Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is one of the most underrated frequent flyer programs. Most travelers either don’t know about it or assume it’s only useful if you live on the West Coast. That’s a mistake. This program offers some of the best redemption opportunities out there—especially for premium cabins.
Unlike most U.S. airlines that base mileage earnings on how much you spend, Alaska still awards miles based on the actual distance flown. That alone makes it valuable.
But wait, there’s more. With a strong partner network, easy-to-use stopovers, and a relatively simple award chart, Alaska Miles can unlock some serious value—if you know how to use them.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know:
- How to earn Alaska Miles (without flying much)
- The best ways to redeem them for maximum value
- Sweet spots that make this program worth paying attention to
- Potential downsides and things to watch out for
What Makes Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Unique?
Most frequent flyer programs work the same way: the more you spend, the more miles you earn. Alaska Airlines does things differently. Instead of a revenue-based system, Alaska still awards miles based on distance flown.
This means if you book a cheap, long-haul flight, you can earn a huge number of miles compared to other programs.
For example, flying 5,000 miles on Alaska earns you 5,000 miles—regardless of how much you paid for the ticket. Compare that to revenue-based programs, where you might only get 2,500 miles on the same flight if you booked a low-cost fare.
But that’s not the only thing that makes Alaska’s program worth paying attention to.
1. Strong Partner Network
Alaska Airlines joined the OneWorld Alliance in 2021, giving members access to award flights on airlines, including:
- Alaska Airlines
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- FinnairIberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian
- SriLankan Airlines
On top of that, Alaska has non-alliance partnerships with airlines like:
- Korean Air
- Singapore Airlines
- Icelandair
- Fiji Airways
- LATAM
These partnerships give Alaska members access to flights all over the world—even to places Alaska Airlines doesn’t fly.
2. Stopovers That Actually Make Sense
Most U.S. airlines either don’t allow stopovers or make them so restrictive they aren’t useful. Alaska does the opposite. You can add a stopover on one-way international awards for no extra miles—up to 14 days in a connecting city.
Example:
- Seattle → Tokyo (stopover) → Bangkok – Same number of miles as a regular one-way award.
- New York → Hong Kong (stopover) → Singapore – No extra cost.
Even on domestic flights, you can add a stopover when traveling to or from Alaska. Example:
- Seattle → Juno (stopover) → Anchorage for 12,500 miles.
This is an easy way to stretch your miles further and visit multiple destinations on one ticket.
3. Reasonable Award Pricing
Alaska recently standardized its award chart across all partners, making it much easier to understand. While some previous sweet spots got more expensive, other routes became more affordable.
Premium cabin redemptions are still among the best in the industry, with business class flights to Europe starting at 45,000 miles and Asia at 60,000 miles.
How to Earn Alaska Miles
Alaska Miles are harder to earn than most airline miles, which is exactly why they hold their value better. Unlike programs like Delta SkyMiles, which flood the market with devalued miles, Alaska makes it a little more challenging to rack them up. But if you know where to look, you can still build up a solid balance without flying much.
Here are the best ways to earn Alaska Miles efficiently.
Flying on Alaska Airlines and Partner Airlines
Alaska still uses a distance-based mileage earning system, meaning every mile flown equals a mile earned, and ticket price doesn’t matter.
Most U.S. airlines have moved to revenue-based programs, where the number of miles you earn depends on how much you paid for the ticket. That’s not the case here.
A five-thousand-mile flight earns five thousand miles, even if you only paid two hundred dollars. Other airlines might only give you half that for the same flight.
This creates opportunities where you can book cheap long-haul flights and still earn a huge number of miles.
Minimum Mileage Guarantee
Even if you fly a short-haul route, Alaska guarantees you’ll earn at least five hundred miles per flight. This is useful for short hops between cities.
Partner Flights Also Earn Alaska Miles
You can earn miles when flying OneWorld and non-alliance partners—just make sure to credit the flights to Alaska Airlines.
If you book directly on alaskaair.com, you get one hundred percent mileage credit on partner flights as well. If you have elite status, you can earn up to a one-hundred twenty-five percent bonus on top of that.
