I haven't tested name matching, e.g. whether they verify first and last name, just last name, etc. But of course you can transfer points between SPG accounts that are registered at the same residential mailing address, so if you want to get points into a spouse's Alaska account for instance you transfer from your SPG account to theirs and ten on to Alaska. The transfers are no longer instant between SPG accounts as part of their antifraud measures unfortunately. As far as time from SPG to Alaska, last time I did this was about a year ago. At the time they were posting points mid-month and end of month, so depending on when you made the transfer it could take a couple of weeks or even more. Not one of the quicker transfers out there!
Concerning name matching, I have done. Rejected when last name didn't match. No problem with different first names. My last transfer was about 2 months ago and it was approx. 2 weeks for posting. Didn't track the time of the month for the request.
Have done this about a half dozen times. It was never quicker than the two week time frame I believe SPG states on their website. Do a screenprint when you process the transfer. Every time the last name differed from mine a phone call was necessary to complete the transfer.
Better yet -- has Alaska ever offered a bonus for transferring SPG points to their Mileage Plan (above and beyond the 5K bonus SPG will give you if you transfer 20K). I know in the past other airlines have done this, where they'll give you a 20% bonus (or some sort of other bump) for a special promotional period. Anyone?
AS rarely does promos like that - most are to boost a new/sluggish route, or to promote a credit card or booking engine- not spg xfer. AS is not DL
