http://www.cnbc.com/id/47905842 Flying first class comes with a lot of perks. You check-in at a dedicated counter, breeze through security in a priority lane, board first, enjoy a comfortable seat and avoid those pesky add-on fees for bags or meals becoming so prevalent. Not so fast. Alaska Airlines quietly adjusted their checked baggage fee policy for first class travelers. Beginning July 10, some passengers who upgraded to first class will be charged a $20 fee for their first and second checked bag — something they previously got for free. Full-fare first class customers still get the first two bags free, as do elite frequent flyers of Alaska's "Mileage Plan" program — plus certain elites from Delta and American Airlines — but this marks the first time a U.S. airline has levied a checked bag fee to a passenger riding in the front cabin, upgrade or otherwise. Read More: http://www.cnbc.com/id/47905842
Well that is absolutely "Spirit Like" for Alaska. Most folks would agree that paying the upgrade to first class should include the perks traditionally included for front cabin seating including a free checked bag.
Traditionally bonus miles have been given for the specific fare class purchased. In that specific case, no. I think the bonus miles should be allotted to the purchased fare class.
And it includes ALL upgrades, even if you paid for them with a bucket of miles, or if it is using one of the MVPG guest upgrades. Race to the bottom. AS won this leg.
Alaska also has the crappy policy of not upgrading Delta silver elite's. My daughter flies between LAX and SEA as she goes to school in Seattle. We do get one free bag on check in, but she can't choose premium seats and she is not allowed to upgrade as she is only a silver Delta member.
