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12 Best Ways To Redeem Alaska Mileage Plan Miles for Max Value

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Spencer Howard
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Spencer Howard

Former Content Contributor

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Always a fan of flying, Spencer wanted to find ways to upgrade his travel experience. Over the years, Spencer has been a guest speaker on multiple YouTube shows as well as podcasts on maximizing point...
Edited by: Keri Stooksbury
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Keri Stooksbury

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Alaska Airlines offers excellent service and a strong link to the Pacific Northwest, which, of course, includes Alaska.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has been among the most valuable award programs over the last few years. The program offers fantastic redemption rates on partner airlines, allows for stopovers on one-way itineraries, and offers excellent benefits for those holding elite status.

However, the loyalty program is slated to undergo a significant change in March 2024. Alaska has announced that there will be a new distance-based award chart, which will eliminate some of the best sweet spots in all of points and miles.

Until the new award chart is in effect, there is still plenty of time to put your Alaska miles to good use. Below, you’ll see some of the best ways to use your Alaska miles for award travel.

Redeeming Alaska Airlines Miles Using Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines is part of the Oneworld Alliance with other airlines such as American Airlines and British Airways. Furthermore, Alaska also has a few non-alliance airlines it partners with.

List of Alaska Airlines Partners

You can use your Alaska Mileage Plan miles to book with all of the following carriers:

SCROLL FOR MORE
Oneworld Partners
Alaska AirlinesMalaysia Airlines
American AirlinesOman Air (joining in 2024)
British AirwaysQantas
Cathay PacificQatar Airways
Fiji Airways (Oneworld Connect Partner)Royal Air Maroc
FinnairRoyal Jordanian
IberiaS7 Airlines (temporarily suspended)
Japan AirlinesSriLankan Airlines

In addition, Alaska Airlines partners with these airlines on an individual basis.

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Alaska Partners via Non-Alliance Partnerships
Aer LingusKenmore Air (earn only)
Air Tahiti NuiKorean Air
Bahamasair (earn only)Mokulele Airlines (earn only)
Cape Air (earn only)LATAM*
CondorRavn Alaska
EL ALSingapore Airlines
Hainan AirlinesSouthern Airways Express (earn only)
IcelandairSTARLUX Airlines

Thanks to Alaska’s numerous partnerships, you can use your Alaska miles to fly on some of the best airlines in the world, including Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways, among others.

To make things better, Alaska’s award prices are some of the best in the business, which explains why Alaska Airlines miles are the currency of choice for so many travelers, although they are slightly harder to earn than most other points programs.

How To Boost Your Balance of Alaska Miles

Earning Alaska miles is relatively complex as it only has one transfer partner. However, for the U.S. market, Alaska Airlines offers a co-branded credit card, issued by Bank of America.

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23)!

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card

Provides the potential to earn plenty of miles to fly with Alaska Airlines or over a dozen partners. Plus, get an annual companion fare from just $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23)!
Get 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
70,000 bonus + Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™
$1,260
$95
18.24% - 26.24% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

With the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card in your wallet, you could get great perks and earn miles at the same time. This is a win-win if Alaska is the airline you prefer to fly with! Plus, its annual companion fare is a great benefit for traveling couples.

Pros

  • 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska purchases
  • 2x miles per $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services
  • 1x mile per $1 spent on all other purchases
  • Annual companion fare
  • Free checked bag for you and up to 6 traveling companions
  • 20% back on Alaska inflight purchase

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • LIMITED TIME ONLINE OFFER — 70,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™!
  • Get 70,000 Bonus Miles plus Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of your account opening.
  • Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™. Every year on your credit card account anniversary you’ll receive a companion fare which allows you to book a companion flight from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23). Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
  • Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation – that’s a savings of $60 per person roundtrip!
  • Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases, 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, local transit (including rideshare), cable, and select streaming services, and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
  • 10% reward bonus on all miles earned on card with an eligible Bank of America checking, savings, or investment account.
  • Priority boarding on Alaska Airlines when tickets are purchased with card.
  • With oneworld® Alliance member airlines and Alaska’s Global Partners, Alaska has expanded their global reach to over 1,000 destinations worldwide bringing more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.
  • Flexibility with no blackout dates on Alaska Airlines flights when booking with miles or a companion fare.
  • Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $95 annual fee.
  • This online only offer may not be available elsewhere if you leave this page. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 18.24% - 26.24% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Alaska’s only transfer partner is Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Alaska Airlines at a 3:1 ratio. Plus, for every 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points that you transfer, you’ll receive an extra 5,000 Mileage Plan miles.

