Why did my W fare turn into an A fare?
Jun 25, 2016, 12:42 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ANC
Programs: AS MVP, Club 49, Global Entry, National Emerald Club, Hilton Silver
Posts: 1,400
Why did my W fare turn into an A fare?
Not that I am complaining, but it would be nice to know if this was a fluke, or something that is exploitable. Here is the background.
Last August I booked an award fare through the AS website on BA/AS. The itinerary I booked was ZAG-LHR in Business (U), LHR-SEA in First (Z), and SEA-ANC in Coach (W). Cost was 70,000 miles and $280 something. When it came time to check in for my flight last week, I opened my AS App to check in for my final leg of the flight, and noticed my seat said 2C instead of 17D. I thought it was strange, as award fares aren't upgradable, and I am only an MVP. I looked in my AS account and my flight wasn't even showing an upgraded fare, but instead an (A) Fare.
It was cool because I was finally able to check out the new Boardroom in SEA at the N gates. Plus, who wants to fly coach after getting out of a first class suite on BA? So does anyone have a guess as to how this happened?
Last August I booked an award fare through the AS website on BA/AS. The itinerary I booked was ZAG-LHR in Business (U), LHR-SEA in First (Z), and SEA-ANC in Coach (W). Cost was 70,000 miles and $280 something. When it came time to check in for my flight last week, I opened my AS App to check in for my final leg of the flight, and noticed my seat said 2C instead of 17D. I thought it was strange, as award fares aren't upgradable, and I am only an MVP. I looked in my AS account and my flight wasn't even showing an upgraded fare, but instead an (A) Fare.
It was cool because I was finally able to check out the new Boardroom in SEA at the N gates. Plus, who wants to fly coach after getting out of a first class suite on BA? So does anyone have a guess as to how this happened?
Jun 25, 2016, 1:32 am
#2
Join Date: Jun 2005
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 2,207
On AS first and business class awards you'll be waitlisted for first class on AS flights when you are in coach. If A class opens up you should be upgraded when the upgrade process runs at anytime. Doesn't need to be within any upgrade window, or dependent on elite status.
Here's a recent discussion about it:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan/1772321-waitlisting-class-never-clears.htm
Certainly felt good seeing the change I bet
Here's a recent discussion about it:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan/1772321-waitlisting-class-never-clears.htm
Certainly felt good seeing the change I bet
Jun 25, 2016, 1:39 pm
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ANC
Programs: AS MVP, Club 49, Global Entry, National Emerald Club, Hilton Silver
Posts: 1,400
Thanks AlphaEagle, I thought this might be the case, but wasn't sure. This will make me less hesitant to book mixed-fare awards in the future! I'm assuming that this secret waitlist isn't visible to the public anywhere, correct?
Jun 25, 2016, 2:31 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
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