Should you fly often, elite standing provides you an array of perks that make your journey expertise extra rewarding and fewer tense. It is easy to like these value-added advantages (and the provider that provides them). However are you certain you’ve got chosen the very best provider to fulfill your wants — and what are these perks value?
We wish to quantify how a lot worth you will get from every tier of elite standing throughout the key frequent flyer applications within the U.S. We’ll crunch the numbers with Alaska Airways Mileage Plan and provide help to resolve whether or not it is value pursuing standing in 2023.
Methodology
Earlier than we get to the small print of the elite standing tiers of the Mileage Plan program, listed here are a few disclaimers.
First, it is essential to notice that these mathematical analyses signify only one approach of calculating the worth you’d get from a given elite standing degree.
Everybody has their approach of valuing the varied advantages of loyalty applications; some could at all times pay for first and enterprise class and thus don’t want complimentary upgrades, whereas others could journey solely within the U.S. and will not care about free lounge entry on worldwide itineraries. In consequence, it’s best to alter the numbers to make them extra related to your state of affairs since each traveler has distinctive priorities.
Second, these numbers are all based mostly on the advantages you’d get pleasure from after reaching the given standing degree and persevering with to qualify annually. Should you’re ranging from scratch, these values are skewed for the reason that first 20,000 miles you fly will present no advantages.
This brings us to the third and most crucial a part of this evaluation: our underlying assumptions.
To unlock the true advantages, we now have to imagine a specific amount of flying and a corresponding quantity of spending. We’re making the next assumptions:
- You earn 20% extra elite qualifying miles than the minimal required for the given standing degree.
- You spend a median of 12.5 cents per elite qualifying mile.
As at all times, alter these numbers based mostly in your given journey patterns. Those that journey solely within the U.S. could spend lower than 12.5 cents per mile, whereas those that journey in paid first or enterprise class internationally seemingly spend considerably extra. You may additionally qualify on segments relatively than miles and journey extra throughout sure occasions of the 12 months.
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Two last bits of data: We’re valuing any bonus miles earned based mostly on TPG valuations, which peg Alaska miles at 1.8 cents apiece. Nonetheless, Alaska has devalued its miles by slicing many candy spots. As well as, we’re rounding all the person profit valuations to the closest $5 to simplify the mathematics. With all of that mentioned, let’s dive in.
Associated: Maximizing redemptions with Alaska Airways Mileage Plan
Alaska Airways elite standing tiers
Alaska Airways gives 4 elite tiers. This is a fast overview:
| MVP | MVP Gold | MVP Gold 75K | MVP Gold 100K | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| {Qualifications} | 20,000 elite qualifying miles or 30 segments.
At the very least two segments on Alaska-marketed and -operated flights. |
40,000 elite qualifying miles or 60 segments.
At the very least six segments on Alaska-marketed and -operated flights. |
75,000 elite qualifying miles or 90 segments.
At the very least 12 segments on Alaska-marketed and -operated flights. |
100,000 elite qualifying miles or 140 segments.
At the very least 24 segments on Alaska-marketed and -operated flights. |
| Oneworld standing | Ruby | Sapphire | Emerald | Emerald |
| Elite mileage bonus | 50% | 100% | 125%
Plus, 50,000 bonus miles upon qualification. |
150% |
| Precedence check-in, safety and boarding | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free checked baggage | Two baggage. | Two baggage. | Three baggage. | Three baggage. |
| Most popular seating | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Complimentary same-day flight modifications | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| First-class upgrades on the time of reserving | Y and B fares. | Y, B, H and Ok fares. | Y, B, H, Ok and M fares. | Y, B, H, Ok and M fares. |
| Premium Class upgrades on the time of reserving | Y, B and H fares. | Y, B, H, Ok, M, L, V, S and N fares. | All fares besides Saver fares. | All fares besides Saver fares. |
| First- and Premium Class upgrades on different eligible Alaska fares | 48 hours earlier than departure. | 72 hours earlier than departure. | 120 hours earlier than departure. | 120 hours.
