Club Key

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Mileage Plan: Your Ultimate Guide to Maximizing Value

1. Introduction: Why Alaska Mileage Plan Stands Out

Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan often flies under the radar compared to the behemoths of US airline loyalty, yet it consistently punches above its weight, frequently earning accolades as one of the best frequent flyer programs available.1 Its reputation for generosity and member-friendly policies isn’t just marketing fluff; it’s rooted in tangible benefits that savvy travelers can leverage for significant value.

What truly sets Mileage Plan apart in the modern loyalty landscape is its unique strategic positioning. As a member of the oneworld alliance since 2023 4, it grants members access to a vast global network encompassing airlines like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, reaching nearly 1,000 destinations across 170 countries.4 However, Alaska hasn’t fully subscribed to alliance exclusivity. It maintains a robust portfolio of additional non-alliance partners, including carriers like Icelandair, Condor, Singapore Airlines, and Korean Air.5 This hybrid approach is a distinct advantage, offering members a blend of oneworld’s breadth and unique redemption opportunities through niche carriers or specific airline products unavailable in programs strictly tied to a single alliance. This structure allows for creative routing and potentially more optimized award travel than might be possible elsewhere.

Beyond its partner network, Mileage Plan retains core features that differentiate it. Notably, it continues to award miles based on distance flown for flights operated by Alaska Airlines, a stark contrast to the revenue-based systems adopted by most other major US carriers.8 This means travelers who find good deals on long flights can often earn significantly more miles than they would elsewhere for the same ticket price, reinforcing the program’s “generous” branding.1

Furthermore, the program boasts standout features like a highly valuable free stopover policy on one-way international award tickets – a perk largely extinct among US competitors.8 The popular Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Business cards offer another signature benefit: Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™, potentially saving hundreds of dollars annually for pairs traveling together.11

Mileage Plan is not static. It underwent a significant simplification of its partner award charts in March 2024 15 and is rolling out substantial enhancements for 2025, including new ways to earn elite status through award travel, credit card spending, and partner activity.1 The program’s ability to maintain its high rankings 1 amidst these evolutions suggests a successful balancing act, adapting to the modern loyalty landscape while preserving the core elements that deliver exceptional value to its members. This guide will delve into every facet of the program, equipping travelers to navigate its features and maximize their rewards.

2. Getting Started: Joining the Mileage Plan Family

How to Sign Up

Becoming a member of Alaska Mileage Plan is a simple and free process. Prospective members can enroll directly through the Alaska Airlines website.1 The online form requires basic personal information, including full name, date of birth, and mailing address.11 It’s important to note that while adults and teenagers can sign up online, children under the age of 13 must be enrolled by a parent or legal guardian via a phone call to Alaska Airlines customer care.34 Each individual needs their own account, as group or family memberships are not offered.35

Managing Your Account Overview

Once enrolled, members gain access to their ‘My account’ profile on alaskaair.com.34 This online hub serves as the central point for managing Mileage Plan activity and travel preferences. Key functions include:

  • Viewing Trip Details: The ‘My Trips’ section stores itineraries for trips booked online.34
  • Tracking Mileage: Members can access their account 24/7 to check their current mileage balance and review recent earning and redemption activity.34 It’s crucial to add the Mileage Plan number to all flight reservations to ensure proper credit.12
  • Managing Preferences: The profile allows members to store information like their home airport, favorite destinations, and seating preferences. This data is used to pre-fill forms during the online booking process, streamlining reservations.34 This focus on convenience subtly encourages members to book directly through Alaska’s website or app, which benefits the airline through increased direct revenue and better customer data capture.
  • Email Subscriptions: Members can subscribe to the ‘Insider,’ Alaska’s weekly e-newsletter. This provides access to special promotional offers and, notably, weekly discount codes applicable to airfare, cruises, hotels, and vacation packages.34 This regular delivery of tangible monetary benefits serves as a strong incentive for members to stay engaged with program communications and potentially book travel more often.
  • My Wallet: This feature allows members to digitally store gift certificates, credit certificates, and bonus travel certificates, providing a running balance for easy application towards purchases without needing to enter multiple codes.34
  • Personal Information: Members can update personal details, billing information, and manage email subscriptions and passwords online.34

3. Earning Alaska Miles: A World of Opportunities

Accumulating Alaska miles can be achieved through a variety of channels, extending far beyond just flying. Understanding these avenues is key to building a healthy mileage balance for future redemptions.

Flying High: Earning on Alaska & Partner Airlines

The most traditional way to earn miles is by flying. Alaska Airlines differentiates itself from many US competitors by primarily using a distance-based earning structure for flights it operates.8 The number of miles earned is calculated based on the actual distance flown, potentially augmented by a class-of-service bonus depending on the fare purchased.11 This contrasts sharply with the revenue-based systems of airlines like Delta, United, and American, where mileage earning is tied directly to the ticket price. Consequently, travelers flying on cheaper, long-distance Alaska fares can often earn substantially more miles than they would on competing carriers, reinforcing Alaska’s value proposition.8

Earning miles on Alaska’s extensive network of partner airlines has been simplified with universal earn rates introduced in late 2024/early 2025.1 However, a critical factor influencing earn rates is the booking channel. Booking a partner flight directly on alaskaair.com or the Alaska app typically yields significantly higher mileage accrual – often 100% of the miles flown for economy, plus bonuses for premium cabins (e.g., 150% for Premium Economy, 250% for Business Class).1 Conversely, booking the exact same flight via the partner airline’s website or a third party usually results in much lower earn rates, sometimes as low as 25% or 50% of the distance flown for discount economy fares.8 This disparity creates a powerful incentive to book partner travel through Alaska’s channels, even if the base fare might appear slightly higher, as the value of the extra miles earned can often compensate for the difference. This strategy also benefits Alaska by driving more bookings through its own systems.

Alaska’s partners include fellow oneworld alliance members like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways 4, as well as other global partners categorized as either ‘earn and redeem’ (like Icelandair, Singapore Airlines, Condor) or ‘earn only’ (regional carriers like Cape Air, Kenmore Air).5 It’s important to note that deeply discounted fares, such as Alaska’s Saver fares (booked in ‘X’ class), typically earn fewer miles or may not be eligible for full bonuses.12 If miles don’t post automatically, members can request retroactive credit online or via customer care, generally within 12 months of the flight.12

Credit Card Power: Alaska Airlines Visa Cards

Co-branded credit cards issued by Bank of America are among the most efficient tools for rapidly accumulating Mileage Plan miles.11 Alaska offers both a personal card, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, and a business version, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card.

These cards typically feature attractive sign-up bonuses. For instance, recent offers included 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ and a 30% flight discount code for the personal card after meeting a $3,000 spending requirement in 90 days.16 The business card recently offered 60,000 bonus miles and the Companion Fare after a $4,000 spend in 90 days.17 (Note: Credit card offers change frequently; always verify the current offer before applying).

