Alaska Airlines is a Seattle-based airline, and Mileage Plan is its loyalty program. With the acquisition of Virgin America, Alaska Airlines now flies to over 100 domestic and foreign locations. That number goes up to 900 destinations worldwide with its broad network of global partners.
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If you’re a frequent Alaska Airlines flyer, you’ll want to consider joining Mileage Plan, one of the nation’s best frequent flyer programs for earning & redeeming points/miles.
| Personal Credit Cards | The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card |
| Business Credit Cards | Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business |
| Redemption Options | Alaska Airlines flights Partner flights Money & Miles discounts First class upgrades Hotel stays Magazines Share or gift miles |
| Average Mile Value | $0.018 |
Mileage Plan Elite Status
If you frequently fly with Alaska Airlines – or you travel often with one of its partners – you’ll easily qualify for Mileage Plan elite status: MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K. The higher your status, the more benefits you unlock.
Get Mileage Plan elite status by earning enough miles or flying enough segments:
| MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75K | |
| Miles (Alaska only) | 20,000 | 40,000 | 75,000 |
| Miles* (including partners) | 25,000 | 50,000 | 90,000 |
| Segments** (including partners) | 30 | 60 | 90 |
The counter starts on January 1st and ends on December 31st every year. Once you’ve earned elite status, you’ll receive 50,000 bonus miles and you’ll get to keep your status until the end of the following calendar year.
*These include miles earned by flying on Alaska Airlines and partner airlines booked with your Mileage Plan number and bonuses earned from class of service. They do not include bonuses earned from elite status or miles earned on co-branded credit cards.
**Segments are flights with the same flight number between an origin and final destination, regardless of any stops in between.
Enjoy upgrades and other perks with your elite status:
| BENEFITS | MVP | MVP GOLD | MVP GOLD 75K |
| Mileage bonus | 50% | 100% | 125% |
| Welcome bonus miles | 50,000 | ||
| Preferred seating | x | x | x |
| Premium Class upgrades | x | x | x |
| First Class upgrades | x | x | x |
| Companion upgrades | x | x | |
| First Class guest upgrades | 4 | 4 | |
| Premium beverage in Main Cabin | x | x | |
| Priority check-in & boarding | x | x | x |
| Express security line | x | x | |
| 2 checked bags | x | x | x |
| Partner lounge access | x | x | |
| Alaska Lounge day passes | 4 | ||
| Waived ticket change fees | x | x | |
| Alaska Lounge membership | $50 off | $100 off | $150 off |
| Nominate someone for MVP status | x |
Earn lifetime MVP Gold status when you fly one million miles on Alaska Airlines. This total does not count bonus miles and partner flights. Besides all MVP Gold perks, you’ll also get a complimentary meal or picnic pack when you travel in Main Cabin.
New parents can put their elite status on hold with proof of pregnancy or parental leave. Elite Leave gives you an extra year of elite status, so it’s definitely worth applying for.
*Source: For updated information, click here.
Earning Mileage Plan Miles
While Chase Ultimate Rewards®, American Express Membership Rewards® and Citi ThankYou® Rewards does not transfer to Alaska Airlines, there are still plenty of ways to earn Mileage Plan miles.
Flights on Alaska Airlines and other partner airlines earn one Mileage Plan mile for each actual mile flown. For example, if you flew 1,000 miles, you’ll earn 1,000 base miles. Short-haul flights earn a minimum of 500 miles.
This distance-based earning system is a rarity for airline loyalty programs. Most miles are earned according to how many dollars is spent. This mile-for-mile structure makes it easy to stack up on rewards and reach elite status.
You’ll also earn bonus miles for holding elite status (see above) and for class of service.
| Cabin | Class of Service | Bonus Miles |
| Main (Economy) | H, Q, L, V, K, G, T, R | – |
| Main (Economy) | M, B | 25% |
| Main (Economy) | Y, S | 50% |
| First Class | F, P | 75% |
Source: For updated information, click here.
