Even if you’re not based on the West Coast, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers incredible value, primarily through its extensive network of Alaska Mileage Partners. While you can redeem miles for Alaska Airlines flights, the true potential lies in leveraging these partnerships for exceptional travel experiences.
Alaska miles are valuable, although earning them might seem less straightforward compared to other programs. Marriott Bonvoy remains the primary transferable currency for accumulating Alaska miles. However, numerous avenues exist to boost your Mileage Plan balance and unlock remarkable rewards.
This guide explores everything you need to know about Alaska Mileage Plan partners, from airlines to hotels and beyond, helping you earn and redeem miles effectively.
Discovering Alaska Mileage Plan Airline Partners
You can utilize your Alaska miles across the Oneworld alliance and other independent carriers. Alaska Airlines’ Oneworld partners provide access to a global network, including:
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Cathay Pacific
- Fiji Airways (Oneworld connect partner)
- Finnair
- Iberia
- Japan Airlines
- Malaysia Airlines
- Qantas
- Qatar Airways
- Royal Air Maroc
- Royal Jordanian
- SriLankan Airlines
Beyond Oneworld, Alaska partners with several non-alliance airlines, expanding your redemption possibilities:
- Aer Lingus
- Air Tahiti Nui
- Condor
- El Al Israel Airlines
- Hainan Airlines
- Icelandair
- Korean Air
- LATAM Airlines
- Mokulele Airlines + Southern Airways Express
- Ravn Alaska
- Singapore Airlines
Related: Your Comprehensive Guide to Earning and Redeeming with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Understanding Alaska Mileage Plan Award Charts
Alaska Mileage Plan previously offered detailed award charts for each partner airline. Currently, their website features three simplified charts: North America, Money & Miles (for Alaska flights), and International.
Related: Alaska Mileage Plan Introduces Updated Partner Award Chart Structure
Here is the North American award chart:
Here is the Money and Miles award chart:
Here is the international award chart:
These charts display starting award rates for partner flights. For precise pricing and availability, especially for international routes, you need to search directly on the Alaska Airlines website. Redemptions are not available on all partners or routes, necessitating a direct search to confirm options and costs.
Related: Maximizing Your Redemptions with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Redeeming Alaska Miles for Partner Award Flights: A Step-by-Step Guide
To find award flight options and pricing, visit the Alaska Airlines website, log into your Mileage Plan account, and select “Use miles” before initiating your search.
For flexible travel dates, utilize the “Award calendar” option for a month-long view of availability. This feature is particularly useful for identifying cost-effective partner awards.
Consider these one-way business class awards from New York to Hong Kong as an example:
Options range from 120,000 Alaska miles on Korean Air to 100,000 miles on Singapore Airlines. However, Cathay Pacific business class can be found for as low as 50,000 Alaska miles.
Important Considerations for Partner Award Bookings
When redeeming Alaska miles with partners, be aware of these key points:
- A $12.50 nonrefundable fee applies per person, per direction, for itineraries including partner segments.
- Stopovers are not permitted on awards within international regions (e.g., intra-Asia, intra-Europe).
- Bookings originating and ending outside the U.S. and Canada must be made at least 72 hours before departure.
- High carrier-imposed charges may apply to select partners like British Airways, Hainan Airlines, and Icelandair.
- Ravn Alaska awards between Fairbanks and Anchorage are not bookable with Alaska miles.
- One-way Korean Air awards often cost the same as round-trip awards.
- Lap infants may not be accommodated on international partner award bookings. Purchasing a separate seat at the standard mileage rate is recommended.
Furthermore, partner airlines cannot be combined on a single award ticket. However, Alaska Airlines flights can be incorporated into partner itineraries.
Related: Unlock Free Stopovers with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Sweet Spots in Alaska Mileage Partner Redemptions
Despite the removal of partner-specific award charts, many valuable sweet spots within the Alaska Mileage Plan remain accessible.
Cathay Pacific awards are among the most sought-after redemptions. Previously, one-way flights from the U.S. to Asia were fixed at 50,000 miles for business class and 70,000 miles for first class. While first-class availability has become less common, business class awards at 50,000 miles are still attainable.