The ongoing earning structure is designed to reward spending in specific categories:

  • 3 miles per $1: Earned on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.9
  • 2 miles per $1: Earned on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services, and local transit (including rideshare) for the personal card.9 For the business card, the 2x categories are typically eligible gas, EV charging, shipping, and local transit.14
  • 1 mile per $1: Earned on all other purchases.9

Beyond mileage earning, the cards offer valuable perks:

  • Free Checked Bag: Cardholders receive a free first checked bag for themselves and up to six additional guests traveling on the same reservation when paying for the flight with their card.11
  • Priority Boarding: Cardholders enjoy priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights paid for with the card.16
  • Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™: A key benefit detailed later in this guide.11
  • Inflight Savings: 20% back as a statement credit on inflight purchases of food, beverages, and Wi-Fi.11
  • Lounge Discount: $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership purchased with the card.16
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees: Beneficial for international travel.14
  • Bank of America Relationship Bonus: Cardholders with eligible Bank of America accounts can earn a 10% bonus on miles earned from card purchases.16

The typical annual fee is $95 for the personal card and $70 for the company plus $25 per employee card for the business version.11 While the card benefits are strong, it’s worth noting that some users have reported challenges with Bank of America’s customer service and online platforms 40, representing a potential trade-off for accessing the Alaska-specific perks.

A significant enhancement starting January 1, 2025, is the ability to earn Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) through card spending. Cardholders will earn 1 EQM for every $3 spent, up to a maximum of 30,000 EQMs per year.22 This aligns Alaska with competitors and makes elite status more attainable for high spenders, broadening the appeal of the co-branded cards beyond just mileage accumulation.

Here’s a comparison of the typical features of the personal and business cards:

FeatureAlaska Airlines Visa Signature® (Personal)Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card
Annual Fee$95 11$70 for the company + $25 per employee card 17
Typical Sign-Up Bonus60,000 miles + Companion Fare + 30% Discount Code (after $3k spend/90 days) 1660,000 miles + Companion Fare (after $4k spend/90 days) 17
Earning: Alaska3 miles per $1 163 miles per $1 17
Earning: 2x CategoriesGas, EV charging, cable, streaming, local transit (incl. rideshare) 16Gas, EV charging, shipping, local transit (incl. rideshare) 17
Earning: Other1 mile per $1 161 mile per $1 17
Companion Fare (Annual)Earned after $6k spend in prior anniversary year 16Earned after $6k spend in prior anniversary year 17
Free Checked BagCardholder + up to 6 guests 16Cardholder + up to 6 guests 17
Priority BoardingYes 16Yes 17
Inflight Discount20% back 1620% back 17
Lounge Discount$100 off Alaska Lounge+ 16$100 off Alaska Lounge+ 17
EQM Earning (from 2025)1 EQM per $3 spend (up to 30k EQMs/year) 221 EQM per $3 spend (up to 30k EQMs/year) 22
Foreign Transaction FeeNone (Implied by Business card having none)None 17

Everyday Earning: Partners Galore

Mileage Plan offers numerous ways to earn miles without setting foot on an airplane, integrating earning opportunities into daily activities:

  • Mileage Plan Shopping: This online portal features over 1,100 retailers like Macy’s, Best Buy, and Walmart.11 By clicking through the portal before making an online purchase, members earn miles, often at rates varying by retailer. Installing the browser button or extension can simplify the process, providing alerts when visiting a participating store’s site and potentially offering higher earn rates.11
  • Mileage Plan Dining: Members can link their credit or debit cards to the Mileage Plan Dining program and earn up to 5 miles per dollar spent at thousands of participating restaurants, bars, and clubs nationwide, whether dining in, taking out, or getting delivery.11 The exact earning rate depends on program participation level, and new members can often earn a sign-up bonus (e.g., 500 miles for spending $30 in the first 30 days).11
  • Hotel Partners: Qualifying stays at partner hotels earn miles. Partners include major chains like Marriott Bonvoy (earn 1-2 miles per $1 USD spent), IHG One Rewards (up to 2 miles per $1 or 500 miles/stay), Best Western (250 miles/stay), and Choice Hotels (250 miles/stay), as well as Coast Hotels (500 miles/stay).9 Additionally, booking through the Alaska Airlines Hotels portal (often powered by Rocketmiles) can yield significantly higher earnings, sometimes up to 10,000 miles per night.8 However, booking through such third-party portals typically means forfeiting points and elite night credits within the hotel’s own loyalty program, and hotel elite benefits might not be honored.46 Travelers must weigh the value of Alaska miles against the forgone hotel points and perks.
  • Car Rental Partners: Renting cars through partners like Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Alamo, Dollar, and Thrifty provides another avenue for miles.11 Earning is typically per day (e.g., 50 miles/day with Alamo/National) or via tiered bonuses (up to 1,250 miles with Avis/Budget, especially for elites/cardholders).47 Discounts, such as up to 35% off base rates with Avis and Budget, are often available to Mileage Plan members.43
  • Other Partners: A diverse range of other partners allows for mileage earning:
  • Lyft: Link accounts to earn 1 mile per $1 spent on rides.28
  • Bilt Rewards: Transfer Bilt Points 1:1 to Alaska miles; earn points on rent payments.9
  • Retail/Gifting: 1-800-Flowers.com and its family of brands (earn 25 miles per $1 with code).9
  • Financial/Survey: Diners Club International (convert points), e-Rewards (surveys), Greenlight (financial literacy app), Guaranteed Rate (mortgages).42
  • Groceries (Alaska Only): Carrs/Safeway for U Rewards program allows point conversion to miles.42
  • Travel Activities: GetYourGuide (tours/activities), Rover.com (pet sitting), Wine Flies Free™ partners (check a case of wine for free from participating regions).43

Crucially, starting January 1, 2025, activity with many of these non-air partners will also contribute to elite status. Members will earn 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 miles earned through eligible partners like the shopping and dining portals, Lyft, and others.27 This development significantly enhances the value of engaging with everyday partners, making both miles and status more accessible even for those who don’t fly frequently.

Other Avenues: Buying & Transferring Miles

While flying and partner activities are primary earning methods, miles can also be acquired through other means:

  • Buying Miles: Alaska Airlines frequently sells miles directly, often with promotional bonuses that can lower the cost per mile.38 Purchasing miles speculatively is rarely advised, but buying miles during a good sale can be worthwhile to top off an account for a specific high-value redemption. Values around 1.85 cents per mile have been seen during promotions.38
  • Transferring Points: Unlike many loyalty programs, Alaska Mileage Plan has very few direct transfer partners from major flexible bank currencies.8
  • Bilt Rewards: Points transfer 1:1 to Alaska miles, making the Bilt Mastercard (which earns points on rent) a valuable tool for Alaska enthusiasts.9
  • Marriott Bonvoy: Points transfer at a 3:1 ratio (3 Marriott points = 1 Alaska mile).8 While not ideal value, it’s an option.
  • HawaiianMiles: Following the merger announcement, HawaiianMiles can be transferred 1:1 to Alaska miles, though this is likely a temporary pathway.9 This temporarily opens up transfers from programs like American Express Membership Rewards via Hawaiian.
  • Lack of Major Partners: Notably absent are direct transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards, American Express Membership Rewards (except via Hawaiian), Citi ThankYou Points, and Capital One Miles. This scarcity of transfer options makes Alaska miles somewhat harder to acquire “on demand” compared to miles in programs with broader bank partnerships, placing greater emphasis on earning through Alaska’s dedicated channels (flights, co-brand cards, partners).
  • Transferring Between Accounts: Miles can be transferred from one Mileage Plan account to another, but this incurs a significant fee (typically $10 per 1,000 miles plus a $25 transaction fee), making it generally not recommended unless absolutely necessary.26

4. Redeeming Alaska Miles: Unlocking Travel Adventures

Alaska miles unlock access to flights across Alaska’s own network and its extensive list of global partners. Understanding the redemption process and award charts is crucial for maximizing value.

