In 2024, Alaska Airlines is redefining its loyalty program. The airline is making it easier to reach elite status and offering new features for Mileage Plan members [link]. The airline intends to removing minimum Alaska flight requirements and segment counts and focusing solely on elite-qualifying miles (EQMs).
With the addition of EQM accrual through credit card spending, members can reach elite status even faster—4,000 EQMs are awarded for every $10,000 spent. The redesigned My Account experience and the addition of rollover EQMs for MVP Gold 100K members increase the program’s attractiveness. The decision to launch partner award flights at 4,500 miles per one way starting in March 2024 shows a dedication to international accessibility. Even though some tiers’ elite mileage bonuses will be eliminated in 2025, members can keep their current levels by using choice rewards. 2024 Mileage Plan streamlines the path to elite status, showcasing flexibility and a departure from traditional models.
How It Works
- Elite status in the upcoming Mileage Plan year will be determined exclusively by elite-qualifying miles (EQMs).
- The traditional reliance on segment counts and minimum requirements for Alaska-operated flights is eliminated.
- Members can earn EQMs through credit card spending:
- For every $10,000 spent using the Alaska Airlines credit card, members automatically earn 4,000 EQMs.
- Capped at 20,000 EQMs annually.
- MVP Gold 100K members can carry forward EQMs beyond 100,000 for the following program year, offering a head start for re-qualification.
Important Stuff to Know
- Despite these radical changes, EQM thresholds for MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold 100K remain unchanged.
- Elite mileage bonuses for three tiers will see reductions in 2025: 50% for MVP and MVP Gold, and 20% for MVP Gold 75K.
- Members can retain current bonus levels by selecting it as a perk within the choice rewards.
- A comprehensive My Account desktop and mobile experience overhaul is in progress.
- The overhaul promises members an intuitive interface to manage their Mileage Plan benefits more effectively.
- Global travel opportunities are expanding, with partner award flights starting at 4,500 miles each way from March 2024.
- Over 60% of partner nonstop routes, even in Premium cabins, will have lower price points, offering more choices to Mileage Plan members.
- In late 2024, Alaska Airlines plans to introduce more choice rewards.
- Members can customize their benefits based on personal preferences.
- Options include bonus miles, day-of-travel perks, unique experiences, and status accelerators.
- Fly a million miles with Alaska and enjoy a lifetime of MVP Gold status.
In a Nutshell
To keep up with the evolving loyalty program market, Alaska Airlines is rethinking its 2024 Mileage Plan strategically. In addition to credit card benefits and a variety of rewards, the emphasis on EQMs shows a dedication to member satisfaction. The ability to keep current levels through choice rewards offers flexibility even with the elimination of elite mileage bonuses.
If you are interested, I have written about United MileagePlus 2024 requirements to qualify for premier status. Please refer to the provided article link for details.
