elites Archives - TravelSkills

Bummer: Alaska, American dial back partnership

July 6, 2017

Alaska Airlines and American are changing the terms of their partnership. (Image: Jim Glab)

Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are changing the terms of their longstanding partnership next year in ways that will affect Mileage Plan and AAdvantage members and elites, although their code-sharing agreements will remain in place.

This should come as no surprise as Alaska continues to integrate Virgin America into its system and its loyalty program, since Virgin directly competes with American on several lucrative transcontinental routes.

So what’s changing? Starting January 1, Alaska Mileage Plan members will only earn miles on domestic American Airlines flights that are marketed by Alaska – i.e., flights that are code-shares, with an Alaska Airlines flight number and that are booked through Alaska. Likewise, AAdvantage members will earn miles, elite qualifying miles, elite qualifying segments and elite qualifying dollars only on Alaska and Horizon Air flights that carry AA codes and flight numbers, and are booked through American.

Alaska Airlines’ merger with Virgin America is changing the competitive landscape. (Image: Alaska Airlines)

For elite-level loyalty members at both airlines, the perks that they now receive when flying on the other carrier will end January 1. That includes priority boarding/check-in, preferred seating and a waiver of checked baggage fees. (Alaska noted that Mileage Plan elites can now get priority check-in/boarding and free bags on Virgin America, with access to preferred seats and Main Cabin Select upgrades “coming later this summer.”)

However, members of the airlines’ airport lounge programs will continue to have reciprocal access to the other carrier’s lounges when traveling on an Alaska or AA flight.

The two airlines will still offer plenty of code-shared flights in the U.S. Just last year, Alaska and American implemented a substantial expansion of domestic code-sharing on many key business routes.

Alaska Airlines noted that the combined network of Alaska and Virgin “serves 80 percent of the top routes that Mileage Plan members have historically flown and earned miles on with American.”

Mileage Plan members could see pricing changes for award travel on AA. (Image: Boeing)

The impact of the changes will depend on a traveler’s location. Alaska said that those in the Pacific Northwest, “with a few exceptions,” will no longer earn miles on AA flights out of the region. For Mileage Plan members in California, Alaska is touting Virgin as an alternative for flights to New York, Boston and Dallas, “where American flights will no longer earn Mileage Plan miles.”

Members of both airlines’ loyalty programs will still be able to redeem miles for flights on the other carrier. However, Alaska noted that for award trips booked starting January 1, award pricing will increase for Mileage Plan members traveling on some of American’s international flights, and off-peak award travel on AA’s flights to Central and South American and to Asia will no longer be offered. At the same time, award pricing will be reduced for some premium cabin travel on American to Hawaii and within the U.S., Alaska said. You can see the old and new award pricing here.

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Delta’s new fees for earlier flights

March 16, 2017

Want to get an earlier flight? It’ll cost more on Delta. (Image: Chris McGinnis)

It just got a little more expensive to get on an earlier Delta flight.

The airline this week boosted its fees from $50 to $75 for same-day confirmed flight changes and for standbys. That brings Delta’s fees into line with United’s and American’s.

The higher fee applies to SkyMiles Silver Medallions as well as non-elites and non-members. The fees continue to be waived for SkyMiles Gold, Platinum and Diamond Medallions. H/T Points Miles & Martinis

The relatively steep fees at the major legacy carriers bring them into sharper contrast with Southwest’s no-fee policy for changes or cancellations. Earlier this month, Southwest also relaxed restrictions on free standby privileges for its A-List and A-List Preferred customers.

(Image: Jim Glab)

Even if you’re not on Southwest, it might be possible to get on an earlier flight without paying a fee, whether or not you’re an elite-level frequent flyer or a full-fare ticket holder. The key is to be able to show the gate agent that it is in the airline’s best interest to accommodate you on an earlier flight.

If you get to the airport in time to grab an earlier departure, check the arrival status of the inbound aircraft that will become the outbound flight you’ve booked. (Instead of looking at the airline’s arrivals board, use FlightAware’s mobile app for greater accuracy.) If it’s coming in late, it means your departure will likely be delayed – and you might miss a connection downline. That makes it in the airline’s interest to put you on an earlier departure, especially if your connecting flight is overbooked or the last one of the day.

