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| Exciting news from Alaska Airlines |
| by Brian Kelly |
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Earlier this week, Alaska Airlines announced its new combined loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines, dubbed Atmos Rewards. You’ll be happy to know that the award redemption chart isn’t changing, so there’s still a ton of value to be found in this loyalty program — and new cobranded credit cards, too.
Alaska’s loyalty program had long been a TPG favorite due to its amazing award redemptions. Think 4,500 miles one-way for domestic flights, 17,500 miles one-way to Hawaii on American Airlines, and 55,000 miles for business class one-way to Dublin with Aer Lingus. The new Atmos Rewards program runs on points now, so if you have already connected your Alaska and Hawaiian accounts, you should see your available Atmos Rewards points balance.
Here are five key things to know about this new loyalty program:
No. 1: The award redemption chart is staying the same.
I was fearful that Alaska might go the way of other U.S. airlines and change to a dynamic award chart with sky-high redemptions, but Alaska has confirmed directly to TPG that this is not the case. This is excellent news for consumers.
No. 2: The program still has over 30 airline partners.
The versatility of Atmos Rewards points is one of the best things about the program — you can redeem points with a variety of partners to fly pretty much anywhere in the world. Don’t discount this program because you think Alaska is just West Coast-based. Think American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines and more.
No. 3: Choose your path to elite status.
In addition to a newly added top tier for elite status, members will now be eligible for international upgrades to lie-flat business-class seats. Status isn’t just based on spending as with other U.S. carriers — you will be able to choose to earn status by distance flown, price paid or segments flown. And award travel also counts toward status earnings.
No. 4: There’s a brand-new premium credit card with a 100,000-point bonus plus a Global Companion Award.
There are actually two limited-time offers available — one on the new premium card and another on the rebranded $95-annual-fee card.
First, the new premium card, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card, offers 100,000 points and a Global Companion Award worth up to 25,000 points after you spend $6,000 on purchases within the first 90 days from account opening.
This new card packs in a ton of benefits, such as lounge passes, free checked bags, preferred boarding and waived award fees on partner flights, just to name a few.
If you aren’t in the market for a premium card, the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card is a great $95-annual-fee option with equally useful perks for casual travelers. This is a rebranding of the previous Alaska card (which is no longer available), but the earning structure and benefits are similar.
Mid-tier card limited-time offer: Earn 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days from account opening.
No. 5: Bilt Rewards is staying on as a transfer partner of Atmos Rewards.
If you have a lot of Bilt Rewards Points, this is great news. You can continue to earn and transfer them at a 1:1 ratio to Atmos Rewards. (Full disclosure: I am a Bilt investor and adviser.)
Usually, I brace myself when I hear that changes are coming to major loyalty programs, but so far, from what I see, Atmos Rewards is going to be a really great program — especially with limited-time bonus offers for 80,000 or 100,000 points!
Have a great weekend,
BK
One more thing: If you’re a business owner like me, you already know the value of smart spending — and TPG wants to help make your travel strategy just as efficient. That’s why we’re launching TPG Business Brief, a biweekly newsletter built with business owners in mind.
With the right strategies, you have the power to mint points and miles — the world’s third-largest currency — effortlessly! Every other week, we’ll bring you the smartest strategies, hottest offers and indispensable insights to help you maximize your cash flow and turn expenses into experiences. Subscribe now so you never miss our tips!
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| Photo Credit: JONNO RATTMAN . |
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