Booking Flights: Using Miles on Alaska & Partners

All award travel using Mileage Plan miles must be booked through Alaska Airlines channels – primarily the website (alaskaair.com) or the mobile app.52 Some complex itineraries or specific partner bookings (like LATAM) might require calling customer care.15

The number of miles required for a flight is determined by award charts. Alaska uses separate charts for flights operated by Alaska Airlines (and likely Hawaiian Airlines post-merger) versus flights operated by partner airlines.

Alaska/Hawaiian Award Chart:

This chart is primarily distance-based for flights within the Contiguous US, Alaska, and Canada, with different starting mileage levels for specific distance bands.15 Flights to Hawaii, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean have fixed “starting at” mileage levels regardless of distance from the departure point.53 It’s important to remember the “starting at” language; actual award prices can vary and may sometimes be found lower than the chart suggests.15

Alaska & Hawaiian Award Chart Summary

From Contiguous US including Alaska and Canada to:Economy starting atFirst starting at
Contiguous US, Alaska and Canada: less than 700 miles5,000 miles15,000 miles
Contiguous US, Alaska and Canada: 701–1,400 miles7,500 miles25,000 miles
Contiguous US, Alaska and Canada: 1,401–2,100 miles10,000 miles25,000 miles
Contiguous US, Alaska and Canada: 2,101 miles and above12,500 miles30,000 miles
Hawaii: all distances15,000 miles40,000 miles
Mexico, Central America and Caribbean: all distances10,000 miles30,000 miles

Source: 53

Partner Award Charts (Effective March 2024):

In a major simplification, Alaska moved away from unique charts for each partner to three unified, distance-based award charts covering all partners, effective March 2024.8 These charts are divided by geographic region:

  1. The Americas: Covers flights to, from, or within the US (including Alaska & Hawaii), Canada, Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
  2. Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA): Covers flights to, from, or within these regions.
  3. Asia-Pacific: Covers flights to, from, or within this region.

Within each regional chart, the mileage required “starts at” a certain level based on the flight distance (in miles) and the desired class of service (Economy, Premium Economy, Business, or First Class).26 While this unification aimed to simplify planning and potentially lower starting prices on many routes 26, the “starting at” caveat is critical. It signals a move towards more variable pricing, influenced by demand and availability. The listed minimums serve as a baseline, but users must search specific dates and routes on Alaska’s platform to confirm the actual mileage cost, especially for connecting flights which might price higher.15 The ability to book awards involving multiple partners on a single ticket is also being introduced, though initial pricing might be additive rather than purely distance-based.57

Partner Award Chart Summaries

The Americas

Distance (miles)Economy starting atPremium Economy starting atBusiness starting atFirst starting at
Less than 7004,500 miles6,000 miles9,000 miles13,500 miles
701–1,4007,500 miles10,000 miles15,000 miles25,000 miles
1,401–2,10012,500 miles17,500 miles25,000 miles40,000 miles
2,101–4,00017,500 miles22,500 miles35,000 miles52,500 miles
4,001–6,00025,000 miles32,500 miles50,000 miles75,000 miles
6,001 and above30,000 miles40,000 miles60,000 miles90,000 miles

Source: 26

Europe, Middle East, Africa (EMEA)

Distance (miles)Economy starting atPremium Economy starting atBusiness starting atFirst starting at
Less than 1,5007,500 miles10,000 miles15,000 miles22,500 miles
1,501–3,50022,500 miles30,000 miles45,000 miles67,500 miles
3,501–5,00027,500 miles35,000 miles55,000 miles82,500 miles
5,001–7,00035,000 miles45,000 miles70,000 miles105,000 miles
7,001–10,00042,500 miles55,000 miles85,000 miles130,000 miles
10,000 and above55,000 miles72,500 miles110,000 miles165,000 miles

Source: 26

Asia-Pacific

Distance (miles)Economy starting atPremium Economy starting atBusiness starting atFirst starting at
Less than 1,5007,500 miles10,000 miles15,000 miles22,500 miles
1,501–3,00025,000 miles32,500 miles50,000 miles75,000 miles
3,001–5,00030,000 miles40,000 miles60,000 miles90,000 miles
5,001–7,00037,500 miles50,000 miles75,000 miles110,000 miles
7,001–10,00042,500 miles55,000 miles85,000 miles130,000 miles
10,000 and above65,000 miles85,000 miles130,000 miles195,000 miles

Source: 26

Sweet Spots & Maximizing Value: Getting the Most Bang for Your Mile

The value proposition of Alaska miles varies significantly depending on how they are redeemed. While baseline valuations hover around 1.3 to 1.5 cents per mile according to analysts 46, real-world redemptions tracked by users show averages closer to 2.1 cents, driven heavily by high-value premium cabin awards.38 Long-haul international business and first-class flights can yield values exceeding 4.2 cents per mile, sometimes reaching over 10 cents per mile for aspirational redemptions.38 Conversely, domestic economy redemptions often provide more modest value, closer to 1.3 cents per mile.38 This disparity clearly indicates that the most potent use of Alaska miles lies in strategic redemptions for expensive international premium travel on partner airlines.26

Even with the unified 2024 award charts, several “sweet spots” remain, leveraging favorable distance bands and partner networks 50:

  • Short-Haul Americas: Partner flights under 700 miles start at just 4,500 miles in economy.26
  • Business Class to Europe (Shorter Routes): Flights under 3,500 miles from the US Northeast (e.g., Boston, New York) to Western Europe on partners like Aer Lingus, American, or British Airways start at 45,000 miles one-way.26 This represents excellent value, though watch for high surcharges on British Airways.
  • Business Class to Europe (Medium Routes + Stopover): Flights between 3,501 and 5,000 miles (covering many US-Europe routes) start at 55,000 miles one-way in business class.26 This band allows for itineraries like New York to Helsinki on Finnair or Boston to Madrid on Iberia, potentially including a free stopover in the hub city.
  • Intra-Europe: Flights under 1,500 miles within Europe on partners like Finnair or British Airways start at 7,500 miles in economy, which can be valuable compared to sometimes high cash fares.26
  • Business Class to Asia (West Coast Departures): Flights between 3,001 and 5,000 miles, such as Seattle or Vancouver to Tokyo on Japan Airlines (JAL), start at 60,000 miles one-way in business class.26
  • Business Class to Asia (Longer Routes + Stopover): Flights between 5,001 and 7,000 miles (e.g., West Coast US to Southeast Asia via Tokyo on JAL) start at 75,000 miles one-way in business class, allowing for a potential stopover in Tokyo.26 Even longer routes (7,001-10,000 miles) start at 85,000 miles.26
  • Qatar Airways Qsuites: Highly regarded business class product bookable at competitive rates. US East Coast to Doha (5,001-7,000 miles) starts at 70,000 miles one-way. Longer journeys via Doha to the Middle East, Africa, or Asia (7,001-10,000 miles) start at 85,000 miles.26
  • Singapore Airlines (Potential): Subject to booking availability, long-haul flights like New York-Singapore (starts 85k miles) or fifth-freedom routes like New York-Frankfurt (starts 55k miles) offer great value.53

Finding award availability, especially for premium cabins on popular partners, can be challenging. Tools like Seats.aero can be helpful for searching across multiple dates and partners before attempting to book on Alaska’s site.13

The Legendary Free Stopover: How to Add a Destination for Free

One of Mileage Plan’s most celebrated and unique features is its free stopover policy on one-way international award tickets.8 A stopover is defined as a connection exceeding 24 hours, allowing travelers to spend several days or even weeks in an intermediate city before continuing to their final destination.13 This effectively allows visiting two destinations for the mileage price of one, a significant advantage over other US programs that typically prohibit stopovers on one-way awards.

However, there are specific rules and limitations 13:

  • International Itinerary: The policy applies only when the origin or final destination is outside the US/Canada.
  • Partner Hub: The stopover generally must take place in a hub city of the partner airline operating the flights (e.g., London for British Airways, Madrid for Iberia, Tokyo for JAL, Helsinki for Finnair, Doha for Qatar).
  • One Stopover Per Way: Only one stopover is permitted on a one-way award. A round-trip booking could potentially include two stopovers (one in each direction).
  • Single Partner Rule: This is a crucial constraint. The itinerary can only include flights operated by Alaska Airlines plus a maximum of one partner airline, OR flights operated solely by a single partner airline. It’s not possible to mix multiple partners (e.g., American Airlines and British Airways) on the same one-way award ticket utilizing a stopover. This requires careful planning to ensure a single partner serves both the stopover city and the final destination from the origin (or vice-versa).

Booking a stopover requires using the “Multi-city” search tool on alaskaair.com.10 Travelers must enter the journey as separate segments (e.g., Leg 1: Origin to Stopover City; Leg 2: Stopover City to Final Destination) with the desired dates for each leg, ensuring the “Use miles” option is selected. If award space is available under the stopover rules, the website should price the entire multi-city itinerary based on the total distance and applicable award chart for the end-to-end journey, not as the sum of the individual segment costs.13

Beyond Flights: Redeeming for Hotels & Cars

While Mileage Plan is primarily optimized for flight redemptions, miles can also be used for other travel expenses:

  • Hotels: Miles can be redeemed for hotel stays through the Alaska Airlines Hotels portal.45
  • Car Rentals: Miles can be redeemed for car rentals booked via the Alaska Car Rentals portal, which partners with Avis and Budget.11

Members can choose to pay entirely with miles or use a combination of miles and cash for both hotels and cars.48 Alaska credit cardholders may receive preferential redemption rates for hotel stays.46

However, it’s widely recognized that redeeming miles for hotels and cars typically yields poor value compared to flight awards.26 For example, analyses have shown hotel redemptions yielding less than 0.7 cents per mile, significantly lower than the potential value from flights.46 While these options provide flexibility, they are generally considered a suboptimal use of valuable Alaska miles and are best reserved for situations where miles might otherwise go unused or for low-value redemptions when cash prices are exceptionally high.

Upgrading Your Experience: Using Miles & Elite Perks

Accessing premium cabins (First Class and Premium Class) on Alaska Airlines flights primarily relies on elite status benefits or cash payments, as mileage upgrades are currently restricted.

Mileage Plan elite members (MVP and higher) receive complimentary, space-available upgrades on Alaska Airlines flights.19 Eligibility depends on the member’s elite tier and the fare class purchased. Higher fare classes (like full-fare Y, B) may qualify for instant upgrades at the time of booking if space is available.37 For lower, eligible fares, upgrades are processed within specific windows prior to departure (e.g., 48 hours for MVP, 72 hours for MVP Gold, 120 hours for MVP Gold 75K/100K).60 Saver fares (X class) are the exception, only becoming eligible for complimentary upgrades within 2 hours of departure.37

The upgrade waitlist priority has historically been based on elite tier, then fare class, then booking time.60 However, a significant change takes effect April 14, 2025: priority will shift to elite tier, then Million Miler status, then the number of EQMs earned by the member, rewarding overall loyalty rather than just the price paid for the ticket.29 MVP Gold members and above can also upgrade one companion traveling on the same reservation.19 Notably, elite members are eligible for complimentary upgrades even when traveling on award tickets.55

Crucially, Alaska Airlines does not currently allow members to use Mileage Plan miles to upgrade a paid ticket.54 Travelers wanting to upgrade without relying on complimentary elite status must either redeem miles for a First Class award ticket outright or purchase an upgrade with cash, which may be offered closer to departure if seats remain available.54 This policy makes achieving elite status particularly valuable for those seeking premium cabin experiences on Alaska flights, as complimentary upgrades represent the primary non-cash path to the front of the plane.

5. Achieving Elite Status: The Perks of Loyalty

Earning elite status with Alaska Mileage Plan unlocks a suite of benefits designed to enhance the travel experience, both on Alaska Airlines and across its global partner network. The program features four published tiers, each with escalating perks and qualification requirements.

The Tiers: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold 100K

The elite hierarchy consists of four levels 4:

  • MVP (Mileage Plan Valuable Passenger)
  • MVP Gold
  • MVP Gold 75K
  • MVP Gold 100K

These tiers correspond directly to status levels within the oneworld alliance, granting reciprocal benefits when flying on partner airlines 4:

  • MVP = oneworld Ruby
  • MVP Gold = oneworld Sapphire
  • MVP Gold 75K & 100K = oneworld Emerald

Qualification Roadmap (Focus on 2025)

Qualification for elite status is based on activity within a calendar year (January 1 to December 31). Members can qualify by earning a certain number of Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) OR by flying a specific number of eligible segments. Additionally, a minimum number of segments must be flown on flights marketed and operated by Alaska Airlines.28

The 2025 qualification requirements are 4:

  • MVP: 20,000 EQMs OR 30 segments + minimum 2 Alaska flights
  • MVP Gold: 40,000 EQMs OR 60 segments + minimum 6 Alaska flights
  • MVP Gold 75K: 75,000 EQMs OR 90 segments + minimum 12 Alaska flights
  • MVP Gold 100K: 100,000 EQMs OR 140 segments + minimum 24 Alaska flights

