2021 Alaska Airlines *FLAME-FREE* Q&A Thread: All Welcome, New and Old!
Jan 5, 2021, 11:58 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 48
As I was at the boarding gate, I got bumped to a new seat that ended up having someone else next to me. I looked back and the row I was originally supposed to sit in was empty.
Any reason they would do that?
Any reason they would do that?
Jan 6, 2021, 10:03 am
#17
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,329
What was the load like? If it is a very light load, they occasionally have to move people for weight and balance. In the future though, I'd just ask an FA when onboard and see if you can move back.
Jan 6, 2021, 3:31 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2009
Location: LAX
Programs: AS MVPG100, Hyatt Globalist, MGM Gold, Caesars Diamond
Posts: 636
I have a string of first class mileage run flights that i booked earlier during that great sale. LIH_SEA_LAX_FLL to start then a bunch of others ending up in LAS a few days later. I've booked the hotels . I just got a message from AS that they need to change that first flight, I'm not sure what part. What are my options? rebook all of it? Right now its in two weeks and I'm felxible enough I could do it in 4, all I want is the miles. Any insights from the Pros? Thanks
Jan 6, 2021, 10:15 pm
#19
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: BOS
Programs: Hyatt Glob/UA Gold
Posts: 613
Similar to tobikosan I got a "your travel plans have changed" email for AS15 BOS-SEA Fri 1/22 5:00PM. They rebooked me on AS25 (7:00AM) and I'd really rather not go out that early so I'm looking for another Friday but not if they are cancelling the 5:00. Any idea what's going on? Is there any way to rebook at the original price/discount?
Jan 6, 2021, 11:29 pm
#20
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,864
Regarding the last two posts - I've been through this and had the most luck talking to a live person. They are usually pretty accomidating since they are the ones that prompted the change.
Jan 7, 2021, 7:56 pm
#21
Join Date: Apr 2017
Programs: AS 100k, DL PM, New Sagaya
Posts: 1,291
I’m not sure where else to offer this, but this thread seems best.
I’ll have the opportunity to pass along feedback to management in a week or two. DM me if you have any particular feedback or comments for Alaska regarding their operations or loyalty program.
Once I get an official reply to everything I’ll post a single thread with the Q / Feedback and Responses.
Hope everyone had a good NYE!
I’ll have the opportunity to pass along feedback to management in a week or two. DM me if you have any particular feedback or comments for Alaska regarding their operations or loyalty program.
Once I get an official reply to everything I’ll post a single thread with the Q / Feedback and Responses.
Hope everyone had a good NYE!
Jan 7, 2021, 8:28 pm
#22
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Los Angeles
Posts: 12,597
I've had this happen a number of times and they've never hesitated to put me on any flight I wanted, even if it ended up being a day earlier or later or changed the routing.
Jan 8, 2021, 9:23 am
#23
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: IAH
Programs: UA MM, AA almost MM
Posts: 1,164
Consider signing up for the Alaskan program. I spend a couple of hours on Alaskaair.com. It appears to be a wonderful program. Just one question. Will I be able to use flight credits from cancelled flights to purchase tickets for anyone or just for me?
Jan 8, 2021, 12:25 pm
#24
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: PDX
Programs: Delta, American Express, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, Alaska
Posts: 42
I just posted my issue in the forum thread on Alaska retention before I saw this post. I'll see if I can go back and get a copy of it and post here (or maybe the moderator will move here?) wasn't sure where to post it.
Jan 8, 2021, 12:27 pm
#25
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: PDX
Programs: Delta, American Express, Budget, Alamo, Enterprise, Avis, Hertz, Alaska
Posts: 42
Between a rock and hard place with Alaska and BA
Does this fit here?
Anyone with an Alaska Air branded Bank of America card might be interested in my experience on rention offers.
I have contacted BA (via phone 3 different times, Twitter, and by phone, BA's rention supervisor) no less than a dozen times to request a fee waiver for 2021 due to the fact that I will not be flying until Covid safe (vaccine and proof it's working). I know someone who got a waiver and told me to keep trying, to keep calling.
My reason for the waiver? Mostly Covid and a downturn in work. But I have increasingly found it difficult to use basic mileages (25K rt) award flights (jacked up to 40-75k requirements on short run flights) on Alaska, and the companion fare perk or baggage perk are mostly useless to me.
Each time I have been told, they can't waive the fee and the only way to get the waiver is to cancel my card. They say this is a contract dictate from Alaska Airlines and they (BA) have a no say or leeway in providing waivers. They tell me I will lose my Alaska miles within a year of closing this account and then they try to swing me over to a Bof A non-branded card.
I have had my Alaska card for 18 years and have only used the companion perk 2 times. I usually have a carry-on so that perk isn't a huge winner for me either. But I do use Alaska routes more than any other so that's why I kept the card. But even at $75 annual fee, this is of low benefit to me.
