2019 Alaska Airlines *FLAME-FREE* Q&A Thread: All Welcome, New and Old!
#391
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: Southwest A-List; Alaska MVPG; Hilton Diamond; Avis PreferredPlus; Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite
Posts: 914
Sorry... stupid question... I’ve provably asked it before.
MVP traveling with non-status companion (not companion fare). Currently booked in the elite seats (an exit row). Companion sometimes finds exit row chilly.
I know that we are not eligible for an F upgrade. Are we both eligible for a complementary premium seat upgrade?
MVP traveling with non-status companion (not companion fare). Currently booked in the elite seats (an exit row). Companion sometimes finds exit row chilly.
I know that we are not eligible for an F upgrade. Are we both eligible for a complementary premium seat upgrade?
#392
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
I just completed a 9 segment itinerary on LA, TN, BA & EK issued on LA stock. My 3.5 hour LA SYD-AKL was upgraded to J on a USD $90 bid and was processed without issue. It was interesting having 3 Record locators on one itinerary.
I know that you are MVPG and do have a fee waiver as part of MVPG Elite Benefits but not everyone who reads this forum may know that. It would be helpful if you clarified that for those readers when posting..
May I suggest that you contact AS via twitter, text at 82008 or their Elite contact phone number for an answer and post your findings.
I would like to know myself. I am looking at a QF Itinerary from PER-JFK which allows 9 transfers and I can price QF PER-SYD-HNL with AS HNL-ANC-SEA-SFO-LAX-JFK on AS for around $1.1K one-way. A HA stopover is only $100 more. It would be a fun trip, not quite a Mileage Run at 6.7 cpm EQM but with MVPG75K 125% bonus it is decent on RDM with the added bonus of complimentary upgrades.
James in Kelowna.
#393
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
I'm looking at the JL J fare to BKK. Leaving from NY is a hassle for me and the fare only allows stopovers in Asia so I can't book two halves of a separate trip to NY as the start and end of the trip. So I'm looking at leaving from LAX (same price, slightly fewer MPM).
I want to use SEA as a gateway for the JL double miles promo. LAX-SEA-NRT-BKK and back works, but that leaves a lot MPM on the table (booked into AS F too!). The fare does allow 3 transfers in north america (but no stopovers) so I'm trying to put together LAX-XXX-PDX-SEA-NRT-BKK for some XXX, or maybe LAX-LAS-XXX-SEA-NRT-BKK (taking advantage of a short segment crediting as 500 base miles, but not eating up my MPM)
Still not really a mileage run... more like tacking on a mileage run on both ends of a vacation. If I was in or close to NY I would have booked it already -- JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK return is pretty painless and earns something like 27k eqm and 74k rdm as MVPG, for under $3k. Basically, half the ticket value in miles makes for a relatively cheap Thailand vacation, all in F domestically and J internationally. Having to reposition from SFO to JFK makes it a lot less attractive, which is why I'm looking into LAX options.
This would be my first time taking an AS flight ticketed by another airline, though, which is why I'm asking. Honestly I probably would not need to or want to change any flights -- since it books into full F domestically I have my choice of flights. It's still nice to know my options though.
I want to use SEA as a gateway for the JL double miles promo. LAX-SEA-NRT-BKK and back works, but that leaves a lot MPM on the table (booked into AS F too!). The fare does allow 3 transfers in north america (but no stopovers) so I'm trying to put together LAX-XXX-PDX-SEA-NRT-BKK for some XXX, or maybe LAX-LAS-XXX-SEA-NRT-BKK (taking advantage of a short segment crediting as 500 base miles, but not eating up my MPM)
Still not really a mileage run... more like tacking on a mileage run on both ends of a vacation. If I was in or close to NY I would have booked it already -- JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK return is pretty painless and earns something like 27k eqm and 74k rdm as MVPG, for under $3k. Basically, half the ticket value in miles makes for a relatively cheap Thailand vacation, all in F domestically and J internationally. Having to reposition from SFO to JFK makes it a lot less attractive, which is why I'm looking into LAX options.
This would be my first time taking an AS flight ticketed by another airline, though, which is why I'm asking. Honestly I probably would not need to or want to change any flights -- since it books into full F domestically I have my choice of flights. It's still nice to know my options though.