Bank of America issues one Alaska Airlines personal credit card and one business credit card that earn bonus Mileage Plan miles.
| Credit Card | The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card | Bank of America Alaska Airlines Business |
| Welcome bonus | Companion Fare + 40,000 miles – spend: $2,000 – time: 90 days – $200 statement credit | Companion Fare + 40,000 miles – spend: $2,000 – time: 90 days |
| Bonus value | $720 (miles only) | $720 (miles only) |
| Ongoing rewards | 3x on Alaska Airlines 1x on everything else | 3x on Alaska Airlines 1x on everything else |
| Companion fare | 1x a year | 1x a year |
| Free checked bag | 1 | 1 |
| Other perks | 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes 20% back on inflight purchases | 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes 20% back on inflight purchases |
| Annual fee | $75 | $50 per company $25 per card |
Earn Mileage Plan miles for qualifying stays at participating hotels. Simply provide your member number when you make the reservation and check-in to the hotel. Participating brands include:
- Alaska Airlines Hotels
- Best Western
- Choice Privileges
- Rocketmiles
- Westmark Hotels
Because of a special partnership with the hotel loyalty program, it’s worth earning Marriott Bonvoy points and then transferring to your Mileage Plan account. For every 60,000 points you convert, you’ll get a bonus of 5,000 Mileage Plan miles.
Other hotel programs transfer to Alaska Airlines, but it’s usually a poor use of your hotel points.
*Source: For updated information, click here.
Earn Mileage Plan miles and enjoy savings with the following car rental partners:
| Partner | Miles Earned | Other Perks |
| Alamo | 50 miles/day | Save on base rates |
| Avis | 50 miles/day (up to 4 days) 500 miles (5+ days) | Save 35% off base rates |
| Budget | 50 miles/day (up to 4 days) 500 miles (5+ days) | Save 30% off base rates |
| Dollar | 50 miles/day (up to 2 days) 150 miles/day (3+ days) | – |
| Hertz | 50 miles/day (up to 4 days) 500 miles (5+ days) | Save on base rates |
| National | 50 miles/day | – |
| Thrifty | 50 miles/day (up to 2 days) 150 miles/day (3+ days) | – |
Source: For updated information, click here.
Below are more ways to earn Mileage Plan miles:
| Option | Details |
| Mileage Plan Shopping | Earn miles for every $1 you spend at 850+ stores. |
| Mileage Plan Dining | Welcome bonus: 1,000 miles with your first meal. Earn up to 5x miles at 10,000+ restaurants, bars and clubs. |
| Referral Program | 5,000 bonus miles for each person your refer and gets approved for the Alaska Airlines Visa Card. |
| 1800Flowers | Earn 20x miles when you use promo code AKA3. |
| Carrs-Safeway | Earn 100 miles for every $300 spent in the state of Alaska. |
| Diners Club | Convert your Club Rewards points into Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio. |
| GCI | Earn 1x miles on cable TV, internet, cellular, and local and long-distance plans. |
| The Opinion Terminal | Welcome bonus: at least 400 miles with your first survey. Earn miles for every survey you complete thereafter. |
| Rover | Welcome bonus: $30 credit. Earn 1x miles on all bookings. |
| SoFi | Earn 1 mile for every $2 you refinance (up to 50,000 miles). |
| Teleflora | Earn 20x miles when you use the code BAAAL10. |
| Vinesse Wine Clubs | Welcome bonus: 2,250 miles. Earn 5x miles on wine purchases. |
*Source: For updated information, click here.
Earning Miles by Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points
As previously mentioned, due to a special partnership with Marriott Bonvoy, you can efficiently transfer Bonvoy points to your Mileage Plan account. For every 60,000 points you convert, you’ll get a bonus of 5,000 Mileage Plan miles.
And the best way to rack up on Marriott Bonvoy points is by getting a Marriott co-branded credit card and qualifying for its welcome bonus.
