Elite (EQM) Buy-Up Offers for 2019
Nov 30, 2018, 9:16 am
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,582
Yes. And they are making the offers in time for those who were considering trips to keep their status from needing to make the trips, at a cost (often) higher than making the trips. This makes it pure profit to AS, while not materially increasing the elite ranks. It also eliminates any "need" for waivers/favors for those "oh so close" and creates a consistent environment. No necessity for tantrums for the 'I've been MVPG for 15 years and am only 500 miles short and they won't help" scenario.
Nov 30, 2018, 9:20 am
#32
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Seattle
Programs: AS
Posts: 2,293
I agree with F for F. We have been MVP since 2012. First time receiving any such offer to retain status directly from AS. I have had AS employees who know me offer to bump ,if needed. I had to deal with cancer DX and TX and unable to travel for months. Was able to retain status without assistance but greatly appreciated the offers and concern.
Nov 30, 2018, 9:22 am
#33
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,582
More like pathetic. I'll make 75K flying on 12/26 (ironically, going to Vegas), so won't need to take advantage of this generous offer. I'm not sure I would if I needed to. Just not seeing the benefits in it for me. It's tough when your favorite airline gets taken over by accountants. Hell, they have even reduced the size of the nut dishes in F. Probably saving a good 2 cents per serving.
I call these buy ups smart business.
Nov 30, 2018, 10:01 am
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Which reminds me, my VX flights never added to my AS million miler balance. I thought that they were supposed to? Not that I will ever get to a million miles either way, but I'd still like to see the bigger number there.
Nov 30, 2018, 10:13 am
#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Nov 30, 2018, 10:23 am
#37
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
I was gold before... on VX. That should count. When you take over an airline, the previous customer relationship / history is not reset to 0.
Which reminds me, my VX flights never added to my AS million miler balance. I thought that they were supposed to? Not that I will ever get to a million miles either way, but I'd still like to see the bigger number there.
Which reminds me, my VX flights never added to my AS million miler balance. I thought that they were supposed to? Not that I will ever get to a million miles either way, but I'd still like to see the bigger number there.
For lifetime mileage, it was announced as VX mileage only from the close of the acquisition (from Dec 2016) to end of the program. I don’t remember any further news. If you don’t think it was added, I’d ping [email protected] for a status.
Nov 30, 2018, 10:54 am
#38
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: PNW
Programs: AS 100K
Posts: 1,548
Nov 30, 2018, 11:20 am
#39
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 200
I got one last year and used it without reading the fine print. I paid about the same as a MR that would have gotten me to 75K but figured it was more convenient. Didn't read that I wouldn't get the 50K bonus and other rewards. Seemed a little cheap to me as the were making more money this way as they didn't have me wasting a seat. Basically free money for AS. I will make status on my next flight so I am good this year. Don't be like me kids, read the fine print if you are going to do this.
Nov 30, 2018, 11:49 am
#40
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Hawaii
Programs: AS 100K, HA Gold, Hyatt Diamond, SPG Gold, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 88
Hate the bean counters, as elites we've basically lost upgrades at 72 and 48 hours. Now have to wait until a couple of of hours out. GGU upgrades are worthless. Pretty much no "U" available, so planning vacations in advance is impossible. Has now created "Basic Economy" which is right around the old saver fares, but now, no chance up upgrade, no exit row etc. But we can give them $$$ which is pretty much pure profit to maintain our diluted elite status. The old Alaska that did truly value loyalty and rewarded it, is gone. I guess they're hoping know one notices.
Last edited by thepinenuts; Nov 30, 2018 at 11:57 am Reason: spelling
Nov 30, 2018, 1:25 pm
#41
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,825
Short on miles to earn status? Fly to earn them. Just MHO.
Nov 30, 2018, 2:00 pm
#42
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Just because everyone else does it does not make it the right thing to do. One of the things I like most about AS MP is that you (generally) can’t buy status or earn it in any way other than putting your butt in a seat. If status is meant to reward loyalty, it becomes meaningless and dilutes the benefits for those who legitimately earn it when one can buy it or get it by spending money on a credit card. I only wish AS would add a minimum AS segment requirement as well.
Short on miles to earn status? Fly to earn them. Just MHO.
Short on miles to earn status? Fly to earn them. Just MHO.
Nov 30, 2018, 2:13 pm
#43
Join Date: Jan 2017
Posts: 4
208 miles short of MVP and was offered MVP status for 2019 for $500 or 50,000 miles.
Luckily I have one more flight before the end of the year, but was surprised to see how expensive it was for 208 miles compared to what others have been offered.
Luckily I have one more flight before the end of the year, but was surprised to see how expensive it was for 208 miles compared to what others have been offered.