In any case, I finally contacted Alaska Air and let them know I was bailing on their AA Signature card and would be directing all my card purchase capture to Delta branded cards I have also had for 25+ years. They responded and told me it was simply NOT TRUE that they have any contract with BofA that precludes a waiver or mileage bonus (Rention). That is totally up to the bank.
The whole game stinks. If I cancel my card I lose the credit history and credit extension that buoys FICO scores (mine is currently 850 but!). If I pay the $75, I am basically throwing money away. It's like putting money in a savings account paying under .5% interest right now; you lose money saving money. I'd love to see someone in Congress deal with this kind of credit card thievery. I am literally a captive consumer caught in a Mobius circle of credit card pain. But hey, I have learned my lesson.
Anyone with an Alaska Air branded Bank of America card might be interested in my experience on rention offers.
I have contacted BA (via phone 3 different times, Twitter, and by phone, BA's rention supervisor) no less than a dozen times to request a fee waiver for 2021 due to the fact that I will not be flying until Covid safe (vaccine and proof it's working). I know someone who got a waiver and told me to keep trying, to keep calling.
My reason for the waiver? Mostly Covid and a downturn in work. But I have increasingly found it difficult to use basic mileages (25K rt) award flights (jacked up to 40-75k requirements on short run flights) on Alaska, and the companion fare perk or baggage perk are mostly useless to me.
Each time I have been told, they can't waive the fee and the only way to get the waiver is to cancel my card. They say this is a contract dictate from Alaska Airlines and they (BA) have a no say or leeway in providing waivers. They tell me I will lose my Alaska miles within a year of closing this account and then they try to swing me over to a Bof A non-branded card.
I have had my Alaska card for 18 years and have only used the companion perk 2 times. I usually have a carry-on so that perk isn't a huge winner for me either. But I do use Alaska routes more than any other so that's why I kept the card. But even at $75 annual fee, this is of low benefit to me.
In any case, I finally contacted Alaska Air and let them know I was bailing on their AA Signature card and would be directing all my card purchase capture to Delta branded cards I have also had for 25+ years. They responded and told me it was simply NOT TRUE that they have any contract with BofA that precludes a waiver or mileage bonus (Rention). That is totally up to the bank.
The whole game stinks. If I cancel my card I lose the credit history and credit extension that buoys FICO scores (mine is currently 850 but!). If I pay the $75, I am basically throwing money away. It's like putting money in a savings account paying under .5% interest right now; you lose money saving money. I'd love to see someone in Congress deal with this kind of credit card thievery. I am literally a captive consumer caught in a Mobius circle of credit card pain. But hey, I have learned my lesson.
Jan 8, 2021, 2:11 pm
#26
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
Also keep in mind that if Alaska cancels the flight, you can request any of the above options or a refund back to your original form of payment.
Jan 9, 2021, 11:07 am
#27
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PIT
Programs: AS Peon
Posts: 202
Are there any restrictions on where pets can be located in the cabin? My SO and I are moving across the country with our two cats, so I'm considering booking F (actually using companion pass to book Y and using MVPG upgrades to F, if that matters) so that we all have a bit more space. However, I'm not sure if there would be some restriction about pets only being in Y or something. I assume that bulkhead and emergency rows are a no go for sure, but beyond that I'm uncertain.
Seems kind of silly, but just not sure!
Seems kind of silly, but just not sure!
Jan 9, 2021, 12:09 pm
#28
Join Date: Oct 2015
Location: Pacific Wonderland
Programs: ʙᴏɴᴠo̱ʏ Au, IHG Au, HH Dia, Nexus, Pilot FlyingJ Preferred
Posts: 5,336
Are there any restrictions on where pets can be located in the cabin? My SO and I are moving across the country with our two cats, so I'm considering booking F (actually using companion pass to book Y and using MVPG upgrades to F, if that matters) so that we all have a bit more space. However, I'm not sure if there would be some restriction about pets only being in Y or something. I assume that bulkhead and emergency rows are a no go for sure, but beyond that I'm uncertain.
Seems kind of silly, but just not sure!
Seems kind of silly, but just not sure!
Y cabin is limited to 5 pet carriers and cannot sit in bulkhead, exit row, or airbag seatbelt seats.
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/policies/pets-traveling-with-pets
Jan 9, 2021, 12:34 pm
#29
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: California
Posts: 290
I used credit card points to book my AS flight. I would like to cancel and get the fund back to my wallet. Online it doesn't allow me to do that. When I called service desk, she can't do it either. Is there a way for me to cancel and get the fund to my wallet?
Jan 9, 2021, 12:56 pm
#30
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
See this thread and start from post 26.
Combining Alaska Airlines companion fare with UR points/book & cancel