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

Key Takeaways

• Alaska Mileage Plan miles can be used to book flights with Oneworld partners such as American Airlines, Cathay Pacific, and Qantas.
• Alaska Airlines also has non-alliance partners such as Aer Lingus, EL AL, Icelandair, Korean Air, and Singapore Airlines.
• Some possible options for maximizing your Mileage Plan miles include short-haul flights with Alaska Airlines, business class flights to Europe, and flying Qatar Airways Qsuites to Doha.

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

However, the loyalty program has begun rolling out its new distance-based award charts. The new award charts are a complete overhaul of the previous redemption rates, which were based on destination and operating carrier.

Unfortunately, some of the best sweet spots in all of points and miles have now been eliminated. This isn’t to say that award prices are increasing on everything. However, a lot of our favorite award redemptions are doing just that.

Below, you’ll see some of the best ways to use your Alaska miles for award travel utilizing Alaska’s new award charts.

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 Airlines Mileage Plan miles to book with all of the following carriers:

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

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

With the new distance-based award charts, the further you fly, the more miles it will cost you. Still, Alaska Airlines miles can provide incredible value if redeemed correctly.

Best of all, award redemptions are being opened up globally. Under the previous Mileage Plan award charts, you could only redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles for travel within and between select regions. This is a major step in the right direction.

How To Boost Your Balance of Alaska Miles

Earning Alaska miles has been relatively difficult in the past as the program only had 1 major transfer partner: Marriott Bonvoy. However, this has changed as the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program is now a transfer of Bilt Rewards as well.

Alaska Airlines also offers a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America for those in the U.S. market.

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) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

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) when you spend at least $6,000 a year on the card!

Welcome Offer

Get 60,000 bonus miles plus a $0 Companion Fare ($0 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.

60,000 bonus miles + a $0 Companion Fare

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$960

Annual Fee

$95

APR

21.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Cons

• $95 annual fee

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Card Highlights

• Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska’s 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™. Get a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year. Valid on all Alaska Airlines flights booked on alaskaair.com.
• Free checked bag. Any cardholder who purchases airfare with their card, and up to 6 additional guests traveling on the same reservation, may check their first bag free.
• Enjoy priority boarding so you can get to your seat quicker, when you pay for your flight with your card.
• Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases. And earn unlimited 1 mile per $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don’t expire on active accounts.
• Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America^® account.
• A faster way to earn status with your Alaska Airlines credit card. Throughout 2024, for every $10,000 you spend on purchases, you’ll automatically earn 4,000 elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), up to 20,000 EQMs total.
• Enjoy 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases and get $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new 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.^†

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 21.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Frequent Flyer Program

Marriott Bonvoy Credit Cards

Alaska Airlines is a transfer partner of 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.

Recommended Marriott Bonvoy Cards

Terms 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 95,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® bonus points after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

95,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$665

Annual Fee

$650

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Cons

• Steep annual fee of $650 (rates & fees)
• 6x points per $1 is the same earn rate offered with lower annual fee alternatives like the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ American Express^® Card

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 95,000 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^®. Earn 3X Marriott Bonvoy^® points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines and 2X Marriott Bonvoy^® points on all other eligible purchases made on the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant^® American Express^® Card.
• 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 ($120) 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.
• 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: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 85,000 Marriott Bonvoy bonus points after you spend $5,000 in purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

85,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$595

Annual Fee

$250

APR

20.24%-29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Cons

• $250 annual fee (rates & fees)
• Free Night Award certificate is not an automatic benefit

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 85,000 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 with the Marriott Bonvoy Bevy™ Card.
• 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: 20.24%-29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in your first 3 months from your account opening.

125,000 points

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$875

Annual Fee

$95

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• Marriott Silver Elite Status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 125,000 bonus points after qualifying purchases - our best points offer!
• 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

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

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.

Learn More(at Chase's secure site)

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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 Bonus Points plus 1 Free Night Award after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Free Night valued at 50,000 points. Certain hotels have resort fees.

60,000 points + 1 Free Night Award

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$770

Annual Fee

$0

APR

20.99% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

Pros

• Up to 14x points per $1 on Marriott purchases
• 2x points at grocery stores, rideshare, select food delivery, select streaming, and internet, cable, and phone services
• 5 Elite Night Credits each year

Cons

• Lower point earn rate than other Marriott Bonvoy cards
• Marriott Bonvoy Silver Elite status is the lowest status tier

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 20.99% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Terms 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.

