The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Advertiser disclosure
The Points Guy believes that credit cards can transform lives, helping you leverage everyday spending for cash back or travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach. That's why we publish a variety of editorial content and card comparisons: to help you find a great card to turn your goals into reality.
Our site may earn compensation when a customer clicks on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened with our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. While we don't cover all available credit cards, our editorial team creates and maintains all of the analysis of these cards, and our content is not influenced nor subject to review by any credit card company, bank or partner prior to (or after) publication. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
Guides
Atmos Rewards elite status: What it is and how to earn it
Payton Turner is a University of Virginia student whose passion for all things travel has led him and his family to the far corners of the earth. While loving the luxurious life of first class, his AvGeek heart is just as happy in the back of the plane taking off on his next adventure.
Gabrielle Bernardini is the senior points and miles editor at TPG. Joining the team in 2023, she focuses on helping people utilize their credit card rewards to travel for less.
Mackenzie Roche is an editor on TPG’s content operations team. She previously worked for three years as a travel editor at U.S. News & World Report.
also contributed to this story
November 5, 2026 • 14 min read
The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don't cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Comments
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.
Related stories
Quick summary
Atmos Rewards is the unified loyalty program for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, featuring four elite status tiers with escalating benefits.
Members can earn status points through flights, select partners and eligible spending, with flexible options for how points are accrued starting in 2027.
Elite perks include complimentary upgrades, lounge access, priority services and milestone rewards, with top-tier members enjoying unlimited upgrades to lie-flat seats on long-haul routes.
Atmos Rewards status also confers reciprocal benefits on Oneworld alliance partners, including American Airlines.
What to consider
Elite status is achieved by accumulating status points via flights, partner activity or eligible spending, with qualification thresholds ranging from 20,000 to 135,000 points per year.
From 2027, members can choose to earn points based on distance, price paid or segments flown, but this selection can only be changed once annually.
Status matches are available from select airlines for a limited period, but require qualifying activity to extend beyond the initial 90 days.
What you'll miss from the article
A detailed breakdown of each elite tier's benefits, milestone rewards and strategies for maximizing Atmos Rewards status.
Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.
Atmos Rewards is the joint loyalty program that serves both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. It launched in 2025, a year after Alaska acquired Hawaiian.
The program is gaining popularity among frequent flyers thanks to its valuable points and robust network of partners. Plus, it won a TPG Award in 2026 thanks to some unique new features we haven't seen with any other airline.
Atmos Rewards has four elite status tiers that each come with exclusive benefits and can improve your overall travel experience. Those are perks you'll be able to tap into whether you're flying on Alaska, Hawaiian, or one of their partners in the Oneworld alliance.
Benefits range from complimentary first-class upgrades to lounge access and extra-legroom seats.
And top-tier Atmos status includes one of the U.S. airline industry's most alluring perks: unlimited, space-available upgrades into lie-flat seats on long-haul routes.
In this guide, we’ll explain the different Atmos Rewards elite status tiers, how to qualify for them, the benefits they offer and how to decide if pursuing status is worth the effort.
What is Alaska Airlines status?
Alaska Airlines' Boeing 737 MAX 10. ALASKA AIRLINES
Atmos Rewards offers four elite status tiers, which members reach by accruing enough "status points" in a calendar year.
You can earn status points through Alaska, Hawaiian and eligible partner flights, as well as through spending on cobranded credit cards and select non-air partners.
Your Atmos Rewards elite status is activated when you reach the required threshold for a tier.
You can enjoy that status for the remainder of that calendar year, through Jan. 31 of the following program year. For example, if you qualify for Atmos Gold in October 2026, your status will be valid through Jan. 31, 2028.
Atmos Rewards elite status tiers
Anyone can join the Atmos Rewards program for free online.
Once you do, you'll be able to start earning both Atmos Rewards points (which you can redeem on flights) and status points (which count toward the elite tiers).
Atmos Rewards' elite status tiers, from lowest to highest, are: Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium.
Status tier
Status points required
Silver
20,000
Gold
40,000
Platinum
80,000
Titanium
135,000
Like with most airline loyalty programs, the perks become more lucrative as you climb the status ladder.
As you remain loyal to these airlines and reach higher tiers, the perks become more lucrative.
Oneworld status
Plus, because Alaska and Hawaiian are part of the Oneworld global airline alliance, you'll enjoy reciprocal benefits when you enter your Atmos number while flying on other alliance members — including top partner American Airlines.
Atmos Silver status corresponds to Oneworld Ruby
Atmos Gold status corresponds to Oneworld Sapphire
Atmos Platinum and Titanium status correspond to Oneworld Emerald
Earn Atmos Rewards elite status with eligible flights
For flights in 2026, Atmos Rewards members generally earn status points based on the distance flown, with the earning rate varying by fare class and airline.