If you’re flying out of a connecting hub and have a chance for an earlier departure than the one you’ve booked, ask the gate agent about the likelihood of “miss-connects” on that earlier flight. These are connecting passengers whose inbound flights are coming in late enough that they might miss the next segment (i.e., the one you want to get on). If the airline will accommodate your request, it will not only make you a happy passenger, but will also open up a seat on the later flight for someone who missed their connection.

Remember that your attitude in talking to the gate agent can make all the difference – and gate agents have all the power in these situations, especially when it comes to waiving fees. These employees are busy and frequently abused by irate travelers – so taking a high-handed approach won’t get you anywhere. Don’t be overbearing, but don’t be obsequious either. Just be pleasant and seem like you’re trying to be helpful rather than demanding or annoying.

If you have a good reason for wanting to get home earlier, it might be worth mentioning – especially if it involves your family. Would an earlier flight get you back in time to attend your kid’s Little League game or recital? Gate agents have families, too, and it could make them a little more sympathetic to your request.

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American rolls out cheap new low-frills fares

January 18, 2017

American is the latest carrier to introduce Basic Economy fares. (Image: American Airlines)

Beware bargain-hunters: American Airlines has become the last of the Big Three legacy carriers to unveil a new, cheap but highly restricted Basic Economy fare category.

Like the Basic Economy fare introduced recently by United Airlines, American’s will not allow purchasers to stow carry-on bags in the overhead bin; instead, carry on bags must fit under the seat (unless they are an AAdvantage elite or an AAdvantatge credit cardholder). Delta’s Basic Economy fares do not have similar restrictions on carry on baggage.

Passengers traveling on basic economy fares will be the very last group to board the plane (except for elites and AAdvantage cardholders), and will face more scrutiny regarding the size of their carry on bags. If they are too big to fit under the seat, basic economy passengers will be dinged for the standard checked bag fee ($25) plus a $25 penalty for gate checking the bag.

American said its Basic Economy fares will be the lowest available, but like those at United and Delta, they will come with very limited benefits. Purchasers will get the same in-flight service as regular Main Cabin customers, but they can’t select a seat (it will be assigned are check-in, although they can purchase one earlier); they will not be eligible for upgrades regardless of elite status; and will not be allowed same-day standby or flight changes. (Or as American put it, “Tickets are non-refundable, non-changeable. Use it or lose it.”)

Basic Economy fare buyers will be the last to board. (Image: Jim Glab)

Why are major carriers doing this? To head off competition from the likes of Spirit, Allegiant and Frontier, which offer rock bottom fares and sky high fees. AA President Robert Isom said the new fare category is for “those who want simple, low-price travel,” and he noted it will give American “the ability to compete more effectively with the growing number of ultra-low-cost carriers [ULCCs].”

Basic Economy customers only earn half of an Elite Qualifying Mile per mile flown, and only one half of an Elite Qualifying Segment per segment flown.

If customers are inclined to bite at the lowest available fare when searching for a flight, how will they know what they’re getting with Basic Economy?

“Multiple disclosures will spell out the attributes of a Basic Economy ticket at the time of purchase on aa.com, and when utilizing the airline’s reservations phone centers or when booking through a travel agent or online travel site,” the airline said. In addition, “Basic Economy customers will also receive reminders as their travel day gets closer, including at check-in kiosks at the airport.”

For a business traveler, a basic economy fare might work for a short haul day-trip, like San Francisco to Los Angeles or Dallas to Houston, but not much more than that. Most corporate travel managers and corporate travel agencies will not force these fares on business travelers.

A comparison of Basic Economy and Main Cabin fares. (Image: AA)

A comparison of American’s Basic Economy and Main Cabin fares. (Image: AA)

American said the first Basic Economy fares will go on sale next month in 10 markets, and will be expanded to more markets later this year. It noted that the fares will not be offered on every AA flight, and that the number of Basic Economy seats on its flights will vary. (It’s likely that you’ll only see them in markets where AA competes with ULCCs.)

Soooo, what do you think about this new fare category? Will you be using it to save money? Please leave your comments below.