Welcome Offer

Earn 3 Free Night Awards, valued up to 50k points each for a total value of 150k points, after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership.

3 Free Night Awards

UP's Bonus Valuation*:

$1,050

Annual Fee

$125

APR

20.24% - 29.24% Variable

Credit Recommended

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)

Why We Like This Card

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 & Cons

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

Cons

• Moderate annual fee of $125 (rates and fees)
• No premium perks like airport lounge access

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• WELCOME OFFER: Earn 3 Free Night Awards after you use your new Card to make $6,000 in eligible purchases within the first 6 months of Card Membership. Each Free Night Award has a redemption level up to 50,000 Marriott Bonvoy^® points, for a total potential value of up to 150,000 points, at hotels participating in Marriott Bonvoy^®. Certain hotels have resort fees. Terms apply.
• 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. Awards 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: 20.24% - 29.24% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Marriott Bonvoy

Alaska Airlines Award Prices

As mentioned, Alaska’s new award charts have begun rolling out and some are now officially in effect. Alaska Airlines now has 3 separate award charts: One for redemptions in the Americas, one for Asia Pacific redemptions, and another for redemptions to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

Here is the award pricing for flights within the Americas:

Here is the award pricing for flights to Asia Pacific:

Lastly, here is the new award pricing for flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. 

Alaska is still using a “starting from” pricing method, so these rates aren’t what you will always see.

These rates reflect the lowest-priced “saver” award availability. While the award chart may list a required number of points, you will likely see a higher rate when you begin the award search.

However, this is not all bad news as now all partners have the same award pricing, assuming there’s saver award availability. This is a major improvement to Alaska’s old award charts, where different partners had different pricing.

The 10 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.

Alaska is keeping its incredibly generous stopover policy, which can effectively allow you to visit 2 destinations for the price of 1.

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 10 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. Short-Haul Awards Within the Americas

As with any distance-based award program, there is immense value when redeeming miles for short-haul flights on expensive routes.

Flights in the Americas region will start at 4,500 Alaska miles one-way for short-haul flights of 700 miles or less, down from the previous minimum of 7,500 Alaska miles. While this new award pricing won’t amount to crazy savings, it will make shorter flights more affordable.

Best of all, this pricing is for flights within the Americas region, which includes Central and South America.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• Seattle (SEA) – San Francisco (SFO) one-way for 4,500 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• Miami (MIA) – Cancun (CUN) one-way for 4,500 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.

Hot Tip:

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

2. Longer Short-Haul Awards Within the Americas

Similar to the previous redemption, slightly longer flights between 701 and 1,400 miles can be booked for as little as 7,500 Alaska Airlines miles one-way on both Alaska and partner American Airlines.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) – Mexico City (MEX) one-way for 7,500 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• Miami (MIA) – Cartagena (CTG) one-way for 7,500 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.

3. Starlux Business Class for 75,000 Miles

An excellent way to get to Taipei is on Taiwan-based Starlux Airlines. Despite being a newer airline, Starlux Airlines has quickly become a favorite thanks to its premium service and luxurious offerings. It has established itself as a major airline offering excellent customer service and modern amenities.

From the West Coast, you can fly nonstop to Taipei for 75,000 miles, a redemption that remains unchanged from the previous Alaska Airlines award chart.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• San Francisco (SFO) – Taipei (TPE) one-way for 75,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• Los Angeles (LAX) – Taipei (TPE) one-way for 75,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.

4. Northeast U.S. To Ireland or England for 45,000 Miles in Business Class

Now, we have a great redemption option for those wanting to visit Ireland or England. If you’re based in the Northeast (or don’t mind flying from the area) you can book a one-way business class award ticket for as little as 45,000 miles.

Looking at the award pricing for flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, flights less than 3,500 miles can be booked for just 45,000 miles in business class.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• Boston (BOS) – Dublin (DUB) one-way for 45,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• Newark (EWR) – London (LHR) one-way for 45,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• New York (JFK) – Dublin (DUB) one-way for 45,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.

