Frequent Miler's latest team challenge, Million Mile Madness, is happening now! Follow us as Greg, Nick, and Stephen compete to earn 1 Million SAS miles by flying 15 airlines before November 23rd. Who will complete the challenge with the most Speed, Affordability, and Style?
Alaska Airlines is making some big changes in 2025! We’ll talk about why we think these changes are exciting…(and will share an exciting announcement of our own!)
Main Event: Alaska Airline’s Exciting Mileage Plan Enhancements
Mailbag
(01:20) – Greg was recently curious about if the Hawaiian Miles personal card would be getting elevated offers and one reader says the answer is yes! Check your emails for higher offers!
Listen to our episode about the Hawaiian / Alaska merger here.
(03:25) – Fly 15 SkyTeam airlines (and credit to SAS or redeem SAS miles) by end of year and get 1 MILLION MILES… you all had ideas for us related to this challenge…
(05:29) – Greg’s post “Catching up on 2 weeks of big miles & points news”
Challenge accepted. Announcing Million Mile Madness 2024!
(07:04) – For the first time ever, the FM team will do 2nd challenge within 1 year…and we want you to participate!
Read more about our newest challenge here.
Catching Up
(19:47) – Alaska / Hawaiian transfers live
(22:28) – Spirit Airlines adds free WiFi and ditches award fees for Free Spirit members.
(23:56) – Virgin Atlantic to go to dynamic award pricing – companion and upgrade vouchers may become more usable
(28:33) – Choice Privileges max award pricing for Preferred Hotels reduced from 118k to 87k. Only 9 out of 310 are currently priced 80K or higher. Meanwhile, 68 properties are priced 30K or lower.
(30:43) – Bilt adds Accor Live Limitless and TAP Air Portugal as transfer partners.
(36:18) – Marriott & Aeroplan launch reciprocal status match opportunity.
Main Event: Alaska’s Exciting Mileage Plan Enhancements
(42:42) – Huge mostly positive changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan coming 2025…
Read more about the changes to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan here.
(43:03) – Earning Elite Status with Alaska Airlines
(53:59) – Mileage Plan Milestones
(1:04:46) – Other changes
(1:13:11) – Some more negative changes
(1:15:14) – Summary of our assessments
Question of the Week
(1:17:46) – Someone wrote in asking if the Alaska changes change our mind about whether it makes sense to earn Alaska miles when paying rent through Bilt
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Music Credit – “Ocean Deep” by Annie Yoder
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Looking through T&Cs of the new benefits and unfortunately the double miles perk at the 10K milestone is capped quite low (bolded for emphasis):
The terms don’t come right out and say whether the double miles are considered “Bonus Miles” even though it has the usual not elite-qualifying disclaimer at the end. Regardless at a 2000 mile cap the bonus is better than a kick in the pants but wouldn’t earn more than 667 EQMs based on the 1:3 earning ratio for non-air partners.
That really puts a damper on a strategy to achieve Alaska status via shopping portals, and is quite different from the AA strategy of giving Loyalty Point but not redeemable mile boosts for partner earnings as a milestone benefit.
I think these developments are quite good overall as you guys have highlighted here and will have a lot of folks pondering whether to go in on Alaska now sitting on healthy balances of AS miles thanks to the merger with Hawaiian and transfer path from AMEX. The strategy is definitely different though – Alaska has put in some clear guardrails with limits on EQMs from credit card spend, lower overall partner EQM earnings, and lots of milestone options for bonus redeemable miles but not extra EQMs. Alaska wants you to earn the bulk of your EQMs by flying either with them or on a partner booked through their channels. American and Alaska are now giving US fliers a “choose your own adventure” path to Oneworld elite status.
Alaska Airlines has built a strong reputation for its commitment to customer service and operational reliability. Known for its friendly staff and efficient flights, the airline consistently prioritizes the passenger experience, whether through its loyalty program or efforts to enhance in-flight amenities. Alaska’s focus on sustainability, including initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and invest in eco-friendly practices, also sets it apart in the industry. Additionally, the airline’s extensive network along the West Coast and to Alaska makes it a convenient choice for travelers in that region. Overall, Alaska Airlines continues to evolve and adapt, making it a preferred option for many frequent flyers.
4o mini