Instantly-upgradeable fares question
Jun 4, 2021, 11:19 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
Instantly-upgradeable fares question
I'm currently 75k from the status challenge earlier this year and have flown a few AS flights. I'm now looking to book my first round-trip flight using a companion ticket. I'm looking at flights next year and U inventory is available for both flights. If I buy the "First Class Upgrade" fare (which is only about $100 more expensive each way), I understand that me and my companion would be immediately upgraded to F. But If I am not able to maintain 75k status into next year, will the F seats stick? Or, if Alaska cancels these particular flights, would I be rebooked on alternate flights in F as a lower-status or non-status member (or get downgraded to Y)?
Jun 4, 2021, 11:24 am
#2
Join Date: Nov 2016
Location: On a plane or a beach
Programs: Yes
Posts: 3,149
If you’re purchasing a GGU eligible fare you will need to apply a GGU to each ticket after checkout. If you’re purchasing a qualifying instant FC upgrade fare, that will automatically upgrade to FC. Both scenarios require U space to be available.
Instant Upgrade Fares: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...ntary-upgrades
GGU Usage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...guest-upgrades
Instant Upgrade Fares: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...ntary-upgrades
GGU Usage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...guest-upgrades
Jun 4, 2021, 11:29 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
I'm currently 75k from the status challenge earlier this year and have flown a few AS flights. I'm now looking to book my first round-trip flight using a companion ticket. I'm looking at flights next year and U inventory is available for both flights. If I buy the "First Class Upgrade" fare (which is only about $100 more expensive each way), I understand that me and my companion would be immediately upgraded to F. But If I am not able to maintain 75k status into next year, will the F seats stick? Or, if Alaska cancels these particular flights, would I be rebooked on alternate flights in F as a lower-status or non-status member (or get downgraded to Y)?
Jun 4, 2021, 11:31 am
#4
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
If you’re purchasing a GGU eligible fare you will need to apply a GGU to each ticket after checkout. If you’re purchasing a qualifying instant FC upgrade fare, that will automatically upgrade to FC. Both scenarios require U space to be available.
Instant Upgrade Fares: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...ntary-upgrades
GGU Usage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...guest-upgrades
Instant Upgrade Fares: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...ntary-upgrades
GGU Usage: https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi...guest-upgrades
Jun 4, 2021, 11:33 am
#5
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2011
Programs: Delta DM, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,495
I think the F seats would stick even after you lose your status....in fact, most people report being on the upgrade list based on the status they had when they booked the ticket even if they lose that status later on--not sure if that's the case but I'm guessing it is. I'm guessing it would be cheaper just to apply a couple of GGUs instead of paying for the instantly upgradeable fare.
Jun 4, 2021, 11:36 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
Jun 4, 2021, 11:37 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
Thanks. I've already used my GGUs. This would be a qualifying instant F upgrade fare (more expensive than the fare for GGUs). U space is available now, but I'm wondering what, if anything, happens if I'm no longer 75k at the time of flights (or how my ticket would be treated if AS cancels these flights).
Aug 19, 2021, 7:14 am
#8
Join Date: Sep 2012
Posts: 1,331
I think the F seats would stick even after you lose your status....in fact, most people report being on the upgrade list based on the status they had when they booked the ticket even if they lose that status later on--not sure if that's the case but I'm guessing it is. I'm guessing it would be cheaper just to apply a couple of GGUs instead of paying for the instantly upgradeable fare.
Thanks FT!
Aug 19, 2021, 9:17 pm
#9
Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: PDX, OGG or between the two
Programs: AS 75K
Posts: 2,863
I also must admit to being kind of a GGU fool. I had no idea I could use them on my own flights. The name "Gold GUEST Upgrade" led me to believe they were only to give to other people. I probably would have learned this sooner had I actually been able to find any flights that were upgradable.