If you travel frequently, you probably have an airline that you are loyal to. Many carriers have frequent flyer programs with elite status benefits to make traveling less stressful and more rewarding. However, is your favorite airline meeting all the travel requirements for you?
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We will go over how much value you get from every status tier of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. This way, you’ll be able to make a decision and see if it’s worth being loyal to.
Alaska Airlines Elite Status Overview
| MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75k | |
| Miles (Alaska only) | 20,000 | 40,000 | 75,000 |
| Miles (including partners) | 25,000 | 50,000 | 90,000 |
| Segments (including partners) | 30 | 60 | 90 |
Every status level will enable you to unlock more perks the higher you go.
| Benefits | MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75k |
| Mileage Bonus | 50% | 100% | 125% |
| Welcome Bonus Miles | 50,000 | ||
| Preferred Seating | x | x | x |
| Premium Class Upgrades | x | x | x |
| First Class Upgrades | x | x | x |
| Companion Upgrades | x | x | |
| First Class Guest Upgrades | 4 | 4 | |
| Premium Beverage in Main Cabin | x | x | |
| Priority check-in & Boarding | x | x | x |
| Express security line | x | x | |
| 2 checked bags | x | x | x |
| Partner lounge access | x | x | |
| Alaska Lounge day passes | 4 | ||
| Waived ticket change fees | x | x | |
| Nominate someone for MVP status | x |
Alaska Airlines Elite Status Value
The lowest elite tier in the Mileage Plan program is MVP status, it needs 20,000 miles on Alaska flights. 25,000 miles on Alaska and partner flights, or 30 segments on Alaska and partner flights. To calculate the value of MVP status, we used 24,000 miles at a cost of $0.123 per mile. The total spend is $3,000.
Below is a list of MVP perks with their estimated values:
- 50% mileage bonus ($216). With 24,000 miles flown, the mileage bonus will get you an additional 12,000 Alaska miles, worth $216.
- Preferred seating ($50). You can pick your preferred seat on Alaska flights, like an aisle seat or one closer to the front of the plane.
- Upgrades to Premium Class ($100). These seats give you 4 extra inches of legroom, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. You can get immediate upgrades to Premium Class at the time of booking for fare classes Y, S, Z, or B. All other fare classes won’t be upgraded until 48 hours prior to departure. This perk does not apply to companions on the same itinerary.
- Upgrades to First Class ($150). You’re eligible for complimentary upgrades to First Class on Alaska-operated flights, when available. Y, S, and Z fares are eligible to clear immediately. While other fare classes will start clearing 48 hours before departure. Companions cannot get free upgrades to First Class on your MVP status.
- Priority airport services ($75). Get a priority check-in and boarding when you fly with Alaska Airlines. While it’s not the most valuable benefit, having access to priority airport services will save you some precious time on hectic travel days.
- Two free checked bags ($100). You and your travel companions can check two bags for free when you travel on Alaska flights. It’s important to note that most other loyalty programs only offer one free checked bag to low-tier elites. It offers huge savings if you check multiple bags regularly when you fly. But, most people travel more lightly.
- Priority phone line ($50). Even though most people don’t use this perk, accessing the priority phone line is a great option should you encounter weather issues or other problems.
the middle elite tier in the Mileage Plan program is MVP Gold status. It needs 40,000 miles on Alaska flights, 50,000 miles on Alaska and partner flights, or 60 segments on Alaska and partner flights. Calculate the value of MVP Gold status, we used 48,000 miles at a cost of $0.125 per mile. So the total spend is $6,000.
Here’s a list of MVP Gold perks along with their estimated values:
- 100% mileage bonus ($864). With 48,000 miles flown, the mileage bonus will get you an extra 48,000 Alaska miles, worth $864.
- Preferred seating ($100). Same perk as MVP status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
- Upgrades to Premium Class ($250). Similar benefit as MVP status, but you are eligible for immediate upgrades (Y, Z, S, B, M, H, Q, L, V, N, & K). If you booked in a lower class, you’ll start clearing into available seats 72 hours ahead of your flight. Lastly, you can upgrade a companion on the same itinerary.
- Upgrades to First Class ($550). Like upgrades to Premium Class, this perk has extra fare classes eligible for immediate upgrades (B & M). All lower fare class will start clearing up to 72 hours before departure. You can also upgrade a companion traveling with you.
- Four First Class guest upgrades ($400). Get 4 first class guest upgrades every year you qualify for MVP Gold. These certificates are fully transferable to friends and family. Even if they aren’t travelling with you. They are valid on flights booked with the companion fare benefit from the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card. However, this perk doesn’t apply to deeply-discounted and award tickets (G, R, T, & X classes).
- Premium beverage in Main Cabin ($25). If you can get an upgrade, you can at least enjoy a complimentary beverage in economy. At $6 to $7 a pop, the value of this benefit depends on how frequently or not you get upgraded to Premium or First Class.
- Priority airport services ($175). You can ejoy the same priority airport services as MVP members plus express security lines when flying Alaska, where available.
- Two free checked bags ($200). Same perk as MVP status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
- Partner lounge access ($50). Complimentary lounge access when you travel with certain partners, including the Galleries Lounge in London-Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and Saga Lounge in Reykjavik (KEF) with Icelandair. You’re allowed one guest with you.
- Fee waivers ($300). Not having to pay a few additional fees can add up to a nominal amount. Waived fees include phone ticketing ($15), same-day confirmed changes ($25) and ticket change or cancellation fees ($125). In other words, you can essentially change or cancel any ticket-paid or award- without any penalties.
