Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines has quietly revolutionized the airline industry. With little fanfare, they were the first airline to introduce e-ticketing, online check-in and widespread use of kiosks. If it weren’t for Alaska, it’s quite possible we’d all still be toting around paper tickets and standing in long lines to check in for every flight (unless you have a bunch of luggage, in which case you’re probably still standing in line – though that line isn’t as long as it would have been).
That spirit of innovation was matched in Mileage Plan, their frequent flyer program. Prior to November 1, 2008, they offered the least expensive awards in the US, giving its members the opportunity to get round-trip coach tickets for a few as 20,000 miles and only 40,000 miles for first class. They also frequently offered specials with award tickets available for as few as 15,000 miles. Want more? They also had a generous cash-and-miles program unmatched in the US that allowed travelers to pay with a mix of cash and miles at low prices. Add in strong reward availability and great customer service and it’s easy to see why folks in Seattle were protective of their hometown airline.
That is, until November 1, when all of that changed. Goodbye 20,000 mile award, hello 55,000 mile flexible coach award. Alaska has introduced a third tier of reward offering last-seat availability (that 55,000 mile coach award).
Still, with only 40,000 miles required for top-tier Elite status, Alaska makes a good option for travelers flying up and down the West coast.
Alaska Airlines Secret: Alaska allows you to redeem miles for travel to Asia on Northwest Airlines. If you use Alaska miles, a roundtrip business class ticket to Asia will only cost you 90,000 miles, while that same ticket on the same airline will cost 120,000 miles if you use Northwest miles.
Learn More About Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Overview
Alaska Airlines Hubs and Routes
Alaska Airlines Mileage Earning and Using Miles
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Elite Status
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Elite Status Matching