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AAdvantage cuts mileage earning on Alaska saver tickets by 60%

March 24, 2023
•
3 min read
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX in Seattle
AAdvantage cuts mileage earning on Alaska saver tickets by 60%
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For a while, American Airlines' strengthened relationship with Alaska Airlines had been all sunshine and roses. The two carriers enhanced their reciprocal elite upgrades in January, and our managing editor for news received the royal treatment on American Airlines as an Alaska Airlines MVP 100K. Likewise, some New York-based American elite members have received more upgrades on Alaska's transcontinental flights.

But on all travel after May 1, AAdvantage will slash mileage earnings on Alaska Airlines saver tickets by 60%, as AwardWallet first reported. Saver is Alaska's version of basic economy.

An American Airlines spokesperson provided the following statement to TPG:



This change was done to make it more in line with our own basic economy accrual changes (e.g. AADV members flying AA metal purchasing Basic Economy) that we made earlier this year.

Here's what you need to know.

The changes

Alaska Airlines plane taking off
AARONP.BAUER-GRIFFIN/GC IMAGES

For all travel after May 1, AAdvantage will credit Alaska Airlines saver tickets at a 10% basis (instead of 25%). Existing saver tickets (indicated by an X fare class) with travel dates after May 1 will not be exempt from the decrease.

AAdvantage earnings on Alaska tickets
AA.COM

Let's take a look at what that means for a one-way, 2,586-mile saver ticket from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):

  • Currently, general AAdvantage members earn 647 miles (worth $11.45 at our valuations) and Loyalty Points (25% of the distance flown).
  • From May 1, general AAdvantage members will earn 259 miles (worth $4.58 at our valuations) and Loyalty Points (10% of the distance flown).

As it stood, 25% was already a stingy earning rate, but by dropping this to 10%, AAdvantage members will earn even less on Alaska's saver tickets.

For now, Alaska saver tickets still earn the standard 100% mileage accruals if you fly with your Alaska Mileage Plan number. However, if you're an American elite member, you'll have to fly with your AAdvantage number to receive your perks.

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Related: What is American Airlines elite status worth in 2023?

Bottom line

American will be decreasing earnings from Alaska saver tickets. Earlier this month, AAdvantage's 2023 elite status year kicked off with a requirement of 40,000 Loyalty Points for its entry-level AAdvantage Gold status (a 33% increase from last year's Gold status requirements).

By increasing elite status requirements and devaluing earnings on Alaska's saver tickets, it's looking like it'll be harder to qualify for AAdvantage status.

Related reading:

Featured image by CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY
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

Cons

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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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  • $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.