NEW 185K WELCOME OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card

A premium card for Marriott fans who want perks like an annual statement credit and Free Night Award, plus a fast track to Marriott elite status.
Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
185,000 bonus points
$1,295
$650
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card is a premium card designed with road warriors and Marriott Bonvoy loyalists in mind.

So is the card a worthwhile addition to your wallet?

Pros

  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy program
  • 3x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines and restaurants worldwide
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • 25 Elite Night Credits each year
  • Priority Pass Select membership upon enrollment
  • Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee statement credit
  • Annual Free Night Award after card renewal
  • Complimentary Platinum Elite status

Cons

  • Earn 185,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: Each calendar year, get up to $300 (up to $25 per month) in statement credits for eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card at restaurants worldwide.
  • With Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status, you can receive room upgrades, including enhanced views or suites, when available at select properties and booked with a Qualifying Rate.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. 3X points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines. 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Free Night Award: Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Each calendar year after spending $60,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card, you will be eligible to select a Brilliant Earned Choice Award benefit. You can only earn one Earned Choice Award per calendar year. See https://www.choice-benefit.marriott.com/brilliant for Award options.
  • $100 Marriott Bonvoy Property Credit: Enjoy your stay. Receive up to a $100 property credit for qualifying charges at The Ritz-Carlton® or St. Regis® when you book direct using a special rate for a two-night minimum stay using your Card.
  • Fee Credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®: Receive either a statement credit every 4 years after you apply for Global Entry ($100) or a statement credit every 4.5 years after you apply for a five-year membership for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck official enrollment provider) and pay the application fee with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card. If approved for Global Entry, at no additional charge, you will receive access to TSA PreCheck.
  • Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card you can receive 25 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Enroll in Priority Pass™ Select, which offers unlimited airport lounge visits to over 1,200 lounges in over 130 countries, regardless of which carrier or class you are flying. This allows you to relax before or between flights. You can enjoy snacks, drinks, and internet access in a quiet, comfortable location.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees on international purchases.
  • With Cell Phone Protection, you can be reimbursed, the lesser of, your repair or replacement costs following damage, such as a cracked screen, or theft for a maximum of $800 per claim when your cell phone line is listed on a wireless bill and the prior month's wireless bill was paid by an Eligible Card Account. A $50 deductible will apply to each approved claim with a limit of 2 approved claims per 12-month period. Additional terms and conditions apply. Coverage is provided by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.
  • $650 Annual Fee.
  • Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

NEW 155K OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy card gives you automatic Marriott elite status and helps you earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on your everyday purchases.
Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
155,000 points
$1,085
$250
20.99%-29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

The Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, the latest mid-tier offering in the Marriott Bonvoy lineup of cards, offers cardholders automatic elite status and ways to earn more Marriott Bonvoy points on each of their stays and daily purchases.

Pros

  • 6x points per $1 at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy
  • 4x points per $1 at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases per calendar year, then 2X points)
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite status
  • 15 Elite Night Credits per year
  • 1,000 bonus points per paid stay
  • 1 Free Night Award (up to 50,000 points) when you spend $15,000 on the card in a year
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • $250 annual fee (rates and fees)
  • Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit
  • Earn 155,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you use your new Card to make $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
  • Earn 6X Marriott Bonvoy® points for each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • Earn 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to $15,000 in combined purchases at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets per calendar year, then 2X points).
  • Earn 2X points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Marriott Bonvoy 1K Bonus Points Per Stay: Earn 1,000 Marriott Bonvoy® bonus points per paid eligible stay booked directly with Marriott for properties participating in Marriott Bonvoy.
  • With complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elites status, earn up to 2.5X points from Marriott Bonvoy® on eligible hotel purchases with the 25% Bonus Points on stays benefit, available for Qualifying Rates.
  • Marriott Bonvoy Bevy Free Night Award: Earn 1 Free Night Award after spending $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at a hotel participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • 15 Elite Night Credits: Each calendar year with your Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express Card® you can receive 15 Elite Night Credits toward the next level of Marriott Bonvoy® Elite status. Limitations apply per Marriott Bonvoy member account. Benefit is not exclusive to Cards offered by American Express. Terms apply.
  • Plan It® is a payment option that lets you split up purchases of $100 or more into equal monthly installments with a fixed fee. Plus, you'll still earn rewards the way you usually do.
  • $250 Annual Fee.
  • Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99%-29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

LIMITED TIME OFFER
Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

Marriott loyalists will love this card's annual free night award, automatic elite status, and up to 17x points per $1 on Marriott hotel stays.
Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card!
Earn 5 Free Night Awards
$1,750
$95
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

If you’re a frequent traveler and a Marriott loyalist, there’s a lot to love about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card. The card comes packed with several great benefits like a free hotel night once a year, automatic Silver Elite status (with a fast-track to Gold Elite status), and multiple options for redeeming points.

