It’s a big day for 
Alaska Airlines
. The carrier is overhauling its loyalty program as part of its ongoing merger with Hawaiian Airlines, which will see two airlines operate under separate brands but share a unified frequent flyer program. The oneworld Alliance carrier has already implemented several changes to its loyalty program and today announced more updates for 2025.
Say hello to multi-carrier award bookings
Beginning in January 2025, members of the airline’s Mileage Plan
frequent flyer program will be able to redeem miles across multiple carriers on the same booking. This allows travelers to mix and match flights among the 30 domestic and international airlines with which it partners to find the best routing.
This is incredibly convenient for travelers who want to explore multiple destinations during a single trip. While the airline has long offered stopover opportunities, the updates will allow one to book a trip across both oneworld Alliance and non-alliance partners. For instance, you will be able to book a flight from New York to Dublin on Aer Lingus and then from Dublin to London on British Airways.
Related
How To Use Alaska Airlines Miles For A Free International Stopover
The carrier’s international stopover programs can offer a great value.
Members will no longer have to choose between earning and spending miles. For award trips flown on or after January 1st, 2025, with Alaska Airlines or its global partners, members will earn elite-qualifying miles based on the distance flown. Alaska stands out in this regard, as many other airlines now award qualifying miles based on spending.
For example, if a guest redeems a roundtrip award ticket between Seattle and Tokyo-Narita (which covers 9,538 miles), they will earn 9,538 EQMs.
Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock
The carrier will also continue offering its Global Getaways promotion, highlighting the airline’s international partners by offering up to half-off flight award redemptions to unique destinations. The previous getaway locations include Bali, Fiji, Tahiti, and Zanzibar. According to the airline, the program has saved members nearly 50 million miles since last April.
Easier to earn, easier to spend
The carrier is introducing several new ways to earn miles, including the elite-qualifying miles needed to advance to the next tier. Tickets booked directly with the airline for flights on its own metal or with its 23 direct partners will earn 100% of the miles they flown. Travel in a premium cabin earns additional miles, with a 150% mileage bonus for the distance flown in premium economy, 250% in business class, and up to 350% in International first class.
Mileage Plan members will soon be able to earn 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 miles earned with the carrier’s non-airline partners. The present list of partners includes a dedicated dining program, shopping portal, 1-800-Flowers, Bilt, and rideshares with Lyft. In addition, cardholders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card
or Alaska Airlines Visa Business Card
will earn one elite-qualifying mile for every $3 spent on qualified purchases beginning in 2025 to earn up to 30,000 EQMs annually.
Related
4 Ways To Earn Alaska Airlines Miles On The Ground Without Opening A Credit Card
Earn miles with Alaska while shopping, or on a cruise and more.
Photo: lorenzatx | Shutterstock
The updates are part of a more extensive overhaul before the program merges with Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles
loyalty offering. Frequent flyers can already transfer points between the two programs at a 1:1 ratio. Later in 2025, members will be able to redeem miles on exclusive experiences and events known as “Extras.”
Read More:
Alaska Airlines Announces Enhanced Mileage Plan For Faster Elite Status
The oneworld Alliance carrier is adding new perks along the path to elite status, including bonus miles, lounge passes, and upgrade certificates.