EQMs are primarily earned based on the distance flown on Alaska Airlines and its partners, with potential bonuses for premium cabin fares.8

New Paths to Status (2025): Diversifying Qualification

Beginning in 2025, Alaska significantly expands the ways members can earn EQMs, making elite status more accessible beyond traditional paid flights 8:

  • EQMs on Award Travel: In a groundbreaking move for a major US airline, members will earn 1 EQM for every mile flown on award tickets booked using Mileage Plan miles, including travel on Alaska and its global partners.8 These EQMs start accruing for travel from January 1, 2025, and are expected to post to accounts beginning in spring 2025.30 This creates a positive feedback loop, allowing mileage redemption to directly contribute to future status qualification.
  • EQMs via Credit Card Spend: Holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Visa® Business cards will earn 1 EQM for every $3 spent on qualifying purchases, capped at 30,000 EQMs earned via card spend per calendar year.22
  • EQMs via Non-Air Partners: Engagement with everyday partners also contributes to status. Members will earn 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 redeemable miles earned through eligible non-air partners, such as Mileage Plan Shopping, Mileage Plan Dining, Lyft, and others.27
  • Milestone Perks: Complementing the status tiers, Alaska introduces Milestone Perks in 2025.1 As members reach specific EQM thresholds throughout the year (starting at 10,000 EQMs and recurring at intervals like 30k, 55k, 85k, etc.), they can choose from a menu of rewards. Options may include bonus miles, Alaska Lounge day passes, a trial of a higher status level for a trip, upgrade certificates (at higher milestones), or even rolling over 10,000 EQMs to the next year (available as a choice at the 85,000 EQM milestone).27

This multi-pronged approach to EQM earning gamifies the path to status and rewards various forms of loyalty and engagement, making the program more attractive to a broader range of travelers and spenders.

Tier Benefits Deep Dive: What You Get at Each Level

Each elite tier offers progressively valuable benefits. Focusing on the 2025 structure where known:

Alaska Mileage Plan Elite Status Benefits Comparison (2025 Focus)

BenefitMVPMVP GoldMVP Gold 75KMVP Gold 100K
EQM / Segments (Min)20k / 30 (2 AK flts) 2840k / 60 (6 AK flts) 2875k / 90 (12 AK flts) 28100k / 140 (24 AK flts) 28
oneworld StatusRuby 7Sapphire 7Emerald 7Emerald 7
Bonus Miles Earn Rate25% 2950% 8100% 8150% 8
First Class UpgradeEligible (lower priority, window opens 48h) 37Eligible (medium priority, window opens 72h) 37Eligible (high priority, window opens 120h) 37Eligible (highest priority, window opens 120h) 37
Premium Class UpgradeEligible (window opens 48h) 37Eligible (window opens 72h) 37Eligible at booking (excl. Saver) 37Eligible at booking (excl. Saver) 37
Companion UpgradesYes (from Apr 2025) 29Yes 19Yes 19Yes 19
Free Checked Bags2 (drops to 1 in 2026) 292 293 293 29
Priority ServicesCheck-in, Boarding, Care 29Check-in, Boarding, Security, Care 29Check-in, Boarding, Security, Care 29Check-in, Boarding, Security, Care 29
Preferred/Premium SeatPreferred Free; Premium Upgrade 29Preferred Free; Premium Upgrade 29Preferred Free; Premium at Booking 37Preferred Free; Premium at Booking 37
Lounge Access (Alaska)Discounted Membership; Passes via Milestone Perks? 30Discounted Membership; Passes via Milestone Perks? 30Discounted Membership; Passes via Milestone Perks? 30Discounted Membership; Passes via Milestone Perks? 30
Lounge Access (oneworld)**NoBusiness Class (Int’l Only*) 7First Class (Int’l Only*) 7First Class (Int’l Only*) 7
Same-Day Flight ChangeNoYes (Complimentary) 37Yes (Complimentary) 37Yes (Complimentary) 37
Avis Status MatchNoAvis Preferred Plus 37Avis President’s Club 37Avis President’s Club 37
Other PerksCLEAR Discount, Elite Leave 37CLEAR Discount, Elite Leave, Premium Bev/Choc (Main) 37CLEAR Discount, Elite Leave, Premium Bev/Choc (Main) 37CLEAR Discount, Elite Leave, Snack/Meal (Main) 37

* oneworld lounge access for Alaska elites requires international travel outside US/Canada/Mexico.

oneworld Alliance Status & Benefits: Your Perks Across the Globe

Achieving elite status with Mileage Plan translates directly into tiered benefits across the oneworld alliance, significantly enhancing the travel experience when flying with partners like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, JAL, Qantas, and Qatar Airways.4

Oneworld Benefits by Alaska Tier

Alaska Tieroneworld TierPriority Check-inPriority BoardingLounge Access (Biz/First)Extra BaggagePriority BaggageFast Track SecurityPreferred Seating
MVPRuby 7BusinessNoNoMaybeNoNoYes (Varies)
MVP GoldSapphire 7BusinessYesBusiness (Int’l Only*)YesYes (excl. BA)NoYes (Varies)
MVP Gold 75K/100KEmerald 7FirstYesFirst & Business (Int’l Only*)Yes (Higher)Yes (excl. BA)Yes (Select Apt)Yes (Varies)

Source: 4

* oneworld lounge access for Alaska elites requires international travel outside US/Canada/Mexico.

Key oneworld benefits include 4:

  • Priority Check-in: Ruby members use Business Class lanes; Emerald members use First Class lanes.
  • Priority Boarding: Sapphire and Emerald members board earlier.
  • Lounge Access: This is a major perk for Sapphire (Business Class lounges) and Emerald (First Class lounges). However, the significant caveat for Alaska Mileage Plan elites is that this access is only granted when traveling on a oneworld partner to a destination outside of the U.S., Canada, or Mexico.7 This means an Alaska MVP Gold member flying domestically on American Airlines does not receive lounge access based on their status, unlike elites from foreign oneworld carriers. This limitation significantly reduces the value of the lounge benefit for primarily domestic travelers.
  • Extra Baggage Allowance: Sapphire and Emerald members receive additional checked baggage allowance (either an extra piece or extra weight, depending on the route/airline, with exceptions for certain fares like BA’s basic economy).
  • Priority Baggage Handling: Bags for Sapphire and Emerald members are tagged for priority delivery (except on British Airways).
  • Fast Track Security: Emerald members have access to expedited security lanes at select airports worldwide.
  • Preferred Seating: All tiers may receive access to preferred seating, though availability and policy vary by operating airline.