Highest waitlist precedence. |
| Companion upgrades to Premium and top notch | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| 4 annual first-class visitor improve certificates | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | |
| Complimentary premium beverage or chocolate in Predominant Cabin | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ (plus snack) | |
| 4 Alaska Lounge day passes (max 4 per 12 months) | ✓ | ✓ | ||
| Predominant Cabin Additional seating on American Airways | 24 hours earlier than departure. | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Upgrades on some American Airways flights | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | ✓ |
| Worldwide improve certificates on American Airways | One one-way. | Two one-ways. |
How a lot is every Alaska elite standing tier value? This is our evaluation:
Alaska MVP standing: $685
The bottom tier in Alaska’s program is MVP standing, which requires 20,000 elite qualifying miles or 30 segments with Alaska or its companions. For this evaluation, we’ll base our numbers on incomes 24,000 elite qualifying miles at 12.5 cents per mile (for a complete of $3,000 spent).
| Profit particulars | Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| 50% mileage bonus | With 24,000 miles flown, that’ll offer you an extra 12,000 Alaska miles. Simply remember that not all fare lessons on companions will earn full miles, particularly these in deeply discounted economic system. | $215. |
| Precedence airport companies | Take pleasure in precedence check-in, safety and boarding once you fly on Alaska. | $50. |
| Checked bag charge waiver | You and your journey companions can examine two baggage without cost when touring with Alaska. This beats the legacy carriers, which solely provide entry-tier elites a single checked bag. It is also a step above the free-checked-bag perk provided to Alaska Airways Visa® bank card holders. | $50. |
| Most popular seats | Most popular seats could embrace aisle seats, these in emergency exit rows or these positioned near the entrance of the plane. Notice that this is not obtainable on the provider’s Saver fares. | $50. |
| Upgrades to Premium Class | These seats present 4 inches of further legroom plus complimentary alcoholic drinks. Upgrades begin clearing 48 hours earlier than departure (costly fare lessons Y, B and H fares are eligible to clear instantly). | $100. |
| Upgrades to top notch | House-available, complimentary upgrades to top notch begin clearing 48 hours earlier than departure (Y, S and Z fares are eligible to clear instantly). Upgrades fall behind higher-tier Alaska elites and eligible American Airways elites so we’re giving them a modest valuation of 0.5 cents per mile flown for MVP standing. | $120. |
| American Airways advantages | MVP members obtain a complimentary checked bag, Predominant Cabin Additional 24 hours earlier than the flight and upgrades on some American Airways flights. | $50. |
| Precedence cellphone line | This may increasingly solely repay once you run into climate points or different issues. | $25. |
| Oneworld Ruby | This offers precedence check-in and standby on Oneworld companions. You even have the flexibility to select Predominant Cabin Additional seats on American flights the day of journey. | $25. |
| Whole worth | $685. |
Associated: Your full information to incomes and redeeming with Alaska Airways Mileage Plan
Alaska MVP Gold standing: $2,635
Alaska’s middle-tier Gold standing requires 40,000 elite qualifying miles or 60 segments. For this evaluation, I will base our numbers on incomes 48,000 elite qualifying miles at 12.5 cents per mile (so a complete spending of $6,000).
| Profit particulars | Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| 100% mileage bonus | MVP Gold members earn twice as many miles on Alaska flights and with this system’s elite qualifying airline companions. Flying 48,000 miles in a 12 months will give an extra 48,000 Alaska miles. | $865. |
| Precedence airport companies | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $100. |
| Checked bag charge waiver | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $100. |
| Most popular seats | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $100. |
| Upgrades to Premium Class | MVP Gold flyers are eligible for upgrades to Premium Class as nicely, however have three distinct legs up on common MVP members. First, most fares are eligible for fast upgrades (Y, Z, S, B, M, H, Q, L, V, N and Ok). And even if you happen to guide a decrease fare class that may’t instantly be upgraded, you will begin clearing into obtainable seats 72 hours earlier than departure. Lastly, you possibly can improve a companion touring with you. | $250. |
| Upgrades to top notch | MVP Golds have further fare lessons eligible for fast upgrades (B and M) and better improve precedence, clearing as much as 72 hours earlier than departure. You will additionally have the ability to improve a companion so we’re boosting the worth of this profit to 0.83 cents per mile. | $400. |
| Gold Visitor Upgrades | Yearly, you will earn 4 Gold Visitor Upgrades. These certificates can be utilized to improve to top notch on Alaska-operated flights and are transferable to others. They’re even legitimate on flights booked utilizing the companion fare profit from the Alaska Airways Visa bank card, although you possibly can’t use them on deeply discounted and/or award tickets (G, R, T and X lessons). You additionally will need to have U stock obtainable on the time of the request, as there isn’t any option to waitlist for an improve. | $400. |
