Aug 31, 2017, 10:10 am
Last edit by: dmodemd
Formal announcement from Alaska Airlines:
https://blog.alaskaair.com/alaska-ai...enefits-on-vx/
...details on how to get them are in the updated FAQ:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...nefit-schedule
1-877-FLY-VIRGIN now goes to Alaska reps. They need to coordinate with an AS team member who has VX systems access to do the work they need. Calling through your MVP priority call line will get you faster pick up.
Call ins are needed for AS booked flights on VX for:
- Making changes and getting change fee waived
- FC Upgrade purchases*
* FAQ says: "You can purchase available First Class upgrades in advance online", but it doesn't work yet for AS booked VX flights.
Online at VirginAmerica.com you can:
- Add yourself to MCS upgrade list (link should show in Manage function)
[WARNING: There is a report of this not actually working... recommend tweet to VX instead]
- Select preferred seating before clearing MCS
- Select MCS seat after clearing at your window (can also do with VX app)
Reports are that Twitter DMs to Virgin America are the fastest way to get assistance.
You may get referred to the VX phone line (which leads to Alaska Air) if your reservation has additional complications that may not be apparent to you.
Companions: If you have any companions on your reservation (regardless of status), you will need to call in your upgrade request when your clearance window opens.
https://blog.alaskaair.com/alaska-ai...enefits-on-vx/
...details on how to get them are in the updated FAQ:
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...nefit-schedule
1-877-FLY-VIRGIN now goes to Alaska reps. They need to coordinate with an AS team member who has VX systems access to do the work they need. Calling through your MVP priority call line will get you faster pick up.
Call ins are needed for AS booked flights on VX for:
- Making changes and getting change fee waived
- FC Upgrade purchases*
* FAQ says: "You can purchase available First Class upgrades in advance online", but it doesn't work yet for AS booked VX flights.
Online at VirginAmerica.com you can:
- Add yourself to MCS upgrade list (link should show in Manage function)
[WARNING: There is a report of this not actually working... recommend tweet to VX instead]
- Select preferred seating before clearing MCS
- Select MCS seat after clearing at your window (can also do with VX app)
Reports are that Twitter DMs to Virgin America are the fastest way to get assistance.
You may get referred to the VX phone line (which leads to Alaska Air) if your reservation has additional complications that may not be apparent to you.
Companions: If you have any companions on your reservation (regardless of status), you will need to call in your upgrade request when your clearance window opens.
VX Preferred Seats and Main Cabin Select (MCS) Upgrades Now Available for AS Elites
Feb 25, 2018, 8:09 am
#436
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,250
Slightly off topic, I am traveling with two people who are AS Club 49 members, both with no other status. Both checked in this morning. One was charged $50 for two checked bags. The other was not charged anything. Both checked in on the AS website. We will try to get a refund at the airport.
Last edited by BOB W; Feb 25, 2018 at 10:09 am Reason: 50 not 500
Feb 25, 2018, 10:07 am
#437
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
I hope that has an extra 0 on the end. Or came with a free First seat.
Feb 25, 2018, 7:22 pm
#438
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: BOS/ORH
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 18,323
Ouch. one of my flights VX rep over phone said they put me in Aisle and went to check and it was middle. Lucky I found out before the seat I vacated was taken so they were able to give it back to me. So glad my next VX metal plane will be officially under AS umbrella (April 27) so I already have Row 3 aisle booked.
Feb 26, 2018, 7:55 am
#439
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
My likely last VX flight is today. Got my MCS exit row aisle and so far no one else in the row. Note that auto seat assignment appears to work front to back left to right so if you pick the aisle on the right side you have a little better chance of having more elbow room. No one in first class on this flight :S Hey VX, how about a comp upgrade for my last chance in the white seats??
Feb 26, 2018, 4:26 pm
#440
Join Date: Dec 2017
Programs: Alaska Airlines
Posts: 48
Seating disaster - booked on flight 1340 SFO-FLL, Gold75K
Ticket purchsed about bout a month ago, seat 4C, opted-in for premium select.
go to check-in for flight this morning and see that my flight has disappeared and only my return flight remains on the reservation. I’ve seen this happen before when upgraded to premium select.
Wait few hours and see the flight has returned to my reservation, so I attempt to check-in, and find out no premium select, no seat at all. “Seat to be assigned at airport” pops up.
