This may be common knowledge, but I just learned this today. You are not granted your Alaska elite benefits when crediting miles to another airline.
If you are flying Alaska Airlines but crediting miles from a flight to another frequent flyer program (i.e. American Advantage), during that flight you don’t get your MVP/Gold/75k benefits.
Here is my scenario
I am currently an MVP Gold and have enough miles before the end of the year that I will reach Gold 75k. I have a flight tomorrow that I decided to credit the miles towards AA so I can reach a higher status with AA.
I contacted Alaska Airlines and had them put in my AA number on my Alaska reservation.
Now, 24 hours before the flight, I came to realize that my MVP Gold benefits don’t count on this flight (i.e. not able to choose a premium seat, no possible upgrade, no free drink). Luckily I chose an exit row at time of booking, before switching my frequent flyer number to AA for the reservation.
Alaska confirmed via Twitter that this is the case.
It makes sense I suppose. However I figured that I would still get the normal elite benefits when flying with Alaska even if I am earning miles towards another airline.
Not a rant, just an FYI as I was not aware of this policy: You lose your Alaska elite benefits when crediting miles to another airline.