Last edit by: Joeykins
AS is a long standing BA partner and, as of 31st March 2021, a full member of oneworld. You can book AS flights using your Avios through BA: prior to AS joining oneworld this was only possible on the phone through your local service centre, but it is now possible to book online with some caveats, specifically that at this time (August 2022) it's not possible to retrieve the AS PNR via ba.com - the chat function on alaskaair.com is staffed by helpful and responsive agents though who can get your AS PNR issued quickly. You can book flights up to 330 days in advance.
It has been reported that flights operated by Skywest "Skywest operating as Alaska Airlines" for flights like SEA-SLO are not possible to book with Avios. The system may initially allow agents to grab inventory but then will send back an error message when going further even with the telephone booking.
Avios Cost
The cost should be in line with the normal BA reward price banding. To get an idea of what your flight may cost check the distance with the BAEC flight calculator or using gcmap, and then have a look at the avios banding here.
Note that all AS flights (just like any other non-BA flights) are priced at the peak avios rates. Also note that from 2 February 2016, redemption rates for travel on American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, and TAM will start at 7,500 Avios rather than 4,500 Avios, effectively pricing Distance Band 1 flights as Band 2.
If the flight includes a number of stops under the same flight number then the avios charge is for a non-stop flight from the departure point to the destination. For example, for Seattle to Juneau AS65 the service makes three stops enroute. However, the avios rate charged is as if it were non-stop Seattle to Juneau flight (7,500 avios) and not the avios total for four segments.
Taxes, Fees, and Charges
As with other non-BA reward bookings you need to pay the taxes, fees, and charges. You should be able to predict what this will be by having a look at the taxes, fees, and charges on the AS website or on itamatrix.
BA policy is to charge £15/US$25 for offline award tickets but there has been consistent and sustained reports for years of agents waiving fees. As recently as 1/2017, there have been confirmatory reports that the telephone fee has been consistently waived. When initially calling the call center let your first sentence be, "Can you help me with an Alaska booking that I cannot complete online." The agents have all proactively waived fees in every circumstance. If they do not, HUCA (hang up and call again - or ask supervisor to waive)
Can I Check Reward Availability Online?
You can attempt to make a booking on ba.com and this should at least show Alaska mainline routes. You can also check AA website and the AS website. If AS reward flights show as available on aa.com, then they should be bookable with BA using avios. Check MileSAAver availability not AAnytime availability. AA may be better to check as this should show partner reward availability.
Checked Bags?
AS charges for checked bags on all economy fares, however oneworld ruby & sapphire members are entitled to 2 free bags and emerald members to 3 free bags. Note that oneworld elite baggage allowance is only applied to the passenger with the elite status: 1 GCH and 3 blue members on the same booking only provides 3 bags free, not 12. See the baggage information here. Note that you can only add bags at OLCI, at the airport, or on the phone no earlier than 24 hrs before the flight. Baggage fees are also waived for Alaska Credit Card holders and up to 6 companions on the same booking.
Redemptions in First include 2 checked bags per passenger as the base entitlement.
oneworld Benefits?
AS joined oneworld on 31st March 2021: priority check-in, priority boarding, baggage allowance* and lounge access for passengers with status all apply per the normal oneworld/AS policies. Alaska's table is here.
(* see the Checked Bags question above for an important detail)
Does the 24 hour Cooling Off Period Apply?
Yes it does. However, you must cancel by phone - it is not possible to do it online. Miles are refunded immediately into your Avios account, taxes (if returned) just take a few days to be credited.
Can I Amend the Booking?
Yes, subject to fees and reward availability on the flight you want to move to. You need to do it on the phone. Fees (both the offline fee and change fee) are shown here.
Because of the fee structure of BA Avios - it is often beneficial to book two one ways instead of one roundtrip if you are unsure about either your departure or return dates.
Can I Cancel the Booking?
Yes you may subject to the usual fees here Fees (both the offline fee and change fee) are shown here. If the taxes, fees, and charges you paid were less than the cancellation fee due then you simply forfeit the taxes and fees paid and that serves as your effective cancellation fee. If taxes, fees, and charges you paid were more than the cancellation fee then you would pay the cancellation fee USD55 but get back your taxes in full as well as your miles. (Rather they debit USD55 from your taxes and fees and return to you the balance remaining to your form of payment.)
Can I SDC Same Day Confirm on an AS Avios Ticket?
Yes, AS Avios tickets are eligible for AS same day confirmed change benefits as detailed on the AS website. If AS agent tells you differently HUCA. But AS website should allow you to do this regardless.
Are AS Avios tickets upgradeable with cash?
Yes, AS Avios tickets can be upgraded by paying a fee at 24hr check in, "U" inventory allowance, space available. Please note upgraded U fare class tickets are not eligible for lounge access.
Do AS Elite Benefits apply to AS Avios tickets?
Yes, if you are AS MVP Gold for instance your AS Avios ticket is eligible for Complimentary Upgrades and as long as your AS FFN is in the reservation, you will be automatically added to the AS complimentary upgrade list (AS in 12/05/16 changed policy to allow complimentary upgrades to apply to award tickets - including Avios awards) Gold Guest Upgrades, however, have never been allowed to be applied to AS Avios tickets.
Can I book Virgin America flights now using avios?
As of 25 April 2018, Virgin America no longer exists as far as reservations systems are concerned. Former VX flights are now AS flights and can be booked with Avios.
Booking Alaska Airlines with Avios
#856
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Seattle, WA (US)
Programs: Oneworld (Emerald)
Posts: 127
So I'm interested in booking a one-way Alaska Airlines award flight by redeeming Avios, but it doesn't appear in BA search. The itinerary is a nonstop flight from SFO->TPA on Sunday, November 20. The code is AS 608. Am I understanding that this flight should be bookable with Avios even though I can't get it to appear on BA search? Thank you.
