As travel makes a return from the lulls of previous years, savvy travelers are looking for the best ways to maximize their budgets by using travel hacks to book cheap flights on Google Flights and joining loyalty programs with travel rewards. In response, many airlines, such as Southwest, are upgrading in 2025, earning mixed reactions from customers.
Alaska Airlines stands out among the airlines making significant changes in 2025, including new flights to Japan and South Korea. However, its mileage plan hasn’t been getting the attention it deserves. While other plans reduce benefits or make it harder to earn miles, this year, Alaska Airlines prides itself on having “the most generous loyalty program.”
The changes offer travelers value that can’t be found within other mileage plans, from new ways to earn elite qualifying miles to exciting new milestone rewards. Here’s a closer look at some of the biggest changes.
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Earn Elite Qualifying Miles On Award Flights
Alaska Airlines is offering a perk not many other airlines provide
Starting January 1, 2025, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) on flights booked using their rewards miles, adding an easy way to boost elite status without spending extra money.
Members earn one EQM per mile flown on award travel. This includes flights operated by Alaska Airlines and its global partners, a worldwide network of major airlines, including American Airlines (which is currently offering up to 50% off Oceania Cruises).
Oneworld® Alliance Partners |
Earn and Redeem Partners |
Earn Partners |
---|---|---|
American Airlines |
Aer Lingus |
Aleutian Airlines |
British Airways |
Air Tahiti Nui |
Bahamasair |
Cathay Pacific |
Condor |
Cape Air |
Fiji Airways |
Hainan Airlines |
Contour Airlines |
Finnair |
Icelandair |
Kenmore Air |
Iberia |
Korean Air |
Mokulele Airlines |
Japan Airlines |
LATAM Airlines |
Southern Airways Express |
Malaysia Airlines |
Oman Air |
|
Qantas |
Porter Airlines |
|
Qatar Airways |
Singapore Airlines |
|
Royal Air Maroc |
STARLUX Airlines |
|
Royal Jordanian |
||
SriLankan Airlines |
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Earn Elite Qualifying Mile Bonuses With Non-Airline Partners
Alaska Airlines is making it easier for members to reach elite status
Car with Uber and Lyft ride share apps in the window
Airlines like Delta are making bold changes to their loyalty programs by adding and removing certain travel partners, such as Lyft and Uber. Rather than terminating non-airline partners, Alaska Airlines is making it easier for travelers to earn EQMs through them in 2025.
For every 3,000 Mileage Plan miles earned with eligible partners such as Lyft, Hertz, and 1-800-Flowers.com, members receive an additional 1,000 EQMs. This change allows members to turn everyday purchases into progress toward elite status quickly.
Car Partners |
Everyday Partners |
---|---|
Lyft |
1-800-Flowers.com |
Alamo |
Bilt |
Avis |
Carrs-Safeway |
Budget |
Diners Club International |
Dollar Car Rental |
e-Rewards |
Hertz |
GCI |
National |
GetYourGuide |
Thrifty Car Rental |
Greenlight |
Harry & David |
|
Laithwaites |
|
The Opinion Terminal |
|
Rover |
|
Teleflora |
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Earn Elite Qualifying Miles Based On Distance Flown
Traveling longer distances will help travelers reach elite status faster
Another exciting feature of Alaska Airlines’ updated Mileage Plan is how EQMs are calculated. Unlike many competitors that use spending-based models, Alaska Airlines calculates EQMs based on the distance flown.
- Economy Cabin: Members earn 100% of the miles for the distance flown with Alaska Airlines or a global partner.
- Premium Cabin: Members flying in business or first class earn up to 250% of the miles for the distance flown on Alaska Airlines or a global partner.
This new system eliminates the need for confusing calculations and is a major incentive for frequent fliers who travel long distances.
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New Thresholds For Milestone Rewards
Members now have more chances to get perks on the way to elite status
A tourist waiting for her flight in an airport lounge overlooking the tarmac.
In the past, Alaska Airlines’ milestone system gave members perks at 20,000 EQMs, 40,000 EQMs, 75,000 EQMs, and 100,000 EQMs. However, the airline introduced seven additional tiers for the system in 2025. They also kept the number of EQMs required to reach each loyalty tier the same, making it easier than ever to earn perks and reach elite status.
The New Milestone Reward Tiers Include:
- 30,000 EQMs
- 55,000 EQMs
- 85,000 EQMs
- 150,000 EQMs
- 200,000 EQMs
- 250,000 EQMs
Alaska Airlines is also introducing selectable perks where members can choose their rewards. One of the most anticipated perks is the ability to roll 10,000 EQMs over to the next year after reaching the 85,000 EQM milestone.
Other Loyalty Perks Include:
- Bonus miles for future travel
- Lounge day passes
- Upgrade certificates
- Free in-flight Wi-Fi
With these major changes, Alaska Airlines’ new mileage plan continues to deliver value. The plan makes it easier for travelers to enjoy the perks they choose and also rewards frequent fliers with simple, distance-based Elite Qualifying Miles.