For example, a first-class ticket on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines in the J fare class earns status points equal to 200% of the distance flown, while many economy fares earn status points equal to 100% of the distance flown.
Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Atmos Rewards members will have more flexibility in how they earn. Members can choose to earn points and status points based on distance traveled, price paid or segments flown:
1 point (and status point) per mile flown
5 points (and status points) per dollar spent on flights
500 points (and status points) per flight segment.
You can change your selection once per year. Current members who do not make a selection will continue earning based on distance traveled. New members who don't make a selection will earn based on the dollars they pay.
Earn Atmos Rewards elite status through credit card spending
It is possible to earn Atmos Rewards elite status entirely through credit card spending.
The earns 1 status point for every $3 spent on purchases, while the earns 1 status point for every $2 spent. There is no cap on the number of status points you can earn through purchases on either card.
Additionally, Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders receive 10,000 status points each account anniversary. That means a cardholder who receives the anniversary bonus could earn Atmos Silver status simply by spending an additional $20,000 on the card.
Earn Atmos Rewards elite status through a status match
If you have elite status with another eligible airline, you may be able to match it to Atmos Rewards Silver, Gold or Platinum status for 90 days.
Atmos Rewards currently offers status matches to eligible elite members of Aeromexico, Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines and United Airlines. The Atmos Rewards tier you receive depends on your status with the other airline.
ALASKA AIRLINES
To keep your matched status beyond the initial 90 days, you must earn a certain number of base points on qualifying Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines flights during that period.
The status match is available only once per Atmos Rewards account, and your existing airline status must have been earned through flight activity rather than credit card spending or a promotional offer.
Alaska has a full list of its status match partners on its website.
Additional ways to earn Atmos Rewards points
You can also earn status points through a variety of Atmos Rewards' non-airline partners, including hotel, cruise, car rental and everyday partners. These include brands such as Marriott, IHG, Choice Hotels, Avis, Budget and Lyft, as well as Atmos Rewards Shopping and Atmos Rewards Dining. Earning rates vary by partner.
Additionally, members can earn status points on award flights booked with Atmos Rewards points, meaning even flights you don't pay for with cash can help you work toward elite status.
What are Atmos elite status benefits?
The perks are great for all members with Atmos elite status, but as you move up the tiers, the benefits become even more worthwhile.
Rendering of planned Alaska lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN). ALASKA AIRLINES
Silver
This is the lowest elite tier in the Atmos Rewards program, where you will receive benefits when flying on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, such as:
Oneworld Ruby status
25% bonus points on flights
First class upgrades (plus one companion) on select routes, subject to availability
Premium class upgrades (plus one companion) for all global flights when available
Preferred seating for all companions (excluding Saver fares)
One free checked bag (including one bag for each companion)
Preferred boarding in group B
Priority check-in and security
Gold
As you level up within Atmos, you will receive all the same perks as Silver, plus:
Oneworld Sapphire status
50% bonus points on flights
Free same-day flight changes
Free drink or chocolate on Alaska Airlines flights over 250 miles
Free drink on Hawaiian Airlines flights over 250 miles
Two free checked bags (including for all companions)
Preferred boarding in group A
Priority baggage handling
Priority check-in and security
Access to Oneworld business-class lounges plus one guest on international flights outside North America
Platinum
Upon reaching Platinum, you will receive all the same perks as Gold, as well as:
Oneworld Emerald status
100% bonus points on flights
Premium Class upgrades (plus one companion) for all fares except Saver
Three free checked bags (including for all companions)
Access to Oneworld first-class lounges, plus one guest on international flights outside North America
Titanium
This is the top tier in the Atmos program for its most frequent travelers. You will receive all the same perks as Platinum, plus:
Oneworld Emerald status
150% bonus points
First and business class upgrades (plus one companion) for all global flights
A free meal
Priority Group boarding
Milestone perks
In addition to the standard status perks, Alaska also lets you pick from a menu of optional perks each time you hit a new milestone. These start before you actually reach elite status.
10,000 status points
Pick one:
750 bonus points
Free pre-order food item
Try Atmos Silver for a trip
One complimentary Wi-Fi pass
Double points with non-air partners
Upgrade your next Avis/Budget rental
$10 Sustainable Aviation Fuel contribution
30,000 status points
Pick one:
2,500 bonus points
$25 flight discount
Four Wi-Fi passes* (Keep in mind, Alaska is transitioning to free Wi-Fi)
Atmos Gold for one trip
$100 off an Alaska Lounge or Lounge+ membership
$25 SAF contribution
55,000 status points
Pick two:
5,000 bonus points
10,000 points off an Atmos Rewards Unlocked experience
Gift Atmos Silver for a trip
One complimentary Alaska Lounge day pass
Two confirmable upgrade certificates
$50 SAF contribution
95,000 status points
Pick two:
15,000 bonus points
25,000 points off an Atmos Rewards Unlocked experience
Two complimentary Alaska Lounge day passes
Two confirmable upgrade certificates
Gift Atmos Gold status for a trip
Atmos Silver status nomination
10,000 status point head start in 2026 (if earned based on 2025 activity)
10,000 status point head start in 2027 (if earned based on 2026 activity)
$150 SAF contribution
125,000 status points
Pick one:
50,000 bonus points
75,000 points off an Atmos Rewards Unlocked experience
One year Alaska Lounge+ membership
Unlimited Wi-Fi sessions for one year
Four upgrade certificates
Nominate someone for Atmos Gold status
Alaska continues to offer milestone perks beyond the 135,000 status points threshold for Titanium status. You can select from additional perk menus at the 150,000; 200,000 and 250,000 status points milestones.
