lensovet

Alaska’s FAQ says
is there any way to override this? Obviously I want an exit row if I won’t get upgraded, but if an upgrade is available, I want to take it.

twitch76

You can change seats manually when the upgrade window opens.

beckoa

This.

And it won't upgrade to middle either which I appreciate.

lensovet

Upgrade window has opened but it’s still offering premium for $99 on my flight. Having to constantly refresh the wait list/seat map to see if I got upgraded and then making sure I snag a seat before someone else gets pulled in sure makes this upgrade convenient.

Really wish there was a way to simply check a box that says “I will take any upgrade, don’t care about preserving my existing seat, thx”

ezak

Did anyone below you on the waitlist get upgraded into premium? If so, you can call AS and have them do it manually.

The exact same situation happened to me a month ago. After everyone except me on the waitlist got upgraded, it still charges $99 if I select a premium seat. The first AS rep told me to just wait because "the system hasn't gotten to me yet", and said there's no such thing as "exit row = no upgrade". When I called again, the second rep confirmed this policy and manually moved me into premium. But even after that, I still couldn't change seats because it would incur the $99 fee. She simply told me that I shouldn't select exit row seats if I want an upgrade - i.e. no way to accomplish what you're asking for.

Not sure why some people can just select PC seats automatically. Maybe it's an elite tier issue? I'm MVP, not sure if this's important.

lensovet

The irony is that if someone below me did get upgraded, it’s entirely possible they broke up the only remaining pair of seats together which means that the upgrade is now worthless since I want to travel together with my gf.

I saw the ancient thread with people complaining about getting upgraded out of the exit row. Thanks guys! A loud and vocal minority got what they wanted as usual.

notquiteaff

you are very welcome.

(and I doubt that the majority would prefer to be upgraded from an aisle or window exit row into a middle Premium seat, but feel free to prove me wrong)

Flying for Fun

Premium Class immediate upgrades for Elites at the time of booking depends on your Elite Status and fare purchased.

MVPG75K can select premium class on any non-Saver (X) fare,

MVPG can select premium class on all fare buckets K or higher.

MVP can select premium class on all fare buckets B or higher.

This includes refundable main cabin awards booked in Z. Also, for MVP, you can only upgrade yourself. If you have another MVP or non-status passenger on your PNR you won't be eligible for immediate upgrade based on fare class nor will they be waitlisted. MVPG+ can upgrade themselves and one companion.

James

lensovet

I don’t get this sentiment. Yes, I want everyone on the reservation to be upgraded together. Yes, going from aisle or window to middle isn’t great. But exit row? Meh. And how does this work on e.g. United? And wouldn’t it be great if you could at least get a notification when you become eligible, even if you aren’t moved immediately?

btw for this particular flight there are only 3 people on the waitlist, 2 of whom are us, and premium has over 10 empty seats including 5 sets of pairs. Wonder if we will just have to wait until we’re at the gate to get anything.

notquiteaff

UA: Gold Elite and higher get to choose E+ at any time. I like that better, for selfish/obvious reasons. Silvers get to choose at T-24. No auto upgrade.

Notification: sure, but you can just set an alert in your calendar/todo app when you book the trip. Easy enough workaround. Why rely on AS IT when you can more reliably do it yourself? I don’t even get notified reliably of flight delays or schedule changes.

The problem with the checkbox you propose is that it is too simplistic to be generally useful. Real world rules are more complex, and everyone’s needs are somewhat different. For example, if I travel alone, I’d want to be upgraded out of exit row if I can get an aisle or window seat. Alas, perhaps not one of the ones reserved for disabled travelers. If I am traveling with my wife, I’d want to be upgraded if I could sit next or near her. Across the aisle would be okay. Maybe even two aisle seats in consecutive rows. Now add a third traveler to the scenario. Is it okay to upgrade two of the three? If so, which ones. How does it work with MVP+non-elite where the MVP can’t bring the non-elite into Premium?

What does "I want everyone on the reservation to be upgraded together" really mean to you? At the same time? Sitting next to each other?

I just checked in for a flight to Hawaii tomorrow. I’ve been tracking the seat assignments for a while. We are in exit row. There are only a scattered few premium seats left, among them one aisle. Nothing I’d prefer for us over exit row. I am glad AS didn’t ”upgrade” us into those.

bmvaughn

You're welcome!

danielflyer

I’ve also found it annoying that I cannot tell AS to upgrade me from an exit row, though honestly as a Gold with one free drink I often prefer the exit seats.

twitch76

You could just call and ask.

ezak

Sorry I wasn't clear in my post. By "automatically" I was referring to post #2 , where people can select a PC seat for free after the upgrade window opens, even if they originally select an exit row seat. This didn't happen to me, as I had to call AS to be manually moved into PC, so I wondered if this is due to status.

rustykettel

Is this just in the seat map, or have you clicked through to the purchase page?