The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is one of the more valuable frequent flyer programs around. They have been the “non-alliance” alliance with partnerships with 18 partner airlines around the world. The program has created many outstanding ways to earn miles and elite status during 2020. Here the will recap many of the program highlights.
The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan not only has a slate of generous benefits but it is also the easiest program to earn status. The elite levels have lower mileage thresholds than other airlines. Status qualifying miles are known in the industry as elite qualifying miles or EQM. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan does not have any minimum spending thresholds.
2021 Status Rollover
Alaska Airlines will extend your 2020 elite status benefits through the 2021 calendar year. The only caveat is that those members who are currently at the top tier, MVP Gold 75K will not automatically receive the 50,000-mile bonus. You must requalify at the 75,000 elite qualifying level to receive this bonus.
Bonus EQM Credit
From June 1, 2020 through the end of 2020, all base miles flown will receive a 50% bonus credit that will count to your elite qualifying miles. Alaska Airlines did have a previous EQM bonus of 50% that expired on May 31, 2020. This bonus has been extended through 2020. Normally, the only way that bonus miles counted as EQM miles were from class of service bonuses. There is no registration required for this promotion.
Rollover 2021 EQM Credit
The airline will carry over your EQM credits earned from January 1, 2020 through April 30, 2020. This means that the miles credit for the first four months of 2020 will count towards your 2021 qualifying year and give a head start on achieving or requalifying status.
Companion Vouchers
The expiration dates of companion vouchers have been extended. Any vouchers with a 2020 expiration date will now be valid through December 31, 2020 for travel to be completed prior to November 26, 2021
Elite Qualifying Miles From Credit Card Spending (NEW)
This new promotion will award elite qualifying miles from spending using the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. From June 1, 2020 through September 30, 2020, you will earn 2,500 EQM for every $5000.00 spent on the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card. There is a limit of 10,000 elite qualifying miles earned during this promotion. This is the first time that I have seen credit card spend earn elite qualifying miles at Alaska Airlines.
Double Miles Earned On Restaurant Purchases (NEW)
Although this bonus does not qualify for EQM earning it will still put extra miles in the bank. You will now earn two miles per dollar spent on restaurant purchases from June 1, 2020 through July 31, 2020. This bonus does count of takeout and delivery food purchases.
Oneworld Alliance
On top of everything that I mentioned, here is a preview of coming attractions. In the summer of 2021, Alaska Airlines will join the oneworld alliance. Alaska Airlines has done a great job as the “non-alliance” alliance and next year they will finally join an international airline alliance.
Final Thoughts
Not only is the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan one of the most valued loyalty programs but it is also the easiest to qualify for. If that wasn’t enough, these elite status bonuses make it even easier to earn status for the 2021 benefit year. Next summer, Alaska Airlines will join the oneworld alliance. Kudos to Alaska Airlines for rising to the challenge and looking after their customers.
