Baggage and Change Fee changes 10/30/2013
Jul 9, 2013, 10:30 am
#1
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Baggage and Change Fee changes 10/30/2013
Just saw this on Alaskaair.com, effective October 30th:
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/optional-services-fees/fee-changes.aspx?INT=AS_HOME3-1_||EG_FEECHANGE||
Baggage fees for the third bag will now be $75.
Here is the most interesting change:
$50 increase, but free changes more than 60 days out is fantastic ^
MVPG change fees remain free. I am wondering if the no change fee for intra-Alaska flights is going away.
http://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/optional-services-fees/fee-changes.aspx?INT=AS_HOME3-1_||EG_FEECHANGE||
Baggage fees for the third bag will now be $75.
Here is the most interesting change:
Effective For Tickets Purchased On or After October 30, 2013: The fee to change or cancel a ticket will increase to $125, per person, per change. Unlimited changes will be allowed for no change fee up until 60 days prior to ticketed flight departure.
MVPG change fees remain free. I am wondering if the no change fee for intra-Alaska flights is going away.
Jul 9, 2013, 10:36 am
#3
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Very interesting. This is actually a reduction in fees where it makes sense. Very glad to see this from AS. And compared to $200 change fees from all other domestics, this is still a positive competitive difference.
Also glad to see the MVPG fee waiver will be sticking around for the foreseeable future.
Also glad to see the MVPG fee waiver will be sticking around for the foreseeable future.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:00 am
#5
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Well this is sad to see. AS was very flexible with its lower change fee. A $50 increase is
Moreover I'm very concerned about the baggage. I was hoping with a move like this, AS would at least match what other carriers provide its elites, 2 bags at 70 lbs for DL, and 3 bags IIRC for UA elites (upper tiers). And more than tripling the third bag fee...
If an Elite is also Club 49, which table is consulted?
Overall disturbed by these potential changes.
Well this is sad to see. AS was very flexible with its lower change fee. A $50 increase is
Moreover I'm very concerned about the baggage. I was hoping with a move like this, AS would at least match what other carriers provide its elites, 2 bags at 70 lbs for DL, and 3 bags IIRC for UA elites (upper tiers). And more than tripling the third bag fee...
If an Elite is also Club 49, which table is consulted?
Overall disturbed by these potential changes.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:21 am
#6
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Elite benefits trump club 49 benefits. However, the only difference is that elites get 2 free bags on all routes, club 49 only on flights that include AK.
Agreed...AS should do something to recognize elites. My #1 (and what I like most about DL) is priority baggage.
Agreed...AS should do something to recognize elites. My #1 (and what I like most about DL) is priority baggage.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:21 am
#7
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Another thought. AS is forcing AS elites to buy tickets on DL. If Delta issues the ticket, as an MVPG or higher we get 2 bags at 70 lbs. Not so if AS issues this ticket. And if upgraded to F? Its 3 bags at 70 lbs. Hence my most recent flight was on DL for SEA-ANC, as I wanted the higher baggage allotment.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:25 am
#8
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AS Elite line in table indicates 4+ bags are $75 each
Not that I plan on checking 4+ bags, but that's where I'm confused.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:26 am
#9
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Another thought. AS is forcing AS elites to buy tickets on DL. If Delta issues the ticket, as an MVPG or higher we get 2 bags at 70 lbs. Not so if AS issues this ticket. And if upgraded to F? Its 3 bags at 70 lbs. Hence my most recent flight was on DL for SEA-ANC, as I wanted the higher baggage allotment.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:29 am
#10
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Jul 9, 2013, 11:33 am
#11
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it adds up fast. My mini trips to the states are half fun and half shopping.If there's not a lot elites trying to haul this much stuff, it shouldn't cost AS that much to become competitive with UA and DL again. And yes, I've paid the $20 fee for a third bag before, which was reasonable. $75 not so much.
Either I'd like a higher baggage weight allotment to offset this change, or have a 3rd piece of luggage checked free. Even if just offered as part of Club 49 I think this would be ok, as its folks in the State of Alaska who seem to transport lots of goods to & from the State. AS' opportunity cost to provide this would be pretty slim and restore some good will to its elites.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:34 am
#12
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While I totally agree...there are times that this may be handy, and the industry standard seems to say elites should get more free baggage than non-elites. That said, if I had one wish with regard to baggage, it would be an effective priority baggage program - love that about flying DL.
Jul 9, 2013, 11:37 am
#13
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Looks like both AS and FL (almost) doubled the change fee. Although no change fee prior to 60 days before departure is a nice compromise. Unlike the other carriers at least advance notice was given.
I think WN should follow AS and add a change fee for changes made within 2 months from departure for WGA fares
I think WN should follow AS and add a change fee for changes made within 2 months from departure for WGA fares
Jul 9, 2013, 11:38 am
#14
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While I totally agree...there are times that this may be handy, and the industry standard seems to say elites should get more free baggage than non-elites. That said, if I had one wish with regard to baggage, it would be an effective priority baggage program - love that about flying DL.