Travel
Alaska Airlines Announces New Award Chart for Mileage Plan Members
courtesy of thepointsguy.com
What You Need to Know
Alaska Airlines has unveiled a new award chart for its Mileage Plan members, set to go into effect in March 2024. While the airline claims it will offer more value and opportunities for travelers, our research shows that the changes may not be as favorable as they seem, particularly for those looking to book flights with Alaska partners.
Changes to the Award Chart
Under the new award chart, the Mileage Plan will be divided into three region-based charts: the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA), and Asia-Pacific. Redemption rates will vary based on the distance flown.
The Americas
Flights within or between North America, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America will fall under the Americas region. Notably, Hawaii, the Caribbean, and Central America will no longer be separate regions. Prices for economy flights within the Americas will start at 4,500 miles for distances less than 700 miles, while flights between 701 and 1,400 miles will start at 7,500 miles.
EMEA and Asia
The EMEA and Asia regions will see some prices drop and others increase, especially for premium-cabin redemptions. Notable changes include business-class awards to Nadi International Airport (NAN) in Fiji, which will increase to 70,000 miles, and nonstop economy tickets from the U.S. to Fiji, which will drop to 37,500 miles. Additionally, flights to Tokyo from select U.S. gateways will start at 30,000 miles for economy class.
New Updates to the Mileage Plan Program
In addition to the new award chart, Alaska Airlines is teasing additional updates to the Mileage Plan program. The details are limited, but the airline plans to introduce new features and enhancements to improve the overall experience for members.
Considerations for Mileage Plan Members
The new award chart may benefit those who book shorter, nonstop flights. However, adding connecting flights can push travelers into a higher pricing band. It's important for Mileage Plan members to carefully compare the current award pricing to the new rates and determine if it makes sense to book flights before the changes take effect in March 2024.
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