Mileage Plan MVP and MVP Gold members now have unlimited access to First Class upgrade coupons for travel on Northwest-operated flights within the continental United States, Alaska, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. NW elite upgrades are now offered on an unlimited basis on the day of departure at the airport for elite members. Alaska Airlines made the change in response to complaints that the electronic upgrades were difficult to use. Rick Rasmussen, Director of Customer Loyalty and Marketing Programs, explains that “the complimentary NW upgrades were not one of our most appreciated benefits, and we hope that this change will make them much easier to use and more valuable for our customers.”

Alaska Airlines is offering first dibs on its award seats between Anchorage and Alaska to MVP Gold members living in Alaska. The award seats are available to MVP Gold members, their families and traveling companions for 12,500 miles one way, or 25,000 miles roundtrip. The flights can also be combined with a normally priced one-way Alaska Airlines Saver or Peak award or a paid ticket. Travel dates are restricted and space is limited, so send an e-mail with your award request soon to [email protected]