Alaska Airlines rewards members earn miles on flights and partner purchases

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is the airline's frequent flyer program. Members earn miles when they fly Alaska Airlines, book through the Alaska Airlines website, or use an Alaska Airlines credit card. Miles can be redeemed for flights, seat upgrades, or transfers to partner airlines and hotels.

The program has no annual membership fee and no expiration date on miles as long as your account has activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes flying, earning miles through a credit card, or redeeming miles. You can join at the Alaska Airlines website or at the airport.

Miles earned vary by ticket price and cabin class, not by distance flown. A $150 ticket earns the same miles as a $300 ticket on the same route. First Class and Business Class tickets earn more miles per dollar spent than Economy. Partner purchases — such as hotel stays, car rentals, or shopping through the Alaska Airlines shopping portal — also earn miles, though the rate depends on the partner.

Key Takeaways

  • Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members earn miles based on what they spend, not how far they fly, and miles never expire if your account stays active.
  • An Alaska Airlines credit card is the fastest way to accumulate miles outside of flying, and some cards offer bonus miles after you meet a spending threshold.
  • Seat selection on Alaska Airlines flights costs extra for most seats; Economy seats in the back are free, but preferred and premium seats require a fee or miles.
  • Miles can be redeemed for flights on Alaska Airlines or partner airlines, though partner redemptions often require more miles than Alaska Airlines flights.
  • Alaska Airlines does not charge change or cancellation fees on most tickets, but the refund or credit you receive depends on the fare type you purchased.

How to earn miles faster with an Alaska Airlines credit card

An Alaska Airlines credit card earns miles on every purchase, not just flights. The card issuer is Bank of America. Current cards include the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (no annual fee), the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Secured (for people building credit), and the Alaska Airlines Business Visa Signature.

Each card earns a different rate per dollar spent. The no-fee card typically earns 1 mile per dollar on most purchases and 3 miles per dollar on Alaska Airlines purchases. Cards with annual fees usually earn higher rates and come with perks like a free checked bag or annual bonus miles. You can compare current card offers on the Alaska Airlines website or the Bank of America website.

New cardholders often receive a sign-up bonus — a one-time grant of miles after you spend a certain amount within a set timeframe, usually 90 days. This bonus can range from 20,000 to 75,000 miles depending on the card and current promotion. The bonus is paid once and does not recur each year.

Seat selection: which seats cost money and which are free

Alaska Airlines offers free seat selection for some seats and charges for others. Economy seats in the back rows of the plane are free to select during booking or check-in. These are standard-width seats with standard legroom.

Preferred seats cost extra and include exit-row seats, bulkhead seats (the row behind the cockpit), and seats in the front of the Economy cabin. Exit-row and bulkhead seats have more legroom. The cost varies by route and how far in advance you book — seats are usually cheaper when you buy them early. You can add a preferred seat during booking, at check-in, or through the Alaska Airlines app.

Premium cabin seats — First Class and Business Class — are sold as part of a higher-priced ticket, not as an add-on. You purchase a First Class or Business Class ticket at the time of booking. Mileage Plan members can also upgrade from Economy to First Class using miles after booking an Economy ticket, though the number of miles required depends on the route and how full the flight is.

Redeeming miles for flights on Alaska Airlines and partners

Miles can be redeemed for one-way or round-trip flights on Alaska Airlines or on partner airlines. Partner airlines include American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and others in the oneworld alliance. You can search and book award flights on the Alaska Airlines website by selecting "Book with miles" instead of paying with money.

The number of miles required for a flight depends on the route and how far in advance you book. Short domestic flights might cost 5,000 to 12,500 miles one-way, while longer flights or peak travel dates cost more. Alaska Airlines publishes a award chart that shows the mile cost for different route distances, though actual prices can vary above or below the chart depending on availability.

Partner airline redemptions typically cost more miles than Alaska Airlines flights on the same route. For example, a domestic flight on Alaska Airlines might cost 7,500 miles, but the same route on a partner airline could cost 12,500 miles. You can also use miles to upgrade an existing ticket, add a checked bag, or purchase a seat selection.

Ticket changes and cancellations

Alaska Airlines does not charge change or cancellation fees on most tickets. You can change your flight date or time without a fee, and you can cancel for a refund or credit. The refund or credit you receive depends on the fare type you purchased.

Main Cabin tickets (the standard Economy fare) can be changed or cancelled for a credit toward a future flight. The credit is valid for one year from the original booking date. You cannot receive a cash refund for a Main Cabin ticket unless you cancel within 24 hours of booking.

First Class and Business Class tickets can be changed or cancelled for a refund to your original payment method. Saver fares (the lowest-priced Economy tickets) can be changed or cancelled, but you receive a credit rather than a refund, and the credit may be less than the original ticket price if fares have dropped.

Award tickets (flights purchased with miles) can be changed or cancelled, and the miles are returned to your account. You may be charged a change fee if you modify an award ticket, though the fee is waived if you cancel within 24 hours of booking.

Baggage allowance and checked bag fees

Alaska Airlines allows one free carry-on bag and one free personal item (purse, backpack, laptop bag) for all passengers. Checked bags cost extra unless you are a Mileage Plan member, a credit cardholder, or flying First Class or Business Class.

Mileage Plan members receive one free checked bag on every Alaska Airlines flight. Alaska Airlines credit cardholders also receive one free checked bag. First Class and Business Class passengers receive two free checked bags. Additional checked bags cost $35 each for the second bag and $50 each for the third and fourth bags.

Bags must weigh no more than 50 pounds and measure no more than 62 inches (length plus width plus height). Oversized or overweight bags incur additional fees. Sports equipment, musical instruments, and other special items may have different rules; check the Alaska Airlines website for details.

How Alaska Airlines routes and schedules work

Alaska Airlines operates flights throughout the western United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hawaii. The airline's main hub is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), where most connections happen. Other focus cities include Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Portland (PDX), and Anchorage (ANC).

Flight schedules vary by season. Summer months (June through August) typically have more flights and more frequent service on popular routes. Winter months have fewer flights, especially to Alaska and smaller cities. You can view current schedules and book flights on the Alaska Airlines website or through a travel agent.

Alaska Airlines also operates under the Horizon Air brand for some regional flights, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Horizon Air flights are included in Alaska Airlines booking and Mileage Plan earning, so you earn and redeem miles the same way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Alaska Airlines miles expire?

Miles do not expire as long as your account has activity at least once every 24 months. Activity includes flying, earning miles through a credit card, or redeeming miles. If your account becomes inactive for 24 months, miles may be forfeited, but you can reactivate your account by earning or redeeming miles again.

Can I transfer my miles to someone else?

Miles cannot be transferred to another person's account. However, you can use your miles to purchase a ticket for someone else by booking the flight under their name. You can also gift an Alaska Airlines gift card, which the recipient can use to purchase a ticket.

What is the difference between Main Cabin and First Class?

Main Cabin is standard Economy seating with standard legroom and one free carry-on bag. First Class includes wider seats, more legroom, complimentary drinks and snacks, priority boarding, and two free checked bags. First Class tickets cost significantly more than Main Cabin tickets.

How do I know if my flight is operated by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air?

The airline operating your flight is listed on your booking confirmation and ticket. Both Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flights earn and redeem Mileage Plan miles at the same rate, so the operator does not affect your rewards.

Can I use miles to upgrade my ticket after I book?

Yes. After booking an Economy ticket, you can use miles to upgrade to First Class if First Class seats are available on your flight. The number of miles required varies by route and availability. You can request an upgrade through the Alaska Airlines website, app, or at the airport.