Note: I’m traveling this week with limited access to internet. Responses to comments and emails will be delayed.
Between my husband and me, we have almost 800,000 miles and points in various currencies (bank points, airline miles and hotel points). How did we get these miles, and what trips are we booking with them? Earlier this month, I wrote about my stash of British Airways and Iberia Avios and my stash of Air France/KLM Flying Blue miles. This week, let’s do a deeper dive into Alaska Airlines miles. Note: If you’re new to miles and points, read Beginner’s Guide: 7 Steps to Free Travel with Miles and Points.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Mileage Plan is the name of the loyalty program for Alaska Airlines. I currently own around 100,000 Alaska Airline miles.
How we earned these miles
Over the past few years, my husband and I have both owned Bank of America Alaska Airlines credit cards and earned between 50k-70k bonus miles on each card. In addition, last year we opened up Barclays Hawaiian Airlines credit cards (2 personal and 1 business) for the welcome bonuses. Due to the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, we combined the miles into Alaska Mileage Plan. And finally, last year, my husband transferred Bilt Rewards points to Alaska during a special Rent Day promotion with a 75% transfer bonus.
Things to know about Alaska mileage plan
This may be obvious, but Alaska Airlines miles are good for much more than flying to Alaska!
- For award flights, Alaska Airlines is part of oneworld alliance (including American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines and more). In addition, Alaska Airlines has 11 more international airline partners (including Starlux, Korean Air, LATAM, Singapore).
- Alaska Airlines miles have historically been hard to get due to lack of bank transfer partners. Currently, the only currencies that transfer to Alaska are Bilt and Marriott.
- Due to the Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines merger, you can transfer Hawaiian miles to Alaska. This means you can also earn miles from both Alaska and Hawaiian credit cards, although Hawaiian credit cards are expected to be discontinued soon.
- If you own the Hawaiian Airlines credit card, you can transfer Hawaiian miles to other members for free (which can then be transferred to Alaska miles)
- Alaska Airlines allows you to book a free stopover on award flights
How we’ve used Alaska miles in the past
I’ve used Alaska miles to book several domestic flights on partner American Airlines for 7500 miles and 15,000 miles each way. For our upcoming trip to Japan and China, I used Alaska miles to book Premium Economy seats on partner Japan Airlines (50k each) from Tokyo to USA. In addition, I booked Business class seats on Japan Airlines from Osaka to Shanghai for (15k each).
How I plan to use my current Alaska miles stash
My plan is to use these Alaska miles to help us fly to Europe next year. If we can find award availability on partner American Airlines, we can fly comfortably in Premium Economy or Business across the pond:
Are you a fan of Alaska miles?
Those are good to have for domestic and some international routes.
Used AS miles for 4,500 one-way tixs on AA, trips to Asia in Biz on Cathay and JL when the rates were lower (50K for Biz one-ways). Lately most awards have been increased, but some still hold good value. I wonder what AS will charge for awards USA mainland to Hawaii after the merger is completed. I hope they’ll keep current prices at least for several years, more devaluations will put a big dent in the program.