Alaska announces MVP Gold 100K benefits — and you might be disappointed
Yesterday, Alaska Airlines sent an email to Mileage Plan elite members that extended its ongoing "Fast Track to Status" promotion along with offering an easier way for existing elites to requalify for status.
In the same email, the airline announced elite status qualification for its forthcoming MVP Gold 100K elite status tier. This status tier will require Mileage Plan members to earn 100,00 elite-qualifying miles or fly 140 segments, including 24 segments on Alaska-marketed and operated flights, in a calendar year for qualification.
That last requirement is the most interesting — clearly, Alaska is targeting folks who actually take its own flights. There's no revenue requirement, i.e. a certain amount of money you need to spend with the airline each year, for any level of Alaska Mileage Plan status. This remains a nice differentiating point from other legacy U.S. carriers including American, Delta and United.
Alaska then quietly updated its elite status page with MVP Gold 100K benefits — and frankly, they're a bit disappointing.
Let's take a closer look at what MVP Gold 100K will offer when introduced in January 2022.
MVP Gold 100K elite status benefits
For the most part, MVP Gold 100K is the same as MVP Gold 75K, 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)
These benefits will be available when the status tier officially launches in January 2022. Elite status members who reach the qualification levels in 2021 will be automatically upgraded from MVP Gold 75K to MVP Gold 100K when it comes into existence.
Related: What is Alaska Airlines elite status worth now that Alaska has joined Oneworld?
Why I'm not impressed
It's great to see Alaska finally introduce a new top-tier elite status that rewards its most valuable customers. That said, the airline could have done a better job actually rewarding them.
Comparing MVP Gold 100K to other top-rung statuses like American Executive Platinum, Delta Diamond Medallion or United Premier 1K, it falls short. Specifically, it has fewer confirmed international upgrades than other top-tier statuses, and you can only redeem them on American flights...in competition with American Executive Platinums trying to redeem their own (more numerous) systemwide upgrades.
Further, the benefits above and beyond those enjoyed by MVP Gold 75Ks aren't very exciting. For example, some TPG staffers were hoping for free Alaska Lounge access and enhanced Gold Guest Upgrades. These benefits would make MVP Gold 100K feel special, but instead, we're left with a slightly enhanced version of MVP Gold 75K, though the 150% mileage bonus compared to 125% is a nice bump.
One benefit of MVP Gold 100K is the lack of a specific spending requirement. Earn 100,000 elite-qualifying miles and fly at least 24 segments on Alaska flights, and you have status. Now, you'll likely spend a fair chunk of change on Alaska flights to hit that 24-segment mark, but at least it's nice not to have to aim for $15,000, like you would need to earn American Airlines AAdvantage Executive Platinum (in a normal year), for instance.
Also significant: since Alaska is substantially smaller than the so-called "Big 3" airlines, earning those 24 segments might be more difficult given Alaska has a more limited route network, especially when it comes to international flights.
Now that Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance and has resumed a close partnership with American Airlines, Alaska flyers may opt to earn American Executive Platinum or Platinum Pro status instead. These members are eligible for upgrades on Alaska flights as early as 120 hours prior to departure. Executive Platinums are eligible for arguably better benefits, like four systemwide upgrades that can be used on American international flights, too.
Related: How do I earn elite status with an airline alliance?
Bottom line
I'm glad to see Alaska finally announce MVP Gold 100K benefits after months of teasing the new top-tier elite status. But I can't help feel that Alaska missed the ball on benefits by only adding perks that are slightly better than MVP Gold 75K, like a free snack in Main Cabin and an extra American upgrade. Regardless, the moderately enhanced version of MVP Gold 75K will probably be good for Alaska's most frequent flyers and doesn't take a ton of additional flying to qualify.
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| 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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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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
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- 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.
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. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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.