| Complimentary premium beverage or chocolate in the primary cabin | Should you aren’t in a position to land an improve, you possibly can get pleasure from a complimentary beverage in economic system. These usually price $7-$8 every. | $30. |
| Price waivers | MVP Gold members keep away from paying cellphone ticketing charges ($15) and same-day confirmed modifications (normally $50). | $50. |
| Precedence cellphone line | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $50. |
| Oneworld Sapphire | MVP Gold members are granted Sapphire advantages when touring on Oneworld airways. This consists of the identical precedence check-in and standby provided to MVP plus precedence boarding and business-class lounge entry when touring internationally. | $150. |
| American Airways advantages | MVP Gold can examine two baggage, assign Predominant Cabin Additional seats shortly after reserving and obtain upgrades on some American Airways flights. | $100. |
| Associate lounge entry | Take pleasure in complimentary lounge entry when touring on sure non-alliance companions, such because the Saga Lounge at Reykjavik’s Keflavik Airport (KEF) when touring on Icelandair. It’s also possible to deliver not less than one visitor with you, although make sure to evaluate the complete particulars on Alaska’s accomplice elite advantages web page. | $40. |
| Whole worth | $2,635. |
Associated: How one can get airline elite standing
Alaska MVP Gold 75K: $6,920
Alaska’s upper-tier MVP Gold 75K standing requires 75,000 elite qualifying miles or 90 segments on Alaska or its companions. For this evaluation, we’ll base our numbers on incomes 90,000 elite qualifying miles at 12.5 cents per mile (for a complete spending of $11,250).
| Profit particulars | Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| 125% mileage bonus | MVP Gold 75K members take residence 125% extra miles than vacationers with no standing. With 90,000 miles of flying, that equates to 112,500 additional miles. | $2,025. |
| Precedence airport companies | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $190. |
| Checked bag charge waiver | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $150. |
| Most popular seats | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $190. |
| Upgrades to Premium Class | MVP Gold 75K members are eligible for fast complimentary upgrades to Premium Class on nearly all tickets, whatever the fare class bought, although Saver (X) tickets are excluded. | $470. |
| Upgrades to top notch | You’ve got an extra fare class (M) eligible for fast upgrades and, for all different tickets, upgrades begin clearing 120 hours earlier than departure. This improve precedence additionally applies to a companion. | $750. |
| American Airways advantages | MVP 75K upgrades will clear as early as 72 hours previous to the flight on some American Airways flights.
It’s also possible to examine two baggage, assign Predominant Cabin Additional seats shortly after reserving and course of complimentary same-day modifications when obtainable. MVP Gold 75Ks get one one-way improve certificates to maneuver to the subsequent class of service on worldwide American Airways flights. |
$1,000. |
| Gold Visitor Upgrades | You will not get pleasure from any additional Gold Visitor Upgrades for reaching 75K standing, so we’ll preserve this worth at $100 apiece. | $400. |
| Complimentary premium beverage or chocolate in Predominant Cabin | This profit is similar for each MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members. We’re holding the worth the identical since you will hopefully spend most of your time in both first or Premium Class as a 75K traveler. | $30. |
| 50,000 bonus miles | While you qualify for MVP Gold 75K standing, you will obtain 50,000 bonus miles (word that this does not embrace memberships upgraded by way of a standing match). | $900. |
| Reward MVP standing to a good friend | While you qualify for 75K standing, you will have the flexibility to present MVP standing to a good friend or member of the family. As with nearly any elite standing, the true worth is determined by how steadily that individual truly flies Alaska (or the provider’s accomplice airways). Nonetheless, we’ll assume a price of roughly one-third of our valuation of MVP standing. | $220. |
| 4 Alaska Lounge day passes | While you qualify for MVP Gold 75K, you will obtain 4 day passes to Alaska Lounge areas. You will discover Alaska Lounges in Seattle; San Francisco; Los Angeles; New York; Portland, Oregon; and Anchorage, Alaska. The retail worth of those is $50, although we’ll peg them at $25 apiece. | $100. |
| Price waivers | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $100. |
| Precedence cellphone line | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization and you may seemingly encounter extra educated brokers. | $90. |
| Associate lounge entry | MVP Gold 75Ks can entry the identical lounges as MVP Golds and, given the comparatively slim footprint, we’ll preserve the valuation the identical. | $40. |
| Oneworld Emerald | Take pleasure in Oneworld Emerald standing, with entry to first- and business-class Oneworld lounges plus additional baggage allowance together with the identical perks outlined above for MVP and MVP Gold members. Like MVP Gold, this consists of the flexibility to select Predominant Cabin Additional seats on American Airways flights on the time of reserving. | $265. |
| Whole worth | $6,920. |
Associated: Finest candy spots with Alaska Airways Mileage Plan
Alaska MVP Gold 100K: $9,380
Alaska’s top-tier MVP Gold 100K standing requires 100,000 elite qualifying miles or 140 segments on Alaska or its companions. For this evaluation, we’ll base our numbers on incomes 120,000 elite qualifying miles at 12.5 cents per mile (for a complete spending of $15,000).
