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First on TPG: Alaska's new MVP Gold 100K status tier begins to reflect on accounts

Jan. 25, 2022
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4 min read
Alaska Airlines jets at the gate in Everett Pane Field airport
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Shortly before formally joining Oneworld, Alaska Airlines announced a new elite status tier, MVP Gold 100K. As its name suggests, it's a new top-tier status level for members who fly 100,000 miles or more per year, ahead of the program's previous top-tier elite level MVP Gold 75K.

While Alaska already shared what benefits the new status tier would entail, it stopped short of announcing a formal launch date — it simply said the end of January 2022.

Well, the day has finally arrived.

Today, Alaska confirmed to TPG that it has officially launched MVP Gold 100K and has begun to update eligible accounts to reflect the new status tier. The airline also noted that the process is expected to take several hours, so don’t fret if your new status isn't displaying quite yet.

How to earn MVP Gold 100K status

Alaska Airlines A320-200 at San Jose International Airport in California
(Photo by Alex Tai/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

You can earn Alaska's new top-tier MVP Gold 100K status by meeting either of the following requirements in a calendar year:

  • Earn 100,000 elite-qualifying miles
  • Fly 140 segments

Regardless of which route you take, you must fly a minimum of 24 segments on Alaska-marketed and operated flights. Also keep in mind that Alaska still awards elite-qualifying miles based on miles flown, and there’s no spending requirement for status.

Although the new tier just launched, it's possible that you already qualified. Any Mileage Plan members who earned 100,000 miles in 2021 will be automatically upgraded from MVP Gold 75K to MVP Gold 100K.

MVP Gold 100K status card
(Screenshot courtesy of alaskaair.com)

Related: Alaska Airlines makes it even easier for elites to requalify for 2022 status

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MVP Gold 100K benefits

For the most part, MVP Gold 100K mirrors MVP Gold 75K status, but with a few added benefits, including:

  • Complimentary upgrades up to 120 hours before departure and with higher priority than MVP Gold 75K
  • 150% bonus on earning award miles (compared to 125% with MVP Gold 75K)
  • Two one-way international upgrade certificates on American Airlines (MVP Gold 75Ks get one)
  • Complimentary premium beverage plus snack when flying in Main Cabin (MVP Gold 75Ks only get a beverage)

The biggest benefits here are higher upgrade priority and additional international upgrade certificates on American Airlines. Unfortunately, however, it seems that 100K elites will not receive upgrade priority over 75K elites when traveling on American.

Alaska Airlines first class
(Photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines)

Overall, these benefits are a bit underwhelming. For instance, some TPG staffers were hoping for benefits like free Alaska Lounge access, enhanced Gold Guest Upgrades and elite benefits on Saver fares. Regardless, they will be useful for those who frequently travel on Alaska and American Airlines.

Further, Alaska's site says that additional MVP Gold 100K perks will be introduced later in 2022, so stay tuned.

Related: How and why I went for top-tier status with Alaska Airlines

Bottom line

Alaska's new MVP Gold 100K status tier is here. The airline has begun updating eligible accounts to reflect the new status, though the process is expected to take some time, so you might not see it yet.

If you had Alaska elite status last year but fell short of requalifying, remember that your status has been extended through April 2022 and that you can extend your status by meeting reduced thresholds by the end of April. Unfortunately, there's no fast-track opportunity to 100K status.

Featured image by GENNA MARTIN/GETTY IMAGES
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.

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  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

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  • 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.
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  • $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.
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