5 reasons I love having entry-level elite status with Alaska
Lower rungs of airline elite status typically aren't all that valuable. This is because many of their benefits — such as checked bag fee waivers, priority check-in and early boarding — often overlap with cobranded airline credit cards. Some cobranded cards even offer airport lounge access, while low-tier statuses usually don't.
Nevertheless, low levels of status aren't worthless, and there's one entry-level status I chase each year: Alaska Airlines MVP status.
On paper, TPG values MVP status less than American AAdvantage Gold and United Premier Silver. However, I'm going to share why I believe Alaska MVP is the best entry-level elite status. In some aspects, it's much more generous than comparable status tiers on other airlines. Thanks to Alaska's entrance into Oneworld and enhanced partnership with American Airlines, you no longer need to live on the West Coast to benefit from Alaska status.
[table-of-contents /]
MVP status is easy to earn
First things first, Alaska MVP status is easier to achieve than comparable status tiers on other airlines. MVP status is earned after just 20,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) with Alaska or its partners or 30 eligible segments — and no spending requirement. And that's before factoring in the 50% bonus EQMs you'll earn on Alaska flights through June 30, 2021.
By comparison, American and Delta normally require 25,000 elite-qualifying miles, plus $3,000 in elite-qualifying spending for entry-level status. Meanwhile, United has done away with distance requirements altogether and now requires at least $4,000 in spending (before taxes and fees). Note, these airlines did announce changes to make it easier to qualify for status this year due to the pandemic, but overall, Alaska status is still more attainable.
Related: Complete Guide to Alaska Airlines elite status
Upgrades are real
One of the most coveted perks of elite status is the chance of scoring complimentary upgrades.
On most airlines, scoring a complimentary first-class upgrade as an entry-level elite is like finding a diamond in the rough. American, Delta and United don't start clearing upgrades until 24 hours before departure (or the day of departure for some flights) and award tickets aren't always upgradeable. There are also some other restrictions to be aware of, such as American Airlines requiring 500-mile certificates for some upgrades.
On the other hand, Alaska Airlines starts clearing upgrades 48 hours before departure (Y, S or Z fares are eligible to clear at the time of booking), including on award tickets. While MVPs fall behind MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members, they're prioritized over paid upgrades.
Related: The ultimate guide to getting upgraded on Alaska Airlines
Based on my experiences, Alaska's first-class upgrade lists are shorter and clear more frequently. Even before the pandemic, I frequently get upgrades to first class on popular short- and long-haul routes between cities like Los Angeles (LAX) to New York-JFK, Boston (BOS) and Seattle (SEA). In practice, they often clear around 24 hours before departure for me, so not right when the upgrade window opens, though well before low-tier upgrades usually clear on other airlines. And sure, Alaska might not offer lie-flat seats on transcontinental routes like the other players, but a free upgrade is better than no upgrade.
Hopefully, upgrades don't become harder to get now that American Executive Platinum members get reciprocal upgrade benefits as top-tier Alaska MVP Gold 75K members.
View this post on Instagram
Extra-legroom seating at time of booking
As with first-class upgrades, MVPs are eligible for Premium Class (Alaska's extra-legroom economy section) upgrades starting 48 hours before departure. Again, this is more generous than the other airlines, which don't clear extra-legroom economy upgrades until 24 hours before departure.
However, MVPs don't need to wait until departure to guarantee an extra-legroom seat. Like other airlines, Alaska offers all elites access to "preferred" seats at the time of booking. But, unlike on other airlines, Alaska classifies exit-row seats as preferred seats. As such, entry-level MVPs can snag more spacious seats right away.
Related: How to snag an exit-row seat when flying U.S. carriers
More generous perks
Upgrades aren't the only department Alaska is more generous in. While entry-level elites typically only get one free checked bag, Alaska allows MVPs to check two free bags. While American, Delta and United give entry-level elites a 40% mileage bonus on flights, Alaska gives MVPs a 50% bonus. Keep in mind that Alaska is also the only carrier in the U.S. to still award miles based on distance flown rather than spending.
New Oneworld and AA benefits
Now that Alaska is a part of Oneworld, MVP elites have Oneworld Ruby status. As a part of this, MVPs get the following benefits when flying partners:
- Access to Priority check-in
- Access to preferred or pre-reserved seating
- Priority on waitlists and when on standby
- Priority boarding
Related: Everything you need to know about Alaska's partnership with Oneworld
In addition, Alaska and American Airlines have already unveiled an even deeper integration of their elite status perks. For MVP members, that means access to American's Main Cabin Extra seats within 24 hours of travel. This is the same benefit available for entry-level American Gold elites, except remember that MVP status is easier to earn.
Bottom line
Despite some overlap with cobranded airline credit cards, low levels of elite status can still make a difference in how enjoyable and rewarding your travel experiences are. As you've seen, not all levels of status are equal. The best elite status for you will depend on where you live and which airline you fly the most. But with Alaska's entrance into Oneworld and strengthened partnership with American Airlines, MVP status should be on a lot more travelers' radar.
If you currently have status with another airline and are looking to switch your loyalty, you may be eligible to match your status to Alaska.
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees