Alaska Mileage Plan: Easier MPV Status, Benefits, and Global Reach
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Introduction to Mileage Plan
Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan was upgraded in 2024 and expanded again in 2025 with new ways to earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs), milestone perks, and upgrade policy updates. This overhaul is not just about adding new features; it’s about redefining the way members earn status and enjoy benefits. The upcoming changes promise to make the journey with Alaska Airlines more rewarding and straightforward.c
How to Get Alaska MVP (and beyond)
In 2024, Alaska simplified the process of obtaining elite status, and program members began to receive status based on EQM (elite-qualifying miles—count toward status, not redeemable). The minimum number of Alaska flights requirement was eliminated.
Starting in 2025, you will also earn EQMs on award travel (1 EQM per mile flown) and from non-airline partners (1,000 EQMs per 3,000 miles earned with partners).
The number of elite qualifying miles (EQMs) earned on Alaska and its global partners to earn/retain elite status:
- MVP – 20,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold – 40,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold 75K – 75,000 EQMs
- MVP Gold 100K – 100,000 EQMs
Alaska MVP Gold 100K Member Advantages
Alaska MVP Gold 100K members are in for a treat. In 2025, bonuses for reaching certain milestones will be introduced in the amount of 10,000 EQM for reaching certain milestones (85,000/150,000/200,000/250,000). This head start is a token of appreciation for their loyalty and commitment.
The Path to Alaska MVP Fast Track with Credit Card
The Alaska Airlines credit card now plays a pivotal role in earning status. In 2025, Alaska Visa cardholders earn 1 EQM per $3 in purchases, up to 30,000 EQMs per year, automatically. This addition provides a faster and more flexible way to climb up the status tiers.
Eligibility and Conditions for Credit Card EQM Earning
To be eligible for this new earning mechanism, members must meet certain conditions. These include a combination of purchase transactions totaling at least $10,000, exclusive of fees, returns, and adjustments. Aggregate spend across all Alaska Visa consumer and business cards on the same Mileage Plan account counts toward the 30K EQM cap.
Card-spend EQMs are not redeemable and apply to 2026 elite qualification (earn Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025; auto-enrolled).
Revamped ‘My Account’ Experience
Alaska Airlines is also enhancing its ‘My Account’ experience. The refreshed interface on both desktop and mobile platforms will offer new features, making it easier for members to track and manage their Mileage Plan benefits.
As of April 14, 2025, upgrade waitlists are prioritized by elite tier and EQMs (not fare paid), with complimentary companion upgrades available for MVP on the same reservation. From May 2025, MVP Gold, 75K and 100K also receive Extra Comfort seat access on Hawaiian-operated flights (rules vary by tier/fare).
Global Reach with Partner Airlines
Partner awards start from 4,500 miles each way under the distance-based charts; ~60% of nonstop economy and 64% of business routes now price lower than before. This change opens a world of travel possibilities, making global destinations more accessible than ever before.
2025: What’s New in Mileage Plan
Elite Credit on Award Tickets (new)
Fly an award—on Alaska or any Global Partner—and you now earn 1 EQM per mile flown. (EQMs from awards post in the spring after travel.)
Credit-Card Path to Status
All Alaska Visa consumer + business cards earn 1 EQM per $3 in purchases, capped at 30,000 EQMs (Jan 1–Dec 31, 2025). Enrollment is automatic; spend aggregates across all cards on the same Mileage Plan account; EQMs apply to 2026 qualification.
EQMs From Non-Air Partners
Earn 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 redeemable miles earned with eligible everyday/travel partners (posts in spring).
Milestone Rewards (Brand-New Structure)
Choose perks at 10K, 30K, 55K, 85K, 150K, 200K, 250K EQMs. At 85K (and again at 150K/200K/250K) one option is to roll over 10,000 EQMs to next year. Other choices include bonus miles, lounge day passes, upgrade certificates, status gifts/nomination, etc.
Upgrade Waitlist Now Favors Loyalty Over Fare (April 14, 2025)
Clearing priority uses elite tier and EQMs earned, not how much you paid. Companion upgrade handling also improved within the new logic.
Simplified Partner Earning (Earn More, Do Less Math)
Universal partner earn rates launched; booking partner flights on alaskaair.com earns 100% of distance flown, and business-class earns 250% across partners.
Hawaiian Integration Perks (Rolling Out in 2025)
You can match/boost status between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles, earn/redeem across both, and (in North America) even use the $99 Companion Fare on select Hawaiian-operated flights.
Reduction of Elite Bonus Earnings Depending on the Status Level
Effective 2025, elite mileage bonuses are: MVP 25%, MVP Gold 50%, MVP Gold 75K 100%, MVP Gold 100K 150%
- Elite mileage bonuses for MVP members will be halved, dropping from 50% to 25%.
- MVP Gold members will witness their elite mileage bonuses being cut from 100% to 50%.
- The elite mileage bonus for MVP Gold 75K members will decrease from 125% to 100%.
- Notably, MVP Gold 100K members will retain their existing 150% elite mileage bonus rate.
How Many Miles for MVP Gold Alaska?
To achieve MVP Gold status, you need 40,000 EQMs on Alaska and partners; no minimum Alaska-operated flight requirement. This can be done through flights with Alaska Airlines and their global partners. It's important to note that the qualification for status is based purely on the EQMs earned, and members will no longer need to complete a minimum number of flights with Alaska Airlines for status qualification
