Alaska Airlines Elite Status: What Are Its Rewards & Benefits Worth?

The lowest tier you can earn through this program is the MVP status, which requries 20,000 miles on Alaska flights, 25,000 miles on Alaska and partner flights, or 30 segments on Alaska and partner flights. To calculate the value of MVP stat, we used 24,000 miles at a cost of $0.125 per mile. So the total spend is $3,000. 

Below is a list of MVP perks along with their estimated values:

50% mileage bonus ($216). With 24,000 miles flown, the mileage bonus will get you an additional 12,000 Alaska miles, worth $216. Note: Not all fare classes on partner carriers will earn full miles, especially economy class.

Preferred seating ($50). You can select your preferred seat on Alaska flights, like an aisle seat or one closer to the front of the plane. Note: This perk is not available on Alaska’s Saver fares, and they do not include Premium Class or First Class seats.

Upgrades to Premium Class ($100). These seats give you four extra inches of legroom, as well as complimentary snacks and drinks. You’re eligible for immediate upgrades to Premium Class at the time of booking for fare classes Y, S, Z or B. All other fare classes won’t be upgraded until 48 hours prior to departure. This perk does not apply to companions on the same itinerary.

Upgrades to First Class ($150). You’re eligible for complimentary upgrades to First Class on Alaska-operated flights, when available. Y, S, and Z fares are eligible to clear immediately, while all other fare classes will start clearing 48 hours before departure. Companions cannot get free upgrades to First Class on your MVP status.

Priority airport services ($75). Enjoy priority check-in and boarding when you fly with Alaska Airlines. While it’s not the most valuable benefit, having access to priority airport services will save you some precious time on hectic travel days.

Two free checked bags ($100). You and your travel companions can check two bags for free when you travel on Alaska flights. It’s important to note that most other loyalty programs only offer one free checked bag to low-tier elites. This benefit can offer huge savings if you check multiple bags regularly when you fly, but we’re assuming most people travel more lightly.

Priority phone line ($50). Although most people won’t use this perk, accessing the priority phone line is a great option should you run into weather issues or other problems.

The next tier up in the Mileage Plan program is MVP Gold status, which requires 40,000 miles on Alaska flights, 50,000 miles on Alaska and partner flights, or 60 segments on Alaska and partner flights. To calculate the value of MVP Gold st1atus, we used 48,000 miles at a cost of $0.125 per mile. So the total spend is $6,000.

Below is a list of MVP Gold perks along with their estimated values:

100% mileage bonus ($864). With 48,000 miles flown, the mileage bonus will get you an additional 48,000 Alaska miles, worth $864.

Preferred seating ($100). Same perk as MVP status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

Upgrades to Premium Class ($250). Similar benefit as MVP status, but you’re now eligible for immediate upgrades (Y, Z, S, B, M, H, Q, L, V, N and K). If you booked in a lower class, you’ll start clearing into available seats 72 hours ahead of your flight. And lastly, you can upgrade a companion on the same itinerary.

Upgrades to First Class ($550). Like upgrades to Premium Class, this perk has additional fare classes eligible for immediate upgrades (B and M). All lower fare class will start clearing up to 72 hours before departure. You’ll also be able to upgrade a companion traveling with you.

Four First Class guest upgrades ($400). You’ll get four First Class guest upgrades every year you qualify for MVP Gold. These certificates are fully transferable to friends and family, even when they’re not traveling with you. They’re valid on flights booked using the companion fare benefit from the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card, but this perk don’t apply to deeply-discounted and award tickets (G, R, T and X classes).

Premium beverage in Main Cabin ($25). If you can’t snag an upgrade, you can at least enjoy a complimentary beverage in economy. At $6 to $7 a pop, the value of this benefit depends on how frequently or not you get upgraded to Premium or First Class.

Priority airport services ($175). You’ll enjoy the same priority airport services as MVP members plus express security lines when flying Alaska, where available.

Two free checked bags ($200). Same perk as MVP status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

Partner lounge access ($50). Get complimentary lounge access when you travel with certain partners, including the Galleries Lounge in London-Heathrow (LHR) with British Airways and the Saga Lounge in Reykjavik (KEF) with Icelandair. You’re allowed one guest with you.

Fee waivers ($300). Not having to pay a few additional fees can add up to a nominal amount. Waived fees include phone ticketing ($15), same-day confirmed changes ($25) and ticket change or cancellation fees ($125). That means you can essentially change or cancel any ticket – paid or award – without any penalties. Note: Only MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members are able to change or cancel their flight more than 60 days before departure.

Priority phone line ($100). Same perk as MVP status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

The highest tier you can earn in the Mileage Plan program is the MVP Gold 75K, which requires you to earn 75,000 miles on Alaska flights, 90,000 miles on Alaska and partner flights, or 90 segments on Alaska and partner flights. To calculate the value of MVP Gold status, we used 90,000 miles at a cost of $0.125 per mile. So the total spend is $11,250.

Below is a list of MVP Gold 75K perks along with their estimated values:

125% mileage bonus ($2,025). With 90,000 miles flown, the mileage bonus will get you an additional 112,500 Alaska miles, worth $2,025.

50,000 bonus miles ($900). Receive a welcome bonus of 50,000 miles when you reach MVP Gold 75K status. Note: This does not apply to status match memberships.

Preferred seating ($175). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

Upgrades to Premium Class ($500). Similar benefit as MVP Gold status, but you’re now eligible for immediate upgrades to Premium Class on all tickets (except Saver fare).

Upgrades to First Class ($1,100). An additional fare class (H) is eligible for immediate upgrades. All other tickets start clearing into First Class 120 hours before departure. This upgrade priority also applies to your companion traveler.

Four First Class guest upgrades ($400). Same perk as MVP Gold status.

Premium beverage in Main Cabin ($25). Same perk as MVP Gold status.

Priority airport services ($325). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

Two free checked bags ($325). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

Partner lounge access ($50). Same perk as MVP Gold status.

Four Alaska Lounge day passes ($100). These passes get you access to Alaska Lounges in Seattle, New York-JFK, Portland, Los Angeles or Anchorage. Most of these lounges are part of the Priority Pass program, so they’re accessible to several premium credit cardholders including The Platinum Card® from American Express and Chase Sapphire Reserve®. They’re also often subject to overcrowding. Because of this, we’ve valued this benefit lower than its retail price ($45 each).

Fee waivers ($450). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.

Nominate a friend for MVP status ($250). Gift MVP status to a friend or family member. The true value of this benefit depends on how frequently the lucky person flies with Alaska or its partner airlines. We estimated the value at a third of our valuation for MVP status.

Priority phone line ($200). Same perk as MVP Gold status, but we calculated more frequent utilization.