No Cancel Fees Now Bumped to 12/31/2020
Sep 1, 2020, 7:35 am
#16
Join Date: Mar 2016
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG, IHG Diamond Elite
Posts: 1,445
With the elimination of the change fees announced today, it's important to note that this policy (including Saver tickets) has been extended through December 31, 2020.
https://investor.alaskaair.com/news-...es-change-fees
https://investor.alaskaair.com/news-...es-change-fees
Sep 1, 2020, 7:53 am
#17
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
I wonder (but doubt) if they'll be adding any new benefits for Golds to compensate. This was my top incentive for hitting Gold the past few years, so now that that's not a factor (on most of the US airlines), there's little motivation to re-qualify in future years. Sure upgrades and GGUs are nice, but the change fees were the big driver and reason I'd be willing to do an MR to ensure I hit Gold.
Sep 1, 2020, 10:01 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVPG, UA Gold 1MM (the unfriendly sky), Marriott Gold, Hyatt Exp, Hertz no longer
Posts: 64
I agree that by removing the change fees, they are devaluating Gold & 75k benefits as an unfortunate consequence.
They could add a few things to improve benefits like:
- give a status match to spouse
- provide better award availability on AS & partners flights, especially for last-minute booking
- provide more benefits on non-OneWorld partners airlines, OneWorld membership should improve that soon for OneWorld partners.
They could add a few things to improve benefits like:
- give a status match to spouse
- provide better award availability on AS & partners flights, especially for last-minute booking
- provide more benefits on non-OneWorld partners airlines, OneWorld membership should improve that soon for OneWorld partners.
Sep 1, 2020, 9:25 pm
#20
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: EWR/PHL/JFK
Programs: A3*G, AS MVPG, UA, AA
Posts: 610
well, what united did to "preserve" benefits was to give everyone free SDC on standby, while elites can get confirmed SDC. however, getting a confirmed seat requires inventory in the same booking class, which seems unlikely unless you have really low loads or booked close-in.
that said, it's pretty clear why these changes are happening and i find talk of elite "devaluation" to be pretty off the mark. your elite benefits are worthless if the airline goes under.
that said, it's pretty clear why these changes are happening and i find talk of elite "devaluation" to be pretty off the mark. your elite benefits are worthless if the airline goes under.
Last edited by lensovet; Sep 3, 2020 at 4:13 am