Exciting news for Alaska Airlines loyalists: Starting in January 2025, you can now earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) when you redeem your Mileage Plan miles for flights, including on partner airlines. This is a significant change as most airlines do not offer elite miles on award flights, with Delta being the only exception, although the cost is usually high.
This change is beneficial for Alaska Airline loyalists, especially since the requirements to qualify for each status tier in the Alaska Mileage Plan remain the same despite more opportunities to earn elite status.
What’s new in 2025
Here are the key Alaska Mileage Plan changes coming in January 2025:
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EQMs on award flights and partner airlines:
All award flights booked using Mileage Plan miles on Alaska and partner airlines will now count towards elite status and earn EQMs based on distance flown. You’ll earn one EQM for each mile flown. -
EQM bonuses through other partners:
Earn 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 miles earned through the Mileage Plan shopping and dining portals and through non-airline partners like Bilt and Lyft. Previously, you could earn bonus miles through these partners, but not EQMs. -
New milestone rewards:
Earn selectable milestone rewards, such as bonus miles and lounge access, after eclipsing each of the following EQM thresholds in a calendar year: 10,000; 30,000; 55,000; 85,000; 150,000; 200,000; and 250,000 EQMs. Previously, you’d have to qualify for a new level of elite status (starting at 20,000 EQMs) to get such rewards. -
Lower mileage rates for booking partners directly:
This was the one negative change in Alaska’s news, but it affects a smaller group of flyers. Mileage earnings rates will now be lower if you book travel through a partner airline’s website and credit your flight to Mileage Plan, but will remain generally unchanged if you book with a partner directly through Alaska Airlines.