Alaska Airlines revamped its elite status program, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, in 2023, eliminating the option to qualify through segments. Now, status is earned solely by racking up elite qualifying miles (EQMs) — but that doesn’t mean you need to board an Alaska plane to get there.
Thanks to Alaska’s merger with Hawaiian Airlines and updates to its credit card benefits, there are more ways than ever to reach elite status from the ground to offer valuable perks traveling up and down the West Coast and beyond — from complimentary upgrades to priority boarding and lounge access.
Whether you’re a road warrior or an occasional leisure flyer hoping to enhance your experience, here’s everything you need to know about Alaska Airlines elite status in 2025, including benefits, qualification requirements, and how to maximize your earnings.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status rewards frequent flyers with perks such as complimentary upgrades, bonus miles, priority services, free checked bags, and access to Oneworld alliance benefits. The program includes four elite tiers: MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP 100K. Each level offers progressively enhanced benefits.
To qualify for elite status, members earn miles through flights and partner activities within a qualification year. Once earned, elite status is valid through December 31 of the following year.
Alaska Airlines’ Million Miler program recognizes long-term loyalty with lifetime Mileage Plan elite status. Members who reach specific lifetime flight mile thresholds receive the following:
Mileage Plan offers four tiers of elite status:
As mentioned, status is now solely earned by racking up elite qualifying miles (EQMs). To qualify for Mileage Plan elite status, you must meet the following thresholds based on miles flown during a calendar year:
The miles you earn through partner airlines also count toward qualification.
If you hold the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® or Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card, you earn 1 EQM for every $3 spent, up to 30,000 EQMs per year on eligible purchases.
That means spending $60,000 annually on either card will net you 20,000 EQMs — enough to unlock MVP status without taking a single flight.
With the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, both loyalty programs now offer reciprocal elite status matches:
Even if you don’t currently hold status with either airline, you can combine EQMs from both programs to earn it:
You receive 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 base miles earned from nonflight activity — including spending through Lyft, the Mileage Plan shopping portal, and the Mileage Plan Dining program.
Plus, you can earn EQM on award flights. On an Alaska-marketed and operated award ticket, you earn EQMs as if you had purchased the flight with cash. Just note that you won’t earn redeemable miles.
As you earn EQMs, you’ll earn milestone selections in addition to status.
Pick one of the following:
Pick two of the following:
For travelers who go beyond 100K and hit 150K, 200K, or 250K, you can choose two of the following benefits at each milestone:
If you’re looking to get the most value from your Alaska elite status, this section is for you. Here are a few tips:
One of the most valuable perks of Alaska Airlines elite status is complimentary upgrades on eligible flights. Depending on availability, these upgrades allow you to move from Main Cabin to Premium Class or First Class.
Elite members enjoy priority services that save time and reduce stress during travel, including expedited check-in, security screening, boarding, and baggage handling.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members also enjoy Oneworld alliance benefits. Oneworld offers three elite tiers — Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald — with perks that extend across member airlines like British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Qantas, and Qatar Airways.
Here’s a quick overview of the key benefits:
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status is advantageous for frequent flyers if you can maximize its perks. Complimentary upgrades, free checked bags, mileage bonuses, and access to Oneworld alliance benefits offer significant value. The addition of the MVP 100K tier further enhances the program with exclusive perks such as higher mileage bonuses and priority upgrades.
For those who frequently fly within Alaska’s network or internationally via Oneworld partners, earning Mileage Plan elite status can significantly enhance your travel experience. However, if you fly infrequently or prioritize specific perks like lounge access without loyalty requirements, alternative options such as premium fares or cobranded credit cards may be more cost-effective.
Alaska Airlines’ overhauled elite status program makes it easier than ever to earn valuable perks — even from the ground. With multiple ways to rack up EQMs, generous upgrade policies, milestone rewards, and reciprocal status with Hawaiian Airlines, Mileage Plan elite status delivers significant benefits for both frequent flyers and occasional travelers.
Add in Oneworld alliance access and top-tier perks at the 100K level, and Alaska’s program stands out as one of the most rewarding for West Coast and international travelers alike.
You can change your preferences or opt out at any time by clicking on one of the hyperlinks available at the bottom of each newsletter.
If you are already a subscriber and would like to unsubscribe, you can click on the link at the bottom of any of our e-mails.