5. Business Class to Europe for 55,000 Miles

Another excellent redemption is for those in the Eastern half of the U.S. wanting to visit destinations in Europe.

Looking at the award pricing for flights to Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, flights between 3,501 and 5,000 miles can be booked for just 55,000 miles one-way in business class

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• New York (JFK) – Madrid (MAD) one-way in Iberia business class for 55,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• Toronto (YYZ) – Frankfurt (FRA) one-way in Condor business class for 55,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.
• Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) – Frankfurt (FRA) one-way in Condor business class for 55,000 Alaska miles + taxes and fees.

6. Fly Qatar Airways Qsuites to the Middle East

If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a double bed on a flight, look no further than Qatar Airways Qsuites. Not only can you experience a comfortable flight to the Middle East starting at 70,000 Alaska miles, but you can experience one of the absolute best business class products in the world.

Flights from the U.S. to Doha that fall in the 5,001-7,000 mile distance band can be booked for 70,000 miles one-way in business class.

Here are some flights you can consider booking:

• Washington, D.C. (IAD) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways business class from 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + taxes and fees
• New York (JFK) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways business class from 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + taxes and fees
• Philadelphia (PHL) – Doha (DOH) one-way in Qatar Airways business class from 70,000 Alaska Airlines miles + taxes and fees

Hot Tip:

Check out our guide on The Best Ways To Book Qatar Airways Qsuites With Points and Miles.

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

7. Fly Japan Airlines Business Class

Although flights between North America and Japan are quite long, there’s 1 particular sweet spot worth mentioning. Flights between Seattle (SEA) or Vancouver (YVR) and Tokyo clock in just under 5,000 miles, so these flights can be booked for just 60,000 miles one-way in business class.

Almost all other flights between the U.S. and Japan are longer than 5,000 miles, so they will fall in the next distance band. Those flights can be booked starting at 75,000 miles one-way in business class.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• Seattle (SEA) – Tokyo (NRT) one-way in Japan Airlines business class for 60,000 Alaska Airlines miles + taxes and fees
• Vancouver (YVR) – Tokyo (HND) one-way in Japan Airlines business class for 60,000 Alaska Airlines miles + taxes and fees

8. Business Class on Partner Airlines in Asia

A silver lining of the award charts changing is that certain routes will be priced for significantly fewer miles compared to Alaska’s older award charts.

For example, a Japan Airlines business class award ticket between Tokyo and Shanghai is now priced starting at 15,000 miles one-way. The same is true for a Malaysia Airlines business class award ticket between Kuala Lumpur and Bangkok.

Under the previous Alaska award charts, these redemptions would consistently price at 65,000 Alaska miles one-way.

9. Fly on Fiji Airways to Fiji

Another excellent way to redeem your Alaska miles is on Oneworld Connect partner Fiji Airways.

You can fly nonstop between Los Angeles (LAX) or San Francisco (SFO) and Nadi (NAN) for just 37,500 Alaska miles one-way in economy. This is because both West Coast cities are between 5,001 and 7,000 miles away from Fiji’s capital city.

Under Alaska’s previous award chart, these flights would cost 40,000 Alaska miles one-way — the new charts will save you 2,500 miles.

If you wanted to fly in business class instead, the same flights would cost 75,000 miles one-way.

10. Domestic Flights in Australia on Qantas

Alaska Airlines’ Oneworld partner Qantas has an extensive domestic network in Australia.

Flights less than 1,500 miles can be booked for just 7,500 miles one-way in economy or 15,000 miles in business class.

Here are some great example routes you can take:

• Melbourne (MEL) – Sydney (SYD) one-way in Qantas economy for 7,500 miles + taxes and fees
• Sydney (SYD) – Brisbane (BNE) one-way in Qantas economy for 7,500 miles + taxes and fees
• Adelaide (ADL) – Brisbane (BNE) one-way in Qantas business class for 15,000 miles + taxes and fees

Final Thoughts

With Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan’s new distance-based award charts in effect, the best ways to redeem Alaska miles have changed significantly. While not all award prices increased, many sought-after redemption options have been eliminated.

Still, the Alaska Miles Mileage Plan program allows you to fly on some of the best airlines in the world, including Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qantas. Best of all, Alaska has kept its stopover policy intact, including one-way award redemptions.