Alaska award travel 'games'?

Hi

I'm not at all award-travel-saavy, and I've spotted something with Alaska air that I'm curious about.

Two weeks ago I saw a flight from YVR to LAX rtn but it wasn't available on a Saturday, although it was if I was a paying passenger.

Last week, the flight became available on the Saturday for mileage purchases.

This week it is no longer available unless I choose business/first class.

Obviously the seats are there.

I doubt the flight is full, this is mid-September after all. Can I assume the possibility is there that they will release some more seats to mileage purchasers?

Do airlines play this game often? For those of you who travel with mileage plans and points, it must be very frustrating!

Diane

Have you tried calling in? We just booked some AS FF tickets in March, from Vancouver to LAX to Kona for next February. The connecting flights that were being offered from Vancouver to LAX were horrible - really long waits. By phoning in, a real live person was able to get me a much better connection that wasn't offered online.

I prefer doing things online but this was one instance where speaking to a real live person was a good thing. I too am not that savvy with miles and so forth, but the person I had was very patient and helpful.

Thanks Bev, I can always count on you for great advice!

I'm not prepared to book just yet....still waiting for the final quote on our drainage repairs...(and the reason we had to cancel my birthday cruise in September)

We've confirmed the Peacock Suites, and hopefully we can fly using our AA miles, tickets to Disneyland with Airmiles, car rental with Priceline....I'm determined to have FUN!

Diane

Another Alaska air game

Last week I used miles from SeaTAC to Kona for first class round trip. The flight from LAX is an American flight for 1/08. I had to call American to get my seat assignments. So far, so good.

Friends from Anchorage will be joining us on this 2 week trip. They were also able to use miles to get first class from Anchorage connect on our Seattle flight and our American flight. Got the return with us also. So far, So good.

When friends called American to get seat assignments, American said that they no longer had FC seats available for Alaska mileage users on the hop to Kona but did have it available for return. Bummer. So, he called Alaska and said they could do nothing about it and no refund in miles unless he canceled the whole trip. He did some further checking on the American flight to Kona and the only 2 seats that were accounted for in FC were the ones that I have. All 10 or 12 (don't remember which) were empty. He decided to cancel the entire flight get the refund in miles and is now flying direct with hawaiin air coach from Anchorage to Honolulu then on to Kona.

Another update

I took Bevs advice and for curiosity sake called Alaska. I had found I could book one ticket but not two online which really got me wondering.

The agent informed me that there was indeed only one seat left for a mileage 'saver' purchase.

When I asked if there would be more seats released at a later date she said, ' I can't say likely but can say its probable.'

So, should I believe her?

geoan, is your friend flying with cash or points?

From what I understand of my friend's situation, he is "Hawaiin Vacations" that specializes in flights from Anchorage to Hawaii. He is using cash now. The flights are operated by Hawaiin Air.

Thanks for the reply. I am sorry your friend couldn't use his miles. Hopefully he will be able to some other time.

Diane

Update



They released some seats so I was able to book our flights.

We're going to Disneyland for my birthday!!

If it wasn't for our timeshare exchange (Peacock Suites), our Alaska miles, airmiles for tickets, we couldn't do this trip because of the draintile repairs.

Even though I am still slightly bummed over the cancellation of my birthday cruise to Hawaii, I am thrilled to save $$ for the repairs and still have a fun trip too!

Thanks for listening
Diane