Pros

  • Earn big when you use your card at thousands of participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels
  • Earn big at grocery stores, gas stations, and dining
  • Automatic Silver Elite Status
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (valued up to 35,000 points)
  • One year complimentary DoorDash DashPass subscription
  • No foreign transaction fees

Cons

  • $95 annual fee
  • Marriott Silver status is the lowest status tier
  • Limited time offer! Earn 5 Free Night Awards (each night valued up to 50,000 points) after qualifying purchases.
  • Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $6,000 spent in combined purchases each year on grocery stores, gas stations, and dining.
  • Earn 1 Elite Night Credit towards Elite Status for every $5,000 you spend.
  • 1 Free Night Award (valued up to 35,000 points) every year after account anniversary.
  • Earn up to 17X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Card.
  • Receive 15 Elite Night Credits annually, automatic Silver Elite status, and path to Gold Status when you spend $35,000 on purchases each calendar year.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees. Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card

A great option for Marriott hotel fans who want a no annual fee card and automatic Marriott Bonvoy elite status.
Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on eligible purchases within the first 3 months from account opening.
30,000 points
$210
$0
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Casual travelers who like to frequent properties that are part of the Marriott Bonvoy collection of brands may want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card.

The Marriott Bold card rewards cardholders for Marriott stays and gives them a boost towards Marriott Bonvoy elite status.

Pros

  • Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
  • 2x points per $1 on travel purchases
  • 15 Elite Night Credits each year (automatically gives you Silver Elite status)
  • No foreign transaction fees
  • No annual fee

Cons

  • Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
  • Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier
  • Earn 30,000 Bonus Points after you spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
  • Pay no annual fee with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card from Chase®!
  • Earn up to 14X total points per $1 spent at thousands of hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy® with the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Card.
  • 1X point for every $1 spent on all other purchases.
  • Your points don't expire as long as you make purchases on your card every 24 months.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® CardTerms Apply / Rates & Fees

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

U.P. Rating
The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the in's and out's of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.

Learn More(at Amex's secure site)

Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card

A great option for business owners who stay in Marriott hotels and want automatic elite status.
Limited Time Offer: Earn five Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer Ends 3/20/24.
5 Free Night Awards
$1,750
$125
20.99% - 29.99% Variable
Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO®Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit cardapplication.
Good to Excellent (670-850)

Business travelers who opt for Marriott as their hotel chain of choice will definitely want to consider the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card. The card offers great benefits to cardholders like a complimentary hotel night once a year, complimentary Gold Elite status, and multiple point redemption options.

Pros

  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points per $1 on all other purchases
  • 15 Elite Night Credits
  • 1 Free Night Award each cardmember anniversary (up to 35,000 points)
  • Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status
  • Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
  • No foreign transaction fees (rates and fees)

Cons

  • Limited Time Offer: Earn five Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $8,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points for each bonus Free Night Award, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Offer Ends 3/20/24.
  • Receive a 7% discount on eligible bookings as a benefit of being both a Marriott Bonvoy® member & a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when you book directly with Marriott through an eligible channel for a participating property under the Amex Business Card Rate.
  • 6x Marriott Bonvoy points on each dollar of eligible purchases at hotels participating in the Marriott Bonvoy® program.
  • 4x points for purchases made at restaurants worldwide, at U.S. gas stations, on wireless telephone services purchased directly from U.S. service providers and on U.S. purchases for shipping.
  • 2x points on all other eligible purchases.
  • Receive 1 Free Night Award every year after your Card renewal month. Plus, earn an additional Free Night Award after you spend $60K in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Award can be used for one night (redemption level at or under 35,000 Marriott Bonvoy® points) at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy®. Certain hotels have resort fees.
  • Enjoy Complimentary Marriott Bonvoy Gold Elite Status with your Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card.
  • Terms apply.

Financial Snapshot

  • APR: 20.99% - 29.99% Variable
  • Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Card Categories

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Alaska Airlines Award Prices

Although Alaska is slated to change how it prices awards completely, those changes are still months away. The new award chart will use a new distance-based structure divided into three region-based charts.