That flight does not show up on an award search on the AA app. If it's not available to AAdvantage members, then I would not expect it to be available for redemption by members of any of AS' other partner frequent-flyer programs.
Airlines like AA and AS have different award availability (at varying redemption rates) for members of their own programs vs. members of partner programs.
Airlines like AA and AS have different award availability (at varying redemption rates) for members of their own programs vs. members of partner programs.
You can also check this directly on the AS website using their award search, but you need to know the "saver" level price for the route you are searching. To find that, you have to consult Alaska's own mileage program award charts... all said, cross-referencing BA and AA award searches is often easier, if you do not have an EF subscription.
#857
Join Date: Nov 2019
Posts: 19
As guv1976 mentioned, if the AS flight does not appear in AA award search results either, then it is not available at the "saver" level. According to Expert Flyer, AS 608 has no saver-level award availability in either first (E) or coach (T) on your date. You would need saver to book via partner programs, such as AA or BA.
You can also check this directly on the AS website using their award search, but you need to know the "saver" level price for the route you are searching. To find that, you have to consult Alaska's own mileage program award charts... all said, cross-referencing BA and AA award searches is often easier, if you do not have an EF subscription.
You can also check this directly on the AS website using their award search, but you need to know the "saver" level price for the route you are searching. To find that, you have to consult Alaska's own mileage program award charts... all said, cross-referencing BA and AA award searches is often easier, if you do not have an EF subscription.
#858
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Based out of MAN; LON/NYC regular
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Platinum Amb, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 214
I've updated the wiki based off posts in this thread and my own experience making an Avios booking on AS directly through the BA site in the past hour
Last edited by Joeykins; Aug 26, 2022 at 8:31 am
#859
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 38
I am trying to book a return flight from SEA to YYC and back next July (approx 5th to 18th) using BA avios. I have only ever booked BA flights with avios before, so I may be misunderstanding what is possible. I can't see any availability in either direct in July on the BA website.
I have checked on Alaska and there are "Saver" fares available on those dates, and after looking on the wiki above I tried checking on the AA site, but it did not offer any Alaskan flights - just AA flights connecting via DFW!
Are the flights already all booked up for July 2023, or just not released? I'm just puzzled as to why there are none at all. Any suggestions would be most welcome thanks.
I have checked on Alaska and there are "Saver" fares available on those dates, and after looking on the wiki above I tried checking on the AA site, but it did not offer any Alaskan flights - just AA flights connecting via DFW!
Are the flights already all booked up for July 2023, or just not released? I'm just puzzled as to why there are none at all. Any suggestions would be most welcome thanks.
#860
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
I am trying to book a return flight from SEA to YYC and back next July (approx 5th to 18th) using BA avios. I have only ever booked BA flights with avios before, so I may be misunderstanding what is possible. I can't see any availability in either direct in July on the BA website.
I have checked on Alaska and there are "Saver" fares available on those dates, and after looking on the wiki above I tried checking on the AA site, but it did not offer any Alaskan flights - just AA flights connecting via DFW!
Are the flights already all booked up for July 2023, or just not released? I'm just puzzled as to why there are none at all. Any suggestions would be most welcome thanks.
I have checked on Alaska and there are "Saver" fares available on those dates, and after looking on the wiki above I tried checking on the AA site, but it did not offer any Alaskan flights - just AA flights connecting via DFW!
Are the flights already all booked up for July 2023, or just not released? I'm just puzzled as to why there are none at all. Any suggestions would be most welcome thanks.
(Both of those departures are available on the AA app for 12.5K AA miles, so you might have to find a flight that AS is offering for 10K -- or fewer -- AS miles.)
#861
Join Date: Aug 2021
Location: UK
Programs: BAEC Gold
Posts: 38
Thanks for the info. Does Alaskan operate like BA and redemption flights can be added later to fill up the plane or do they only have a fixed number per flight and if they are sold then there are no more available at any point?
#862
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
Award availability on these carriers is dynamic, meaning that it can change day to day, so I would just keep an eye on it.
#864
Join Date: Aug 2019
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 1,110
#865
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,585
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ptions#waivers
#866
Join Date: Jan 2017
Programs: BA GGL. Marriott Platinum, Hilton Diamond, Starwood Gold
Posts: 46
Wondered if someone could clarify. I have booked an avios redemption in economy on Alaska which is hand baggage only. As a GGL, do I get complimentary checked baggage or is this only if I have paid for the ticket and I will end up having to pay the baggage fees.
#867
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Based out of MAN; LON/NYC regular
Programs: BAEC Gold, IHG Platinum Amb, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 214
From the Wiki
Checked Bags?
AS charges for checked bags on all economy fares, however oneworld ruby & sapphire members are entitled to 2 free bags and emerald members to 3 free bags. Note that oneworld elite baggage allowance is only applied to the passenger with the elite status: 1 GCH and 3 blue members on the same booking only provides 3 bags free, not 12. See the baggage information here.
AS charges for checked bags on all economy fares, however oneworld ruby & sapphire members are entitled to 2 free bags and emerald members to 3 free bags. Note that oneworld elite baggage allowance is only applied to the passenger with the elite status: 1 GCH and 3 blue members on the same booking only provides 3 bags free, not 12. See the baggage information here.
#868
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: San Diego, CA
Programs: Yes.
Posts: 516
I'm pretty sure the asnwer is no, but our family had a nonstop flight (SAN-PVR) booked with Avios on AS that just got canceled. BAEC rebooked us SAN-SFO-PVR. There is a non stop a day before that we'd prefer but doesn't have T space. Would AS be willing to accommodate? Or do all conversations have to happen with BAEC?
#870
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,503