Flying Different Together
Dec 14, 2016, 6:28 am
#1
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Original Poster
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
Flying Different Together
Loyalty
If I have a Mileage Plan or Elevate membership, what can I expect as a result of the merger?
Today, Mileage Plan and Elevate continue to operate as separate programs. Mileage Plan members will continue to hold miles in their Mileage Plan accounts and Elevate members will continue to hold Elevate points in their Elevate accounts.
Beginning Monday, December 19, 2016, Mileage Plan members can earn Mileage Plan miles on Virgin America flights, and Elevate members can earn Elevate points on Alaska Airlines flights.
Beginning Monday, January 9, 2017, Elevate members will be invited to activate a Mileage Plan account, with elite status match, and learn how Elevate points can eventually be used to book award travel on Alaska and its global partners. At that time, Mileage Plan members will have the ability to redeem Mileage Plan miles for Virgin America flights.
Longer term, we’ll be evaluating how to bring these programs together to deliver our loyal customers the most value. We look forward to bringing you more news in the coming weeks.
If I have elite status on Mileage Plan or Elevate, will I receive elite benefits on both?
Today, you'll continue to enjoy all your Mileage Plan elite status benefits when flying on Alaska Airlines or Elevate elite status benefits when flying on Virgin America.
Plus, starting Monday, December 19, 2016, Mileage Plan MVP, Gold, and Gold 75K members will receive priority check-in and priority boarding when flying on Virgin America, and Elevate Silver and Gold members will receive priority check-in and boarding when flying on Alaska Airlines.
We are working quickly to extend a broader range of reciprocal elite benefits to both Elevate and Mileage Plan members across Virgin America and Alaska flights.
Dec 14, 2016, 8:24 am
#3
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 133
Was thinking about getting the Alaska credit card before the programs merge. Is there any rush? Better to act before January 9 or after? Should I sign up for Alaska frequent flier account ahead of time in any case?
For perspective, I have the virgin card now and a few dozen miles short of status.
For perspective, I have the virgin card now and a few dozen miles short of status.
Dec 14, 2016, 9:38 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,625
Dec 14, 2016, 10:10 am
#6
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New York
Programs: Bonvoy LifetimeTitanium, UA Plat 2MM, LHW LeadersClub, IHGPlat, HiltonDiamnd, ASMVPG100K, WyndDiamnd
Posts: 1,227
This is way too vague, even given the promised additional information next week. For example, in anticipation of the merger, I have a flight on a partner of AS on January 1. I am VX Gold. I am not currently in Mileage Plan. Do I have to enroll in Mileage Plan to get the credit? I assume so. Even if I do so, will I not get elite mileage because it is before January 9? Why did they make the date January 9? I am sure there is a reason, but January 1 would seem to make sense as that is the beginning of the frequent flyer year.
Also, it says Elevate elites will be status matched into Mileage Plan. Does that give VX members full benefits? Normally, a Mileage Plan status match will not entitle one to some elite bonuses. If that is the case, VX members are getting second rate status.
Of course the other big questions, presumably to be answered next week, is which level VX Gold will be matched into. Will it be to MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K? If it is not to MVP Gold 75K, VX elites are really being shortchanged.
Also, it says Elevate elites will be status matched into Mileage Plan. Does that give VX members full benefits? Normally, a Mileage Plan status match will not entitle one to some elite bonuses. If that is the case, VX members are getting second rate status.
Of course the other big questions, presumably to be answered next week, is which level VX Gold will be matched into. Will it be to MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K? If it is not to MVP Gold 75K, VX elites are really being shortchanged.
Dec 14, 2016, 10:21 am
#7
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,625
This is way too vague, even given the promised additional information next week. For example, in anticipation of the merger, I have a flight on a partner of AS on January 1. I am VX Gold. I am not currently in Mileage Plan. Do I have to enroll in Mileage Plan to get the credit? I assume so. Even if I do so, will I not get elite mileage because it is before January 9? Why did they make the date January 9? I am sure there is a reason, but January 1 would seem to make sense as that is the beginning of the frequent flyer year.
Also, it says Elevate elites will be status matched into Mileage Plan. Does that give VX members full benefits? Normally, a Mileage Plan status match will not entitle one to some elite bonuses. If that is the case, VX members are getting second rate status.
Of course the other big questions, presumably to be answered next week, is which level VX Gold will be matched into. Will it be to MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K? If it is not to MVP Gold 75K, VX elites are really being shortchanged.
Also, it says Elevate elites will be status matched into Mileage Plan. Does that give VX members full benefits? Normally, a Mileage Plan status match will not entitle one to some elite bonuses. If that is the case, VX members are getting second rate status.
Of course the other big questions, presumably to be answered next week, is which level VX Gold will be matched into. Will it be to MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K? If it is not to MVP Gold 75K, VX elites are really being shortchanged.
(2) January 9 makes sense in that it avoids all the hassle of dealing with holiday travel - the newly implemented rules, infrequent travelers, training staff, passengers demanding benefits for which they may or may not be entitled, etc.
(3) Future matching (i.e., G v 75K) - now that they "own the place" they can take a look at the FF ranks, and it would seem that some would be 75K and some just G. Notwithstanding same, VX Gold represents a very high spend flyer that AS shouldn't want to tick off, even if it ticks off a few AS 75Ks.
