✈ Big Changes to a Major Airline’s Loyalty Program, Singapore Airlines Business-Class Deal for 56,700 Miles & More News From TPG ✈

October 16, 2024

Alaska overhauls Mileage Plan program

by Sean Cudahy, Senior Aviation Reporter

Big changes are coming to Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan. And we’re not even talking about the combined loyalty program the airline is planning with Hawaiian Airlines after recently acquiring that carrier.

These are changes that’ll start in just a couple of months, when the calendar flips to 2025.

And they’re mostly positive: There are no big devaluations to report, and the elite status qualification benchmarks aren’t changing.

In fact, Alaska is generally adding more ways to qualify for status and earn perks.

The Mileage Plan program is getting new milestone perks. Customers will be able to select benefits from a menu of options when they hit certain numbers of elite qualifying miles — before and between elite status tiers.

For instance, at 10,000 EQMs, you can opt to try MVP status for one trip or get a complimentary Wi-Fi pass (among other options). The options get more enticing as you climb the ladder.

Alaska is really following in the footsteps of other airline and hotel loyalty programs that offer milestone rewards, such as JetBlue’s Perks You Pick and World of Hyatt’s Milestone Rewards.

Starting in 2025, Mileage Plan members will also be able to earn EQMs on award flights and when shopping with nonairline partners, from the airline’s shopping and dining platforms to Lyft.

And, a key change: Those with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card will earn 1 EQM for every $3 spent, up to a total of 30,000 EQMs each year on qualified purchases. That means $60,000 spent on your card during the qualifying period would earn you entry-level MVP status without your stepping foot on a plane.

The current offer on the Alaska Airlines Visa card is 50,000 bonus miles plus the ability to buy one ticket and get one for just the taxes and fees ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.

Now, be forewarned: More changes are coming over the next year as Alaska forms one loyalty program in conjunction with Hawaiian. We’ll be sure to bring you more updates.

In the meantime, here’s what to know about maximizing the Alaska Mileage Plan program as it currently stands:

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