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Alaska Elites…did you know you can buy discounted upgrades at booking?

Alaska Airlines Plane

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Alaska Airlines…we’re fans of your loyalty program. Currently, Miles and I are enjoying another year of top tier Alaska MVP Gold 75k status. Other than having to take a deep breath before uttering my status, it’s got very few drawbacks. Not only do I get a 125% bonus on all miles flown, free ticket cancellations, award changes free of charge, 50k bonus miles upon requalificiation, the list goes on and on, but you get all sorts of upgrade options. Not only can you get them complimentary 2-5 days prior to takeoff, you can actually buy them at the point of purchase for a discount.  Yep, it’s true, and it’s not just for top tiers. All Alaska elites get the opportunity for discounted upgrades at the time of booking. Check it out.

Who doesn’t want to fly like this?

a row of seats in an airplane

Here’s what Alaska has to say about Elite benefits:

See that first line…First Class upgrades at the time of booking. That’s where we are going to focus – so keep it in mind.

Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Rules and Elite Benefits

You need to see the BLUE “F” next to your booking. It’ll look like this:

This means you can secure an upgrade at the time of booking.

Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Rules and Elite Benefits

I need to fly to NYC in October. I’m looking at one ways…here’s the normal search

Most of these flights are utilizing Alaska’s recently acquired Virgin planes. These are great , 8 seat cabins that are the best in Alaska’s fleet. But, my goodness, look at difference between main cabin and first class – too rich for my blood. Unless…

Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Rules and Elite Benefits

Never fear. If you notice on the left hand side there is a category: Upgrade Fare Type. Watch what happens. 4/5 flights suddenly have confirmed upgrade space for some extra $$$.

Not too bad, right? But still a little pricey.

Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Rules and Elite Benefits

Look at the MVP Gold discount! We can go ever lower though.

Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Rules and Elite Benefits

Look at the top tier MVPG75 discount. $365.

That means in some cases, an extra $90 could fly you from LAX to JFK in First Class, confirmed, right now, just by clicking a button.  What’s even crazier…I’ve seen situations where they are the same price!

Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Rules and Elite Benefits


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8 Comments

  • Lulu July 19, 2018

    ThankQ – Great (old) post that I was unaware of (well) until NOW!!!

  • CDKing July 15, 2018

    The only thing surprising about your post is advance U space on former VX transcon flights.

    • Miles July 15, 2018

      Happy to help! We have a beginner’s guide you may be interested in 🙂 Thanks for taking the time out of your day to comment!

  • Gene July 13, 2018

    New to me. I had no idea, and I’ve been AS Gold or 75k for 3 years. I have always looked to use upgrade certs, but this looks like an amazing option!

    • Miles July 13, 2018

      Gene – definitely worth checking out. I’ve worked with quite a few Alaska Elites that weren’t aware of the feature, plus a lot of readers have defected their loyalty for Alaska and aren’t aware of all the little ins and outs

  • ghostrider5408 July 13, 2018

    Old very old news

    • Miles July 15, 2018

      I think you meant to say… “Old, very old news.” BYAH!

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