If you’re a frequent traveler with Alaska Airlines, you might be interested in their entry-level MVP status.
This tier of elite status offers a variety of benefits, including priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and free checked bags.
Whether you’re a business traveler or simply someone who flies frequently for pleasure, MVP status can make your travel experience smoother and more enjoyable.
This article will cover everything you need to know about Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP status, including how to earn the status and all the associated benefits.
How to Earn Alaska MVP Status
Starting in 2024, Alaska Mileage Plan elite status can exclusively be earned based on how many elite qualifying miles (EQMs) you accrue:
Alaska MVP status requires 20,000 elite qualifying miles.
Alaska MVP Gold status requires 40,000 elite qualifying miles.
Alaska MVP Gold 75K status requires 75,000 elite qualifying miles.
Alaska MVP Gold 100K status requires 100,000 elite qualifying miles.
Earning Alaska Elite Status Via Credit Cards
Starting in 2024, spending on the Alaska Airlines Visa® credit card and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card counts towards elite status with 4,000 EQMs for every $10,000 you spend on an Alaska Airlines credit card.
The maximum number of EQMs you can earn via Alaska credit cards is 20,000 EQMs each year, equivalent to $50,000 in yearly spending.
Alaska Airlines Partner Airlines
The ability to earn elite miles on partner airlines can help you expedite earning elite status with Alaska.
Alaska Airlines partner airlines include:
- Oneworld: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Air Maroc, Royal Jordanian, SriLankan Airlines, Fiji Airways (connect member), and Oman Air (future member).
- Earn and Redeem Partners: Aer Lingus, Air Tahiti Nui, Condor, El Al, Hainan, Icelandair, Korean Air, LATAM, Ravn Alaska, Singapore Airlines, Starlux.
- Earn Partners: Bahamasair, Cape Air, Kenmore Air, Mokulele Airlines, Southern Airlines Express.
Alaska MVP Status Benefits
Alaska MVP status comes with limited benefits because it is the lowest tier, but here are all the benefits of MVP status:
50% Mileage Bonus: MVP members are eligible for a 50% mileage bonus allowing members to earn miles faster towards a free flight. (This benefit will be reduced to a 25% bonus starting in 2025.)
Upgrades at Booking: MVP members who book a Y or B fare are eligible for first-class upgrades at booking. MVP members are also eligible for complimentary upgrades to Premium Class (extra space seats) when booking a Y, B, or H fare.
Complimentary Upgrades: MVP members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to First Class and Premium Class (extra legroom) 48 hours before departure, but only within 2 hours of departure if you book a Saver fare. Companions are not eligible for complimentary upgrades (only higher tiers enjoy this benefit).
Priority check-in and boarding: MVP members enjoy priority check-in and boarding in Group B.
Free Checked Bags: MVP members and companions on the same reservation get two free checked bags on each flight.
American Airlines Benefits: MVP members get several benefits when flying American Airlines, including:
- Main Cabin Extra seats within 24 hours of travel (extra legroom and free alcoholic drinks)
- Complimentary upgrades behind AAdvantage Gold members in priority for travel within the US, to Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Central America.
- Oneworld benefits such as priority check-in and preferred seating.
Oneworld Ruby: MVP members get entry-level Oneworld Ruby status, which offers Business Class priority check-in, access to preferred or pre-reserved seating, and priority waitlists.
Benefits for All Alaska Elite Members
All Alaska Airlines elite members get these benefits:
Preferred Seating: All Alaska elite members get access to Preferred Seats at booking, which include exit row seats, and seats located close to the front.
Express Security Line: At select airports, Alaska MVP members can access express security lines, which could come in handy if you don’t already have TSA PreCheck.
Elite Leave: Elite members who have proof of pregnancy or parental leave (note from doctor or employer) can extend their status by an additional year so they can keep their elite status while caring for a baby.
Alaska Lounge Discount: Elite members get a $100 discount on an Alaska Lounge ($400) or Alaska Lounge+ ($550) membership. Alternatively, anyone could get an Alaska and Admirals Club lounge membership with the Citi® / AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard®.
Priority Phone Line: Elite members get access to priority phone service, which can be useful for delayed and cancelled flights.
Is Alaska MVP Status Worth It?
Alaska Airlines’ MVP status can be worth it if you live on the West Coast or in Alaska, where Alaska Airlines’ hubs are located.
The advantages of MVP status are that it’s fairly easy to obtain compared to other programs, Alaska elite members get elite benefits on American Airlines, Alaska miles are very valuable, and elites have access to complimentary upgrades.
The disadvantage of MVP status is that Alaska lacks long-haul international routes, where elite benefits can be most valuable.
