I’m on vacation this week, so here’s a little “Best of” content based on your searches of the blog. Alaska Mileage Plan is a great program and I can certainly understand why you’re interested!
I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had people mention to me about how they fly American a little and Delta a little….and occasionally they have to go to Seattle or somewhere on the west coast a little and then look me in the eye and say, no mileage program is ideal. I always respond with the same question, “have you thought about Alaska Mileage Plan?” Usually, I get strange looks, or in the case of one close family member…..a look of “are you stupid?”
Well, the answer to that question, like all questions is…opinions vary. That said, I’m right about this one. I never cease to be amazed by the number of people who refuse to think ever so slightly out of the box when it comes to mileage earning. Alaska’s Mileage Plan has a list of partners that is nothing short of impressive. Become a member of Mileage Plan and earn miles on American, Delta, British Airways, Air France, and several more. Better yet,burn those miles on the same partners. And of course, Alaska has a pretty nice network on the west coast all on its own.
I have to admit, the Alaska Mileage Plan option is something I think about often. I haven’t been able to justify a move from Delta and American into Mileage Plan just yet, but this is certainly something I think about every year….heck…..every day. Right now, I fly Delta enough to justify crediting to SkyMiles to earn elite benefits with Dela. I’m not sure that will last forever. Alaska Mileage Plan is a viable option for many travelers, probably many more than are even aware that its a good option. When you’re evaluating your options for mileage earning, don’t forget about Alaska Mileage Plan, no matter where you live.
I recently status matched from UA to AS MVP Gold and so far I’ve been very impressed with service (and free upgrades) I received on both Alaska and Delta. I haven’t flown on AA in years, but I like how they are always a partner option if I stick with AS or if I decide to use AA’s program I earn elite miles either way (earn AA on AS or AS on AA) With what is going on and rumored changes at United, the grass is certainly looking greener pretty much wherever I go.
Thanks you for your blogs. With all that’s going on at UA, I’ve been looking for another program as a back up. I fly regularly to Europe, historically on KL and AF, but lost that when CO moved to *A. With AS partners to Iceland Air (who would not want a weekend in Reykjavik?) and CX, and with immortal miles, this might be a good secondary program. Living on the west coast and traveling TPAC and TATL regularly this might work out.
I have been an AAM member for years now and I hate it. Ok, maybe hate is a strong word but I have 80,000 miles and I can’t use them. I don’t like the fact that they’re blackout dates, limited mileage flights, and you have to book a trip almost a year in advance. I travel a lot all along the west coast and for this kind of travel I love the Amex jet blue card, southwest, and virgin. For international travel I have just switched to the chase sapphire platinum vard which allows you to book travel wherever, whenever,… Read more »
In late 2003 Alaska Airlines had a 100,000 bonus miles offer for flying 35 segments. I booked several 8 segment tickets for under $160 SJC-BOI-LWS-SEA-PDX and one ticket SEA-YVR(Vancouver)-(Victoria).
In the end I earned 140,000 miles for under $800.
Redeemed miles for British Airways First Class to Europe. Also got a couple of tickets to send family members to Medford, Oregon and saved $1,500 in their airfare.
I loved the service on the flights and I met some interesting and friendly people while mileage hopping around the Pacific Northwest.