How to Get Alaska Elite Status: Steps to Enjoy VIP Benefits

Are you excited to experience the perks of airline elite status, like free checked baggage, priority boarding, and access to exclusive lounges? Who wouldn’t want to breeze through the airport while enjoying first-class upgrades and bonus miles? If you are a frequent flyer or considering putting your loyalty behind Alaska Airlines, you might be wondering, “How to get Alaska elite status?”

This guide will shed light on the steps to achieve Alaska Airlines elite status and the various tiers, along with the fantastic perks that come with it. Whether you fly often with Alaska or flying for the first time, understanding how to unlock these rewards will elevate your travel experience. So, let’s get started and learn everything about the Alaska elite status that will make your travel memorable!

What is Alaska Airlines Status?

Alaska Airlines offers a loyalty program called the Mileage Plan, where members can earn MVP status. This status is achieved by flying with Alaska Airlines and its partner airlines or through a process called status matching. There are four different elite status levels, each providing various benefits. Once you earn your MVP status, you will keep it for the rest of the year and throughout the following calendar year. This means you have plenty of time to enjoy perks like priority boarding, bonus miles, and more every time you travel with Alaska Airlines or their partners!

Alaska Reward Levels

Joining the Mileage Plan program is completely free, and anyone can sign up online as a base member. Once you are a member, you will start collecting Elite Qualifying Miles right away. You can also earn status as you continue flying with Alaska Airlines or its partners.

Here are the elite status tiers offered by Alaska Airlines, listed from the lowest to the highest:

• MVP

• MVP Gold

• MVP Gold 75K

• MVP Gold 100K

To achieve MVP status, you need to meet certain requirements based on the number of elite qualifying miles you fly with Alaska, Oneworld, and other partner airlines, along with any spending on co-branded credit cards. Keep flying and spending to move up the ranks!

Alaska Airlines Reward Levels Qualifications

Alaska Airlines offers four reward levels through its Mileage Plan, each with specific qualifications. To achieve MVP status, members must meet certain thresholds of elite qualifying miles from flights taken with Alaska, Oneworld, and partner airlines. Each Alaska And Oneworld Elites Status provides increasing benefits and perks for loyal travelers.

MVP Status	Eligible Elite-Qualifying Miles
MVP	20,000
MVP Gold	40,000
MVP Gold 75K	75,000
MVP Gold 100K	100,000

How To Get Alaska Elite Status?

Getting Alaska Airlines elite status is simple compared to many other airlines. Once you earn an Alaska Airlines Status level, it is valid through the next calendar year. After flying 1,000,000 miles with Alaska Airlines, you will become a Million Miler and receive lifetime MVP Gold status. It is a clear path to elite benefits as well as MVP Gold Guest Upgrade!

Earn Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) with Alaska Airlines or Partner Airlines

To earn Alaska Airlines elite status, you need to accumulate Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) through your flights. Unlike many airlines that base status on how much you spend, Alaska Airlines still counts miles flown toward elite status. The amount of EQMs you earn depends on the airline you fly with and the class of ticket you book.

For example, if you book a first-class ticket on Alaska Airlines in the premium fare class, you will earn more EQMs, giving you a faster path to status. However, if you choose a lower fare, like economy class, you will earn only 25-30% of the EQMs for the same flight. So, the type of ticket you choose can make a big difference in how quickly you reach your desired elite level.

Match Status to Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines offers a fantastic Status Match program that allows travelers with elite status from other airlines to match their current level and enjoy similar benefits with the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program. If you already hold a high-tier status with airlines like Delta, United, or others, you can apply to match to Alaska’s MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K levels. This program lets you skip the usual earning process and enjoy elite perks immediately. Simply provide proof of your current elite status, and Alaska will match you to an equivalent tier.

MVP Status	Eligible Status Matches
Air Canada	Aeroplan 25K and 35K
Aeromexico	Gold
Delta	Silver Medallion
Frontier	Elite 20K
Hawaiian	Pualani Gold
JetBlue	TrueBlue Mosaic
Southwest	Rapid Rewards A-List
United	Premier Silver

MVP Gold Status	Eligible Status Matches
Aeromexico	Platinum
Air Canada	Aeroplan 50K
Delta	Gold Medallion
Frontier	Elite 50K
Hawaiian	Pualani Platinum
Southwest	Rapid Rewards A-List Preferred
United	Premier Gold

MVP Gold 75K Status	Eligible Status Matches
Aeromexico	Titanio
Air Canada	Aeroplan 75K and 100K
Delta	Platinum Medallion, Diamond Medallion
Frontier	Elite 100K
Southwest	A-List Preferred + Companion Pass
United	Premier Platinum

Utilize Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card

The Alaska Airlines Credit Card is a great way to earn miles and enjoy elite-like perks without flying frequently. For just $95 a year, you can earn 3 miles per dollar spent on Alaska Airlines purchases and other eligible categories like gas, EV charging, streaming services, and local transit. Other spending earns 1 mile per dollar. Plus, you will get your first checked bag free for you and up to six passengers on the same reservation when you pay for the flight with the card.

