chrisl137

It's a money vs. time thing, too. I've managed to avoid ever doing true mileage runs - at most I've typically been able to add a connection or paid F segment for flights that I'm going to do anyway to get the extra miles. I tend to fly only a few routes, but fly them regularly - typically monthly or semi-monthly. I commute between LA and PDX, so flying on AS is a no-brainer for those, given the frequencies and schedules. The VX purchase worked out well for me because it happened right around when I started the PDX travel, and it gave AS enough transcon reach that I could mostly drop UA, so I could be MVPG on AS instead of MVP on AS and Silver (which has become close to useless) on UA. Even as an MVP on AS I was getting a lot of upgrades on both short and long flights, while 1Ks were complaining about upgrades drying up on the UA subforum.

milypan

Yup, but I spend enough that I'd probably make it (you need $4-5k spend). And again, there's a CC-spend route as well, which I could easily do if I didn't anticipate getting there "organically".

For me, not doing mileage runs is a benefit, not a cost. I'm drowning in RDMs and credit card points, so they don't represent a lot of value to me these days. The AS forum is the only one I've been on where people seem to get really excited about RDMs. No doubt because AS has the best RDM earning opportunities, so if that's what's important to you, then you're likely to choose the AS FFP.

Yes, I too was a UA frequent flyer, for about a decade, before I switched to AS. If I eventually leave AS, it will most likely be for DL. I could even imagine going to AA or B6, depending on how the AA partnerships with AS and B6 work out. But I can't imagine going back to UA.

bmvaughn

As an MVPG, I/F/P bookings earn 2.63x EQM (1.5 * 1.75) and 3.5x RDM (2 * 1.75), correct?

Flying for Fun

RDM = 275% of miles flown for MVPG. The 50% bonus applies to EQM only for Elite qualification.

Elite Bonus is 50% for MVP, 100% for MVPG & 125% for MVPG75K.

Add 100% (all paid fare classes earn EQM/RDM based on distance) plus any COS (F, I & P 75% in F, Y & S in Main 50%, B & M in Main, 25%) plus your Elite Bonus (50%, 100% or 125%) any multiply by miles flown (minimum 500)

An MVPG on an I fare would earn 100% + 75% COS + 100% Elite = 275% × miles flown.

SEA-LAX = 954 × 2.75 = 2,624 RDM
SEA-PDX = 500(129) × 2.75 = 1,375 RDM. Flight is 129 miles but earns 500 minimum.

James

bmvaughn

MVPG in I class would earn 2.75x RDM, 2.625x EQM during the promo?

Flying for Fun

Correct, RDM earnings haven't changed during the EQM promotion. The multiplier for EQM on F(I) fares has been confirmed as 2.63×. The multiplier is rounded up to two decimal places; 2.625 to 2.63.

James

SimonT007

Why does it say June 1st 2020 to June 30th 2021? Is this an extension of an existing promotion?
50% bonus elite-qualifying mile offer terms: No registration required. All active Mileage Plan members will receive a 50% bonus on elite-qualifying miles earned on flights marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines between June 1, 2020 and June 30, 2021

RAD_PDX

Yes, it’s an extension of a promo that they began last June.

bmvaughn

Appreciate it - I don't know I've ever booked I class directly, so getting both #s correct is helpful

vji

To confirm, will SEA-PDX earn 500 x 1.5 EQM as well? Or even 500 x 2.63 in F? Or is the multiplier based on the BIS miles?

Flying for Fun

Multiplier is based on 500 mile minimum. SEA-PDX earns 750 EQM in Main, 1,315 EQM in F.

James

tkelvin69

Hopefully the correct thread. Looking for some advice from AS flyers to use this promotion.

Currently LT PLT(OWS) on AA and won't qualify for OW Emerald due to high spend requirements on AA. Looking for:

1. Best return on earning award miles. AA is terrible and based upon fare and status.

2. Most economical approach to achieve OWE status mid year 2021.

Have:

1. No Status on AS but LT PLT on AA.

2. An I fare SEA-BZE on AA metal this month (currently assigned to credit AA but can change to AS).

3. Most likely will take advantage of the AA I fare to Brazil this spring at least once.

Understand I'll need 6 segments on AS.

Any suggestions on using this promotion as well as other ideas on how to get to MVP75/OWE by summer would be appreciated.

Thanks

Flying for Fun

Where are you based?

James

Eurynom0s

Any thoughts on the likelihood of them doing another round of EQM for credit card spend, given that they immediately extended this 50% extra EQM offer for 6 months?

tkelvin69

SEA but will hopefully doing a DONE4 from CPT in July.