For now, Alaska has a consolidated award chart for its partner airlines:

Alaska Partner award chart 2023
Alaska’s current partner award chart. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

Award prices use a “starting from” pricing method, meaning the lowest cost is potentially available on a partner airline redemption. However, this article will use redemptions at the lowest prices, which can be booked as long as you can find award space.

The 12 Best Ways To Use Your Alaska Mileage Plan Miles

Alaska’s Mileage Plan loyalty program offers excellent value for its miles, particularly when redeeming on its many partner airlines.

It is worth noting that Alaska has an incredibly generous stopover policy which can effectively allow you to visit 2 destinations for the price of one.

When searching for reward availability for partner flights, simply search your dates with the Use miles option checked. After you click to search, you may filter the results by airline using the sidebar that appears to the left of the search display.

Here are 12 suggestions to maximize the value of your Mileage Plan miles on Alaska Airlines and partner flights, especially for those who fly in business or first-class.

1. Fly Cathay Pacific First Class to Asia

Cathay Pacific 777 first class seat
Cathay Pacific 777 first-class offers the widest seats, an astonishing 36 inches! Image Credit: Stephen Au

Quite possibly, the best way to redeem Alaska miles is by flying first class on Cathay Pacific to Asia. For only 70,000 miles, you can experience this amazing first-class product and stellar inflight service.

If you connect through Cathay Pacific’s hub in Hong Kong, you will have the chance to visit 2 of the best first-class lounges in the world: The Pier, First, and The Wing, First.

To get the most out of your Cathay Pacific experience, remember to utilize Alaska’s stopover policy. Stop in Hong Kong on your way to your final destination and enjoy two cities during your trip to Asia.

Need help booking? See our step-by-step guide for booking Cathay Pacific first class.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • Los Angeles (LAX) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Tokyo (HND) one-way in Cathay Pacific first class for 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$30 in taxes and fees
  • New York (JFK) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Beijing (PEK) one-way in Cathay Pacific first class for 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$30 in taxes and fees
Hot Tip:

If you’re short on Alaska miles, you can transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy.

2. Fly Cathay Pacific First Class to South Africa

Cathay Pacific 777 first class couples picture
Cathay Pacific’s first class is gigantic. It can fit 2 comfortably! Image Credit: Stephen Au

Thanks to Alaska’s pricing, you can fly from the U.S. to South Africa for the same 70,000 miles on Cathay Pacific. Since you will be flying on Cathay Pacific, you will first fly over to Hong Kong. Then, you can connect onwards to Johannesburg (JNB) for the same 70,000 miles.

However, it is worth noting that the flights between Hong Kong and South Africa don’t have a first-class cabin, so you can only fly in business. Still, you can use this as a bonus flight!

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • Chicago (ORD) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Johannesburg (JNB) one-way in Cathay Pacific first class and then Cathay Pacific business class for 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$76 in taxes and fees

3. Fly Cathay Pacific First Class to Australia or New Zealand

Cathay Pacific 777 first class cabin
Cathay Pacific 777 first class is phenomenal. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Another great Cathay Pacific redemption comes for those wanting to visit Australia or New Zealand. Cathay Pacific may not be the first airline that comes to mind when visiting Australia or New Zealand, but it is worth considering.

For 80,000 Alaska miles, you can fly first class from the U.S. to Hong Kong and onwards to either destination in the Pacific. As with the options above, you can utilize a stopover in Hong Kong on your way.

However, like the South Africa example, Cathay Pacific doesn’t operate a first-class product to Oceania, so it’ll be a mixed cabin award with the first leg in first class and the Oceania leg in business class.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • New York (JFK) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Auckland (AKL) one-way in Cathay Pacific first class and then Cathay Pacific business class for 80,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$98 in taxes and fees
  • San Francisco (SFO) – Hong Kong (HKG) – Melbourne (MEL) one-way in Cathay Pacific first class and then Cathay Pacific business class for 80,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$98 in taxes and fees

4. Fly Qantas Business Class to Australia and New Zealand

Qantas Airbus A330 Business Class Window Seat
The business class cabin on Qantas’ Airbus A330s. Image Credit: Greg Stone

If you’re visiting Australia or New Zealand, you might as well see the other country there, too! Using Alaska miles to fly Qantas will allow you to do just that.

From the U.S., you can fly over to Auckland with a stopover in Sydney for just 55,000 miles. This is a fantastic redemption option as cash fares are typically quite high to the South Pacific.