Some non-alliance partners might also offer limited lounge access to Alaska elites (e.g., Icelandair in Keflavik, potentially Hainan in China).10

6. Navigating the Partner Network

Alaska’s extensive and diverse partner network is a cornerstone of the Mileage Plan program’s value, offering broad global reach for earning and redeeming miles.

oneworld Alliance

As a full member of the oneworld alliance, Mileage Plan provides access to 13 member airlines (plus oneworld connect partner Fiji Airways), covering major global carriers.4 Key members include:

  • American Airlines
  • British Airways
  • Cathay Pacific
  • Finnair
  • Iberia
  • Japan Airlines (JAL)
  • Malaysia Airlines
  • Qantas
  • Qatar Airways
  • Royal Air Maroc
  • Royal Jordanian
  • SriLankan Airlines

This alliance grants Mileage Plan members the ability to earn and redeem miles and receive reciprocal elite status benefits across a network spanning roughly 1,000 destinations in 170 countries.4

Global Partners: Extending Your Reach Beyond oneworld

Beyond the formal alliance structure, Alaska maintains individual partnerships with a variety of other airlines, offering unique travel options.5 These partners fall into different categories based on the level of integration:

  • Earn and Redeem Partners: These partners allow Mileage Plan members to both earn miles when flying them and redeem miles for award tickets on their flights. Elite benefits may be limited compared to oneworld partners. Notable examples include: Aer Lingus, Air Tahiti Nui, Condor, Hainan Airlines, Icelandair, Korean Air, LATAM Airlines, Oman Air, Porter Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Starlux Airlines.
  • Earn Partners Only: These are typically smaller, regional airlines where members can earn miles (often when booked via Alaska channels) but cannot redeem miles for award travel. Examples include: Aleutian Airways, Bahamasair, Cape Air, Contour Airlines, Kenmore Air, Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airways Express. These partnerships primarily serve to extend Alaska’s network reach into smaller markets, allowing members to earn miles on connecting flights facilitated by Alaska.

Key Alaska Airline Partners Overview

AirlineAlliance / TypeEarn MilesRedeem MilesElite Benefits Honored
American AirlinesoneworldYesYesoneworld / Reciprocal
British AirwaysoneworldYesYesoneworld
Cathay PacificoneworldYesYesoneworld
Fiji Airwaysoneworld ConnectYesYesSelect (oneworld)
FinnaironeworldYesYesoneworld
IberiaoneworldYesYesoneworld
Japan Airlines (JAL)oneworldYesYesoneworld
Malaysia AirlinesoneworldYesYesoneworld
QantasoneworldYesYesoneworld
Qatar AirwaysoneworldYesYesoneworld
Royal Air MaroconeworldYesYesoneworld
Royal JordanianoneworldYesYesoneworld
SriLankan AirlinesoneworldYesYesoneworld
Aer LingusNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
Air Tahiti NuiNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
CondorNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
Hainan AirlinesNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited (Lounge)
IcelandairNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited (Lounge)
Korean AirNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
LATAM AirlinesNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
Singapore AirlinesNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
Starlux AirlinesNon-Alliance (Earn/Redeem)YesYesLimited / No
Cape AirRegional (Earn Only)YesNoNo
Kenmore AirRegional (Earn Only)YesNoNo

Note: Partner list and benefits subject to change. Based on data from.4

Hotel & Car Rental Partners Recap

Beyond airlines, Mileage Plan partners with various hotel chains and car rental companies, providing additional avenues primarily for earning miles:

  • Hotels: Key partners include Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, Best Western Rewards, Choice Privileges, and Coast Hotels. Bookings can also be made through the Alaska Airlines Hotels portal.9
  • Car Rentals: Major partners are Avis, Budget, Hertz, National, Alamo, Dollar, and Thrifty. Members can also link their Lyft account to earn miles on rideshare.11

While redemption options exist for hotels and cars, they generally offer lower value compared to flight awards.

7. Essential Program Know-How

Understanding the fundamental rules of Mileage Plan is essential for effectively managing miles and benefits.

Do Alaska Miles Expire? The Official Policy

Good news for members: Alaska Mileage Plan miles do not expire as long as the associated account remains active.14 This is a significant advantage over many programs with strict expiration deadlines.

However, there’s an important nuance regarding account activity. If a Mileage Plan account shows no earning or redemption activity for a period of 24 consecutive months (two years), Alaska Airlines reserves the right to lock the account for security purposes.64 If this happens, the member has one additional year (making it three years total since the last activity) to contact Alaska Airlines customer care, verify their identity, and request reactivation.64 Upon reactivation, all accrued miles will be restored.

Failure to reactivate a locked account within that one-year window will result in the account being permanently closed and all miles forfeited.64 Therefore, while miles themselves don’t expire, prolonged inactivity can lead to their loss.

Keeping an account active is straightforward. Any qualifying activity – earning miles from flights, partner activities (shopping, dining, hotels, cars), credit card spending, or redeeming miles for any award – resets the 24-month activity clock.49 Furthermore, simply holding an active Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card (Visa Signature® or Business) prevents the account from being closed due to inactivity, providing peace of mind for cardholders.14

Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™: A Closer Look

Perhaps the most celebrated perk associated with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Visa® Business cards is Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™.8 This benefit allows the primary cardholder to book a travel companion on the same Alaska Airlines flight reservation for a significantly reduced cost.

What it is: The Companion Fare entitles the cardholder to purchase one round-trip or one-way coach ticket for a companion traveling on the same itinerary for a flat $99 base fare, plus applicable taxes and government fees (which start from $23, making the minimum total cost around $122 USD).19

How to Earn:

  • Initial Bonus: The Companion Fare is typically included as part of the welcome offer for new cardholders after meeting the minimum spending requirement within the first 90 days of account opening (e.g., $3,000 for personal, $4,000 for business based on recent offers).16 The discount code is automatically added to the cardholder’s Mileage Plan account profile approximately 6-8 weeks after qualifying.19
  • Annual Benefit: Cardholders receive another Companion Fare discount code each year on their account anniversary, provided they have spent $6,000 or more on the card during the preceding anniversary year.14 This spending requirement was added for cards opened or product-changed after January 18, 2023, shifting the benefit from a simple retention tool to one that also incentivizes ongoing card usage. The annual code typically appears in the member’s account within two billing cycles following the anniversary date.19

How to Redeem:

  • The Companion Fare code must be applied during the booking process on alaskaair.com.19 This is done by finding the code in the “Discount and companion fare codes” section of the member’s online profile and clicking “Shop,” or by manually entering the code in the designated field on the flight search page.19
  • The booking must include exactly two people traveling together on the same itinerary in coach class.19
  • The entire reservation (both the primary traveler’s paid fare and the companion’s $99 + tax/fee fare) must be purchased using the associated Alaska Airlines credit card.19
  • The discount is applied automatically during the search, and the code is officially redeemed upon final purchase.19

Eligible Flights & Restrictions:

  • The Companion Fare is valid only on flights operated by Alaska Airlines (including regional partners like Horizon Air, SkyWest operating as Alaska) booked via alaskaair.com.19 It cannot be used on partner airline flights.
  • There are no blackout dates.16
  • The fare cannot be combined with mileage redemptions (award travel) or other discounts.19
  • Each Companion Fare code has an expiration date, typically 11-12 months from issuance. The flight must be booked and ticketed by 11:59 PM PT on the expiration date, but the actual travel can occur up to 12 months after ticketing.19 Expiration dates cannot be extended.19
  • The Mileage Plan member who owns the code must be either one of the two travelers or the person purchasing the tickets with their Alaska credit card.19
  • Both travelers on the reservation earn redeemable Mileage Plan miles for the flight.19
  • Both travelers are eligible for complimentary elite upgrades, guest upgrades, or paid upgrades, but they must travel together in the same cabin and be upgraded simultaneously using the same upgrade instrument (unless it’s an elite companion upgrade for Gold/75K/100K members).19

The Companion Fare is widely considered one of the most valuable credit card perks available, capable of saving hundreds of dollars on routes like West Coast to Hawaii or transcontinental flights, easily offsetting the card’s annual fee for those who travel with a companion at least once a year on Alaska.

