The Ultimate Guide to Alaska Airlines: Mileage Plan
Introduction to Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is one of the most rewarding and flexible frequent flyer programs in North America. Unlike revenue-based loyalty programs that tie points to the price of a ticket, Mileage Plan allows travelers to earn miles based on the distance flown, making it highly valuable for frequent and long-haul travelers.
As a member of the oneworld Alliance, Mileage Plan allows members to earn and redeem miles on over 20 partner airlines, including American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways. Whether you're flying within the U.S., heading to Asia, or planning a European getaway, Mileage Plan offers generous earning rates, valuable award redemptions, and elite status perks.
This airport guide covers everything you need to know about earning and redeeming Mileage Plan miles, elite membership tiers, airline partners, and expert strategies to maximize rewards.
What is Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan?
Mileage Plan is Alaska Airlines' loyalty program, rewarding members with miles for flights, credit card spending, and partner transactions.
Key Features:
✔ Earn miles based on the distance flown, not the ticket price
✔ Redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and partner airline rewards
✔ Elite status offers priority benefits and lounge access
✔ Mileage Plan miles never expire
How to Earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles
1. Flying with Alaska Airlines
Unlike revenue-based loyalty programs, Mileage Plan rewards members based on miles flown.
Fare Class |
Miles Earned (% of Distance Flown) |
First Class |
150% |
Premium Class |
125% |
Economy Flex |
100% |
Economy Saver |
50% |
Discounted Economy |
25% |
✔ Bonus miles for elite status members: MVP, MVP Gold, and MVP Gold 75K/100K members earn 50% to 150% extra miles.
2. Earning Miles with oneworld & Partner Airlines
Mileage Plan members earn miles when flying with oneworld Alliance and partner airlines, including:
✔ American Airlines
✔ British Airways
✔ Japan Airlines
✔ Qatar Airways
✔ Cathay Pacific
✔ Qantas
✔ Fiji Airways
✔ Singapore Airlines
✔ Korean Air
Earning rates vary by airline, fare class, and flight distance, so check Alaska Airlines’ partner earning chart before booking.
3. Alaska Airlines Credit Cards
Mileage Plan offers co-branded credit cards with Bank of America, allowing cardholders to earn miles on everyday purchases.
✔ Sign-up bonuses up to 60,000 miles
✔ Earn 3x miles on Alaska Airlines purchases
✔ Earn 2x miles on gas, dining, and travel
✔ Companion Fare (Buy One, Get One for $99 plus taxes and fees)
Top Cards:
✔ Alaska Airlines Visa Signature®
✔ Alaska Airlines Business Card
Using a Mileage Plan credit card is one of the fastest ways to accumulate miles.
4. Shopping, Dining & Hotel Partners
✔ Hotels: Earn miles with Marriott, Hilton, IHG, and Best Western
✔ Car Rentals: Earn miles with Hertz, Avis, National
✔ Shopping: Earn miles through the Mileage Plan Shopping portal
✔ Dining: Join the Mileage Plan Dining program to earn miles when eating out
5. Special Promotions & Bonus Offers
✔ Double or triple miles on select Alaska Airlines routes
✔ Bonus miles for using Alaska Airlines credit cards
✔ Limited-time partner promotions for extra miles
How to Redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Miles
Mileage Plan offers some of the best award redemptions in the industry, including free stopovers on international flights and premium-class redemptions on partner airlines.
1. Award Flights on Alaska Airlines & oneworld Partners
✔ Book award flights starting at 5,000 miles
✔ One free stopover on international one-way tickets
✔ Redeem miles for partner airline flights worldwide
Route |
Miles Required (Economy) |
Miles Required (Business) |
West Coast – Hawaii |
12,500+ Miles |
40,000+ Miles |
U.S. – Europe (on British Airways) |
30,000+ Miles |
70,000+ Miles |
U.S. – Asia (on Japan Airlines) |
35,000+ Miles |
60,000+ Miles |
U.S. – Australia (on Qantas) |
42,500+ Miles |
80,000+ Miles |
✔ Maximize value by redeeming miles for business and first-class seats on oneworld partners.
2. Free Stopovers on International Flights
✔ One free stopover on a one-way international award ticket
✔ Example: Fly Seattle → Tokyo (Stopover) → Singapore for the same mileage cost!
✔ Great for exploring multiple cities with no extra miles required.
3. Upgrades & Extras
✔ Upgrade to First Class or Premium Class with miles
✔ Use miles for extra baggage, lounge access, and in-flight perks
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Elite Status
Elite status members earn bonus miles and receive premium travel perks.
1. MVP Status
✔ Earn 50% bonus miles
✔ Priority check-in and boarding
✔ Free first checked bag
✔ Qualification: Fly 20,000 miles or 30 segments per year
2. MVP Gold (oneworld Sapphire)
✔ Earn 100% bonus miles
✔ Free premium seat selection & upgrades
✔ Two free checked bags
✔ Access to oneworld Sapphire lounges worldwide
✔ Qualification: Fly 40,000 miles or 60 segments per year
3. MVP Gold 75K (oneworld Emerald)
✔ Earn 125% bonus miles
✔ First Class upgrade priority
✔ Three free checked bags
✔ Access to First Class lounges worldwide
✔ Qualification: Fly 75,000 miles or 90 segments per year
4. MVP Gold 100K (Top-Tier Elite Status)
✔ Earn 150% bonus miles
✔ Four complimentary First Class upgrades
✔ Guaranteed Premium Class upgrades
✔ Dedicated concierge service
✔ Qualification: Fly 100,000 miles or 140 segments per year
Why Join Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan?
✔ Best value for long-haul flights & premium-class redemptions
✔ Miles never expire
✔ Free stopovers on international awards
✔ Elite members get upgrades, bonus miles, and priority services
✔ Generous earning rates with credit cards and partners
Tips for Maximizing Mileage Plan Rewards
✔ Fly Alaska Airlines & partners to earn more miles
✔ Use an Alaska Airlines credit card for everyday spending
✔ Redeem miles for international Business & First Class flights
✔ Take advantage of free stopovers for multi-city trips
✔ Achieve MVP Gold status for priority upgrades & lounge access
FAQs About Mileage Plan
Q: How do I join Mileage Plan?
A: Sign up for free at Mileage Plan or via the Alaska Airlines app.
Q: Do Mileage Plan miles expire?
A: No, Mileage Plan miles never expire.
Q: Can I redeem miles for oneworld flights?
A: Yes, Mileage Plan miles can be used for flights on all oneworld airlines.
Call to Action
Maximize your travel rewards with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan! Earn miles, enjoy priority perks, and redeem for premium travel experiences. Join Mileage Plan today at Alaska Airlines and start earning rewards! 🚀