Dec 14, 2016, 10:38 am
#8
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New York
Programs: Bonvoy LifetimeTitanium, UA Plat 2MM, LHW LeadersClub, IHGPlat, HiltonDiamnd, ASMVPG100K, WyndDiamnd
Posts: 1,227
....
(3) Future matching (i.e., G v 75K) - now that they "own the place" they can take a look at the FF ranks, and it would seem that some would be 75K and some just G. Notwithstanding same, VX Gold represents a very high spend flyer that AS shouldn't want to tick off, even if it ticks off a few AS 75Ks.
(3) Future matching (i.e., G v 75K) - now that they "own the place" they can take a look at the FF ranks, and it would seem that some would be 75K and some just G. Notwithstanding same, VX Gold represents a very high spend flyer that AS shouldn't want to tick off, even if it ticks off a few AS 75Ks.
Dec 14, 2016, 10:50 am
#9
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,847
I assume they are waiting until 9 January to find out who actually requalified for status in 2016. That way they don't have to give AS status to people that already stopped flying on VX.
Interesting too that on 9 Jan only AS people will be able to redeem on VX and not the other way around.
Interesting too that on 9 Jan only AS people will be able to redeem on VX and not the other way around.
Dec 14, 2016, 10:52 am
#10
Join Date: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,232
The status match is going to be very tricky . Hoping they don't alienate us Elevate Gold members - JetBlue is making a BIG push to get MINT expanded to an increasing number of markets and already had a very generous mile match for Virgin customers. If the status match turns out to be disappointing or inadequate , then I suspect JetBlue will make a very aggressive play for Elevate elites.
Dec 14, 2016, 11:03 am
#11
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,847
The status match is going to be very tricky . Hoping they don't alienate us Elevate Gold members - JetBlue is making a BIG push to get MINT expanded to an increasing number of markets and already had a very generous mile match for Virgin customers. If the status match turns out to be disappointing or inadequate , then I suspect JetBlue will make a very aggressive play for Elevate elites.
So far they haven't given much thought to retaining VX customers. They have announced some upcoming benefits for AS people but have almost completely ignored the VX people. Kinda strange as AS people are already flying AS so they don't need to work as hard to get them on board.
Dec 14, 2016, 11:03 am
#12
Join Date: Jan 2013
Programs: AS MVPG, WN A-List
Posts: 100
This is a key part. As the announcement said "Elevate members will be invited to activate a Mileage Plan account, with elite status match." That could mean either a normal status match which is typically given to members of other programs, which does not include (to my understanding) all of the bonuses regular elites get, or it could be they will match your status and you will be a 100% equal with existing Mileage Plan members (e.g. for MVP Gold 75K (assuming VX members get this) "Members granted complimentary status, including status matched from another program, are not eligible for the 50,000 bonus mile offer.").
Dec 14, 2016, 11:03 am
#13
Join Date: Apr 2016
Programs: Virgin America
Posts: 95
I know this is all vague, but, just based on this email am I correct that I shouldn't be in a rush to spend my 100k+ elevate miles? If they come out and say im going to lose 2:1 points when this merger happens, I will of course try to spend my miles as quickly as possible before this happens. No need to worry yet, right?
Dec 14, 2016, 11:15 am
#14
Join Date: Apr 2003
Programs: B6 Mosaic, Bonvoy LT Titanium (x SPG LT), IHG Spire, UA Silver
Posts: 5,847
I know this is all vague, but, just based on this email am I correct that I shouldn't be in a rush to spend my 100k+ elevate miles? If they come out and say im going to lose 2:1 points when this merger happens, I will of course try to spend my miles as quickly as possible before this happens. No need to worry yet, right?
Dec 14, 2016, 11:30 am
#15
Moderator Communications Coordinator, Signatures
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: deep within the Eskimo lair
Programs: TubWorld, Bar Alliance, Borratxo Legendarium
Posts: 16,968
This is way too vague, even given the promised additional information next week. For example, in anticipation of the merger, I have a flight on a partner of AS on January 1. I am VX Gold. I am not currently in Mileage Plan. Do I have to enroll in Mileage Plan to get the credit? I assume so. Even if I do so, will I not get elite mileage because it is before January 9? Why did they make the date January 9? I am sure there is a reason, but January 1 would seem to make sense as that is the beginning of the frequent flyer year.
Also, it says Elevate elites will be status matched into Mileage Plan. Does that give VX members full benefits? Normally, a Mileage Plan status match will not entitle one to some elite bonuses. If that is the case, VX members are getting second rate status.
Of course the other big questions, presumably to be answered next week, is which level VX Gold will be matched into. Will it be to MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K? If it is not to MVP Gold 75K, VX elites are really being shortchanged.
Also, it says Elevate elites will be status matched into Mileage Plan. Does that give VX members full benefits? Normally, a Mileage Plan status match will not entitle one to some elite bonuses. If that is the case, VX members are getting second rate status.
Of course the other big questions, presumably to be answered next week, is which level VX Gold will be matched into. Will it be to MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K? If it is not to MVP Gold 75K, VX elites are really being shortchanged.
2) As said in other posts, matched status gets all of the same benefits as earned status, other than the 50K bonus for those who earn Gold 75K.