If you fly American Airlines frequently, credit those flights to Alaska instead—you’ll likely earn more miles than if you credited them to American’s own program.
Alaska Airlines Credit Cards
For years, Alaska’s co-branded credit cards were the only way to earn a large number of Alaska Miles outside of flying. That’s changed now, but the cards are still one of the best ways to earn miles consistently.
Alaska offers one personal and one business card.
Key Benefits
- Generous welcome bonuses
- Earn three times miles on Alaska purchases
- Annual companion fare benefit, one of the best perks for couples or families
If you fly Alaska even a few times per year, these cards are worth keeping for the companion fare alone.
New Flexible Points Transfer Options
For a long time, Alaska Airlines had no major transferable point partners. That changed recently, and now there are two solid ways to transfer points into Alaska Airlines.
Direct Transfers from Bilt Rewards
Bilt Rewards, the program that earns points from rent payments, now transfers one to one to Alaska.
If you’re paying rent and earning Bilt points, this is one of the best ways to get Alaska Miles without flying.
Indirect Transfers via Hawaiian Airlines
Alaska is merging with Hawaiian Airlines, and they now allow one-to-one transfers between the two programs.
This creates a way to move points from Hawaiian Airlines into Alaska Airlines. Some flexible point currencies, like Amex Membership Rewards, transfer to Hawaiian, meaning you can convert those into Alaska Miles.
This transfer option might not last forever. If you’re transferring points to Hawaiian first, be ready to move them to Alaska immediately.
Shopping and Dining Portals
If you want to earn extra Alaska Miles on things you’re already buying, Alaska has a few easy options.
Alaska Airlines Shopping Portal
Earn bonus miles when shopping online through Alaska’s portal. Some stores offer three times, five times, or even ten times miles per dollar. Check the portal before making a big purchase.
Alaska Mileage Plan Dining
Link your credit card to the dining program and earn extra miles when eating at participating restaurants.
Stack this with a credit card that earns bonus points on dining for even more rewards.
These won’t make you rich in miles, but they keep your account active and help you top off your balance.
How to Redeem Alaska Miles Like a Pro
One of the biggest perks of Alaska’s Mileage Plan is its flexible redemption options, which allow you to book flights on partner airlines. That means you’re not limited to just flying Alaska Airlines—there are plenty of ways to use your miles for incredible trips across the globe.
However, Alaska’s redemption process can be a bit tricky at first, especially if you’re used to more straightforward programs like Delta or American Airlines. But once you understand how to maximize your miles, it’s one of the best programs out there.
Here’s how to get the most value out of your Alaska miles:
1. Book Flights on Alaska Airlines and Partner Airlines
As mentioned earlier, Alaska has a huge network of partners in the OneWorld Alliance. But it doesn’t stop there—Alaska also partners with non-alliance carriers like Emirates, Cathay Pacific, and Royal Jordanian.
Because Alaska’s mileage redemption is distance-based, you get fantastic value when booking long-haul flights on partner airlines. For example, you can book a flight between the U.S. and Europe for as little as 22,000 miles one-way in economy. That’s a steal compared to other frequent flyer programs.
2. Maximize Sweet Spots on Partners
Some partner airlines offer extraordinary value for certain routes, and Alaska is known for having “sweet spots”—routes where the mileage required for a flight is particularly low compared to other programs.
Here are a few examples:
- Japan Airlines: Fly from the U.S. West Coast to Tokyo for just 25,000 miles one-way in economy (this is a rare deal in the frequent flyer world).
- Qatar Airways: Fly to the Middle East or Asia from the U.S. for 40,000 to 50,000 miles in business class, which is a much lower rate than most competitors charge.
- Cathay Pacific: A flight from the U.S. to Hong Kong in business class costs 70,000 miles one-way.
Sweet spots like these are why Mileage Plan members love Alaska. These are routes that would normally cost far more in miles with other programs, but Alaska keeps the redemption rates relatively low.
3. Stopovers and Open Jaw Tickets
One of Alaska’s most unique features is its stopover policy. When booking award tickets, you’re allowed to include a stopover (typically up to 2–3 days) on international flights. This gives you a chance to see a second destination without paying extra miles for the privilege.
