New 2015 Changes to Alaska Airlines’ MileagePlan Program

Alaska Airlines has recently announced some upcoming changes to their MileagePlan program, all effective January 1, 2015.

The biggest change is for 75K Elite members – where previously, many did not see much of a difference between MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K.

Improved Bonus Earning for MVP Gold 75K Elites

• 75K elites will earn a bonus of 125% for all travel on Alaska, Horizon, and partners. Previously, this bonus was 100%.
• MVP Gold 75K also receive 50,000 bonus miles, as well as the ability to gift status, receive complimentary upgrades on Delta Airlines, and 4x annual Board Room access, in addition to many other benefits.

Improved Bonus Earning for Select Fare Classes

• If you book in M or B class (economy), you’ll earn 25% bonus miles.
• If you book in Y or S class (economy), you’ll earn 50% bonus miles.
• If you book in F or P class (first class), you’ll earn 75% bonus miles.

 

New Earning Structure on Delta Airlines

In general, the cheaper the fare, the less miles you’ll earn.

• Earn 25% actual flight miles* flown in E class of service;
• Earn 50% actual flight miles* flown in L, U, T, X, V class of service;
• Earn 75% actual flight miles* flown in H, Q, K class of service;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in B, M, S class of service;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in Y class of service, plus 25% Bonus Miles
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in Z class of service, plus 25% Bonus Miles;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in D, I class of service, plus 50% Bonus Miles;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in J, C class of service, plus 75% Bonus Miles;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in G class of service, plus 25% Bonus Miles;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in A class of service, plus 75% Bonus Miles;
• Earn actual flight miles* flown in F, P class of service, plus 100% Bonus Miles;

I’m not an Alaska elite member, but for those seeking their top-tier status, there certainly are some enhancements you’ll find valuable over the next lower tier. For those who fly Delta regularly, in general, if you book leisure, non-refundable fares, you’ll begin to see a reduced earning structure, that’s certainly inline with Delta’s new revenue earning pattern for mileage earning.

What do you think of the changes? Does this impact you?