#394
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
I'm looking at the JL J fare to BKK. Leaving from NY is a hassle for me and the fare only allows stopovers in Asia so I can't book two halves of a separate trip to NY as the start and end of the trip. So I'm looking at leaving from LAX (same price, slightly fewer MPM).
I want to use SEA as a gateway for the JL double miles promo. LAX-SEA-NRT-BKK and back works, but that leaves a lot MPM on the table (booked into AS F too!). The fare does allow 3 transfers in north america (but no stopovers) so I'm trying to put together LAX-XXX-PDX-SEA-NRT-BKK for some XXX, or maybe LAX-LAS-XXX-SEA-NRT-BKK (taking advantage of a short segment crediting as 500 base miles, but not eating up my MPM)
Still not really a mileage run... more like tacking on a mileage run on both ends of a vacation. If I was in or close to NY I would have booked it already -- JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK return is pretty painless and earns something like 27k eqm and 74k rdm as MVPG, for under $3k. Basically, half the ticket value in miles makes for a relatively cheap Thailand vacation, all in F domestically and J internationally. Having to reposition from SFO to JFK makes it a lot less attractive, which is why I'm looking into LAX options.
This would be my first time taking an AS flight ticketed by another airline, though, which is why I'm asking. Honestly I probably would not need to or want to change any flights -- since it books into full F domestically I have my choice of flights. It's still nice to know my options though.
I want to use SEA as a gateway for the JL double miles promo. LAX-SEA-NRT-BKK and back works, but that leaves a lot MPM on the table (booked into AS F too!). The fare does allow 3 transfers in north america (but no stopovers) so I'm trying to put together LAX-XXX-PDX-SEA-NRT-BKK for some XXX, or maybe LAX-LAS-XXX-SEA-NRT-BKK (taking advantage of a short segment crediting as 500 base miles, but not eating up my MPM)
Still not really a mileage run... more like tacking on a mileage run on both ends of a vacation. If I was in or close to NY I would have booked it already -- JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK return is pretty painless and earns something like 27k eqm and 74k rdm as MVPG, for under $3k. Basically, half the ticket value in miles makes for a relatively cheap Thailand vacation, all in F domestically and J internationally. Having to reposition from SFO to JFK makes it a lot less attractive, which is why I'm looking into LAX options.
This would be my first time taking an AS flight ticketed by another airline, though, which is why I'm asking. Honestly I probably would not need to or want to change any flights -- since it books into full F domestically I have my choice of flights. It's still nice to know my options though.
If you did LAX-SFO-SEA return in mainline F it would give you 4126 EQM on the AS segments. If you flew LAX-SEA-PDX-SEA IN F, F & K it would give you 4676 EQM. Personally, IMHO, the net gain of 550 EQM is not worth the additional time connecting through PDX twice.
I am leaving for Africa on Monday spending a week in KGL and then going to CPT to visit friends. I booked an AA J award PDX-BOS(AS)-DOH-EBB-KGL(QR) for 67.5K AAdvantage Miles. There was even A saver space available on AS 30 PDX-BOS which AA booked me into; that was a bonus.
I have no plans yet on getting back from CPT or my return date for that matter. I have been looking at a lot of interesting routes via South America, Asia & Australia. Alternatively, I may just drop 200K miles for a EK F award from CPT to a Mexican Destination.
James in Kelowna
#395
Join Date: Aug 2018
Programs: AA Exec Plat, Bonvoy Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 621
The real underlying question here is about the fact that booking direct with AA can often be a decent amount cheaper than booking through AS.
#396
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
Similarly, AA does not fly to EAT (Wenatchee, WA) so AA has a codeshare with AS on that route and AA can quote a price on, for instance, ORD-SEA-EAT. I am still waiting for non-stop service from EAT-FAT.
I have flown the AS codeshare PHX-SJC as a standalone. Looking at a random date in May the AS codeshare is $20.00 more on AS than on AA and is consistent with when I flew the route last December. The loss of AS Elite Benefits on AA means no waived baggage fees. I was able to use my AA CC to get the baggage waiver. Interestingly, about 24 hours after booking the flight, I was able to Select MCE seats for no charge as they showed on the seat map on AS as available for selection with Elite Status.
What routes are you looking at that are significantly cheaper on AA?
James in Kelowna.
