$110 Companion Ticket Valid for COACH class only - Effective August 1st, 2012
Jul 10, 2012, 5:37 am
#121
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
Programs: Oceanic Airlines Gold Elite
Posts: 20,397
Over what it costs to get into DL or AA's F cabins? I doubt it. If they all go up as a group, sure.
Jul 10, 2012, 6:18 am
#122
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
These changes make the Alaska BA cards in the state more like the USAirways BA cards. I have both since I'm based in Phoenix.
My wife and I use the companion tickets for one of three trips we make -- Victoria, Portland, or Kona. Typically we make two of these trips a year. I really liked the 1st class companion ticket -- didn't always use it as the only flight it was REALLY nice for was the flights to Kona (from either Oakland or Portland). This year we doubled up -- flying to Kona via Portland and using a pair of the companion tickets to visit with friends in Portland before and after our trip to Kona. Later this month we're going to Victoria (Phoenix/Seattle/Victoria) using the companion tickets.
We actually doubled up Business and Regular B of A cards for both of us -- mostly for the mileage promotion and the extra companion tickets.
So for us, the first thing we'll do is drop the Business card prior to renewal. We will still keep the regular cards since we are willing to fly plebian and the two companion fares are worth it.
Note that the no new 1st class useable coupons not only does not apply to existing coupons, but if you have those coupons you can buy tickets near the expiration date for flights up to 11 months later. We still have a coupon that doesn't expire until next March -- we'll use that for flights up to Victoria next summer I suspect.
At least I doubt they cancel use for the Hawaii flights -- those flights from any airline run close to $1K round trip and do make the credit card worth it as long as you can live with coach for the flight. That is a major reason for me to keep the card. That plus accumulating miles to get a major trip for 2014.
My wife and I use the companion tickets for one of three trips we make -- Victoria, Portland, or Kona. Typically we make two of these trips a year. I really liked the 1st class companion ticket -- didn't always use it as the only flight it was REALLY nice for was the flights to Kona (from either Oakland or Portland). This year we doubled up -- flying to Kona via Portland and using a pair of the companion tickets to visit with friends in Portland before and after our trip to Kona. Later this month we're going to Victoria (Phoenix/Seattle/Victoria) using the companion tickets.
We actually doubled up Business and Regular B of A cards for both of us -- mostly for the mileage promotion and the extra companion tickets.
So for us, the first thing we'll do is drop the Business card prior to renewal. We will still keep the regular cards since we are willing to fly plebian and the two companion fares are worth it.
Note that the no new 1st class useable coupons not only does not apply to existing coupons, but if you have those coupons you can buy tickets near the expiration date for flights up to 11 months later. We still have a coupon that doesn't expire until next March -- we'll use that for flights up to Victoria next summer I suspect.
At least I doubt they cancel use for the Hawaii flights -- those flights from any airline run close to $1K round trip and do make the credit card worth it as long as you can live with coach for the flight. That is a major reason for me to keep the card. That plus accumulating miles to get a major trip for 2014.
If you have status with AS, at least you have a decent shot at exit row seating in Y. That increases the tolerability if you can't score an F upgrade.
Jul 10, 2012, 8:50 am
#123
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
The $110 only includes Excise tax based on $99. A simple DCA-SJC roundtrip search in October [which AS wants me to pay $833 for two people in Y] shows the companion total will be $106.43 then there is a separate line item for an additional $86.40 in taxes and fees for both passengers.
Code:
Fare Taxes & Fees Charges Airfare for Traveler 1: $641.00 $43.20 $684.20 Airfare for Companion: $106.43 $43.20 $149.63 Total Due Now: $833.83
Jul 10, 2012, 9:52 am
#124
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
Reply from AS to my email to Caroline Boren
Dear Mr. dave1013,
We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.
It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.
I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that we still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Warm Regards,
"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager
We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.
It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.
I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that we still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Warm Regards,
"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager
Last edited by dave1013; Jul 10, 2012 at 9:58 am
Jul 10, 2012, 10:03 am
#125
Join Date: Jun 2006
Posts: 66
Funny I was in the Factoria BofA branch yesterday, all the staff was wearing Alaska Visa Polo Shirts..."Sign-up for our (reduced) benefit Alaska Visa Card today!"...urgh
I am sure a deep and through ROI analysis was done by ASA/BA, but the perks for flying Alaska are now pretty thin. I have switched to UAL and will be dropping the Visa after using my current comp. certificate.
AS Perks Gone...
- Unrestricted AS50 award
- 2 Free BoardRoom Passes (Visa)
- Mileage Upgrade on Any fare class
- Ability to standby/confirm for true 24 hours (not same day only)
- Visa Companion fare on First Class
I am sure a deep and through ROI analysis was done by ASA/BA, but the perks for flying Alaska are now pretty thin. I have switched to UAL and will be dropping the Visa after using my current comp. certificate.
AS Perks Gone...
- Unrestricted AS50 award
- 2 Free BoardRoom Passes (Visa)
- Mileage Upgrade on Any fare class
- Ability to standby/confirm for true 24 hours (not same day only)
- Visa Companion fare on First Class
Jul 10, 2012, 10:08 am
#126
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: SEA
Programs: AS Million Miler since 2011, Lifetime MVPG
Posts: 853
Flew PDX-ANC last night and anxiously awaited the sales show. When it began I listened carefully. There was no mention of the 1000 mile booking bonus and when the $110 companion fare came up there was no mention of it being valid for F, nor did they state it was coach only. Just $110 plus taxes to wherever AS flies.