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Alaska kicks off new Premium Class, ‘Free Chat’ and more

January 6, 2017

Alaska’s Premium Class customers will get free drinks and snacks in addition to more legroom.(Image: Alaska Airlines)

Alaska Airlines this week officially launched its new premium economy seating class along with some new perks for passengers.

The company said the new Premium Class – which offers four inches of extra legroom, early boarding privileges, and free snacks and alcoholic drinks – was launched this week on “select routes.” It said more than 40 percent of its fleet has now been retrofitted with the new configuration, and more than 90 percent should be finished by year’s end.

The airline’s Mileage Plan MVPs, Golds and Gold 75K elite members can get free upgrades to Premium Class seats when they book, or up to 24 hours before departure, depending on their status level and the fare class they booked. Other passengers can upgrade to the new seats for fees ranging from $15 to $79 above base fares, depending on the length of the flight.

New in-flight perks introduced this week include Free Chat on aircraft equipped with Gogo Wi-Fi. Available for passengers in all classes of service, Free Chat includes the use of iMessage, WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger at no charge.

“We know that staying in touch while on the go is essential to our guests, many of whom don’t need full Internet access,” said Alaska Executive VP Andrew Harrison. “And yes, it’s fully emoji-compatible.”

Alaska is adding new drinks to its in-flight service. (Photo: Alaska Air)

The Free Chat feature started this week in beta, “with full functionality deploying January 24,” the airline said. Passengers can use it by signing in to their Gogo accounts and following the steps outlined on the screen.

Alaska said to celebrate its recent acquisition of Virgin America, it is also offering free access to its inventory of streaming in-flight movies and TV shows from now through March 31. The offer applies for passengers who stream on their own devices, but not to Alaska’s tablet rentals.

And later this month. Alaska said, it will introduce new food and beverage options to its in-fight service, including premium wines from Washington State’s Chateau Ste. Michelle, new premium craft beer and bourbon, and La Marca sparkling wine.

The airline said the new perks are only on Alaska-operated flights, not those of Virgin America or Horizon Air.

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Buying vs. hoping for upgrades

July 12, 2016

Delta says it is selling more first class seats these days. (Image: Delta)

For decades, elite-level business travelers came to expect free upgrades to first or business class as part of their birthright. But in today’s changing environment, they often have to decide in advance whether they want to spend some money to guarantee a seat in a front cabin, or take their chances on getting a space available upgrade.

The New York Times took a look at the changing upgrade scene, and concluded that “the perks of being a frequent flyer are not as valuable as they once were.”

The report noted that airlines are finding new ways to gain some revenue from unsold front-cabin seats instead of just giving them away. Increasingly common tactics include pre-departure offers of low-priced upgrades; taking bids for unsold premium seats; and cutting fares for front-cabin seats in order to boost sales.

JetBlue’s Mint class meals are excellent (Photo: Chris McGinnis)

The newspaper interviewed a number of frequent travelers who bemoaned the changes and the new pre-departure calculations they must make in order to achieve the comfort level they want.

For example, should you just go ahead and buy that JetBlue Mint seat between California and NYC for $699, or pay United or Delta or American $499 for an economy seat and hope for the best? (Or pay just $399 each way for Mint seats on JetBlue’s new LAX-Ft Lauderdale flights!)

The NYT article also said that the airlines’ new strategies seem to be working, citing Delta’s prediction earlier this year that the percentage of paying passengers in its first class seats will increase from a little more than 50 percent in 2015 to 70 percent by 2018.

What about you, readers? What’s the best deal you’ve taken for an upgrade recently? What’s the most you’d pay for a transcon upgrade? Please leave your comments below.

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United entices former MileagePlus elites

April 26, 2016

United hopes to lure some former elites back to the airline with big bonuses. (Image: Jim Glab)

In an effort to draw some of its formerly loyal frequent flyers back into the fold, United Airlines has come out with a targeted promotion offering them lots of bonus miles to return.

United has sent out emails to former MileagePlus elites with targeted offers of bonus award miles that could reach into six figures, depending on how many Premier Qualifying Dollars (PQDs) they spend on United and United Express flights according to thepointsguy.com.

The site cited one reader who got an offer that would let him earn up to 180,000 bonus miles if he met all three of the earning “milestones” set down for him – in that case, 45,000 bonus miles for $8,000 PQDs; 60,000 more for $12,500 PQDs; and another 75,000 for $17,000 PQDs.