Place phone call to Alaska Gold customer service - am told I was upgraded to premium select, but some time after that an Alaska Airline agent pulled me out of premium select (no legit reason given) and reassigned me to standard economy, without a seat. The supervisor speculated that an agent may have panicked when my outbound flight disappeared and had maybe re-added my reservation to the system. Ridiculous suggestion.
After 1.5 hrs on the phone, I was told there was nothing they could do and was offered a middle seat in row 4 or an aisle seat in 12.
I’m really tired of all these problems and the excuse that all these issues will go away in April. I don’t believe it for a second.
Between the merger and Horizon problems, I’ve spent way too much time on the phone with Alaska Airlines over the last year. I’m tired of it.
Ticket purchsed about bout a month ago, seat 4C, opted-in for premium select.
go to check-in for flight this morning and see that my flight has disappeared and only my return flight remains on the reservation. I’ve seen this happen before when upgraded to premium select.
Wait few hours and see the flight has returned to my reservation, so I attempt to check-in, and find out no premium select, no seat at all. “Seat to be assigned at airport” pops up.
Place phone call to Alaska Gold customer service - am told I was upgraded to premium select, but some time after that an Alaska Airline agent pulled me out of premium select (no legit reason given) and reassigned me to standard economy, without a seat. The supervisor speculated that an agent may have panicked when my outbound flight disappeared and had maybe re-added my reservation to the system. Ridiculous suggestion.
After 1.5 hrs on the phone, I was told there was nothing they could do and was offered a middle seat in row 4 or an aisle seat in 12.
I’m really tired of all these problems and the excuse that all these issues will go away in April. I don’t believe it for a second.
Between the merger and Horizon problems, I’ve spent way too much time on the phone with Alaska Airlines over the last year. I’m tired of it.
Feb 26, 2018, 5:21 pm
#441
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
Yeah floating without a seat after upgrading to MCS makes me nervous so I set a reminder right at T-24 to make sure I check on the Virgin America app and pick my seat. At that time I have no assigned seat. I then wait to check-in until the next day to make sure I have maximum ability to make adjustments if needed before checking in. I don't know if having an assigned seat would have helped in the situation above, maybe.
Feb 26, 2018, 5:25 pm
#442
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,250
I flew VX 1315 MCO-LAX last night. No buy up option and all F seats filled when I checked in at the airport. I am a 75K and have been since the beginning and was assigned 3E, MCS middle seat. A friend of mine was on the same flight. He is MVP for the first time ever this year, assigned to 10B, MCS. During the flight I walked back to chat with him and someone else was in his seat. At LAX we met up. He told me that one of the FA's came and moved him to row 1 in F. He thought it was a great treat. Good for him but-----
WTH AS & VX? You UG an MVP over a 75K when the 75K is told the flight is full!!!!! This is VX BS that will only end when their culture dies at the end of April. I can't wait!
WTH AS & VX? You UG an MVP over a 75K when the 75K is told the flight is full!!!!! This is VX BS that will only end when their culture dies at the end of April. I can't wait!
Feb 26, 2018, 5:32 pm
#443
Join Date: Sep 2001
Programs: Alaska Tanzanite 100K
Posts: 3,857
first off, always go to virginamerica.com and check out the seat map. You should also login using the VX PNR. I also will try to price shop my flight and click on "Seat map" to see what MCS and First are open.
MCO-LAX buy up should be $199, btw. At least thats what I paid.
Club 49- no bennies on Virgin. Still their baggage fees, $25 per bag.
MCO-LAX buy up should be $199, btw. At least thats what I paid.
Club 49- no bennies on Virgin. Still their baggage fees, $25 per bag.
Feb 26, 2018, 5:45 pm
#444
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,250
first off, always go to virginamerica.com and check out the seat map. You should also login using the VX PNR. I also will try to price shop my flight and click on "Seat map" to see what MCS and First are open.
MCO-LAX buy up should be $199, btw. At least thats what I paid.
Club 49- no bennies on Virgin. Still their baggage fees, $25 per bag.
MCO-LAX buy up should be $199, btw. At least thats what I paid.
Club 49- no bennies on Virgin. Still their baggage fees, $25 per bag.
My friend was moved for free. That is where VX .....