Chase offers two personal credit cards that earn Marriott points, while American Express (Amex) offers one personal and one business card. If you’re looking to apply for a Marriott credit card, keep in mind:
- The Chase 5/24 rule. If you opened five or more new credit cards in the past 24 months (from any bank), you won’t be approved for a new credit card from Chase.
- The Amex once-in-a-lifetime welcome bonus rule. You can only qualify for the introductory offer on each Amex personal and business card once in your lifetime.
MARRIOTT BONVOY BRILLIANT™ AMERICAN EXPRESS® CARD
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant™ American Express® Card has an offer for 75,000 bonus points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months. We value these 75k points at around $675.Â
This card earns 6 points per $1 at hotels participating in the Marriott BonvoyTM program and 3 points at U.S. restaurants and on flights booked directly with airlines. You’ll receive 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
You’ll get a Free Night Award (redemption level up to 50,000 points) every account anniversary year, and up to $300 in statement credits each year for eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott BonvoyTM program. Resort fees may apply. Other benefits include unlimited airport lounge visits with the Priority Pass Select membership and no foreign transaction fees.
This premium card comes with an Annual Fee of $450. See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply.
MARRIOTT BONVOY BOUNDLESS® CREDIT CARD
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card from Chase has an offer for 3 Free Nights after spending $3,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.
New to the card, you will earn 3x Bonvoy points on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining. The card is also offering an Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 spent.
The Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card earns 17 points for every $1 spent at over 7,000+ participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. You’ll receive 2 points per $1 spent on all other purchases.
You’ll get a Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every account anniversary year and automatic Silver Elite Status. Additionally, you’ll receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year.
This card has no foreign transaction fees and the annual fee is $95.
MARRIOTT BONVOY BOLD® CREDIT CARD
The Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card has an offer for 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 within the first 3 months. We value these 30k points at around $270.
This card earns 14 points per $1 at participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels. Other travel purchases (from airfare to taxis and trains) will earn 2 points per $1. All other purchases will earn 1 point per $1.
You’ll receive 15 Elite Night Credits each calendar year, qualifying you for Silver Elite status.
There are no foreign transaction fees and no annual fee.
MARRIOTT BONVOY BUSINESS™ AMERICAN EXPRESS® CARD
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.
The Marriott Bonvoy Business™ American Express® Card has a limited time offer for 75,000 bonus points when you spend $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of Card Membership. We value these 75k points to be worth around $675.
This card earns 6 points per $1 at participating hotels in the Marriott BonvoyTM program. It’s 4 points per $1 at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers, and on U.S. purchases for shipping. And 2 points per $1 on all other purchases.
Every year after your account anniversary you’ll get 1 free night award. You can earn an additional free night award after spending $60,000 in purchases in 1 calendar year.
There are no foreign transaction fees and the annual fee is $125. See Rates & Fees, Terms Apply.
Redeeming Mileage Plan Miles
Alaska Airlines sets its award pricing according to trip length and class of service. For domestic flights within the United States (excluding Hawaii), award tickets start at just 5,000 miles one way.
To see how many miles you’ll need for a particular itinerary, use the Mileage Plan award pricing tool.
Use your Mileage Plan miles for discounts of up to 50% on most Alaska Airlines couch and First Class fares.
| Award Type | One Way | Round Trip |
| 50% discount Up to $100 | 10,000 | 10,000 |
| 50% discount Up to $200 | 20,000 | 20,000 |
You can request an upgrade within 24 hours of departure, or at check-in, and pay by cash or miles. In rewards, upgrades cost a flat rate of 15,000 miles. But the cost of cash upgrades depends on distance.
| Distance One Way | Cost |
| 0 – 450 | $29 |
| 451 – 700 | $49 |
| 701 – 1,400 | $99 |
| 1,401 – 2,100 | $149 |
| 2,101+ | $199 |
As you can see, upgrades using miles have better value for longer flights.
