Alaska Airlines Announces 2024 Elite Status Program Changes

Alaska Airlines has been making big moves over the last few years as it adjusts how bonus miles are earned, loyalty is rewarded, and redemptions are made. In the same spirit, the airline announced today major changes in how people will earn elite status moving forward.

Let’s take a look at the details of this news.

Alaska Airlines Simplifies How You Earn Status

In an age where airlines are constantly gutting loyalty programs, it’s refreshing to see that Alaska is mostly just changing how its Mileage Plan program works. There are a few downsides, but overall, earning elite status is going to be simpler for many.

The biggest differences in 2024 are that Alaska is eliminating the ability to earn elite status by flying an eligible number of segments, as well as the requirement for a certain number of Alaska-operated flights.

Instead, members will simply need to earn enough Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) for status — and those requirements aren’t being altered:

The rate at which you’ll accumulate EQMs isn’t changing either. You’ll earn at least one EQM for every mile flown, plus any bonuses for fare classes. The only exception to this is Saver fares, which earn just 30% for miles flown.

Earn Elite Status With Your Credit Card

Following the trend of other airlines, Alaska is allowing those who hold its Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® credit card to earn EQMs throughout 2024 via credit card spend. For every $10,000 you spend on the card, you’ll earn 4,000 EQMs (up to 20,000 total).

This means that it’s possible to earn MVP status strictly by spending on the card — no flying necessary. To do so, you’ll have to spend $50,000 in a calendar year, but that may be worth it to some.

Other Changes

There are a few more changes on the docket, the biggest of which is that elite bonus miles earned on flights will be decreasing starting in 2025.

• Those who’ve earned top-tier MVP Gold 100K status with Alaska in 2023 will have any additional miles rolled over into 2024.
• More choice rewards are coming in late 2024, like bonus miles, day-of-travel perks, and status accelerators.
• Elite bonus miles are changing beginning in 2025:
  • MVP: 25% (down from 50%).
  • MVP Gold: 50% (down from 100%).
  • MVP Gold 75K: 100% (down from 125%).
  • MVP Gold 100K: 150% (unchanged).

Final Thoughts

Alaska has been making big moves to update its loyalty program, including a huge overhaul of how its award charts look. Now, those looking to pursue elite status with Alaska will find it easier to do so — though the benefits you’ll receive as a result are dropping in 2025.