NW elite flying AS
Sep 23, 2008, 11:55 am
#16
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K (MM), DL, AA, AS, HHonors, SPG, Kimpton, Hyatt, IC PC, Marriott Titanium (LT PLT), Hertz PC
Posts: 7,231
Ok, so here's a quick rundown of the results:
- The ticket agents at ORD, though extremely nice, had NO idea what I was trying to do. They thought that NW handled those upgrades and that I needed to talk to them. Eventually, after reading through all of the rules, as well as the conflicting reports of when and where to use the upgrade cert numbers, they did check for availability in either U or F fare buckets, and there was none. In the end, I got rerouted anyway, so it didn't matter.
- My return experience was starkly different. Leaving from SEA last night, I checked in using the kiosks, then went to one of the "Check Bag Here" stations (step#2
). There, an agent took about 3 seconds to look up availability and print me a new boarding pass. Note, this is still outside of security, and about 3.5 hours before the flight. I enjoyed a row all to myself, views of the volcanoes of the pacific NW, as well as the grilled chicken and pasta dish that was served.
- I did use the AS Board Room in both SEA and LAX. Both are very nice. A bit more modern than the WorldClubs, and not nearly as crowded.
I would definitely use AS again, knowing that I'd be rolling the dice big time in terms of upgrades (particularly out of ORD).
- The ticket agents at ORD, though extremely nice, had NO idea what I was trying to do. They thought that NW handled those upgrades and that I needed to talk to them. Eventually, after reading through all of the rules, as well as the conflicting reports of when and where to use the upgrade cert numbers, they did check for availability in either U or F fare buckets, and there was none. In the end, I got rerouted anyway, so it didn't matter.
- My return experience was starkly different. Leaving from SEA last night, I checked in using the kiosks, then went to one of the "Check Bag Here" stations (step#2
). There, an agent took about 3 seconds to look up availability and print me a new boarding pass. Note, this is still outside of security, and about 3.5 hours before the flight. I enjoyed a row all to myself, views of the volcanoes of the pacific NW, as well as the grilled chicken and pasta dish that was served.- I did use the AS Board Room in both SEA and LAX. Both are very nice. A bit more modern than the WorldClubs, and not nearly as crowded.
I would definitely use AS again, knowing that I'd be rolling the dice big time in terms of upgrades (particularly out of ORD).
Sep 23, 2008, 5:00 pm
#17
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Ok, so here's a quick rundown of the results:
- The ticket agents at ORD, though extremely nice, had NO idea what I was trying to do. They thought that NW handled those upgrades and that I needed to talk to them. Eventually, after reading through all of the rules, as well as the conflicting reports of when and where to use the upgrade cert numbers, they did check for availability in either U or F fare buckets, and there was none. In the end, I got rerouted anyway, so it didn't matter.
- My return experience was starkly different. Leaving from SEA last night, I checked in using the kiosks, then went to one of the "Check Bag Here" stations (step#2 ). There, an agent took about 3 seconds to look up availability and print me a new boarding pass. Note, this is still outside of security, and about 3.5 hours before the flight. I enjoyed a row all to myself, views of the volcanoes of the pacific NW, as well as the grilled chicken and pasta dish that was served.
- I did use the AS Board Room in both SEA and LAX. Both are very nice. A bit more modern than the WorldClubs, and not nearly as crowded.
I would definitely use AS again, knowing that I'd be rolling the dice big time in terms of upgrades (particularly out of ORD).
- The ticket agents at ORD, though extremely nice, had NO idea what I was trying to do. They thought that NW handled those upgrades and that I needed to talk to them. Eventually, after reading through all of the rules, as well as the conflicting reports of when and where to use the upgrade cert numbers, they did check for availability in either U or F fare buckets, and there was none. In the end, I got rerouted anyway, so it didn't matter.
- My return experience was starkly different. Leaving from SEA last night, I checked in using the kiosks, then went to one of the "Check Bag Here" stations (step#2
). There, an agent took about 3 seconds to look up availability and print me a new boarding pass. Note, this is still outside of security, and about 3.5 hours before the flight. I enjoyed a row all to myself, views of the volcanoes of the pacific NW, as well as the grilled chicken and pasta dish that was served.- I did use the AS Board Room in both SEA and LAX. Both are very nice. A bit more modern than the WorldClubs, and not nearly as crowded.
I would definitely use AS again, knowing that I'd be rolling the dice big time in terms of upgrades (particularly out of ORD).
I wouldn't expect many NW elites to be flying from ORD... hence their inexperience with them (but you got to teach them new tricks
) SEA-ORD are notoriously difficult to get an UG on too... like our ANC-SEA routes. But with the upgraded SEA-LAX-SEA service, its great! Lots of flights to get UG's on, and good food too for such a short run. SEA & LAX do have nice BR's, but the PDX one, although smaller, has a business decor.
Sep 23, 2008, 6:21 pm
#18
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: LAX
Programs: DL GM
Posts: 1,029
The one time I did it I was sternly told that the F/MVP line was NOT for NW Elites flying coach. I was Plat at the time.
Sep 24, 2008, 11:31 am
#19
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DEN
Programs: UA 1K (MM), DL, AA, AS, HHonors, SPG, Kimpton, Hyatt, IC PC, Marriott Titanium (LT PLT), Hertz PC
Posts: 7,231
I got into the F/MVP line at SEA but I was gently reminded that it was because I had a seat in F, and not because I am a NW elite...Seems consistent with what's stated by MJLogan.
Jan 29, 2009, 3:09 pm
#20
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: IAH
Posts: 242
I have a related question. I am a newly minted NW Gold and I was wondering if you could get upgraded on an AS-operated flight (but booked via AA w/ an AA flight #) w/ my NW Gold card. I am thinking of LAX-SEA or SAN-SEA if that matters. Thanks!
Jan 29, 2009, 10:43 pm
#21
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: AUS
Programs: AA Exec Platinum/MM, DL Gold/MM, Hilton Diamond, Accor Platinum, Hertz Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,976
There have been occasional reports of AS agents insisting it must be a NW code share but that is not correct. Any AS-operated flight will work. There must be U inventory to upgrade into.
Jan 30, 2009, 7:21 am
#22
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: IAH
Posts: 242
Yes. See http://www.nwa.com/offers/alaskaupgrade08/. Better hurry if you want to take advantage of the certificate option: "The last day to request 2008 WorldPerks program year certificates is January 31, 2009".
There have been occasional reports of AS agents insisting it must be a NW code share but that is not correct. Any AS-operated flight will work. There must be U inventory to upgrade into.
There have been occasional reports of AS agents insisting it must be a NW code share but that is not correct. Any AS-operated flight will work. There must be U inventory to upgrade into.
No Matter