American Airlines Executive Platinum (and Concierge Key) members have been getting upgrades on Alaska Airlines for the past three months. This benefit is being extended to Platinum Pro members as well.

Platinum Pro (“75K” elite tier) becomes oneworld emerald on Wednesday, June 30th. That means more free checked bags, and better priority check-in as well as first class lounge access on international trips where those lounges have re-opened. Separate from oneworld benefits, and unique to the American partnership with Alaska, it will also mean upgrades on Alaska starting in ‘a few days’.

Executive Platinum upgrades are available on Alaska Airlines non-basic economy fares:

• Confirmed up to 120 hours prior to departure
  
• Prioritized behind Alaska’s MVP Gold 75K members

Platinum Pro members will receive upgrades on Alaska through the same process. That means they’re eligible for upgrades when traveling on any Alaska fare other than basic economy, starting 120 hours prior to departure, behind Alaska MVP Gold 75Ks (but ahead of Alaska MVP Golds).

Alaska Airlines First Class

This is a big win for Platinum Pro members flying Alaska, and indeed they may do better on Alaska metal than on American metal and at the very least their upgrade window opens earlier. This is a blow to Alaska’s own MVP Golds who may see fewer upgrades as a result of being knocked further down in the pecking order below American’s 75K elites.

Upgrades for American Airlines elites flying on Alaska are prioritized based on fare class and time of request. That means when two competing Executive Platinums are on the upgrade list, the one who has the higher ‘fare class’ will prevail. Where their tickets are both in the same fare class, the tie breaker goes to the one whose upgrade request was placed earlier.