Alaska Airlines ending earning and redeeming partnership with LATAM, scaling back Singapore Airlines
It's not all good news for members of Alaska Airlines' and Hawaiian Airlines' exciting new Atmos Rewards loyalty program.
Atmos Rewards (formerly Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan) has announced significant changes to its roster of global airline partnerships. Two of the program’s nonalliance relationships — LATAM and Singapore Airlines — will be substantially reduced (or ended altogether), limiting members' ability to earn and redeem Atmos Rewards points on these carriers.
Here's what you need to know about the Atmos Rewards airline partnership changes.
Related: Are we all (mostly) winners? My take on Alaska's new unified Atmos Rewards program
LATAM partnership ending
Alaska has had a long-running partnership with LATAM, giving U.S.-based travelers a handy way to reach South America using Atmos Rewards points. For example, members can book award tickets, such as one-way business-class flights between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Lima, Peru's Jorge Chávez International Airport (LIM), starting at just 35,000 Atmos Rewards points (one of the best values in the program). That will end Oct. 1, with no further LATAM redemptions available through Atmos Rewards.
Related: Stylish seats and friendly service: LATAM business class on the Boeing 767
Tickets purchased on or before Aug. 31 and flown by LATAM will continue to accrue Atmos Rewards points under the current earning structure, regardless of the date of travel. Atmos Rewards members can also still earn Atmos Rewards points for tickets issued between Sept. 1 and Sept. 30 when flying LATAM, but travel must be completed by Dec. 31.
Starting Oct. 1, any new reservations with LATAM (and all travel taking place after Dec. 31) will no longer qualify for mileage accrual through Atmos Rewards — and vice versa for LATAM Pass program members crediting flights taken on Alaska Airlines.
LATAM operates a joint venture with Delta Air Lines, which is trying to increase its market share at Alaska Airlines' hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).
Singapore Airlines partnership scaled back
The news surrounding Singapore Airlines is less abrupt but still substantial. Alaska will not entirely remove its relationship with the Southeast Asian carrier, but many of the privileges that once made the partnership valuable will be reduced.
Tickets purchased through Aug. 31 that are operated by Singapore Airlines will continue to earn Atmos Rewards points at the existing accrual rates, regardless of when the travel actually takes place. Atmos Rewards points can also still be earned for reservations made on or after Sept. 1, but only for journeys on Singapore Airlines completed by Dec. 31.
Looking ahead, for tickets booked after Sept. 1 for travel after Dec. 31, Atmos Rewards members can only earn points if the booking is made directly with Alaska.
Singapore Airlines will continue to operate flights to and from Seattle.
Related: Is Singapore Airlines premium economy worth it on the Airbus A350?
Bottom line
Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program has announced major changes to two of its airline partnerships. In addition to ending its relationship with LATAM, it is significantly reducing benefits with Singapore Airlines. This will result in fewer opportunities to earn and redeem miles on two important global carriers, particularly for travel to South America and Southeast Asia.
While it might seem like a huge loss to the program, it's worth noting that Alaska has added several airline partners since LATAM and Singapore Airlines were first added, including several airlines that are part of the Oneworld alliance.
Related reading:
- Atmos Rewards reveal: 5 under-the-radar perks, from upgrades to lounge access
- Hello, San Diego: Earn elite status and extra points on Alaska and Hawaiian with these Atmos promotions
- Alaska Airlines is sticking with Bilt — but don't expect more Atmos transfer partners anytime soon
- Turn miles into adventure: How to travel to South America with Alaska Airlines points
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Annual Fee
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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
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- 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.
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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. |
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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.