Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is rolling out several notable loyalty program changes in 2025 that can benefit many members instead of devaluing membership. For starters, there’s more flexibility with utilizing miles, elite upgrades, and more.

Remember when all the excitement was over air fare wars? Now the battle is over the perks and status offered in airlines' loyalty programs.

The oneworld Alliance carrier is adding new perks along the path to elite status, including bonus miles, lounge passes, and upgrade certificates.

Similar to other airline loyalty programs, Mileage Plan lets members earn EQMs when they fly Alaska and its partners and through purchases on Alaska co-branded credit cards. Unlike the other U.S. airlines, miles for flying are credited based upon distance flown, not the amount spent, though flyers receive mileage bonuses for premium seat purchases.

Beyond loyalty program updates, Alaska announced that starting next year, members will be able to earn and redeem miles across multiple partner airlines within a single itinerary. Flights booked directly through Alaska’s website can earn up to 350% redeemable miles for the highest fare class.

Mileage Plan miles can be used to book any oneworld airline plus several other partners - giving many first class options.

One American Airlines AAdvantage elite member discusses why Alaska Airlines' decision to offer elite qualifying miles on partner awards is making her consider switching loyalty.