| Profit particulars | Worth | |
|---|---|---|
| 150% mileage bonus | MVP Gold 100K members benefit from the largest mileage bonus in this system, taking residence 150% extra miles than vacationers with no standing. With 120,000 miles of flying, that equates to 180,000 additional miles. | $3,240. |
| Precedence airport companies | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $250. |
| Checked bag charge waiver | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $200. |
| Most popular seats | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $250. |
| Upgrades to Premium Class | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $625. |
| Upgrades to top notch | Upgrades nonetheless begin clearing 120 hours earlier than departure, however as an MVP Gold 100K, you will benefit from the highest improve precedence. | $995. |
| Upgrades on American Airways | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization.
Two additional worldwide improve certificates after qualifying. |
$1,500 |
| Gold Visitor Upgrades | You will not get pleasure from any additional Gold Visitor Upgrades for reaching 100K standing, so I will preserve this worth the identical. | $400. |
| Complimentary premium beverage or chocolate in Predominant Cabin | Along with the beverage or chocolate, MVP Gold 100K members additionally get a free snack value $2-$3. | $40. |
| 50,000 bonus miles | You do not obtain any further miles when qualifying for 100K standing so we’ll preserve this worth the identical. | $900. |
| Reward MVP standing to a good friend | You will not have the ability to present standing to an extra good friend so we’ll preserve this worth the identical. | $220. |
| 4 Alaska Lounge day passes | You will not get pleasure from any additional Alaska Lounge passes for reaching 100K standing so we’ll preserve this worth the identical. | $100. |
| Price waivers | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $150. |
| Precedence cellphone line | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization and you may seemingly encounter extra educated brokers. | $120. |
| Associate lounge entry | Similar profit and, given the comparatively slim footprint, we’ll preserve the valuation the identical. | $40. |
| Oneworld Emerald | Similar profit, extra frequent utilization. | $350. |
| Whole worth | $9,380. |
Associated: The final word information to getting upgraded on Alaska Airways
What if I am ranging from scratch?
As talked about on the outset, these calculations are based mostly on the advantages you’d get pleasure from by spending a full 12 months with the given standing.
Nonetheless, if you happen to’re ranging from scratch, the calculations develop into a bit extra difficult since you will not begin to get pleasure from any advantages till you hit the 20,000-mile mark and earn MVP standing. To assist modify the evaluation for these people, we have taken the above valuations and transformed them to a price per elite qualifying mile, as follows:
- MVP: $635 / 24,000 elite qualifying miles = 2.65 cents per elite qualifying mile.
- MVP Gold: $2,535 / 48,000 elite qualifying miles = 5.28 cents per elite qualifying mile.
- MVP Gold 75K: $6,670 / 90,000 elite qualifying miles = 7.41 cents per elite qualifying mile.
- MVP Gold 100K: $9,710 / 120,000 elite qualifying miles = 8.09 cents per elite qualifying mile.
You possibly can then use these numbers to calculate how a lot worth you’d get from the completely different standing ranges, given a specific amount of flying.
For instance, for instance you count on to earn 60,000 elite qualifying miles. At this charge, you’d get no advantages from the primary 20,000 miles, then get pleasure from MVP advantages for the subsequent 20,000 miles (value $530 based mostly on a charge of two.65 cents per mile) after which get pleasure from MVP Gold advantages for the ultimate 20,000 miles (value $1,056 based mostly on a charge of 5.28 cents per mile). Because of this if you happen to’re ranging from scratch and estimate that you will earn 60,000 elite qualifying miles in 2023, you’d have the ability to get about $1,590 value of perks from the Mileage Plan program.
