Alaska Airlines is running a few summer promotions right now, and as one of the more valuable frequent flyer currencies it’s worth paying attention.
First, customers are being targeted for personalized bonuses when they buy extra Alaska miles. These bonuses are as high as 50% (I just happened to get this bonus myself) though you do need to purchase a certain minimum number to get the largest bonus.
Keep in mind that there are a few limits when you purchase Alaska miles. First, you can only buy up to 60,000 miles per transaction. With a 50% bonus, that would mean 90,000 total miles. You are still allowed to purchase miles more than once in multiple transactions. Second, many members are limited to only 150,000 purchased miles per year. (This doesn’t include the bonus miles, just the ones that are paid for.) Mileage Plan elite members with status have no limit on the number of miles they can buy.
You should also take a look at a back-to-school promo from Mileage Plan Shopping. Airline shopping portals are a great way to earn extra miles for purchases you would have made anyway. There’s even a shopping toolbar that you can install on your browser to remind you when a retailer’s website is a participant in Mileage Plan Shopping.
Between July 22 and August 11, 2019, you can earn up to 1,500 bonus miles when you spend a total of $500, or fewer miles if you spend a smaller amount. I value Alaska miles at roughly 2 cents each, so this is like getting $30 back! Student-friendly retailers like Dell, Kohl’s, and The Economist are also offering special bonuses of their own.