It noted that the targeted offers to former MileagePlus elites varied considerably from one individual to another in the spending targets and resulting bonus miles they would provide. Recipients have until July 6 to sign up for the offer. Former members who didn’t get an email from United can check their eligibility for MileagePlus targeted offers here.

Last year, United changed the MileagePlus program so that it requires members to spend certain minimum amounts of PQDs in order to reach elite status tiers.

Readers: If you are a former MileagePlus elite, did you get an offer like this? Would it be enough to draw you back to being a United loyalist? If not, what would?

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Delta’s Comfort+ seats for sale

November 16, 2015

Delta’s Comfort+ seating is getting a separate fare category. (Image: Delta)

Delta’s year-old Comfort+ seating — which many SkyMiles Medallions have come to expect as an automatic free perk with extra legroom, priority boarding and free drinks — is going through some changes.

Starting next spring, those seats will have their own pricing in Delta’s website fare searches, so they can be purchased in advance — and that might mean fewer available free upgrades for elites.

It is possible to pay extra for a Comfort+ seat now, in the form of a seat assignment fee. But the front section of economy is mostly a place for Delta to seat its Medallions as a free perk, making them feel a little more special than the folks in the back of the bus.

Those seated in Comfort+ get Sky Priority boarding access, complimentary booze, and premium snacks on longer flights in addition to the major perk: extra legroom.

Delta said Comfort+ seats will be available to purchase as a fare option for travel starting May 16, 2016, within the U.S. and Canada. Here’s how it looks on Delta.com:

Here’s how Delta’s new Comfort+ fare displays on an SFO-ATL search for next June

If you are a Platinum or Diamond Medallion, you’ll still choose Comfort+ seats when you make your reservations (if available). Gold Medallions get access to the seats three days prior to the flight; long suffering Silvers can grab what’s left over when they check in 24 hours ahead of time. These upgrades are made automatically if you’ve checked the Comfort+ box on the “request upgrade” section of the passenger information page. Those with successful requests will be notified by email.

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In a big downgrade, the companion allowance for elites seeking Comfort+ seating will also be reduced substantially — from up to eight companions to just one- not good news for families who like to travel together.

The Delta website has added an FAQ page for customers regarding the changes coming to Comfort+.

Basically, the net effect is that elites who used to take Comfort+ as a routine perk will now have to stand in line to see what’s left after paying passengers buy the seats.

Thoughts please in the comments below!

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Are you a passenger with priority? See this

July 3, 2015

Like this Skyteam project, the Oneworld alliance is adding airport signs to steer elite members to their benefits. (Image: Skyteam)

Like this Skyteam SkyPriority project, the Oneworld alliance is adding airport signs to steer elite members to their benefits. (Image: Skyteam)

Taking a page from Skyteam’s book, the Oneworld global alliance has kicked off a new branding and airport signage project to let frequent travelers know where the group’s benefits are available to them.

Although not as large and prominent as the Skyteam displays, the Oneworld effort will highlight the group’s logo and display the word “Priority” along with color-coded symbols representing Emerald, Sapphire and Ruby status, as appropriate for the benefit available at that point.

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The Star Alliance has been rolling out a similar signage program called Gold Track this year, which helps members find their way to shorter, exclusive security lines. SkyTeam’s SkyPriority led the way in this effort, and says that it’s signage is now “at 1,000 airports across the globe.” (1,000 airports? Hmm. But anyway…)

The first Oneworld signs went up in Perth, Australia’s airport, to be followed in August by Sydney, Melbourne, Berlin Tegel and Dusseldorf. Various U.S. gateways will get the treatment in September, and Oneworld promises that it will complete the project in 125 of the top business travel airports worldwide within a year.

Elite-tier benefits, depending on the traveler’s level, include things like priority check-in desks, security fast-track lanes, access to airport lounges, and priority boarding.

“Identifying where to take advantage of those privileges in often cluttered airport environments, particularly in unfamiliar surroundings, can sometimes be a challenge, even for the most frequent traveler,” said Oneworld CEO Bruce Ashby. “The new Oneworld Priority signage is designed to overcome that.”

The Oneworld alliance includes American Airlines, Qantas, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific and others.

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