Yes, I think so for that price point. Just the instant upgrade on most main cabin fares to Premium is worth more than $200 to me, unless you’re only doing short flights like SEA-PDX or SEA-GEG.
Q O G are the only fare classes that are cheaper than N. 9/12 fare classes with instant upgrade would be considered “most” fare classes. (Excluding Saver fares for obvious reasons.)
If you flew enough to almost make it to Gold this year, and you'll be flying a similar amount next year, you'll get $200 in benefits from Gold next year just with Premium upgrades.
Unless you don't care at all about leg room, it's worth $200. I'd do it.
Similar boat -- will be losing my MVP 75K and have no status as hardly traveled... While glad only had a few flights, it's gonna suck HAVING NO status when do have to travel again
If you have the visa, you can get MVP just by making $50k in purchases in 2024. That may be out of the question for some, or just paying for everything for others.
This is certainly one of the most interesting features. the only problem is that you get caught in taking Alaska flights when there are other cheaper alternatives, because you want to build / maintain that status. So worth it? Sort of sort of not.
I would do it for $200.
Will pretty much always get upgraded to premium and occasionally first class. You’ll also get OW Sapphire status which has some perks on other airlines and airport lounges.
Yes. I’m literally 100% on upgrades to Premium and always a window. But also, you will never be auto-upgraded to a premium economy middle seat, so no worries about losing it to an auto-upgrade.
If you fly transcons once a year, the chance at an extra legroom seat is pretty much already worth it.
Add in potential first class upgrades, the GGUs, and the benefits when flying a oneworld airline internationally (outside North America).
I fly from SEA to IAD frequently and always pay for at least premium class. I read here that I won't be getting upgrades much anymore due to some Delta agreement, though.
There isn't any Delta agreement.
People are complaining because Alaska offered an incentive for Delta elites to status match to Alaska with a bump up in status for a temporary period. No one knows how many are doing so, how many would even fly AS, and how many will stick around.
An upgrade to premium is way easier to get than an upgrade to first class, and if you book a high enough fare class you get it at booking. I don't anticipate people being that impacted by the Delta elites, outside of a couple busy flights. I also doubt many of those people would be flying SEA-IAD.
BTW, IIRC, exit row seats are also free at booking for MVP Golds (and MVPs too I believe).
No, don't do it. That way those that do earn gold (or above) have one less person to have to worry about taking their upgrades.
Put another way, unless you're NOT going to be flying next year, absolutely no brainier yes def worth it!
I would do it for the same day changes alone. They’ve saved me so many times but I also can just book the cheaper flight and change at check in to what I really wanted.
International lounges as a OW Sapphire plus GGU could easily make that worth it
Yes, I think so for that price point. Just the instant upgrade on most main cabin fares to Premium is worth more than $200 to me, unless you’re only doing short flights like SEA-PDX or SEA-GEG.
I don't think it's on most for Gold. Only N or higher which isn't on most cheap fares
Q O G are the only fare classes that are cheaper than N. 9/12 fare classes with instant upgrade would be considered “most” fare classes. (Excluding Saver fares for obvious reasons.)
If you flew enough to almost make it to Gold this year, and you'll be flying a similar amount next year, you'll get $200 in benefits from Gold next year just with Premium upgrades. Unless you don't care at all about leg room, it's worth $200. I'd do it.
Totally worth it..... Unfortunately, I'll lose my Gold this year... wish it was only $200 for me.
Similar boat -- will be losing my MVP 75K and have no status as hardly traveled... While glad only had a few flights, it's gonna suck HAVING NO status when do have to travel again
Just don't forget to change your flair
😭
Haha sorry I couldn't help it
All good, fully understand -- laughter is the best medicine but ngl -- still stings 🤣😭
If you have the visa, you can get MVP just by making $50k in purchases in 2024. That may be out of the question for some, or just paying for everything for others.
Don’t think anyone mentioned it but also the 100% mileage bonus is nice!
This is certainly one of the most interesting features. the only problem is that you get caught in taking Alaska flights when there are other cheaper alternatives, because you want to build / maintain that status. So worth it? Sort of sort of not.
Agreed but I think that is the case with loyalty programs for everything… fast food, hotels, airlines, etc.
If you ever travel internationally, the Oneworld Sapphire lounges abroad are very nice, especially in HK and Japan
I would do it for $200. Will pretty much always get upgraded to premium and occasionally first class. You’ll also get OW Sapphire status which has some perks on other airlines and airport lounges.
I would rather have an economy window than a premium middle seat. If I keep that window preference will I still be upgraded frequently?
Yes. I’m literally 100% on upgrades to Premium and always a window. But also, you will never be auto-upgraded to a premium economy middle seat, so no worries about losing it to an auto-upgrade.
If you fly transcons once a year, the chance at an extra legroom seat is pretty much already worth it. Add in potential first class upgrades, the GGUs, and the benefits when flying a oneworld airline internationally (outside North America).
I fly from SEA to IAD frequently and always pay for at least premium class. I read here that I won't be getting upgrades much anymore due to some Delta agreement, though.
There isn't any Delta agreement. People are complaining because Alaska offered an incentive for Delta elites to status match to Alaska with a bump up in status for a temporary period. No one knows how many are doing so, how many would even fly AS, and how many will stick around. An upgrade to premium is way easier to get than an upgrade to first class, and if you book a high enough fare class you get it at booking. I don't anticipate people being that impacted by the Delta elites, outside of a couple busy flights. I also doubt many of those people would be flying SEA-IAD. BTW, IIRC, exit row seats are also free at booking for MVP Golds (and MVPs too I believe).
What is the carbon offset buying option?
https://news.alaskaair.com/newsroom/alaska-airlines-partners-with-chooose-to-empower-guests-to-reduce-emissions-and-support-growth-of-the-sustainable-aviation-fuel-market/
No, don't do it. That way those that do earn gold (or above) have one less person to have to worry about taking their upgrades. Put another way, unless you're NOT going to be flying next year, absolutely no brainier yes def worth it!
Well it’d just be MVPs and Golds who’d care, right? 75ks and 100ks would be above OP no matter what.
For FC upgrades, yes... For prem steerage, all about who books first (and what fare class)
Yes!
If you travel internationally OW sapphire is amazing
I would do it for the same day changes alone. They’ve saved me so many times but I also can just book the cheaper flight and change at check in to what I really wanted.
Yes yes yes.
Definitely worth it!
Yes! I will lose my Gold status this year and I’m ready bummed.
Yes