- Priority phone line ($100). Same perk as MVP status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
The top elite tier in the Mileage Plan program is MVP Gold 75k. It needs 75,000 miles on Alaska flights, 90,000 miles on Alaska and partner flights, or 90 segments on Alaska and partner flights. To calculate the value of MVP Gold status, we used 90,000 miles at a cost of $0.125 per mile. The total spend is $11,250.
Below is a list of MVP Gold 75k perks along with their estimated values:
- 125% mileage bonus ($2,025). With 90,000 miles flown, the mileage bonus will get you an additional 112,500 Alaska miles, worth $2,025.
- 50,000 bonus miles ($900). Receive a welcome bonus of 50,000 miles when you reach MVP Gold 75k status.
- Preferred seating ($175). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
- Upgrades to Premium Class ($500). Similar benefit as MVP Gold status, but you’re eligible for immediate upgrades to Premium Class on all tickets (except Saver fare).
- Upgrades to First Class ($1,100). An additional fare class (H) is eligible for immediate upgrades. All other tickets start clearing into First Class 120 hours before departure. This upgrade priority also applies to your companion traveler.
- Four First Class guest upgrades ($400). Same per as MVP Gold status.
- Premium beverage in Main Cabin ($25). Same perk as MVP Gold status.
- Priority airport services ($325). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
- Two free checked bags ($325). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but there’s more frequent utilization.
- Partner lounge access ($50). Same perks as MVP Gold status.
- Four Alaska Lounge day passes ($100). These passes get you access to Alaska Lounges in Seattle, New York-JFK, Portland, Los Angeles, or Anchorage. Most of these lounges are part of the Priority Pass program, so they’re accessible to several premium credit cardholders including: Platinum Card from American Express Chase Sapphire Reserve. It can be subject to overcrowding, the benefit is lower than its retail price ($45 each).
- Fee waivers ($450). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.
- Nominate a friend for MVP status ($250). Gift MVP status to a friend or family member. The true value of this benefit depends on how frequently the lucky person flies with Alaska or its partner airlines. The estimated value at a third of our valuation for MVP status.
- Priority phone line ($200). Same perk as MVP Gold status but we calculated more frequent utilization.
Is Alaska Airlines Elite Status Worth It?
With the numbers given above, is the Mileage Plan elite status worth getting? There isn’t a real answer for that since it depends on you and your personal preferences. With that in mind, here are some questions you should ask yourself to help you make up your mind.
- Does Alaska (or its partners) fly to where you want to go? Elite status isn’t worth it if you don’t fly with the carrier (or its partners) regularly. Check their services from your home airport and see how easily you can get to your choice destinations.
- Do the perks matter to you? You shouldn’t work towards the next status tier unless the benefits are worth pushing for.
- How often will you travel? If you don’t travel much, then working for a higher tier won’t be worth the effort. Status benefits only apply when you actually fly. If you don’t use your perks, the value of your status goes down.
- Do you prioritize price and convenience? The frequent flyer world is all about give-and-take. Will you use your preferred airline even when it’s not the cheapest or the most convenient? Or, would you book an Alaska flight with one stop over a cheaper, nonstop flight with United? If you don’t want to give up price and convenience for loyalty perks. Alaska Airlines elite status probably isn’t worth it for you then.
Our Methodology
Normally, these estimated values are based off of getting the status level one year and being eligible for that tier each year afterwards. Those that are just starting out, you won’t get any benefits out of the first 20,000 or 25,000 miles they fly.
To be able to calculate the value for status benefits, we have to assume a certain amount of flying with a certain amount of spending. For all frequent flyer programs, we base our estimates on the following:
- You earn 20% more elite-qualifying miles than the minimum required for that status level.
- Spend an average of $0.125 per elite-qualifying mile.
With this in mind, you’ll want to adjust our numbers based on your average travel behavior. If you only fly domestically, you’re probably spending less than $0.125 per mile. Others who pay for business class on international flights will spend way more.
For this, we value Alaska miles based on the most recent evaluations, which is $0.018 apiece. However, the real value of a perk will depend on the person. The person that usually travels within the U.S. has no need for free lounge access internationally. With that said, the person that pays for business class doesn’t need to get free upgrades.
Alternative Access to Alaska Lounges
There are several credit cards that are mentioned in this post that you should consider getting for your travels. If you like the Alaska Airlines Elite Status for the passes into Alaska Lounges in Seattle, New York-JFK, Portland, Los Angeles, or Anchorage, here are some cards you should get. Additionally, these cards are premium cards that come with Priority Pass that grants access to the Alaska Lounges.
 The Platinum Card® from American Express offers 125,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. You'll earn: • 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. • 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card(R). The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. • With American Express Global Lounge Collection you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder. • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month. • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card. • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues. • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. This card comes with a $695 annual fee.¤ (See Rates & Fees), but you cardholders can enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only. Terms Apply. |
 The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase TravelSM. You'll earn • 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. • 3x points on other travel and dining • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel. This card does carry a $550 annual fee and there are no foreign transaction fees. However, you're able to earn a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year & up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre✓®. Member FDIC |
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Conclusion
Overall, after reading this review of the Alaska Airlines elite status program, it should give you a better idea if their MVP status is worth it for you. Using Alaska Airlines can come with several neat perks and status tiers that are beneficial for travelling. Additionally, if you sign up for a good travel card with these perks, you’ll get more for your moneys worth.