Can a credit card help you earn Atmos Rewards elite status?
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Atmos Rewards offers multiple cobranded credit cards issued by Bank of America, including personal and business cards. They offer the following benefits. (Terms apply.)
Card
Best for
Welcome bonus
Earning rate
Annual fee
Domestic travelers who want to earn Atmos Rewards points and receive basic perks when flying Alaska or Hawaiian
Earn 60,000 bonus points and a $99 companion fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days. Earn an additional 20,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 or more within the same 90-day period.
3 points per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases; 2 points per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging, cable, streaming and local transit; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
$95
Frequent international flyers in search of luxury benefits and higher earning rates
Earn 100,000 bonus points and 25K Global Companion Award after $6,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
3 points per dollar on eligible dining, foreign transactions, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
$395
Small-business owners who regularly book flights on these airlines or hold a Bank of America small business account
Earn 70,000 bonus points and a $99 companion fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after $4,000 in purchases in the first 90 days
3 points per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases; 2 points per dollar on eligible gas, EV charging, shipping and local transit; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases
$70 (plus $25 for each individual card)
In addition to the valuable redeemable points earned, Atmos cards come with perks like free checked bags, discounts on inflight purchases and the ability to earn points toward elite status.
Out of the three options above, the Summit card offers the quickest path toward elite status because it earns 1 point for every $2 spent, versus the others that earn 1 point for every $3 spent. If your main goal is elite status, that would be the card to prioritize.
Is Atmos Rewards elite status worth it?
ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY
Yes — especially if you regularly fly Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, or expect to do so in the future.
Atmos Rewards elite status offers many of the perks frequent flyers have come to expect, including priority services, complimentary upgrades, bonus points and other travel benefits. But the program's value goes beyond the standard elite-status perks.
One of this program's biggest draws is the ability to earn milestone rewards as you accumulate status-qualifying points. These rewards can include valuable extras like upgrade certificates, lounge access and bonus points, giving members more opportunities to get something out of their loyalty beyond simply reaching the next status tier.
At the very top of the elite status tiers, Atmos Titanium members receive access to a particularly unusual perk: complimentary, space-available upgrades on the day of departure to international business-class suites on eligible long-haul flights. It's a benefit no other U.S. airline loyalty program currently offers, and it gives top-tier members another reason to stick with Alaska and Hawaiian when flying internationally.
MARIO TAMA/GETTY IMAGES
Atmos Rewards can also offer value beyond Alaska and Hawaiian flights. Through its Oneworld alliance membership and close partnership with American Airlines, Atmos elite members can enjoy reciprocal benefits when flying American, too. These include preferred seating, priority services and eligibility for complimentary upgrades on qualifying flights, subject to availability and upgrade priority. In other words, earning status with Atmos Rewards can make flying on multiple airlines more rewarding.
Ultimately, if Alaska or Hawaiian is already part of your regular travel routine, Atmos Rewards elite status could be worth pursuing. And if you're able to earn enough status points to unlock milestone rewards along the way, the program becomes even more compelling.
Atmos Rewards stands out among U.S. airline loyalty programs, combining Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines under one program while offering valuable points, flexible ways to earn status and unique elite perks. Top-tier Titanium members, for example, can receive space-available upgrades to lie-flat business class on Alaska and Hawaiian flights.
When considering whether Atmos elite status is worth pursuing, think about where and how often you expect to travel and whether you will fly Alaska, Hawaiian and their partners enough to take advantage of the benefits.
Overall, Atmos elite status can make an Alaska or Hawaiian flying experience even more rewarding, particularly for frequent travelers who can maximize its upgrade, earning and partner benefits.
And remember, having Atmos Rewards status can help you out on American Airlines flights, too.
By commenting, you agree to our Community Guidelines to help create a positive space for conversation. The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser, our partners, or The Points Guy (“TPG”). They have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of these parties. All responses are submitted by individual contributors, and neither the bank advertiser, our partners, nor TPG are responsible for ensuring that all posts and/or questions are answered.