How does Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan earning work?

Alaska uses distance-based earning for flights. You earn 100% of miles flown in economy, 150% in premium economy, 250% in business class, and 350% in first class. MVP status members earn additional bonuses: MVP gets 50% bonus, MVP Gold gets 100%, and MVP Gold 75K gets 125%. Starting later in 2026, Atmos Rewards will also offer spending-based earning at 5 points per dollar.

What are Alaska Airlines miles worth?

Alaska Mileage Plan miles are valued at approximately 1.8 cents per mile, one of the highest valuations among US programs. Premium cabin partner redemptions can push value to 5-10+ cents per mile. For example, JAL first class from the US to Tokyo at 70,000 miles often provides 10+ cpp value against cash fares exceeding $8,000.

What are the best Alaska Miles sweet spots?

Top redemptions include Cathay Pacific business class US to Hong Kong for 50,000 miles, JAL first class US to Tokyo for 70,000 miles, Emirates first class US to Dubai for 100,000 miles, Qantas business class to Australia for 55,000 miles, and Finnair business class to Europe for 42,500 miles.

Does Alaska have a partner award chart?

Yes. Alaska switched to a distance-based partner award chart in March 2024. Award rates are determined by the flight distance and cabin class. Key partners include Cathay Pacific, JAL, Emirates, Finnair, Qantas, and other oneworld airlines. These partner charts offer some of the best value redemptions available in any frequent flyer program.

Do Alaska Airlines miles expire?

Alaska Mileage Plan miles expire if there is no qualifying earning or redemption activity for 24 months. Any flight, credit card purchase, or partner activity resets the clock. Keeping an Alaska Airlines co-branded credit card active ensures your miles never expire.

Alaska Miles Calculator | Mileage Plan Earning & Partner Award Chart

Calculate Mileage Plan Miles Earned

Alaska uses distance-based earning for its own flights and partner airlines. You earn 100% of miles flown as a base, with multipliers for premium cabins. Starting later in 2026, Atmos Rewards will also offer spending-based earning (5 pts per $1).

Flight Distance (miles)

Cabin / Fare Class

MVP Status

Distance-Based Earning Rates

Cabin	% of Distance	Example (2,500 mi)
Discounted Economy	50%	1,250
Economy	100%	2,500
Premium Economy	150%	3,750
Business	250%	6,250
International First	350%	8,750

2026 Earning Options (Atmos Rewards)

Starting later in 2026, Atmos Rewards will offer three earning options: distance-based (1 pt per mile flown), spending-based (5 pts per $1 spent), and segment-based (500 pts per segment). You'll automatically get the best option for each flight.

Partner Airline Award Chart

Alaska's partner award chart is distance-based, divided by region. These are some of the best-value award redemptions in the industry, especially for premium cabin travel.

Partner Airline

Award chart updated March 2024 to distance-based structure. No blackout dates on Alaska/Hawaiian flights. Partner availability subject to airline release.

Best Alaska Miles Sweet Spots

Alaska Mileage Plan is consistently rated as one of the best programs for premium cabin partner awards. Here are the top redemptions.

Cathay Pacific Business Class: US to Hong Kong

50,000 miles

One of the best business class products in the world. Cathay's new Aria suites are incredible. Cash price often $4,000+ one-way = 8+ cpp value.

JAL First Class: US to Tokyo

70,000 miles

Japan Airlines first class is a bucket-list experience. Cash price often $8,000+. At 70,000 miles one-way, this is legendary value at 10+ cpp.

Emirates First Class: US to Dubai

100,000 miles

Emirates first class with the shower spa and private suite. Cash price $10,000+. Availability is rare but worth monitoring.

Qantas Business: US to Australia

55,000 miles

Excellent value for the long-haul to Australia. Qantas business is a solid product on their A330 and 787 fleet.

Finnair Business: US to Europe

42,500 miles

Great value for transatlantic business class. Finnair's A350 business class is modern and comfortable with excellent Nordic cuisine.

Alaska First: West Coast to Hawaii

15,000-25,000 miles

Comfortable first class product. No blackout dates means great availability. Pair with Hawaiian Airlines for more options.

Alaska Miles Valuation

Alaska Mileage Plan miles are valued at approximately 1.8 cents per mile -- one of the highest valuations among US programs. Premium cabin partner redemptions can push value to 5-10+ cpp.

Number of Miles

Valuation

Why Alaska Miles Are So Valuable

Partner award charts are among the most generous in the industry
Distance-based pricing rewards long-haul flights
No blackout dates on Alaska and Hawaiian flights
Miles never expire as long as you have activity every 2 years
Regularly available for purchase on sale at ~1.8-2.0 cpp

Earn Alaska Miles Faster

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card earns 3x miles on Alaska purchases and a companion fare each year.

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How the Alaska Miles Calculator Works

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is widely regarded as one of the most valuable frequent flyer programs, particularly for premium cabin enthusiasts. Unlike revenue-based programs, Alaska still uses distance-based earning and maintains generous partner award charts that offer exceptional value for business and first class travel. Our calculator helps you estimate miles earned on flights, explore partner pricing, discover sweet spot redemptions, and value your balance.

How Many Miles Do You Earn Per Flight?

Alaska's earning structure is based on flight distance rather than ticket price. Economy class earns 100% of miles flown, premium economy earns 150%, business class earns 250%, and first class earns 350%. MVP status members earn additional bonuses on top. Later in 2026, Alaska's new Atmos Rewards program will introduce alternative earning options including spending-based earning at 5 points per dollar, with the system automatically selecting whichever method gives you the most points.

What Are Alaska Miles Worth?

Most valuations place Alaska miles at 1.8 cents each -- one of the highest among US airline programs. This reflects the outstanding value available through partner award charts. JAL first class at 70,000 miles (cash fare $8,000+), Cathay Pacific business class at 50,000 miles (cash fare $4,000+), and Emirates first class at 100,000 miles (cash fare $10,000+) routinely deliver 5-10+ cents per mile in value.

Partner Award Charts: Alaska's Crown Jewel

Alaska's partner award chart, restructured to distance-based pricing in March 2024, remains among the most generous in the industry. Key partners include Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Finnair, Qantas, and other oneworld members. Unlike programs that have devalued partner pricing over time, Alaska has maintained competitive rates that make premium cabin travel surprisingly affordable with miles.

Tips for Maximizing Alaska Miles

Target partner premium cabins -- this is where the extraordinary value lies, particularly on Cathay Pacific and JAL.
Buy miles on sale -- Alaska regularly offers mile sales at 1.8-2.0 cents per mile, making even purchased miles valuable for premium redemptions.
Keep miles alive -- any qualifying activity within 24 months prevents expiration. A co-branded credit card ensures automatic activity.

Last updated: February 2026

Data is approximate. Award pricing is dynamic and may vary. Check the airline's website for current rates.

Mileage Plan is a registered trademark of Alaska Airlines.