8. Weighing Your Options: Pros & Cons of Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers a compelling package, but like any loyalty program, it has strengths and weaknesses that potential members should consider.

Pros:

  • Generous Earning on Alaska Flights: The distance-based earning structure for flights operated by Alaska can be highly rewarding, especially on longer routes purchased at competitive prices.8
  • Valuable Free Stopover Policy: Unique among US carriers, the ability to add a free stopover on one-way international award tickets significantly enhances redemption value and flexibility.8
  • Strong and Diverse Partner Network: Membership in oneworld plus unique non-alliance partnerships provides extensive global reach and diverse redemption options, often at excellent value, particularly for premium international cabins.4
  • Attainable Elite Status with Meaningful Perks: Compared to some competitors, achieving elite status (even lower tiers like MVP) requires relatively less flying/spending and delivers valuable benefits like upgrades and priority services.8
  • Miles Don’t Expire (with Activity): The lack of a hard expiration date provides peace of mind, although minimal activity is needed every two years to keep the account open.8
  • Valuable Companion Fare: The annual Companion Fare from the co-branded credit cards is a standout perk that can offer substantial savings.8
  • Positive Program Enhancements (2025): New pathways to earn EQMs (via award travel, card spend, partner activity) make status more accessible and reward broader engagement.8

Cons:

  • Limited Direct Transfer Partners: The lack of partnerships with major bank transferable currencies (Chase UR, Amex MR, Citi TYP, Capital One) makes miles harder to accumulate quickly compared to other programs. Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy are the main transfer options.8
  • Less Comprehensive Route Network: While growing, Alaska’s own network is smaller than legacy carriers like American, Delta, and United, with notable gaps on the US East Coast.8
  • Credit Card Issuer Concerns: Some users report frustrations with Bank of America, the issuer of Alaska’s co-branded cards.40
  • Restricted Oneworld Lounge Access: Alaska elites only receive oneworld lounge access when traveling internationally outside North America, a significant limitation compared to elites of other oneworld airlines.7
  • Partner Earning Complexity: Maximizing mileage earn rates on partner flights requires booking through Alaska’s channels, which can sometimes be more expensive or offer less availability.8
  • Poor Value for Non-Flight Redemptions: Redeeming miles for hotels or car rentals generally offers low value.46

Comparison Context:

Mileage Plan consistently ranks highly among US airline programs 2, often praised for its value proposition. Compared to giants like American AAdvantage, Delta SkyMiles, and United MileagePlus, Alaska often provides an easier path to elite status 31, more rewarding mileage earning on its own flights due to the distance-based model 8, and the unique stopover benefit.8 However, it lags in terms of its own network size and the ease of accumulating miles via bank point transfers.8 The program’s strengths seem particularly well-suited for savvy travelers focused on extracting value from partnerships and unique program rules, especially for international premium cabin travel. The 2025 enhancements further solidify its competitiveness by rewarding loyalty across a broader spectrum of activities.

9. Conclusion: Is Mileage Plan Your Ticket to Adventure?

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan carves out a distinct and compelling niche in the competitive world of airline loyalty. Its consistent recognition as an award-winning program 1 stems from a foundation of member-friendly policies and high-value opportunities. The program masterfully blends the global reach of the oneworld alliance with unique benefits derived from its independent partnerships and program rules.

Key strengths make Mileage Plan particularly attractive to specific types of travelers. The distance-based mileage earning on Alaska flights favors those who find good value fares on long journeys. The unparalleled free stopover policy on one-way international awards is a powerful tool for maximizing trips abroad. The combination of oneworld and non-alliance partners creates a rich tapestry of redemption possibilities, especially for aspirational travel in premium cabins where Alaska miles truly shine. Furthermore, the path to elite status is often considered more accessible than at larger carriers, and the perks, even at lower tiers, are meaningful. The addition of new EQM earning avenues in 2025—through award travel, credit card spend, and partner activity—further broadens its appeal and rewards holistic engagement. And for those traveling with a companion, the Alaska Visa Companion Fare remains one of the most valuable recurring credit card benefits available.

However, the program isn’t without its drawbacks. The limited number of direct bank transfer partners means accumulating miles requires more dedicated effort through flying, co-branded cards, or partner engagement. Alaska’s own route network, while strong on the West Coast, lacks the comprehensive coverage of legacy carriers. Finally, the restricted oneworld lounge access for Alaska elites on North American itineraries is a notable limitation.

Ultimately, Mileage Plan excels for the informed traveler. It rewards those willing to learn its nuances—leveraging partner sweet spots, strategically utilizing the stopover rule, maximizing the Companion Fare, and engaging with its diverse earning opportunities. West Coast-based flyers, those targeting international premium cabin awards, and value-conscious travelers who appreciate distance-based earning and unique perks are likely to find Mileage Plan an exceptional fit. With its ongoing evolution and commitment to delivering tangible value, Alaska Mileage Plan remains a powerful ticket to unlocking rewarding travel adventures across the globe.