For example, if you book a flight from the U.S. to Asia with a stopover in Europe, you’re essentially getting two vacations for the price of one.
Additionally, Alaska allows open-jaw flights on award bookings. An open-jaw means flying into one city but out of another, giving you even more flexibility when planning multi-city trips.
4. Book Short-Haul Flights for Great Value
Although long-haul flights get a lot of attention, Alaska miles are also great for booking short-haul flights, especially if you’re flying on Alaska Airlines.
Flights within the U.S. and to destinations in Canada and Mexico are priced fairly low. For example, a flight from Seattle to Portland can cost as little as 5,000 miles one-way.
That’s a phenomenal deal for such a short distance, especially when you compare it to what other programs charge for similar flights.
5. Upgrade with Miles
In addition to booking award flights, you can also use your Alaska miles to upgrade to a higher class of service on paid tickets.
Upgrades are available on Alaska Airlines flights as well as certain partner airlines, including American Airlines and British Airways.
The number of miles required depends on the route and the class of service, but it’s a great way to use your miles to improve your travel experience, especially on long-haul flights.
6. Book Vacation Packages with Miles
If you’re planning a vacation and need both flights and hotels, Alaska’s vacation packages are another way to redeem miles. These packages allow you to book flights, hotels, and rental cars all in one go, and you can pay for part of the package with miles.
This is an easy way to get extra value out of your miles, especially if you’re already planning a trip and can combine flights and accommodations into one booking.
7. Use Miles for Other Travel Expenses
If you don’t want to use your miles for flights, you can redeem them for other travel-related expenses. Alaska offers a range of options for using your miles, including:
- Car rentals
- Hotel stays
- Experiences like guided tours and activities (through the Mileage Plan rewards center)
Though these options typically don’t offer as much value per mile as booking flights, they still provide flexibility in how you use your miles.
Best Ways to Maximize Alaska Miles
Alaska Airlines miles can provide incredible value, especially when you know where to redeem them. Let’s dive into the best opportunities where you can stretch your miles further, with options ranging from luxurious international travel to affordable domestic getaways.
1. Cathay Pacific First & Business Class to Asia:
Flying with Cathay Pacific to Asia is a standout redemption for Alaska miles. Cathay is known for its exceptional service and luxurious cabins, making it a top choice for travelers seeking a long-haul, comfortable flight.
- Value for Miles: A round-trip Business Class ticket can cost around 70,000 miles, and First Class seats go for about 110,000 miles. Given that a Business Class ticket for this route could easily cost $5,000+, this is an incredible value.
- Why It’s Worth It: Cathay Pacific offers lie-flat beds, gourmet meals, and attentive service, ensuring a high-end flying experience. With this redemption, you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination.
2. Japan Airlines Business Class to Tokyo:
Another excellent use of your Alaska miles is booking a seat in Japan Airlines Business Class to Tokyo. Japan Airlines is consistently rated among the best for its service, in-flight comfort, and overall experience.
- Value for Miles: 60,000 miles for a round-trip Business Class flight to Tokyo is a great deal, especially considering the premium product Japan Airlines offers.
- Why It’s Worth It: Japan Airlines offers fully lie-flat seats, amazing food, and Japanese hospitality that elevates the flight experience. Plus, with the Stopover Hack, you can make Tokyo your layover city for no extra miles, allowing you to experience a city that’s rich in culture and history before heading to your final destination.
3. Maximizing Alaska’s Stopover Hack:
Alaska’s Stopover Hack is a fantastic way to get more value out of your miles. This feature allows you to add a stopover in one of Alaska’s hubs—such as Seattle, Anchorage, or Portland—on your way to an international destination.
- How It Works: When booking international flights, you can choose to stop in a U.S. city (like Seattle) before continuing on to your final destination without paying additional miles. For example, you could fly from Los Angeles to Tokyo, with a 1-2 night stop in Seattle, all for the same price as a one-way flight to Japan.
- Why It’s Worth It: This hack lets you double your trip for the same miles, providing a chance to experience multiple cities without any extra cost. It’s the ultimate way to add value to your Alaska Mileage Plan booking.
