AS Changes Award Charts: Distance- and Zone-Based from March 2024
Nov 15, 2023, 8:58 am
#17
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: SFO, CLT
Programs: AA Bonsai EXP (2.9 MM), AS MVPG
Posts: 1,395
This is a major devaluation in my view and basically kills my desire to earn miles on Alaska. The ability to do a very long stopover was THE sweet spot in the AS program - now gone.
Nov 15, 2023, 8:59 am
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,859
I took a second, closer look at the TERMS. Here's where they cover YQ, "The exact amount of taxes and carrier-imposed fees that will apply will appear when searching for a particular itinerary, and can start at $100 for international itineraries with select partners." Looks to me like it definitely stays.
Where does the $100 come from?
Nov 15, 2023, 9:35 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
Programs: AS MVP Gold 75K, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,598
Interesting enough, it is worded the exact same way in the TERMS for the current award chart. I think the key term here is "can start", and not "will start".
Nov 15, 2023, 9:44 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Near SEA
Programs: UA MM, AS MVPG75K, Marriott Lifetime Gold
Posts: 7,969
I’m actually quite happy about this. Should open more availability for the rest of us!
Nov 15, 2023, 9:57 am
#23
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2019
Location: SAN, BOS
Programs: AS MVPG100K, BAEC Gold, Hilton Diamond, Bonvoy Plat,
Posts: 2,282
Nov 15, 2023, 10:02 am
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Pacific Northwest
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, AS 75k, AA Plat, Bonvoyed Gold, Honors Dia, Hyatt Explorer, IHG Plat, ...
Posts: 16,859
Nov 15, 2023, 10:23 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: LAX/SFO
Programs: AS 100k, BA GGL, UA 1k, DL DM, AC SE, B6 Mosaic4, Hyatt/Hilton/Wyndham/IHG Diamond, Marriot Ti
Posts: 1,249
The 14 day restriction on stopovers is a big devaluation. With the scarcity of award availability sometimes there was no other option but to have a longer stopover. The CX awards to Oceania/TLV/JNB will also be but a sweet memory.
Nov 15, 2023, 10:36 am
#27
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: SEA
Programs: AS 100K, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 876
Not really much of a change. Its actually a drop for biz.. SEA-LHR is 4800miles. Currently 65k. Under the new charts its now 55k. FC goes up from 75k to 82.5K. So some devaluation, but minor.
Nov 15, 2023, 10:37 am
#28
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 4,975
Nov 15, 2023, 11:01 am
#30
Join Date: Sep 2009
Programs: UA GS>1K>Nothing; DL DM 2MM; AS 75K>Nothing>MVP
Posts: 9,341
A few thoughts.
1. Given that cash fares have gone up a lot, the relative cost in miles has not really gone up much.
2. For me the ability to book premium fares easily (no premium for one way, no cancellation fees, constant fare, quick to book) was and is a big advantage of using AS miles. If there is limited availability, this advantage goes away.) I would much rather pay more and get seats, then pay less for something that's not available.
3. Still don't know how these changes fit in with the reduced availability of award space on partner airlines.
4. Don't know about other airlines, but I'd say at least 70% of all pax on JAL F were flying on award tickets. I wonder how they are going to fill the seats now if they don't open up more award space.
1. Given that cash fares have gone up a lot, the relative cost in miles has not really gone up much.
2. For me the ability to book premium fares easily (no premium for one way, no cancellation fees, constant fare, quick to book) was and is a big advantage of using AS miles. If there is limited availability, this advantage goes away.) I would much rather pay more and get seats, then pay less for something that's not available.
3. Still don't know how these changes fit in with the reduced availability of award space on partner airlines.
4. Don't know about other airlines, but I'd say at least 70% of all pax on JAL F were flying on award tickets. I wonder how they are going to fill the seats now if they don't open up more award space.