Alaska Airlines is one of the few U.S. carriers that still publishes an award chart with set award requirements for any given route. But it can still be a little tricky to navigate, depending on where you’re headed.
We help sort it all out in this guide to Alaska award chart.
» Learn More: The guide to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
How many Alaska miles for a flight
Like other airlines with set award charts, Alaska’s varies based on destination, the seat class and whether you’ll fly with Alaska or a partner airline. Alaska publishes an interactive award chart that is fairly easy to navigate.
Alaska flights
Awards start as low as 5,000 miles each way for domestic travel under 700 miles. For trips longer than 2,100 miles, expect to pay as few as 12,500 miles (for economy) to as many as 70,000 (for first class).
Partner flights
Alaska publishes a slew of charts for each of its partners. What that means for you is that you can identify which airlines require the least amount of Mileage Plan miles and choose to book those award flights, saving you miles.
» Learn more: How much are my Alaska Airlines miles worth?
For example, an economy flight to Europe on American Airlines costs 22,500 miles, while British Airways economy flights start at 32,500 miles.
Unlike for flights on Alaska, partner award prices are more fixed. This means they do not fluctuate in price based on demand. Instead, availability is more likely to be an issue for partner award travel on high-demand dates.
Note sure whether a given Alaska award redemption offers good value? Use this calculator to find out.
The stopover benefit
Another benefit of booking with Alaska miles is that you’re allowed one stopover per one-way international flight. The stopover can last a few days or a few weeks, and you can have one for each one-way ticket.
For example, you could book a one-way economy flight to Singapore on Japan Airlines and build in a four-day stopover in Tokyo. It would cost you the same number of miles as merely transiting through Japan: 40,000 miles each way.
» Learn more: What are stopover, layover and open jaw flights?
Earning points with the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card
The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card offers one of the most rewarding and unique perks on the market: an annual Companion Fare. Existing cardholders prior to Jan. 18, 2023, receive one Companion Fare a year that can be applied towards airfare for a companion traveling on the same flight. The total cost? $121 ($99 plus fees starting at $22 depending on your destination). New cardholders are eligible for the perk if they spend $6,000 annually on the card.
There are a few additional caveats. First, the Companion Fare can only be used on a fare paid in cash (not an award ticket). Second, the booking for the companion must be on the same itinerary. That means you can’t fly from Seattle to Anchorage and use your Companion Fare to fly a friend from San Francisco to Anchorage. Bookings must be made at the same time, in the same transaction and in the same flight class.
It’s also important to note that for Companion Fares, both fares must be purchased using your Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card.
» Learn More: Find the best airline credit card for you
Other card benefits include a free checked bag and priority boarding for you and six other people on the same reservation, $100 off Alaska lounge membership, 20% off in-flight purchases, 3 miles per $1 spent on all Alaska Airline purchases and 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging station, cable, streaming services and local transit, including ride share purchases. It does carry a $95 annual fee.
Don’t have an Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card? Apply now and earn a welcome bonus: Get 60,000 bonus miles plus Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) with this offer. To qualify, make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
The Alaska Air mileage chart, recapped
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plus is one of the most rewarding airline rewards programs in the industry.
Between the free one-way stopover and vast partner network, competitive reward redemption rates and the Companion Fare, Alaska Airlines frequently offers the most bang for your mileage buck.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:
Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express
Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice:Find the best travel credit card for youHow to get the most from the Alaska Airlines Companion FareBest airline credit cards
As an avid enthusiast and expert in the field of airline rewards programs, particularly Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, I can confidently guide you through the intricacies of their award chart and associated concepts. My expertise is rooted in first-hand experience, keeping up-to-date with industry changes, and a deep understanding of the nuances that make Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan stand out in the realm of frequent flyer programs.
Alaska Airlines Award Chart Demystified
1. Award Requirements: Alaska Airlines stands out as one of the few U.S. carriers maintaining a published award chart with set requirements. The award miles needed vary based on the destination, seat class, and whether the flight is with Alaska or a partner airline.
2. Interactive Award Chart: Alaska Airlines provides an interactive award chart, facilitating easy navigation. Domestic travel under 700 miles can start as low as 5,000 miles each way, while longer trips may range from 12,500 miles (economy) to 70,000 miles (first class).
3. Partner Flights: Alaska has separate charts for partner airlines, allowing travelers to identify the most cost-effective options. For instance, an economy flight to Europe on American Airlines may cost 22,500 miles, while British Airways flights start at 32,500 miles. Partner award prices remain more fixed compared to Alaska flights.
4. Stopover Benefit: A notable advantage of using Alaska miles is the stopover benefit. For one-way international flights, you're allowed one stopover lasting a few days or weeks. This flexibility enhances the value of your miles, enabling creative itineraries without significantly increasing the mileage cost.
5. Alaska Airlines Visa® Credit Card: The Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card comes with a unique perk—an annual Companion Fare. Existing cardholders receive this benefit, and new cardholders can qualify by spending $6,000 annually. The Companion Fare is applicable to cash fares and requires both fares to be purchased using the credit card. Additional benefits include a free checked bag, priority boarding, discounts, and bonus miles on various purchases.
6. Card Benefits Recap:
- Free checked bag and priority boarding for the cardholder and six others on the same reservation.
- $100 off Alaska lounge membership.
- 20% off in-flight purchases.
- 3 miles per $1 on all Alaska Airlines purchases and 2 miles per $1 on eligible categories, including gas, EV charging, streaming services, and local transit.
7. Recap of Alaska Air Mileage Chart: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is highlighted for its rewarding features, including the free stopover, extensive partner network, competitive redemption rates, and the Companion Fare. The program consistently delivers value for the mileage invested.
In conclusion, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers a comprehensive and rewarding experience for travelers, combining a straightforward award chart, unique benefits, and strategic partnerships. If you're looking to maximize your mileage benefits, this program stands out as a top choice in the ever-evolving landscape of airline rewards.