4. Underrated Domestic Redemptions:
Alaska Airlines isn’t just about international travel. They offer some excellent value for domestic flights, especially for those looking to explore the West Coast or even Alaska itself. Here are some routes where your miles will stretch the furthest:
- Seattle to Anchorage: A First Class ticket for just 15,000 miles makes this a must-do for anyone wanting to explore Alaska. With stunning views and a premium experience, this route is an incredible deal.
- San Francisco to Portland: A round-trip flight for 12,500 miles—ideal for a weekend getaway or business trip on the West Coast. Whether you’re flying for leisure or work, it’s a solid option for an affordable redemption.
- Los Angeles to Hawaii: For just 20,000 miles round-trip in economy, you can fly to Hawaii—one of the most popular domestic destinations. Alaska’s competitive redemption rate for these flights makes it a great option for a beach getaway.
- Why It’s Worth It: Alaska’s domestic routes provide incredible value when it comes to short-haul travel. Whether you’re looking to visit the scenic landscapes of Alaska, enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Seattle, or relax on the Hawaiian Islands, you’ll get more for your miles on these routes.
Tips for Booking Alaska Mileage Plan Awards
Booking award flights through Alaska Airlines can seem complicated at first, but with a little strategy, you can unlock the best deals. Here are some key tips to make your booking process smoother and ensure you get the most value out of your miles.
1. Book in Advance for Better Availability
Like with most frequent flyer programs, availability for award flights is often better when you book in advance. While Alaska Airlines doesn’t have a fixed award chart for all its partner airlines, they do follow a general rule: the earlier you book, the better chance you have of finding available flights at lower mileage rates.
- Tip: Aim to book at least 6-12 months in advance, especially for popular routes or travel during peak seasons (holidays, summer, etc.). Early planning gives you the best shot at securing award flights and allows you to plan your trip with flexibility.
2. Use the Alaska Award Search Tool for Easy Booking
Alaska Airlines offers a straightforward award search tool that lets you check availability across all partner airlines. This tool is one of the best ways to quickly compare prices, see what’s available, and lock in the best deals.
- Tip: When using the award search tool, be flexible with your travel dates. Availability can vary, and small adjustments can often result in huge savings in miles. If your dates are flexible, you’ll be able to find more options and potentially score cheaper flights.
3. Check Partner Award Availability Separately
Not all airlines share their award space with Alaska’s search tool, so you may need to search on partner websites directly to see availability. Some airlines—like Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific—are known to have limited award seat availability, so if you don’t find what you’re looking for via Alaska’s search tool, check their sites.
- Tip: When searching partner availability separately, look for “partner award space” or “award seat availability”. This is especially important for premium cabins like First and Business Class, which can be limited.
4. Consider Booking One-Way Awards for Flexibility
Alaska’s Mileage Plan offers a more flexible approach to booking one-way awards compared to some other frequent flyer programs. When you book a one-way award, it gives you the ability to combine different airlines and routes, opening up more options for your travel.
- Tip: Instead of booking round-trip awards, try booking two separate one-way tickets. This lets you take advantage of different partners for outbound and return flights. Plus, it often allows you to split your trip between different airlines and even get better connections.
5. Take Advantage of Special Promotions
Alaska Airlines frequently runs promotions and sales on award tickets, where you can book flights for a reduced number of miles. These promotions often target specific routes, regions, or partners, and can offer significant savings.
- Tip: Keep an eye on Alaska’s website and email newsletters for any promotions or limited-time offers. Signing up for Alaska’s loyalty program and following them on social media is also a great way to stay informed about sales and promotions.
Making the Most of Your Alaska Mileage Plan Miles
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a powerhouse for savvy travelers who know how to use their miles wisely. With access to a robust partner network, generous redemption options, and unique sweet spots, it’s easy to see why Alaska is one of the most beloved frequent flyer programs for both domestic and international travel.
Whether you’re planning a luxurious international getaway or a simple domestic trip, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers some of the best opportunities to make the most out of your miles. With a little strategy, some advance planning, and a smart use of their award options, you can unlock a world of travel possibilities.
Happy flying—and enjoy using those miles!
