If you’re a frequent flyer, consider signing up for a loyalty program! There are various options from different airlines so it’s important to do a little research before choosing which one to join. Finding the perfect fit can be dependent on factors like elite status and perks.
Check out our best credit card bonuses here.
In this guide, we’ll go over the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program and it’s value, so you can decide if it’s worth it to join.
Alaska Airlines Elite Status Overview
If you tend to fly with Alaska Airlines often, or you travel with one of their partners often, then you will be able to easily qualify for their Mileage Plan elite status: MVPP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K. To gain status, you will need to earn enough miles or fly enough segments in one calendar year.
| MVP | MVP GOLD | MVP GOLD 75K | |
| Miles (Alaska only) |
20,000 | 40,000 | 75,000 |
| Miles (including partners) |
25,000 | 50,000 | 90,000 |
| Segments (including partners) |
30 | 60 | 90 |
With each status level that you earn, you will gain access to more benefits:
| Benefits | MVP | MVP GOLD | MVP GOLD 75K |
| Mileage bonus | 50% | 100% | 125% |
| Welcome bonus miles | 50,000 | ||
| Preferred seating | x | x | x |
| Premium Class upgrades | x | x | x |
| First Class upgrades | x | x | x |
| Companion upgrades | x | x | |
| First Class guest upgrades | 4 | 4 | |
| Premium beverage in Main Cabin | x | x | |
| Priority check-in & boarding | x | x | x |
| Express security line | x | x | |
| 2 checked bags | x | x | x |
| Partner lounge access | x | x | |
| Alaska Lounge day passes | x | 4 | |
| Waived ticket change fees | x | x | |
| Nominate someone for MVP status | x |
Alaska Airlines Elite Status Value
As mentioned before, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program has three tiers: MVP, MVP Gold, and MVP Gold 75K.
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.
Is Alaska Airlines Elite Status Worth It?
Given the value estimates above, do you think Alaska Airlines elite status worth pursuing? Here are a few questions that will help you make your decision:
- Does Alaska Airlines fly to where you want to go? Their three tiers of elite status isn’t worth working towards if you don’t fly with Alaska Airlines frequently. Check Alaska Airlines’ service from your home airport and see how easily you can get to your choice destinations.
- Do Elite Status benefits matter to you? If you don’t think that you’ll utilize the benefits offered by Alaska Airlines’ elite status then putting the effort to receive elite status doesn’t make sense.
- How often do you travel? If you’re not a frequent flyer, then the higher status won’t be worth it. The benefits only apply when you travel. So, if you don’t use your perks the value of elite status drops.
- Do you prioritize price and convenience? Will you use Alaska Airlines even when it’s not the cheapest or the most convenient one? If you’re not willing to trade price and convenience for loyalty program perks, then Alaska Airlines elite status won’t be worth it for you.
Our Methodology
Each person places their own value on each benefit. While you may value baggage over complimentary upgrades, another person might think lounge access is more important. Therefore, our analysis of Alaska Airlines elite status is more general. Ultimately, the decision is up to you and your own needs so feel free to play with the numbers a little bit.
We need to determine a certain amount of flying and a corresponding amount of spending in order to assign values to different perks. We assumed the following while assigning value:
- You earn 20% more elite-qualifying miles than the minimum required for that status level.
- You spend an average of $0.125 per elite-qualifying mile.
As mentioned before, feel free to adjust the numbers according to your flying habits. If you only travel domestically, you’re probably spending less than $0.125 per mile. And if you’re paying for international First Class travel on a regular basis, you’re likely spending much more.
For this particular analysis, we value Alaska miles based on our most recent valuations, which is $0.018 apiece.
Alternative Access to Alaska Lounges
In our post above, we mentioned a couple of credit cards that are great for those of you who travel. For those that are interested in the Alaska Airlines Elite Stats for the passes into their Alaska Lounges in New York-JFK, Portland, Los Angeles or Anchorage, these two cards also offer a Priority Pass program. With this pass, you will be able to access the Alaska Lounges.
 The Platinum Card® from American Express offers 125,000 Membership Rewards points after you spend $8,000 on eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. You'll earn: • 5X Membership Rewards Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year. • 5X Membership Rewards Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. • $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts(R) or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel using your Platinum Card(R). The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay. • $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required. • With American Express Global Lounge Collection you can enjoy access to over 1,400 airport lounges globally, including The Centurion Lounge, Unlimited Delta Sky Club® Access when flying an eligible Delta flight, Escape Lounges, Lufthansa Lounges when flying Lufthansa Group, Plaza Premium, Priority Pass Select Lounges, & Additional Global Lounge Collection Partner Lounges subject to visit limitations. Lounges may have their own rules, like additional access rules and guest fees, and for Priority Pass Select, you need to enroll and there are unlimited airport lounge visits for Card Members. With Delta Sky Club Access, Card Members will receive 10 Visits to the Delta Sky Club to be used from February 1 until January 31 of the next calendar year and can unlock Unlimited Delta Sky Club Access by spending $75,000 in eligible purchases on their Card in a calendar year. To find a lounge, visit the membership section in the American Express App or visit http://www.americanexpress.com/findalounge#/loungefinder. • $155 Walmart+ Credit: Save on eligible delivery fees, shipping, and more with a Walmart+ membership. Use your Platinum Card to pay for a monthly Walmart+ membership and get up to $12.95 plus applicable taxes back on one membership (excluding Plus Ups) each month. • $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card. • $200 Uber Cash: Platinum Card Members can ride or dine in style with $15 in Uber Cash each month, plus a bonus $20 in December after adding their Card to their Uber account. Use your Uber Cash on rides and orders in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction. • $199 CLEAR® Plus Credit: CLEAR Plus helps to get you to your gate faster at 50+ airports nationwide and get up to $199 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Card. CLEARLanes are available at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues. • Receive either a $120 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost. • Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required. This card comes with a $695 annual fee.¤ (See Rates & Fees), but you cardholders can enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member and Additional Centurion Cards only. Terms Apply. Terms Apply. |
 The Chase Sapphire Reserve offers 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase TravelSM. You'll earn • 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. • 3x points on other travel and dining • 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Travel. This card does carry a $550 annual fee and there are no foreign transaction fees. However, you're able to earn a $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year & up to $120 application fee credit for Global Entry or TSA Pre?®. Member FDIC |
 |
 |
Bottom Line
The value of a loyalty program is different for every person’s needs. Overall an elite status will make traveling easier and more rewarding, but the perfect program is different for everyone.
Hopefully, this post was able to help you get a better idea of whether or not MVP elite status is worth it for you. For more posts like this, check out our list of credit card bonuses!
Leave a Reply