Alaska Airlines is adding milestones and shifting around various benefits in its frequent flier program Mileage Plan. Alaska is also introducing other pathways to gain elite status without flying.
Milestones
In 2025, Alaska Airlines is adding milestone awards where members can pick a perk.
10,000 milestone level
(members can pick one perk)
- 750 bonus miles
- Pre-order a complimentary meal
- 1 Complimentary Wi-Fi Pass
- MVP Status for one trip
- Double Miles for non-air partners
- Upgrade Avis Rental
30,000 milestone level
(members can pick one perk)
- 2,500 bonus miles
- $25 off a future Alaska flight
- 4 Complimentary Wi-Fi Pass
- MVP Gold Status for one trip
- $100 Alaska Lounge Membership
55,000 milestone level
(members can pick two perks)
- 5,000 bonus miles
- 10,000 miles off Extras redemption
- 1 Complimentary Lounge Pass
- Gift MVP Status for one trip
- 2 upgrade certificates
85,000 milestone level
(members can pick two perks)
- 15,000 bonus miles
- 25,000 miles off Extras redemption
- 2 Complimentary Lounge Pass
- Gift MVP Gold Status for one trip
- Nominate someone for MVP status
- 2 upgrade certificates
- 10,000 EQM miles rollover
150,000 milestone level
(members can pick two perks)
- 15,000 bonus miles
- 25,000 miles off Extras redemption
- 2 upgrade certificates
- 2 Complimentary Lounge Pass
- 10,000 EQM miles rollover
200,000 milestone level
(members can pick two perks)
- 15,000 bonus miles
- 25,000 miles off Extras redemption
- 2 upgrade certificates
- 2 Complimentary Lounge Pass
- 10,000 EQM miles rollover
250,000 milestone level
(members can pick two perks)
- 15,000 bonus miles
- 25,000 miles off Extras redemption
- 2 upgrade certificates
- 2 Complimentary Lounge Pass
- 10,000 EQM miles rollover
Alaska awards members at 10K, 30K, 55K, 85K, 150K, 200K, & 250K milestones respectively with different types of perks that can be selected such as bonus miles, Wi-Fi passes, and lounge discounts/access. The existing 20K, 40K, 75K, & 100K will continue to be elite tiers (MVP, MVP 40K Gold, MVP 75K Gold, & 100K MVP Gold).
Mileage Plan Changes
Alaska Airlines is reducing the elite status bonus across the elite tiers except for MVP Gold 100K
| MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75K | MVP Gold 100K |
| Elite Status Bonus from 50% to 25% | Elite Status Bonus from 100% to 50% | Elite Status Bonus from 125% to 100% | Elite Status Bonus remains at 150% |
The MVP tier gets 2 free checked bags in 2025 but reduces to one free checked bag in 2026.
All award trips after Jan 1, 2025, will earn EQMS, however, not award miles.
In 2025 new methods will also earn EQMS such as through the Alaska Airlines credit card 1 EQM for every $3 (max 30,000 eqms)
Also in 2025 1,000 EQMS per every 3,000 miles earned through Lyft and other non airline partners
Alaska Airlines will also allow mixed airline itineraries for award redemptions due to software updates.
Alaska Airlines will continue to evolve the program through 2025.
Analysis
In the past, most companies provided benefits once a member met the threshold for elite status. Recently, more travel brands have started awarding members on their journey to the higher-tier elite status. Alaska Airlines joins Hyatt and American in awarding members at milestone levels. American introduced this when they converted their frequent flyer program from EQM and EQD to loyalty points. Hyatt has had milestones for a while. Recently, American and Hyatt introduced milestone awards between the two programs.
I’m glad that Alaska Airlines is keeping the distance-based award program. The introduction of milestones seems to compensate for some benefit changes. Overall I feel mixed about these changes perks going away is never a good thing. I am curious to see how the Mileage Plan program evolves and will share accordingly!
