Effective December 5, Alaska Airlines will start taking fare class into account when determining upgrade priority.
- Elite status
- Fare class [more expensive fare classes have higher priority]
- Time of request
In addition, coach award tickets will become upgradable. Full, refundable coach awards (these book into ‘Z’ inventory) will be eligible for instant upgrade to first class for elite members.
As always, instant upgrades require there to be upgrade inventory (U space) available.
Meanwhile, saver and medium level coach awards will become upgradable December 5th as well.
(HT: Joe R.)
As far as award tickets – H_ll yeah!
Do you think we need to rebook already schedule award flights or should the new policy apply to these as well?
What about AA elites? SOL?
This hit the fan yesterday. Trying to check seat maps on AS last night was a mess. They kept changing configuration and current reservations could not be seen. 800’s will be E+ and 900’s have new up fare requirements for front of Y seats.
What should be noted is that these upgrades are into the new Premium Economy seats.
Preferred seats are no longer available to elites upon booking, up fare required. 75’s are the only elites who get better benefits with new Mileage Plan program.
MVP’s got shafted on this one.
Back of the plane until 48 hour upgrade window. Then, if any E+ seats left, (probably middle) then they can move up to those seats. Those elites who booked seats months ago in Row 6 are now being re-seated , without notice. Most don’t see it until OLCI. Then it is too late to change to a decent seat. MANY angry AS elites right now. Loyalty is being challenged.