In my entire life I have never cheered at any business going away, until now
Feb 26, 2018, 10:12 pm
#445
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
@BOB W sounds like an unfortunate situation that the FA tried to resolve on their own. Unfortunately this has stepped on some pretty big toes.
Feb 27, 2018, 8:36 am
#446
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: Anchorage, AK
Programs: Lifetime AS 1MM & MVPG, AS MVPG100K, AA, DL, HH-G
Posts: 8,250
@BOB W sounds like an unfortunate situation that the FA tried to resolve on their own. Unfortunately this has stepped on some pretty big toes.
Feb 27, 2018, 9:13 am
#447
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Alaska 100K - MM, defender of shoes on the carpeted bulkhead 4ever, AA LT PLT, Hyatt Glob, HH Dia
Posts: 7,441
I flew VX 1315 MCO-LAX last night. No buy up option and all F seats filled when I checked in at the airport. I am a 75K and have been since the beginning and was assigned 3E, MCS middle seat. A friend of mine was on the same flight. He is MVP for the first time ever this year, assigned to 10B, MCS. During the flight I walked back to chat with him and someone else was in his seat. At LAX we met up. He told me that one of the FA's came and moved him to row 1 in F. He thought it was a great treat. Good for him but-----
WTH AS & VX? You UG an MVP over a 75K when the 75K is told the flight is full!!!!! This is VX BS that will only end when their culture dies at the end of April. I can't wait!
WTH AS & VX? You UG an MVP over a 75K when the 75K is told the flight is full!!!!! This is VX BS that will only end when their culture dies at the end of April. I can't wait!
Feb 27, 2018, 12:54 pm
#448
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
I presume FAs do not have visibility into AS status and certainly not a waitlist, so it is pretty random who they upgrade. Non-revs they can recognize easiest.
An FA on my last VX flight almost let a non-MCS pax move right into MCS exit row upon asking pre-departure. After saying he could after door closing, she fortunately sought guidance from the purser and was pointed out that would require an upgrade fee. He was offered the price and declined
.
An FA on my last VX flight almost let a non-MCS pax move right into MCS exit row upon asking pre-departure. After saying he could after door closing, she fortunately sought guidance from the purser and was pointed out that would require an upgrade fee. He was offered the price and declined
.
Feb 27, 2018, 7:19 pm
#449
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: FL35
Programs: DL DM, AS MVPG, AA PP, UA 1K, Bonvoy Plat, Hyatt Globalist, HH Gold, Avis PC, Hertz PC, Natl EE
Posts: 420
I'm MVPG and purchase MCS (S fares) online at as.com.
From what I read, I should be able to buy up to F at T-24. When I call in at T-24 the agents have told me a variety of things but most commonly either:
1) I have to pay fare diff to get F
2) I have to wait till T-6 for F because I'm not a VX elite (literally was told that this month)
I have HUCA'd a bunch. The AS agents keep putting me on hold to liase with their VX folks. There is no way to call VX anymore.
I'm really disappointed. Please take my money AS!
I have another long VX flight on Friday - I really want to make it work! Any tips? It has never worked during OLCI for me and clearly has never worked by calling. I got to buy up one time at airport at the VX checkin.
From what I read, I should be able to buy up to F at T-24. When I call in at T-24 the agents have told me a variety of things but most commonly either:
1) I have to pay fare diff to get F
2) I have to wait till T-6 for F because I'm not a VX elite (literally was told that this month)
I have HUCA'd a bunch. The AS agents keep putting me on hold to liase with their VX folks. There is no way to call VX anymore.
I'm really disappointed. Please take my money AS!
I have another long VX flight on Friday - I really want to make it work! Any tips? It has never worked during OLCI for me and clearly has never worked by calling. I got to buy up one time at airport at the VX checkin.
Last edited by BallardFlyer; Feb 28, 2018 at 11:58 pm Reason: corrected fare bucket
Feb 27, 2018, 8:51 pm
#450
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
Well, nonrevs get to fly in F on VX. It is a perk for both VX and AS employees.
Have 4 more VX flights left before the April changeover... then this should resolve itself.
And one can probably still send VX a note, but as mentioned earlier, with these policies sunsetting soon, perhaps its moot.
Have 4 more VX flights left before the April changeover... then this should resolve itself.
And one can probably still send VX a note, but as mentioned earlier, with these policies sunsetting soon, perhaps its moot.