#397
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
The Codeshares will be on routes operated by the partner airline, not on routes where both airlines have service. For instance, AS does not fly PHX-SJC but they do have a codeshare with AA on that route. AS also has codeshares on CVG-ORD & non-stop YVR-LAX. YVR-LAX is interesting in that it is also international so either AS6023 or AA6023 will credit to Mileage Plan but the benefit of the AS codeshare is 100% EQM on the distance while the AA flight is based on fare class and could credit significantly less.
Similarly, AA does not fly to EAT (Wenatchee, WA) so AA has a codeshare with AS on that route and AA can quote a price on, for instance, ORD-SEA-EAT. I am still waiting for non-stop service from EAT-FAT.
I have flown the AS codeshare PHX-SJC as a standalone. Looking at a random date in May the AS codeshare is $20.00 more on AS than on AA and is consistent with when I flew the route last December. The loss of AS Elite Benefits on AA means no waived baggage fees. I was able to use my AA CC to get the baggage waiver. Interestingly, about 24 hours after booking the flight, I was able to Select MCE seats for no charge as they showed on the seat map on AS as available for selection with Elite Status.
What routes are you looking at that are significantly cheaper on AA?
James in Kelowna.
Similarly, AA does not fly to EAT (Wenatchee, WA) so AA has a codeshare with AS on that route and AA can quote a price on, for instance, ORD-SEA-EAT. I am still waiting for non-stop service from EAT-FAT.
I have flown the AS codeshare PHX-SJC as a standalone. Looking at a random date in May the AS codeshare is $20.00 more on AS than on AA and is consistent with when I flew the route last December. The loss of AS Elite Benefits on AA means no waived baggage fees. I was able to use my AA CC to get the baggage waiver. Interestingly, about 24 hours after booking the flight, I was able to Select MCE seats for no charge as they showed on the seat map on AS as available for selection with Elite Status.
What routes are you looking at that are significantly cheaper on AA?
James in Kelowna.
That $30 difference (currently $134 vs $104) is the buyup to main.
If you want to fly F, the difference is really extreme. It looks like AS only has access to full-fare F: Eg: ($1142 vs $297) https://flights.app.goo.gl/CEAXc
#398
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: AY+ Plat, Marriott Plat, Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 2,846
I'm looking at the JL J fare to BKK. Leaving from NY is a hassle for me and the fare only allows stopovers in Asia so I can't book two halves of a separate trip to NY as the start and end of the trip. So I'm looking at leaving from LAX (same price, slightly fewer MPM).
I want to use SEA as a gateway for the JL double miles promo. LAX-SEA-NRT-BKK and back works, but that leaves a lot MPM on the table (booked into AS F too!). The fare does allow 3 transfers in north america (but no stopovers) so I'm trying to put together LAX-XXX-PDX-SEA-NRT-BKK for some XXX, or maybe LAX-LAS-XXX-SEA-NRT-BKK (taking advantage of a short segment crediting as 500 base miles, but not eating up my MPM)
Still not really a mileage run... more like tacking on a mileage run on both ends of a vacation. If I was in or close to NY I would have booked it already -- JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK return is pretty painless and earns something like 27k eqm and 74k rdm as MVPG, for under $3k. Basically, half the ticket value in miles makes for a relatively cheap Thailand vacation, all in F domestically and J internationally. Having to reposition from SFO to JFK makes it a lot less attractive, which is why I'm looking into LAX options.
This would be my first time taking an AS flight ticketed by another airline, though, which is why I'm asking. Honestly I probably would not need to or want to change any flights -- since it books into full F domestically I have my choice of flights. It's still nice to know my options though.
I want to use SEA as a gateway for the JL double miles promo. LAX-SEA-NRT-BKK and back works, but that leaves a lot MPM on the table (booked into AS F too!). The fare does allow 3 transfers in north america (but no stopovers) so I'm trying to put together LAX-XXX-PDX-SEA-NRT-BKK for some XXX, or maybe LAX-LAS-XXX-SEA-NRT-BKK (taking advantage of a short segment crediting as 500 base miles, but not eating up my MPM)
Still not really a mileage run... more like tacking on a mileage run on both ends of a vacation. If I was in or close to NY I would have booked it already -- JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK return is pretty painless and earns something like 27k eqm and 74k rdm as MVPG, for under $3k. Basically, half the ticket value in miles makes for a relatively cheap Thailand vacation, all in F domestically and J internationally. Having to reposition from SFO to JFK makes it a lot less attractive, which is why I'm looking into LAX options.
