Next year, Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan gets even better

Alaska Airlines enhances Mileage Plan loyalty program

By Mark Reif October 18, 2024 2:04PM

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 — Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 Alaska Airlines

Starting in January 2025, Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan loyalty program will offer travelers even more perks. The enhancements provide more choices and benefits and allow members to reach elite status quicker than ever. Here’s what’s included.

Mileage Plan 2025: More ways to achieve elite status

Alaska Airlines North Satellite Lounge, Seattle — Alaska Airlines North Satellite Lounge, Seattle Alaska Airlines

In 2025, as members rack up elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), they can choose from various perks when hitting milestones, which start at 10,000. That puts benefits within reach for more passengers, not just elite status holders. As customers pass milestones, they can select their preferred perk, whether bonus miles, unique events, travel experiences, lounge access, or elevated status on a trip.

Recommended Videos

After the 10,000-mile threshold, additional milestones occur at 30,000, 55,000, 85,000, 150,000, 200,000, and 250,000. On the way, passengers can earn the following status levels: MVP (20,000 EQMs); MVP Gold (40,000 EQMs); MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K.

Earlier this year, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines joined forces. Tickets booked on either airline enjoy a 1:1 loyalty miles ratio and can be transferred between the two. Additionally, when passengers purchase tickets for Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, or their global partners on AlaskaAir.com or the corresponding app, they receive 100% credit for miles flown, which are also counted as EQMs.

That’s not all. In 2025, Mileage Plan adds these ways to earn EQMs:

Award travel redemptions: Passengers who fly on an award trip with Alaska Airlines or its partners will receive EQMs according to the distance traveled.

Alaska Airlines Visa Card: Next year, for every $3 spent on qualified purchases, cardholders receive one EQM (up to 30,000 EQMs).

Rack up miles with industry partners: For every 3,000 miles earned with Alaska Airlines’ non-airline partners (like Lyft), members can gain 1,000 EQMs.
The option to roll over EQMs when reaching a milestone: When members hit the 85,000 EQM milestone, they can roll over 10,000 elite-qualifying miles to the next year.

Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances and Sales at Alaska Airlines, said: “We’re on a multi-year journey to make the industry’s most generous loyalty program even more rewarding. In 2025, Mileage Plan members will have access to all-new, more frequent perks along with expanded ways to earn elite status, including on award travel. As we invest in a single loyalty platform with Hawaiian Airlines, there is even more to come later in the year.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

Alaska Airlines makes its Flight Pass subscription service even better

Alaska Airlines enhances Flight Pass

Alaska Airlines plane over San Francisco

Yesterday, Alaska Airlines announced new features to its innovative Flight Pass subscription service. In 2021, it was the first U.S. carrier to offer a subscription plan, and after reviewing guest feedback, it will add enhancements for an even better experience. Key to the upgrades is streamlined booking for an even smoother trip.
Flight Pass changes: Easier booking and simplified plans

Flight Pass lets subscribers take advantage of lower-than-average fares from select cities in California, Utah, Arizona, and Nevada. Most routes cost only one cent, plus taxes and fees. Now, after reviewing two and half years of customer comments, Alaska Airlines will make Flight Pass better than ever. Here’s what’s included.

Travel

Travel to Mexico impacted by Hurricane Helene: Airlines provide rebooking options

Major airlines offer Mexico travel waivers

Ruins of Tulum, Mexico and a palm tree overlooking the Caribbean Sea in the Riviera Maya

As Hurricane Helene intensifies and moves north toward the Florida Panhandle, its impacts are being felt far beyond the U.S. coastline. Travelers heading to or returning from Mexico may face significant disruptions in their plans due to the storm’s growing strength. The hurricane, with its most dangerous and life-threatening conditions concentrated near the eye, is expected to make landfall on Thursday evening.

While the Department of Transportation mandates that airlines offer full refunds for flights canceled or significantly delayed for reasons within the airline’s control, weather-related cancellations, such as those caused by Hurricane Helene, are not covered by this regulation.

Travel

American Airlines adds direct route to Mexico for 2025

American Airlines announces new direct flight to Mexico

DFW Airport American Airlines

Starting March 6, 2025, American Airlines adds direct service between Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Tampico International Airport (TAM), Mexico. Envoy Air will operate the flights via the regional American Eagle brand using Embraer E170 jets. Bookings open on September 16.
American Airlines’ DFW to TAM flight is the only direct option available

According to FlightAware, several carriers — like United, Viva Aerobus, American, and Mesa Airlines — already offer flights between DFW and TAM, but none are direct. American’s new route is the sole point-to-point option, providing a valuable addition for Mexico-bound passengers. By adding Tampico, American’s Mexico destinations total 31, the most of any airline.