Alaska Airlines elites no longer receive some of their elite benefits while flying American Airlines on Basic Economy tickets. This change is being made even though American Airlines elite members receive full benefits on basic economy tickets.
- Extra legroom coach seats are no longer available to Alaska Airlines elites flying American on basic economy fares
- Complimentary same day changes are no longer available to Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 75Ks flying American on basic economy fares
American explains the reason for the changes as being to put “us more in alignment with Alaska Airlines’ benefit offerings to our elite customers.” This also avoids incentivizing Alaska elites flying American over Alaska where they don’t receive full benefits on basic fares.
During the pandemic American restored elite benefits to basic economy fares, while removing elite status credit accrual from those fares. Now AAdvantage elites flying basic economy are even eligible for upgrades.
I’d just assumed that the upgrade algorithm was reprogrammed to no longer exclude tickets booked at these fares, however that’s not the case. Instead, elites on these fares have to have their bookings adjusted.
AA: We’ll do for ours but not for yours.
Sounds like a sound partnership.
@christian: alaska doesn’t even do for theirs on basic economy fares. haha
Gotta say…since their partnership, things are heading South for AS elites. Getting bumped from upgrades due to AA elites is just one example of the downward spiral.
@Rob I agree with your statement for sure!!!
> During the pandemic American restored elite benefits to basic economy fares, while removing elite status credit accrual from those fares
Well, that’s nicer than what United did
Just more ‘enhancements’
Being rated second class below AA Elites. Some partnership. Take your slapping and like it!
After my last experience with American Airlines I will NEVER fly them again anyway!!!!
AA Platinums don’t get access to AS Premium economy seats without paying a surcharge so it should be reciprocal.
@JimC & @Gary — I thought AA elites (even us lowlife Plats) we’re going to be integrated into AS system in 2nd half of year. Not true? Thanks.
AA transatlantic flights are sold as mixed cabin at first class points. Yet AA won’t upgrade any AS bookings, even if seats are available.
When we booked, it was after being told that we could be upgraded if space was there. That’s the same as waitlisting normally goes.
NOTE: verified via phone by an AA CSR and AS CSR that AA will not issue upgrades on an international flight on AS status. I feel like we paid first class points for a long economy flight.
When we went to the AA lounge, it felt like an interrogation to get in. Our tickets on the US leg showed first class, but also showed our AS #. Definitely made us feel that we didn’t belong there.