Alaska Airlines is not a member of any major airline alliance (Oneworld, Star Alliance or SkyTeam). But thanks to Mileage Plan’s broad network of partners, you can book award flights all over the world. Each partner has its own award chart, so it will take a bit of grunt work on your part to find the best deals.
Partners include:
*For an updated complete list of airline partners, click here.
Hotel stays. Use your Mileage Plan miles to book hotel stays with Alaska Airlines Hotels (powered by Rocketmiles). Choose to pay with miles, or a combination of miles and cash, at over 400,000 properties worldwide. Alaska Airlines credit card members can redeem using fewer miles.
Magazine subscriptions. Redeem your miles for subscriptions to popular magazines and newspapers.
Transfer miles. Transfer your miles to another member’s account for $10 per 1,000 miles.
Charitable donations. Give your miles to a number of partner charities, including Dream Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, National Forest Foundation, Seattle Children’s Hospital and more.
*Source: For updated information, click here.
Mileage Plan miles expire after 24 months of inactivity.
Keep your rewards active by earning or burning miles.
Mileage Plan Tips & Tricks
Mileage Plan runs great promotions throughout the year. Currently and through the end of 2019, members earn twice the miles for nonstop travel between select California and East Coast destinations. Because the Alaska Airlines rewards program is on a mile-for-mile system, this double-mile offer gets you much closer to an award flight, much faster.
For a list of all current promotions, check out the Mileage Plan Deals page.
There are very few airline loyalty programs that let you make a stopover on one-way awards, and Mileage Plan is one of them. This gives you a chance to visit two destinations for the price of one.
For example:
| Itinerary | Miles | Airline & Class |
| Dallas Sydney (stopover) Perth | 55,000 | Qantas Business class |
| New York Hong Kong (stopover) Manila | 50,000 | Cathay Pacific Business class |
| Los Angeles Dubai (stopover) Delhi | 82,500 | Emirates Business class |
Keep in mind:
- You can’t combine multiple partners on a one-way Alaska award ticket. But you can combine an Alaska-operated flight with a partner airline.
- You can only complete the free stopover in a partner airline’s hub city.
- Don’t book one-way awards on Korean Air. They cost the same amount of miles as round trip tickets.
American Airlines. This domestic airline flies all over the world and offers great value for your miles, especially if you fly business or first class. We’ve seen redemptions where each point is worth more than $0.05 apiece.
Cathay Pacific. Flying first class on this Hong Kong-based airline is an extremely luxurious experience, with spacious seats and menus created by Michelin-star chefs. A round trip from Boston to Beijing in first class would cost you a whopping $19,800. But it’s only 140,000 in miles. In this scenario, your points would be worth $0.14 each!
Hawaiian Airlines. Get to Hawaii for just 35,000 miles round trip, even during peak travel times. The trick is to search lesser-known routes to Hawaii, and avoid Los Angeles and San Francisco routes.
Qantas. This is a great option if you’re heading to Australia or New Zealand, especially in business class. Not only will you enjoy lounge access, tasty dining options and seats that recline into beds, you’ll also get your miles’ worth. We’ve seen award tickets that will get you over $0.09 per mile.
Please avoid booking your award travel with British Airways. Although decently priced, this partner airline tends to tack on huge fuel surcharges for certain routes. Which will effectively decrease the value of your miles. If you must redeem with British Airways, keep an eye out for additional fees.
When booking award tickets, make sure to look at the cabin you’ve selected. Many people don’t check this detail, and they end up booking mixed-cabin tickets. These award tickets are priced at the higher cabin’s mileage rate and will appear in the premium cabin column of your search results.
*All of the above information was collected independently and subject to change.
Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has got it all. Great earning potential with the Alaska Airlines Visa Card, decent flexibility thanks to plenty of partner airlines, and incredible value if you do your research.
If Alaska Airlines flies to where you live, you’ll definitely want to consider joining Mileage Plan.
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