After cooling off a bit, my wife an I will probably keep ours, for now. But when they eliminate the companion earning miles and limit travel to the 48 contiguous states (a la DL Skymiles Amex card) we'll bail on them.
It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway. When they become just another DL/AA/UA bland mass transit carrier then who cares what airline you fly. It will all come down to price.
After cooling off a bit, my wife an I will probably keep ours, for now. But when they eliminate the companion earning miles and limit travel to the 48 contiguous states (a la DL Skymiles Amex card) we'll bail on them.
It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway. When they become just another DL/AA/UA bland mass transit carrier then who cares what airline you fly. It will all come down to price.
Jul 10, 2012, 10:20 am
#127
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: portland, oregon
Programs: alaska, united, air france, lufthansa,delta, starwood
Posts: 382
Boiler plate email to all who've responded
Dear Mr. dave1013,
We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.
It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.
I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that we still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Warm Regards,
"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager
We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.
It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.
I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that we still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Warm Regards,
"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager
Jul 10, 2012, 10:22 am
#128
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: SEA
Posts: 12,485
It just slays me how AS has (had) found a formula to profitability and rather than build upon that, they are stripping away, one by one, the very perks that make them unique and bring in business, my business anyway. When they become just another DL/AA/UA bland mass transit carrier then who cares what airline you fly. It will all come down to price.
Loosing anybenefit sucks. However, the business and competitive environment is constantly changing. AS has to continually adapt in order to fulfill its long-term obligations to its shareholders and employees. If this means eliminating a benefit, I'd rather have them focus on changes that impact the smallest number of customers possible, even if it outrages the frequent and valuable customers on FlyerTalk.
Jul 10, 2012, 10:44 am
#129
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,221
"an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders;"
What is this in regards to existing cardholders (and what are premium cards?). I've got the Signature Visa and got the BR passes when I first signed up, but nothing on my renewal.
What is this in regards to existing cardholders (and what are premium cards?). I've got the Signature Visa and got the BR passes when I first signed up, but nothing on my renewal.
Jul 10, 2012, 11:11 am
#130
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS MVP Gold
Posts: 2,732
Curious to know what they're referring to here as well. There's no mention of any type of lounge benefit on the Visa signup page. The only thing I've ever gotten was 2 BR day passes when I first signed up, but this is not an annual benefit.
Jul 10, 2012, 11:50 am
#131
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ANC
Programs: AS MVP, Club 49, Global Entry, National Emerald Club, Hilton Silver
Posts: 1,401
Dear Mr. dave1013,
We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.
It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.
I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that we still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Warm Regards,
"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager
We appreciate that you took the time to contact Caroline Boren with regard to our upcoming changes to our Alaska Airlines Bank of America credit cards. Caroline has asked that I respond to you on her behalf.
The changes to the credit card program benefits were aimed at maintaining the program's viability while also protecting what we felt were the most important components of the value that it offers to cardholders like yourself.
It has been many years since we have made significant changes to our credit card benefits and we were finding it increasingly challenging to not modify the features and benefits in today’s economy, and with the growth of our airline into markets across the country and across the Pacific to Hawaii.
I know you mentioned canceling your Bank of America card. (Note: nowhere in my email did I mention canceling my card - which leads me to believe (1) this is a canned response and (2) unlike the baggage fee for upgraders reconsideration, there's no turning back on this change) I wanted to share with you that we still offer unsurpassed value among comparable airline and travel rewards cards, including: top mileage earn rates for everyday purchases and Alaska Airlines purchases; a companion certificate that can used everywhere we fly, including Hawaii and Mexico; an enhanced lounge benefit for both new and existing premium cardholders; and the ability to redeem miles on Alaska Airlines and our 15 airline partners.
Mr. dave1013, thank you again for taking the time to share your feedback. We value your business and thank you for being a Mileage Plan and Gold member with us since 1987. We look forward to the privilege of welcoming you on board an Alaska Airlines flight in the near future.
Warm Regards,
"Jane Doe"
Customer Care Manager
Jul 10, 2012, 12:10 pm
#132
Join Date: May 2006
Location: TUS/PDX
Programs: WN CP/A-List, AS MVPG75K
Posts: 5,798
That's what you get when you have an accountant running the place....
Jul 10, 2012, 12:43 pm
#133
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SF Bay Area
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador, AA EXP
Posts: 2,704
just curious what sales pitch are FAs currently giving onboard? If they are still touting that you can get an annual companion fare good for any fare including first class ticket (just because if you get it from now until August thats what you get "once" the first time only) they are using deceit and possibly fraud to get people to sign up. They are about out of perks to promote that you cant find elsewhere
Jul 10, 2012, 12:58 pm
#134
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Seattle WA, USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Marriott LT Plat, AS Lounge
Posts: 3,478
Flew PDX-ANC last night and anxiously awaited the sales show. When it began I listened carefully. There was no mention of the 1000 mile booking bonus and when the $110 companion fare came up there was no mention of it being valid for F, nor did they state it was coach only. Just $110 plus taxes to wherever AS flies...
Jul 10, 2012, 1:42 pm
#135
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: SEA
Posts: 1,887
For those who have cancelled your card, are you getting a prorated refund of the annual fee? It would seem reasonable since they are pulling other benefits (1000 mile bonus) that the annual fee presumably pays for.
Edit: to answer my own question. I just called to cancel my business card and they refunded the full fee which I had paid in May. Be sure to ask for a refund of your fee if you cancel.
Edit: to answer my own question. I just called to cancel my business card and they refunded the full fee which I had paid in May. Be sure to ask for a refund of your fee if you cancel.
Last edited by HikerT; Jul 10, 2012 at 1:57 pm