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.
For more TPG news, deals and points and miles tips delivered each morning to your inbox, subscribe to our daily newsletter.
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.
Top offers from our partners
How we chose these cards
TPG featured card
Rewards
10X | Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
5X | 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. |
2X | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X card is one of the best all-round travel credit cards ever launched. Not only is it offering a tremendous welcome bonus, but cardholders can earn tons of miles on everyday spending and receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus to boot. Its annual fee is $395, but cardholders can count on up to $300 in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One Travel each year and other valuable benefits like access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own growing family of airport lounges.Pros
- Excellent welcome offer worth 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary.
Cons
- The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that.
- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023
Rewards Rate
10X | Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
5X | 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel. |
2X | 2 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day |
Intro Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel75,000 bonus milesAnnual Fee
$395Recommended 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.740-850Excellent
Why We Chose It
The Capital One Venture X card is one of the best all-round travel credit cards ever launched. Not only is it offering a tremendous welcome bonus, but cardholders can earn tons of miles on everyday spending and receive a 10,000-mile anniversary bonus to boot. Its annual fee is $395, but cardholders can count on up to $300 in statement credits toward travel booked through Capital One Travel each year and other valuable benefits like access to Priority Pass lounges and Capital One’s own growing family of airport lounges.Pros
- Excellent welcome offer worth 75,000 miles after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months.
- Up to $300 in annual travel statement credits toward bookings make through Capital One Travel.
- 10,000 bonus miles (worth $100 toward travel) each account anniversary.
Cons
- The $395 annual fee might be expensive for some, but this card’s benefits provide much more value than that.
- If you don’t travel frequently, this might not be the best card for you.
- Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
- Receive up to $300 back annually as statement credits for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of options
- Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
- Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
- Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
- Receive up to a $100 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Named editors' choice for "Best New Credit Card of 2021" by The Points Guy
- Earn 10 miles per dollar when you book on Turo, the world's largest car sharing marketplace, through May 16, 2023