Have a travel related question? Post it here, and I’ll do my best to answer it as quickly as possible.
While anyone can comment on regular blog post, registration is required in order to post a question in this space. Creating your account is free, and you'll be able to see when your question is answered, as well as like comments from other users. And of course, you'll earn status points for offering helpful answers!
This space is intended to be more of a community as well, so please jump in and share tips!
Alaska partner redemption – frustration
I just spent 30 min on the phone with AS. I’m looking for two one-way tix in J on Cathay, LATAM, or Air France.
I provided the Seattle-based agent with a one week window in May (outbound) and the same for the return in June.
Results? Nothing. Not a single business class ticket available. She told me that she could get me to CDG in J on Icelandair. Joking, right?
There’s plenty of availability via Aeroplan for most of those dates/destinations. I’m not used to Alaska; is it always this tough? What’s my best approach to snagging something desirable? Thanks!
Depends where you are going. Airlines available with Aeroplan are not available to Alaska – they dont partner with the same airlines (except for Singapore Air, but they dont release premium cabin awards to partners)
For Cathay, search for seats using British Airways or Qantas, then call Alaska to book. Same for LATAM.
Premium cabin award space on AirFrance is rare – most of the time they release the seats way in advance and are all booked pretty quickly. If space is available, it’ll show on Alaska’s own website.
You might also want to consider searching for awards on JAL. AS is having some issues with this though and you may need to call several times in order to get a ticket.
It’s tough but you just have to be persistent in checking.
Your feedback is important in helping us keep our community safe.