date: Nov 2010
Programs: Alaska Mileage Plan, AAdvantage
Posts: 9
I'll keep y'all posted!
#73
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: PDX: "It's where young people go to retire."
Programs: AS MVPG, HH/SPG Peonium, Natl, Bud, Oregon Wines on Broadway Wineaux
Posts: 233
Possible reasons behind "Airport Check-In Required" error
Hi folks,
I'm trying to check in for a PDX-SEA-IAH flight starting tomorrow, and am getting an odd message. (For what it's worth, I'll note this flight is all QX/AS metal.)
Does this mean something has gone wrong/very badly with my flight or ??? Or is this a new glitch post-AS website upgrade?
I guess I wanted to check in earlier in hopes that I might be bumped up a bit higher on the F waitlist for SEA-IAH.
I'm trying to check in for a PDX-SEA-IAH flight starting tomorrow, and am getting an odd message. (For what it's worth, I'll note this flight is all QX/AS metal.)
Airport Check-In Required
We are unable to complete your check-in. Please see an Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air Customer Service agent for assistance. Print Receipt(s)
Code: 309
FormName: CheckInError
We are unable to complete your check-in. Please see an Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air Customer Service agent for assistance. Print Receipt(s)
Code: 309
FormName: CheckInError
I guess I wanted to check in earlier in hopes that I might be bumped up a bit higher on the F waitlist for SEA-IAH.
#74
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,259
Hi folks,
I'm trying to check in for a PDX-SEA-IAH flight starting tomorrow, and am getting an odd message. (For what it's worth, I'll note this flight is all QX/AS metal.)
Does this mean something has gone wrong/very badly with my flight or ??? Or is this a new glitch post-AS website upgrade?
I guess I wanted to check in earlier in hopes that I might be bumped up a bit higher on the F waitlist for SEA-IAH.
I'm trying to check in for a PDX-SEA-IAH flight starting tomorrow, and am getting an odd message. (For what it's worth, I'll note this flight is all QX/AS metal.)
Does this mean something has gone wrong/very badly with my flight or ??? Or is this a new glitch post-AS website upgrade?
I guess I wanted to check in earlier in hopes that I might be bumped up a bit higher on the F waitlist for SEA-IAH.
If not, call and ask why you are seeing the message. it may be as simple as a slight schedule change that they can fix right away.
Good luck
#75
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: SGF
Programs: AS, AA, UA, AGR S (former 75K, GLD, 1K, and S+, now an elite peon)
Posts: 23,194
Check-in time has no bearing on upgrade waitlist position.