Additionally, keep in mind that if you happen to at the moment maintain elite standing with a competing program, you could be eligible for a standing match.
Associated: Is airline elite standing nonetheless value it?
Is it value pursuing Alaska Airways elite standing?
Given these values, is it value pursuing elite standing (or the subsequent tier of elite standing) with Alaska? As mentioned earlier, there is not a simple reply to this, because it relies upon totally in your particular person state of affairs. Nonetheless, listed here are just a few overarching questions that may provide help to arrive at a choice:
How a lot will you journey sooner or later?
Should you earned Alaska elite standing in 2022, it is legitimate by way of Dec. 31, 2023; if you happen to qualify in 2023, your standing will final till Dec. 31, 2024. It’s important to consider how a lot you will be touring sooner or later. Should you push laborious to earn MVP Gold 100K, for instance, the dear perks outlined above solely apply once you truly journey.
What is the incremental worth of 1 tier over one other?
A lot of you could wind up inside putting distance of the subsequent tier, so make sure to think about whether or not the advantages are value pushing for it. There is no sense in going out of your approach for perks that do not matter to you.
How nicely does Alaska’s route map (and/or these of its companions) match your typical journey patterns?
There’s actually no level in pursuing elite standing with an airline if you cannot feasibly fly it (or its companions) often. Make sure to think about Alaska’s service from your house airport(s) and the way straightforward it’s to get to your required vacation spot and bear in mind to pay cautious consideration to fare lessons that do not earn full elite qualifying miles.
Alaska Airways is among the smallest conventional U.S. airways. Its hubs are largely contained to cities on the West Coast, together with:
- Ted Stevens Anchorage Worldwide Airport (ANC).
- Los Angeles Worldwide Airport (LAX).
- Portland Worldwide Airport (PDX).
- San Francisco Worldwide Airport (SFO).
- Seattle/Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA).
Additional, the airline has focus cities at San Diego Worldwide Airport (SAN), San Jose’s Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Worldwide Airport (SJC) and Boise Airport (BOI). Should you reside exterior these areas, you might have problem flying Alaska Airways (and utilizing your elite advantages) except you commute to one of many airline’s hubs often or plan to largely use your advantages on companions like American Airways. Should you fall into this camp, you could wish to chase standing with an airline that higher serves your house airport as an alternative.
Associated: All American and Alaska elites now eligible for reciprocal complimentary upgrades
How delicate are you to cost and comfort?
There are various trade-offs on this interest and some of the widespread is deciding whether or not to make use of your most popular airline or resort chain when it is not essentially the most handy or most cost-effective. Would you guide a one-stop Alaska flight if United had a less expensive nonstop choice? If the reply isn’t any, it might not be value going out of your option to earn standing with Alaska (or elite standing with any airline, for that matter).
These questions are additionally not straightforward to reply, as many various elements come into play with every of them. However, it is a worthwhile train to judge your personal state of affairs as you identify if Alaska elite standing is for you.
Associated: How one can earn miles with the Alaska Airways Mileage Plan program
Are you able to fast-track Alaska elite standing?
Whereas holding a cobranded Alaska Airways bank card will not assist, there are methods to fast-track Alaska Airways elite standing.
For starters, if you happen to at the moment maintain elite standing with one other North American airline, you could be eligible for a standing match. If permitted, Alaska gives you a comparable standing tier based mostly on the standing you’ve with the competing provider’s program for 90 days. You possibly can then lengthen this standing by flying a sure variety of miles with Alaska.
Associated: Alaska Airways pronounces new elite standing match problem perk for California-based flyers
Backside line
Alaska Airways has sometimes been very nicely regarded within the frequent flyer group and constantly ranks as a high airline. Nonetheless, the provider has made some unwelcome modifications like introducing dynamically priced awards and charging sky-high redemption charges for brand spanking new companions.
Though the reciprocal improve advantages with American Airways deliver new worth for Alaska elite members, it may additionally imply upgrades shall be tougher to attain, notably for lower-tier elite members, given a possible inflow of passengers eligible for upgrades.
However, it is a favourite of many award vacationers and we hope this evaluation has given you some meals for thought as you resolve whether or not to pursue MVP elite standing with Alaska this 12 months.
Further reporting by Andrew Kunesh, Nick Ewen and Kyle Olsen.
