Is status worth it? If you like traveling in luxury and can attain a status level high enough, it is worth it. I have been upgraded to premium and first class multiple times based on my status. Before I moved, I used to fly out of San Jose (SJC) which is a Southwest hub so I had A-List. When I moved to Seattle, I decided to switch to Alaska Airlines, much to my fiance’s joy because he hated Southwest. He used to call it “Southworst” which nowadays, I cannot deny. I was able to get Alaska Status Match (MVP = Silver). Since then I have flown enough to get to Atmos Gold.
Tips to watch out for while flying with status on Alaska Airlines:
- At 30,000 status points, you will get to pick one perk. Do not take the $25 coupon! When booking with a coupon, it does not allow you to use upgrade certificate. Additionally, if you decide to cancel/reschedule, you lose that value so it locks you in unlike if you were to just pay for it yourself.
- Status Miles are earned on mileage award flights. Once you reach your desired status or don’t think you will be able to reach the next status level before year end, you should chip away at your miles in case they change the valuation in the future.
- If a premium seat opens up, but you selected an exit rows, you will not be automatically upgraded
- Free or paid upgrade to first class does not get you more miles, its based on the original fare ticket
- Traveling with a partner: book your ticket on the person’s account with the highest status because some fare classes allow you to choose a premium class seat at booking. Once on waitlist, it takes the higher status regardless who books. This does not apply for groups larger than two.