This would be my first time taking an AS flight ticketed by another airline, though, which is why I'm asking. Honestly I probably would not need to or want to change any flights -- since it books into full F domestically I have my choice of flights. It's still nice to know my options though.
LAX-PDX-SJC-//-SEA-NRT-BKK-NRT-SEA-OAK-//-PDX-LAX
Overnights in SJC and OAK, so you can sleep in your own bed. I believe it's First on all the AS flights (and obviously Business on the JL legs). You probably have to call to book, although maybe playing around with the multi-city function on JL's website might work.
By my calculations, it's 26,400 EQM and 61,180 RDM as MPVG.
#399
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 608
Are the Alaska phone lines always busy? I've been trying to call to book award travel but cannot even get in to a queue. The UK number just goes to a pre-recorded message ("All lines are busy, please call later") and the US direct number just has the busy tone.
#400
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
How about something like this for ~$2900:
LAX-PDX-SJC-//-SEA-NRT-BKK-NRT-SEA-OAK-//-PDX-LAX
Overnights in SJC and OAK, so you can sleep in your own bed. I believe it's First on all the AS flights (and obviously Business on the JL legs). You probably have to call to book, although maybe playing around with the multi-city function on JL's website might work.
By my calculations, it's 26,400 EQM and 61,180 RDM as MPVG.
LAX-PDX-SJC-//-SEA-NRT-BKK-NRT-SEA-OAK-//-PDX-LAX
Overnights in SJC and OAK, so you can sleep in your own bed. I believe it's First on all the AS flights (and obviously Business on the JL legs). You probably have to call to book, although maybe playing around with the multi-city function on JL's website might work.
By my calculations, it's 26,400 EQM and 61,180 RDM as MPVG.
James in Kelowna
#401
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,289
Sorry... stupid question... I’ve provably asked it before.
MVP traveling with non-status companion (not companion fare). Currently booked in the elite seats (an exit row). Companion sometimes finds exit row chilly.
I know that we are not eligible for an F upgrade. Are we both eligible for a complementary premium seat upgrade?
MVP traveling with non-status companion (not companion fare). Currently booked in the elite seats (an exit row). Companion sometimes finds exit row chilly.
I know that we are not eligible for an F upgrade. Are we both eligible for a complementary premium seat upgrade?
#402
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
How about something like this for ~$2900:
LAX-PDX-SJC-//-SEA-NRT-BKK-NRT-SEA-OAK-//-PDX-LAX
Overnights in SJC and OAK, so you can sleep in your own bed. I believe it's First on all the AS flights (and obviously Business on the JL legs). You probably have to call to book, although maybe playing around with the multi-city function on JL's website might work.
By my calculations, it's 26,400 EQM and 61,180 RDM as MPVG.
LAX-PDX-SJC-//-SEA-NRT-BKK-NRT-SEA-OAK-//-PDX-LAX
Overnights in SJC and OAK, so you can sleep in your own bed. I believe it's First on all the AS flights (and obviously Business on the JL legs). You probably have to call to book, although maybe playing around with the multi-city function on JL's website might work.
By my calculations, it's 26,400 EQM and 61,180 RDM as MPVG.
#403
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
For those that are interested in the JFK-SEA-NRT-BKK JL Business Class Fare (AS F, JL X) here is how the flights would accrue miles to Mileage Plan with the promotional double points on the base SEA-NRT & NRT-SEA segments.
James
James
#404
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
This is how the itinerary suggested by @flyingeph12 would accrue to Mileage Plan
Only 1,217 Fewer EQM and 1,912 fewer 1,912 RDM than starting from JFK
James
Only 1,217 Fewer EQM and 1,912 fewer 1,912 RDM than starting from JFK
James
#405
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 10,904
Yeah, I thought that the 62k number quoted was too low -- thanks for doing this; I was about to calculate it myself!
I think it was not including the double miles promo.
I'm definitely going to try to book this. It's actually a better deal than an award flight. (Getting 70k RDM vs spending 130k means a 200k mile difference. I definitely value 200k miles at more than $3k (that would only be 1.5c per mile) and that's not even including the 25k EQM)
I think it was not including the double miles promo.
I'm definitely going to try to book this. It's actually a better deal than an award flight. (Getting 70k RDM vs spending 130k means a 200k mile difference. I definitely value 200k miles at more than $3k (that would only be 1.5c per mile) and that's not even including the 25k EQM)