Alaska Airlines MVP Gold members who aren’t automatically upgraded to the first class cabin will receive one complimentary premium beverage of their choice and will be personally greeted by a member of the flight crew when they are seated in the main cabin.

Rick Rasmussen, Director of Customer Loyalty, said that this has “worked well and was a nice surprise for many, but now we have gone ahead and communicated the policy to the Golds so that they will know what to expect.”

As a benefit of their elite level, MVP Gold members receive unlimited upgrades and will be upgraded anytime on qualifying fares (booked in Y, S, B, M, H, or Value and Full Flex fares) and 72 hours prior to departure on other fares.

Kudos to Alaska for recognizing member loyalty and showing appreciation when upgrades are unavailable.