Why American Airlines flyers should pay attention to Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards
Don't let regionally named airlines fool you. You don't have to live in the Pacific Northwest (or Hawaii) to find great value in the new joint loyalty program for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, Atmos Rewards.
Take it from me. I live in South Carolina and fly most often out of Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT) or Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport (GSP). Because CLT is my nearest major airport, I frequently fly on American Airlines, which operates a large hub there.
Considering where I live and how I fly, beginner award travelers may not understand why Alaska and Hawaiian's Atmos Rewards program would be so valuable to me.
I'll let you in on the secret: Atmos Rewards has some of the best award rates on American Airlines flights, thanks to its Oneworld alliance partnership. If you're a fellow American Airlines traveler who hasn't dived into Atmos Rewards yet, allow me to share some tips illustrating why you absolutely should.
How I redeem Atmos Rewards points for American flights
While many loyalty programs have switched to dynamic pricing and watched redemption rates soar, Atmos Rewards maintains the popular award chart from the former Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. Therefore, you can find great value when searching for award redemptions on partner airlines.
Plus, TPG's September 2025 valuations deem Atmos Rewards points are worth 1.5 cents apiece, which is one of the highest valuations for an airline loyalty program.
As someone who loves to stretch my points for multiple redemptions, I often redeem Atmos Rewards for economy tickets to visit my friends living in New York City and Louisville, Kentucky.
I frequently find award availability to fly American Airlines from CLT to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) or Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) for 4,500 to 6,000 points.
But you aren't limited to these cities. You can redeem Atmos Rewards points to fly American Airlines across the U.S. and to Europe, the Middle East, Africa and the Asia-Pacific region. Award rates are based on the distance flown and the cabin you choose. You can check out Atmos Rewards' award charts here.
Using Seats.aero, I've found American Airlines premium economy seats from JFK to Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport (CDG) for 35,000 points plus $18.10 in taxes and fees and business-class availability from Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) to London's Heathrow Airport (LHR) for 45,000 points plus $18.10 in taxes and fees.
These are just a few examples. Pick your destination and run your own search to see how much value Atmos Rewards could unlock.
Related: Flying Starlux and Japan Airlines in business class: How I used miles to make it happen
How to earn Atmos Rewards points
Of course, you can earn Atmos Rewards points by flying on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, buying points or making purchases with partners.
I don't live in an area of the U.S. that either airline frequently flies to, so I earn my Atmos Rewards points with a credit card. In my case, I transfer Bilt Rewards Points earned from my Bilt Mastercard®.
The information for the Bilt Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Atmos Rewards is a 1:1 transfer partner with Bilt Rewards, and Bilt points are the only transferable currency that partners with Atmos Rewards.
You don't have to have the Bilt Mastercard to earn Bilt points, but I find it easy to earn with the no-annual-fee card. I primarily use my Bilt Mastercard to earn 1 point per dollar spent on rent (up to 100,000 points in a calendar year). Note that you need to use your Bilt Mastercard at least five times each statement period to earn points.
Atmos Rewards also issues three cobranded credit cards that earn Atmos Rewards points. These cards provide perks when flying with Alaska and Hawaiian as well, but this article will focus on earning points within the program.
| Card | Welcome offer | Earning rates | Annual fee |
|---|---|---|---|
Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account, plus receive a 30% global flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account. |
| $95 | |
Earn 80,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. |
| $395 | |
Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $4,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. |
| $70 for the company and $25 per card |
You don't have to have a cobranded credit card to earn Atmos Rewards points, but it can help you collect them faster by adding one to your wallet.
If you want to add to your Atmos Rewards account balance, Hawaiian Airlines also offers two credit cards: the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® and the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard®.
Though HawaiianMiles does not officially integrate with the Atmos Rewards program until October, your Hawaiian miles currently transfer to Atmos Rewards at a 1:1 rate; note that all Hawaiian miles will automatically transition to Atmos Rewards points Oct. 1.
The information for the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard and the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Business Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: How to earn Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points
Bottom line
I've only flown on Alaska Airlines twice, but I've redeemed points within its Atmos Rewards loyalty program (formerly Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan) many times.
I discovered Atmos Rewards thanks to my Bilt Mastercard. Even if you don't fly on Alaska or Hawaiian, it could be worth checking out how you can earn Atmos Rewards points to redeem for travel. In my experience, I've found Atmos Rewards has some of the best redemption rates for many American Airlines routes.
I'd advise any American Airlines flyer to check out Atmos Rewards and consider picking up a card that earns Atmos Rewards points to unlock the value for themselves.
Updated 10/29/2025
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.