As an added bonus, after spending $6,000 on the card in a year, you will earn an annual Companion Fare starting at just $122 (for a $99 fare, plus taxes and fees). New cardholders can earn 60,000 bonus miles and a Companion Fare after spending $3,000 in the first 90 days. The card also offers priority boarding and a $100 discount on an Alaska Lounge+ membership. 

Amazing Benefits for MVP Status Members

As an MVP member with Alaska Airlines, you will be eligible to enjoy a range of valuable benefits. From priority check-in to complimentary upgrades, these perks make flying with Alaska Airlines more convenient and enjoyable. 

Priority Check-In and Boarding	Alaska Airlines Status members can skip the regular check-in lines and board early.
Free Checked Bags	Enjoy the benefit of one free checked bag when flying with Alaska Airlines, making your travel experience more affordable and hassle-free.
Complimentary Preferred Seating	MVP Status members receive access to preferred seating that offers more comfortable and convenient options for their flight.
Oneworld Status	As part of the Oneworld alliance, MVP passengers enjoy recognition and benefits like priority check-in and extra baggage allowance on partner airlines.
Priority Call Routing for Customer Care	MVP status holders get expedited service when contacting customer support. They will receive help to resolve issues more quickly and efficiently.
Complimentary First and Premium Class Upgrades (When Available)	MVP members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to first or premium class, based on availability.
Express Security Lines at Selected Airports	MVP members can access the express security line at select airports, speeding up the security process for a quicker boarding experience.
Elite Leave for New Parents	Elite status flyers who are new parents can take advantage of elite leave benefits, offering extra time off for family matters.

Top-Notch Advantages at Each Tier

After meeting the requirements, you are ready to avail of the Benefits of MVP Alaska Airlines on the basis of the level you have qualified. 

Earn Miles

As a member, you will accumulate miles with every flight, allowing you to unlock more benefits, rewards, and upgrades. The more you fly, the more miles you earn.

Benefit	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP Gold 75K	MVP Gold 100K
Elite bonus miles in 2025	25% bonus	50% bonus	100% bonus	150% bonus
Elite bonus miles through 2024	50% bonus	100% bonus	125% bonus	150% bonus
100K Choice Benefit	—	—	—	✅
50,000 bonus miles upon qualification (through December 31, 2024)	—	—	✅	✅

Flight Benefits

Passengers can enjoy innumerable flight benefits with each Alaska Airlines Reward Level. With exclusive perks, your flight experience becomes more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable, no matter your destination.

Benefit	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP Gold 75K	MVP Gold 100K
Premium Class upgrades at the time of booking	Y, B, or H fares	Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S or N fares	All fares except Saver fares	All fares except Saver fares
First Class upgrades at the time of booking	Y, B fares	Y, B, H, or K fares	Y, B, H, K, or M fares	Y, B, H, K, or M fares
Companion upgrades to Premium Class	—	✅	✅	✅
Companion upgrades to First Class	—	✅	✅	✅
Complimentary premium beverage or chocolate in Main Cabin	—	✅	✅	✅
First Class guest upgrades (max. 4 per year) through 12/31/2024	—	✅	✅	✅
Complimentary snack or meal in Main Cabin	—	—	✅	✅

Airport Advantages

At the airport, you will be enjoying a more relaxing and efficient time, from check-in to departure. Benefits like fast-track security, lounge access, and priority boarding are in your hands!

Benefit	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP Gold 75K	MVP Gold 100K
Free checked bags	Two through 2025, One starting 2026	Two	Three	Three
$10 off a CLEAR Plus membership	✅	✅	✅	✅
Standby and wait list for full flights	✅	✅	✅	✅
Alaska Lounge membership discount (through 1/31/2025)	✅	✅	✅	✅
Four Alaska Lounge day passes (max. 4 per year) (through 12/31/2024)	—	—	✅	✅

Get Oneworld Priority

With Alaska Elite Qualifying Miles in your accounts, you can also take advantage of Alaska MVP Ruby Benefits along with Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald.

Benefit	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP Gold 75K	MVP Gold 100K
Corresponding oneworld tier levels	Oneworld Emerald	Oneworld Ruby	Oneworld Emerald	Corresponding OneWorld tier levels

Additional Services

The list of benefits is not completed yet. There’s more! Check the table below and make your travel more convenient and enjoyable every step of the way.

Benefit	MVP	MVP Gold	MVP Gold 75K	MVP Gold 100K
Complimentary same-day flight changes	✔️	✔️	✔️	✔️
Avis Preferred status—match here	Avis Preferred Plus®	Avis Preferred Plus®	Avis President’s Club®	Avis President’s Club®

Final Thought

In conclusion, achieving Elite Qualifying Miles provides travelers with an array of valuable benefits that enhance their flying experience. With tiers like MVP, MVP Gold, and MVP Gold 75K, loyal passengers can unlock perks such as priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, bonus miles, and much more. By meeting specific flight requirements or utilizing the Status Of Alaska Airlines Credit Card Application, both occasional and frequent travelers can earn this status. So, earn Alaska Airlines Status and enjoy VIP Services!

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