Sources
  1. Mileage Plan – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan
  2. This Is the Best Domestic Airline Frequent Flyer Program—and It Might Surprise You – Travel + Leisure, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.travelandleisure.com/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-named-best-frequent-flyer-program-11708279
  3. Alaska Airlines, NerdWallet’s 2023 winner for Best Airline Rewards Program, accessed May 3, 2025, https://news.alaskaair.com/awards/alaska-airlines-nerdwallets-2023-winner-for-best-airline-rewards-program/
  4. What does oneworld mean for me? – Alaska Airlines News, accessed May 3, 2025, https://news.alaskaair.com/what-does-oneworld-mean-for-me/
  5. Our airline partners that you can earn and use miles with to see the world – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/how-to-earn-miles/airline-partners
  6. Alaska Airlines – oneworld Member Airline, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.oneworld.com/members/alaska-airlines
  7. Oneworld alliance guide: Airlines, lounges and status – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/oneworld-alliance-benefits/
  8. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Complete Guide (2025) – Frequent Miler, accessed May 3, 2025, https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-air-mileage-plan-complete-guide/
  9. Alaska Airlines partners: How to earn Mileage Plan miles – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/loyalty-programs/alaska-airlines-partners/
  10. Alaska Airlines Partners: What You Need to Know – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/guide-to-alaska-airlines-partners
  11. Complete Guide To Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan | Bankrate, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/travel/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-guide/
  12. Earning Mileage Plan miles on Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/how-to-earn-miles/earn-on-alaska
  13. How To Book Free Stopover Using Alaska Airlines Miles – AwardWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://awardwallet.com/blog/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-free-stopover/
  14. Ultimate Guide to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan – AwardWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://awardwallet.com/blog/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-guide/
  15. Alaska Airlines Award Chart: What to Know – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/your-guide-to-alaska-airlines-award-chart
  16. Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card – Apply Today – Bank of America, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.bankofamerica.com/credit-cards/products/alaska-airlines-credit-card/
  17. Alaska Airlines Visa Business Review: More Value for … – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/reviews/small-business/alaska-airlines-business
  18. Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card Review | Bankrate, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.bankrate.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-airlines-visa-business-credit-card/
  19. Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ FAQ – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/frequently-asked-questions/faq-companion-discount-code
  20. Book the iconic Milk Run with an Alaska Airlines Companion Fare – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, http://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/alaska-companion-fare-milk-run/
  21. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/alaska-airlines-visa-signature-credit-card/
  22. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card review: Full details – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/reviews/alaska-visa-signature-card-review/
  23. Current offer on the Alaska Airlines Business card – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/alaska-airlines-business-credit-card-bonus/
  24. How to save hundreds on flights with the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/alaska-visa-companion-fare/
  25. 5 Benefits of the Alaska Airlines Credit Card – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/benefits-alaska-airlines-card
  26. Alaska Airlines Partners: What You Need to Know – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/alaska-airlines-to-change-partner-award-charts-in-march-2024
  27. Alaska Mileage Plan Elite Status For Award Flights: Game Changer? – One Mile at a Time, accessed May 3, 2025, https://onemileatatime.com/guides/alaska-mileage-plan-elite-status-award-flights/
  28. How Is Alaska Airlines Changing Elite Status Qualifications In 2025?, accessed May 3, 2025, https://simpleflying.com/alaska-airlines-elite-status-changes-2025/
  29. Earning Mileage Plan elite status – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/membership-benefits
  30. Alaska Airlines supercharges Mileage Plan for 2025 with enhanced benefits and choices including new ways to earn elite status faster than ever, accessed May 3, 2025, https://news.alaskaair.com/mileage-plan/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-enhanced-benefits-2024/
  31. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Program | 10xTravel, accessed May 3, 2025, https://10xtravel.com/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-program/
  32. Alaska Airlines announces major Mileage Plan changes – The Points Guy, accessed May 3, 2025, https://thepointsguy.com/news/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-overhaul/
  33. Partner award travel confirmed at only 1 EQM per award mile flown : r/AlaskaAirlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AlaskaAirlines/comments/1htoawz/partner_award_travel_confirmed_at_only_1_eqm_per/
  34. Mileage Plan – Your My account profile – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/my-account/my-account-overview
  35. Mileage Plan™ terms and conditions – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/terms-and-conditions
  36. Alaska Airlines − Partner airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/partner-airlines/alaska-airlines.jsp
  37. 2024 Mileage Plan elite status and benefits – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/membership-benefits/2024-benefits
  38. Alaska Miles Value: Guide To Understanding and Maximizing Your Travel Rewards, accessed May 3, 2025, https://awardwallet.com/blog/alaska-airlines-miles-value/
  39. Best Credit Cards | May 2025 | Credit Karma, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.creditkarma.com/credit-cards
  40. Alaska credit card is a BofA nightmare : r/AlaskaAirlines – Reddit, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.reddit.com/r/AlaskaAirlines/comments/1i30w8m/alaska_credit_card_is_a_bofa_nightmare/
  41. Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping on the App Store, accessed May 3, 2025, https://apps.apple.com/us/app/alaska-mileage-plan-shopping/id6448734599
  42. Everyday Mileage Plan partners – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/how-to-earn-miles/everyday-partners
  43. Take advantage of our current Mileage Plan™ deals – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/use-miles/deals
  44. What is Mileage Plan Dining and what do I need to do to join?, accessed May 3, 2025, https://support.mileageplandining.com/hc/en-us/articles/360000327287-What-is-Mileage-Plan-Dining-and-what-do-I-need-to-do-to-join
  45. Hotel partners – Mileage Plan – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/how-to-earn-miles/hotel-partners
  46. Alaska Airlines Hotel Partners: What You Need to Know – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/alaska-airlines-hotel-partners-what-you-need-to-know
  47. Car rental partners – Mileage Plan – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/how-to-earn-miles/car-rental-partners
  48. Rental car deals | Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/car-rental
  49. Guide to Alaska Mileage Plan Miles Expiration Policy – AwardWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://awardwallet.com/blog/alaska-mileage-plan-miles-expire/
  50. Falling in love with Alaska miles all over again – Frequent Miler, accessed May 3, 2025, https://frequentmiler.com/falling-in-love-with-alaska-miles-all-over-again/
  51. Mileage Plan™ membership benefits FAQ – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/frequently-asked-questions/faq-benefits
  52. www.alaskaair.com, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/use-miles#:~:text=All%20Mileage%20Plan%20award%20travel,need%20to%20redeem%20for%20travel.&text=Book%20an%20award%20trip%20with%20Alaska%20or%20our%20partners.
  53. The Top 7 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Award Chart Sweet Spots, accessed May 3, 2025, https://awardwallet.com/blog/alaska-airlines-mileage-plan-sweet-spots/
  54. Using Mileage Plan™ miles frequently asked questions – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/frequently-asked-questions/faq-redeeming
  55. How to use Mileage Plan airline miles – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/use-miles
  56. Mileage Plan airline miles award charts, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/use-miles/award-charts
  57. Alaska Mileage Plan selling mixed-partner award flights (new pricing info) – Frequent Miler, accessed May 3, 2025, https://frequentmiler.com/alaska-mileage-plan-starting-to-sell-mixed-partner-award-flights-but-mind-the-price/
  58. Calculator: What Are My Alaska Miles Worth? – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/how-much-are-my-alaska-airlines-miles-worth
  59. What are Alaska Mileage Plan miles worth? – Frequent Miler, accessed May 3, 2025, https://frequentmiler.com/what-are-alaska-mileage-plan-miles-worth/
  60. Complimentary upgrades – Mileage Plan – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/membership-benefits/complimentary-upgrades
  61. Upgrades FAQ – Alaska Airlines, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mileage-plan/frequently-asked-questions/faq-upgrades
  62. Should I pursue elite status with Alaska or American Airlines? (On Nick’s mind), accessed May 3, 2025, https://frequentmiler.com/should-i-pursue-elite-status-with-alaska-or-american-airlines-on-nicks-mind/
  63. Partner Flight Awards | Use Miles | ANA Mileage Club, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.ana.co.jp/en/us/amc/partner-flight-awards/
  64. Do Alaska Miles Expire? – NerdWallet, accessed May 3, 2025, https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/do-alaska-miles-expire