Alaska Airlines is set to enhance its Mileage Plan program in 2025 by introducing milestone perks for members who reach specific thresholds between elite status levels. These perks, which include bonus miles, free meals, WiFi, lounge access, and even the ability to roll over Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), will offer added rewards for members beyond standard elite status achievements.
Mileage Plan members can currently earn EQMs by flying with Alaska or its partners and making purchases using Alaska-branded credit cards. Unlike many other U.S. airlines, Alaska Airlines credits miles based on distance flown rather than the amount spent, though bonus miles are awarded for premium seating.
Currently, Mileage Plan members attain MVP status with 20,000 EQMs, MVP Gold with 40,000 EQMs, with the top tiers being MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K. Starting next year, members will receive perks when they reach new EQM milestones, such as 30,000, 55,000, 85,000, 150,000, 200,000, and 250,000 EQMs. This change mirrors programs from other airlines like JetBlue and American Airlines.
The changes come as Alaska Airlines prepares for a new joint loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines, following Alaska Air Group's acquisition of Hawaiian last month. Among the additional updates, Mileage Plan members will now earn EQMs for flights on partner airlines booked with miles, and more EQMs can be earned through non-airline partner purchases, such as hotels and rideshares.
In addition, Mileage Plan will allow members to redeem miles on multi-airline itineraries. However, there will be a decrease in EQMs earned for partner bookings made outside of Alaska’s channels.
Matthew Klint, a blogger at Live and Let's Fly, noted that while some changes might be seen as drawbacks, the overall impact is positive. "There are winners and losers, but the losses are modest and many will see today's news as a net gain," Klint wrote, expressing optimism about the program's future.
Alaska’s updates aim to create a more rewarding experience for loyal flyers and position the airline’s Mileage Plan as a leading customer-focused program.
