For as long as I’ve been an MVP Gold member with Alaska Airlines — this is my third year — they’ve provided a year-end gift to their Gold and Gold 75K elites. My first year I actually missed out! I was too slow and didn’t claim my gift in time. Last year my wife and I each requested two Gold Guest Upgrades in addition to the four that we earned with our elite status.
To request the upgrade, log into your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account and select “Thank You Gift” under the Mileage Plan heading on the left sidebar.
You might see the gifts you already received earlier this year. Look for the presents to select your new gift for this year.
There are three options for a gift, the same three options as last year. Make a choice and confirm your selection.
I think the upgrades are the most valuable benefit. My wife and I use them for longer, more competitive routes, especially those that we sometimes have to buy at the last minute or when fares are high. Because we already have $99 companion fares that come with our Alaska Airlines Visa Signature cards, we use those to book expensive fares and bring down the average cost. Companion fares earn miles and can be upgraded like any other. As these are naturally higher fare classes, we can almost always apply a Gold Guest Upgrade.
GoGo WiFi passes and Board Room day passes might be useful to some. However, a GoGo pass is roughly $15 if you buy it in advance on the ground, and a Board Room pass is just $45 (save $10 when you sign up for LoungeBuddy and buy it with them). It’s also pretty easy to get Board Room access with an American Express Platinum Card, Citi Prestige card, or Citi AAdvantage / Executive card. Unless you and your family already buy first class tickets, pick the upgrades. 😉
