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Alaska Airlines Enhances Its Mileage Plan for 2025
Renowned for its customer-friendly loyalty program, Alaska Airlines is set to elevate the experience for its most dedicated travelers in the upcoming year. As stated by Brett Catlin, the airline’s vice president of loyalty, ”We are embarking on a multi-year initiative aimed at enhancing what is already one of the industry’s most rewarding loyalty programs.” Starting in 2025, members can anticipate an array of new perks and expanded opportunities to achieve elite status.
New Opportunities for Earning Elite Status
Beginning January 1, 2025, Alaska will introduce additional methods for members to accumulate elite-qualifying miles (EQMs). Traditionally earned through specific travel thresholds, EQMs will now also be awarded based on distance traveled during award flights. For example, a round trip from Seattle to Tokyo covering 9,538 miles would yield nearly half of what’s needed for basic MVP status.
Moreover, members can earn one EQM for every $3 spent using an Alaska Airlines credit card (up to a cap of 30,000 EQMs) or through partnerships with non-airline affiliates like Lyft and various shopping and dining programs.
Status Levels Remain Unchanged but More Accessible
The criteria required to achieve elite status remain consistent; however, new avenues have been introduced. The tiers include:
- MVP: Requires 20,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold: Requires 40,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold 75K: Requires 75,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold 100K: Requires 100,000 EQMs
A once attained status lasts throughout the current year and extends into the following calendar year.
Milestone Choices Introduced for All Members
A significant addition is the introduction of “milestone choices,” available not only to elite members but all travelers who reach certain EQM levels. Starting at just 10,000 EQMs and increasing with higher thresholds achieved by members—these choices include options such as bonus miles accumulation or lounge access among others.
Enhanced Upgrade Benefits and Partner Airline Integration
The complimentary upgrades that come with elite status are also set to improve significantly. A companion traveling alongside an MVP member will now qualify for free upgrades as well. Additionally—unlike many airlines that have reduced complimentary upgrade offerings—Alaska promises timely notifications when upgrade availability can be confirmed using certificates.
An exciting development includes allowing Mileage Plan members to earn and redeem miles across multiple partner airlines within a single itinerary starting next year. Flights booked directly via Alaska’s website could yield up to an impressive total of redeemable miles equivalent up to three-and-a-half times based on fare class selected.
The Future Looks Bright
This announcement marks just the beginning as Alaska continues its commitment towards integrating operations with Hawaiian Airlines post-merger—a move expected to unveil even more benefits in future years.