Consider adding a complimentary stopover in Hong Kong before continuing to other Asian destinations like Bali, all for the same mileage cost.
Fiji Airways also presents excellent value. Awards between the U.S. West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco) and Fiji typically cost 40,000 miles in economy and 55,000 miles in business class, and these rates are generally still available.
Adding a stopover in Fiji before heading to Australia is another mileage-maximizing strategy.
Related: Plan an Affordable Trip to Fiji on a Budget
Exploring Other Alaska Mileage Plan Redemption Options
Beyond flights, Alaska miles can be redeemed with non-airline partners. However, evaluate the value proposition before redeeming for non-flight options. Transferring miles, for example, might not offer optimal returns, while redeeming for event tickets via Alaska Airlines Extras could present better value in certain scenarios.
Related: Top 5 Ways TPG Staff Would Redeem 70,000 Alaska Miles
Earning Alaska Miles Through Partner Activities
To fully utilize Alaska partner redemptions, accumulating miles is essential. While flying Alaska Airlines earns miles, leveraging partner earning opportunities can significantly boost your balance.
Earning Miles by Flying Partner Airlines
Earning Alaska miles is possible on flights marketed or operated by most Alaska partners. Earning rates vary based on the airline and fare class. Consult Alaska’s partner airline page to determine mileage accrual for your specific flight.
For instance, here’s the earning table for American Airlines marketed flights operated by American or Oneworld partners:
Flights booked in unlisted fare classes are ineligible for Alaska mile accrual.
Utilizing Alaska Airlines Credit Cards
Alaska Airlines co-branded credit cards provide a straightforward way to earn miles on everyday spending.
Consider the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card, which offers a new cardmember bonus of 70,000 miles and Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ after meeting spending requirements.
Similarly, the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card offers 70,000 bonus miles and a Companion Fare after qualifying purchases.
Both cards earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and 1 mile per dollar on all other purchases.
Transferring Marriott Bonvoy Points
Alaska Mileage Plan is a Marriott Bonvoy transfer partner. A 3:1 transfer ratio applies, with a 5,000-mile bonus for every 60,000 Marriott points transferred. However, allow up to four days for Marriott transfers to complete.
Hotel Partners for Alaska Mileage Plan
Booking hotels through Alaska Airlines Hotels can earn up to 10,000 miles per night. Alternatively, earn miles by booking directly with these hotel brands and selecting Alaska Mileage Plan as your earning preference:
- Best Western Hotels and Resorts: 250 miles per stay
- Marriott Bonvoy: 2 miles per dollar (on qualifying charges) or 1 mile per dollar (on room rate, varies by hotel)
- Choice Hotels: 250 miles per eligible stay
- Rocketmiles: 500-10,000 miles per night
- Coast Hotels: 250 miles per stay
- Westmark Hotels: 2 miles per dollar (on room accommodations)
- InterContinental Hotels Group: Up to 2 miles per dollar or 500 miles per stay (varies by hotel)
Compare earning potential with hotel loyalty programs before opting for Alaska miles on hotel stays.
Car Rental and Rideshare Partners
Earn Alaska miles on car rentals booked through Alaska Airlines Car Rental (50 miles per rental day). Mileage Plan partners for car rentals and rideshares include:
Consult partner pages for specific booking codes, location exclusions, and eligible regions.
Additional Alaska Mileage Plan Partners
Numerous other Alaska mileage partners allow you to earn miles on everyday purchases. Explore Alaska’s Everyday partners page for a comprehensive list.
Related: Comprehensive Guide to Earning Miles with Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Conclusion: Unlocking Travel Value with Alaska Mileage Partners
Alaska Mileage Plan’s strength lies in its valuable partnerships, particularly within its airline network, offering exceptional redemption opportunities.
Earning Alaska miles is achievable through various partner activities, including car rentals, dining, and shopping. However, Alaska Airlines credit cards and Marriott Bonvoy transfers remain the most efficient methods for rapid mile accumulation.
Additional reporting by Benji Stawski and Victoria M. Walker.
Updated as of 1/8/2025.
