Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.
![Alaska Airlines Changing Saver Fares [Miles Earned, Elite Upgrades]](https://upgradedpoints.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Alaska-Airlines-Bag-Tag-5.jpeg?auto=webp&disable=upscale&width=1420&height=650&fit=crop)
We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.
Alaska Airlines has implemented a number of new changes to its lowest fare class, Saver fares, that may impact you as a flyer. If you tend to purchase the lowest fares on Alaska, these changes will impact how you earn miles and certain elite benefits.
Saver fares are Alaska’s version of basic economy. They’re the cheapest tickets on the plane and come with a host of restrictions. Up until now, these tickets were extremely restrictive and couldn’t be changed, and elite benefits were limited.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite customers, including those MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold 100K, will now be eligible for complimentary upgrades. Previously, upgrades were not offered on these fares. If you’re an elite customer, you’ll be added to the upgrade list at 2 hours prior to departure and you’ll be added to the list in your normal positions, according to elite status type.
Because you’re only being added at 2 hours out, you’ll obviously miss any upgrades that are processed at the normal windows, so your upgrade chances are much slimmer, but you’ll still have a shot at an upgrade.
Hot Tip:If you value upgrades and are on a busy or transcontinental route, you may wish to consider purchasing a non-Saver fare ticket to be able to be upgraded at the normal elite window.
Saver fares used to earn 100% of miles flown as miles toward your MileagePlan account. This means that if your flight was 1,000 miles, you’d earn 1,000 miles. Now, Alaska will only award 30% of the miles flown on Saver fares, a major reduction for those that fly these cheaper fares.
On July 19th, 2023, Alaska will be making Saver fares less restrictive. If you are able to cancel your ticket more than 14 days from departure, you’ll receive a credit (voucher) for 50% of the ticket cost (and 100% of any taxes you paid). Previously, your ticket would have been a total loss, so it’s nice to receive at least some credit back. Unfortunately, if you cancel less than 2 weeks before departure, you’ll have to forfeit your ticket’s entire value.
While the reduction in miles earned is obviously a major negative, the ability to upgrade and receive some credit back on canceled tickets is a huge plus. Purchasing a Saver fare is usually never recommended as these tickets still come with heavy restrictions, though it’s nice to see some perks being added back in.
Was this page helpful?
James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.
Travel is changing fast... Stay on top of all the points strategies, exclusive offers & pivotal news - and lock in huge savings along the way.
We respect your privacy. Please view our privacy policy here.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Disclaimer: Any comments listed below are not from the bank advertiser, nor have they been reviewed or approved by them. No responsibility will be taken by the bank advertiser for these comments.
2 comments
Mike Jones
August 04, 2023
If I upgrade a saver fare to premium economy seats will I receive full mileage?
Jarrod West
August 09, 2023
Hi Mike,
Yes, you should still receive full mileage.
Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!
Email needed if you'd like comment updates. It will NOT be published.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.