Here are some tickets to consider booking:

  • Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Sydney (SYD) one-way in Qantas business class for 55,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$71 in taxes and fees
Hot Tip:

Check out our definitive guide to Qantas’ direct U.S. routes, which includes the best planes and seats to fly on.

5. Fly Qatar Airways Qsuites to the Middle East and Africa

Qatar QSuites, A350 1E & 1J with Partition Dropped
Qatar Airways QSuites is arguably the best business class in the world. Image Credit: Alex Miller

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a double bed on a flight, look no further than the Qatar Airways Qsuite. Not only can you experience a comfortable flight to the Middle East or Africa starting at 85,000 Alaska miles, but you can experience one of the absolute best business class products in the world.

Flights to the Middle East start at 85,000 miles, while flights to Africa start at 120,000 miles one-way in business class.

An award flight booked with Alaska miles wouldn’t be complete if you didn’t include a stopover, so take some time to explore Doha before continuing to your final destination in Africa or the Middle East. Here are some flights you can consider booking:

  • Miami (MIA) – Doha (DOH) – Nairobi (NBO) one-way in Qatar Airways Qsuite and Qatar Airways business class from 85,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$25 in taxes and fees

Need help booking? See our step-by-step guide to booking Qatar Airways Qsuites.

6. Fly Japan Airlines First Class to Asia

Japan Airlines First Class Seat
You can fly to Japan in first class on Japan Airlines! Image Credit: Stephen Au

Known for having a tremendous first class product and some of the best food and inflight service, you don’t want to miss the experience on Japan Airlines’ first class.

For 70,000 Alaska miles, you can enjoy Japan Airlines’ luxurious first class on your way to Asia. You can fly to any destination in Asia for the same pricing. You could also have a stopover in Tokyo on the way!

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • Chicago (ORD) – Tokyo (NRT) – Seoul (ICN) one-way in Japan Airlines first class and business class for 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$62 in taxes and fees
  • New York (JFK) – Tokyo (HND) – Delhi (DEL) one-way in Japan Airlines first class and business class for 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$62 in taxes and fees

7. Fly Fiji Airways Business Class to Oceania

Fiji Airways Airbus A350 Business Class Cabin from Front
Fiji Airways Airbus A350 business class. Image Credit: Greg Stone

If you’re going to travel across the world, you may as well do it in style — and see as much as you can. Using 55,000 Alaska loyalty program miles to fly business class on Fiji Airways allows you to do just that.

Sure, you could just visit Fiji, but why limit yourself? Make Fiji a stopover on your way to Australia or New Zealand to maximize your miles.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • Los Angeles (LAX) – Nadi (NAN) – Auckland (AKL) one-way in Fiji Airways business class for 55,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$79 in taxes and fees
  • San Francisco (SFO) – Nadi (NAN) – Sydney (SYD) one-way in Fiji Airways business class for 55,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$79 in taxes and fees

8. Fly American Airlines Business Class to Southern South America

American Airlines 787-9 Business Class
Fly American Airlines’ 787-9 business class on your way to South America. Image Credit: Stephen Au

Booking an adventure to a place like Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile? You can use 45,000 Alaska miles to fly business class on American Airlines.

As a region, South America doesn’t have exciting airline products like the Middle East or Asia, but on American Airlines, you can get a nice lie-flat seat.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • Los Angeles (LAX) – Buenos Aires (EZE) one-way in American Airlines Flagship Business class for 45,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$34 in taxes and fees
  • Miami (MIA) – Santiago (SCL) one-way in American Airlines Flagship Business class for 45,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$34 in taxes and fees

9. Fly LATAM Business Class to South America

LATAM Business Class
LATAM’s business class is another great way to get between the U.S. and South America. Image Credit: LATAM

If you want to keep it simple, you can fly LATAM business class to anywhere in South America for 45,000 Alaska miles. The Los Angeles (LAX) to Santiago, Chile (SCL) route is particularly exciting since it’s operated by the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

If you’re traveling south, be sure to give LATAM a look. See if you can book a stopover in Santiago on your way to one of many other South American cities.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

  • Los Angeles (LAX) – Santiago (SCL) one-way in LATAM business class for 45,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$19 in taxes and fees
  • Orlando (MCO) – São Paulo (GRU) one-way in LATAM business class for 45,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$19 in taxes and fees

10. Fly Icelandair to Iceland

Icelandair business class
Icelandair business class. Image Credit: Icelandair

Iceland is a very popular destination, and Alaska Airlines makes it easy to get there on points, thanks to its non-alliance partnership with Icelandic flag carrier Icelandair.

