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.

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.

Alaska Airlines is updating its Mileage Plan loyalty program, but there's plenty of good news for frequent flyers.

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.

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.