For 50,000 Alaska miles, you can fly business class on Icelandair to Iceland.

If you’re looking for the cheapest way to visit Iceland, alternatively, use 22,500 Alaska miles during the low season for an economy ticket. For an extra special vacation, time it right so you can see the Aurora Borealis.

Unfortunately, the business class product is a simple recliner seat, so it may not be worth paying the extra premium. Here are some example routes to consider:

  • Chicago (ORD) – Reykjavik (KEF) one-way in Icelandair business class from 50,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$10 in taxes and fees
  • Portland (PDX) – Reykjavik (KEF) one-way in Icelandair economy from 22,500 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$10 in taxes and fees

11. Fly Korean Air Business Class to Asia

Korean Air A321neo Prestige Class
Korean Air business class Prestige Suites. Image Credit: Stella Shon

Unlike most of Alaska’s partners, booking a one-way ticket on Korean Air costs the same miles as a round-trip ticket. However, this is slated to change in March 2024 when Alaska implements its new distance-based award chart.

You can fly to Asia in business class for 120,000 Alaska miles round-trip between the U.S. and Asia. However, award space is challenging to come by.

If you can find award space, this provides an excellent way to fly between the U.S. and Asia. While at it, you might as well enjoy a stopover in Seoul on your way. Here are some great example routes to look at:

  • Seattle (SEA) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip in Korean Air business class for 120,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$92 in taxes and fees
  • Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Seoul (ICN) round-trip in Korean Air business class for 120,000 Alaska Airlines miles + ~$92 in taxes and fees
Hot Tip:

Be sure to choose the best seats on Korean Air, which we outline in our definitive guide to Korean Air’s direct U.S. routes.

12. Short-Haul flights Within North America on Alaska Airlines

Finally, Alaska miles can also be used for travel on Alaska Airlines itself. Along with its partner award chart for international redemptions, Alaska Airlines also has a North American award chart for flights operated wholly by Alaska Airlines or American Airlines.

Alaska North American awards
Alaska Airlines’ North American award chart. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

For the North American chart, prices vary according to the distance flown. This opens up some great options for short-haul flights that can sometimes be expensive.

It is also worth noting that prices can vary slightly from what is listed on the award chart. For example, we have seen one-way economy flights starting at just 4,500 miles one-way.

Here are some great example routes to look at:

  • Seattle (SEA) – Phoenix (PDX) one-way on Alaska Airlines for 5,000 Alaska Airlines miles + $6 in taxes and fees
  • San Francisco (SFO) – Las Vegas (LAS) one-way on Alaska Airlines for 5,000 Alaska Airlines miles + $6 in taxes and fees

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines miles are some of the most valuable miles out there. The program is set to undergo a significant change when it comes to award redemptions when it moves to a distance-based system in 2024.

Regardless, Alaska Miles Mileage Plan allows you to fly on some of the best airlines in the world, including Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas. Best of all, Alaska allows for stopovers, including one-way awards.

The information regarding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Bold® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express® Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card, click here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Alaska Airlines miles?

Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program is called Mileage Plan. The miles you earn, redeem, and transfer are Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles.

Which credit cards earn Alaska miles?

Both the personal Alaska Signature card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Credit Card can help you earn additional Alaska miles.

Can I transfer points to Alaska Mileage Plan?

Alaska Airlines has only one transfer partner, Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott Bonvoy points transfer to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan at a 3:1 ratio. For every 60,000 Bonvoy points you transfer in a single transaction, you get a 5,000 mile bonus.

Can I use Alaska Airlines miles to fly American Airlines?

Yes, both airlines are a part of the Oneworld Alliance. This means you can use your Alaska miles to fly on American Airlines-operated flights.

Can Alaska Airlines miles be transferred?

Alaska Airlines miles cannot be transferred to other airlines. They can, however, be redeemed for flights on other carriers, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

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About Spencer Howard

Always a fan of flying, it was only natural that Spencer was drawn to finding a way to improve the travel experience.

Like many, he started this journey searching for cheap flights to take him around the world. This was fun for a while, but Spencer was intrigued by the idea of flying in business and first class!

Throwing himself into what became an extensive research project, Spencer spent 3-4 hours per night learning everything he could about frequent flyer miles over the course of several months (he thinks this is normal). He runs Straight to the Points, an award-seat alert platform.

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