Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is a popular frequent flyer program, especially for West Coast travelers and those utilizing its diverse airline partners. A common question among members is whether their hard-earned miles expire.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Expiration Policy
Good news for Mileage Plan members: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles do not expire.
According to the official Mileage Plan terms and conditions, your miles remain valid indefinitely as long as your Mileage Plan account remains open. There is no requirement for periodic account activity (like earning or redeeming miles) to keep your miles from expiring.
This makes Mileage Plan one of the more member-friendly programs regarding point expiration.
Account Closure Note
While miles don't expire due to inactivity, it's important to note that Alaska Airlines reserves the right to close accounts that have been inactive for a prolonged period (typically defined in the terms, often around 24 months) and have a zero mile balance. However, if you have any miles in your account, they should remain safe even with extended inactivity, as long as the program rules don't change.
Keeping your account contact information up-to-date is always a good practice.
Earning Alaska Atmos Rewards Points
With Alaska Atmos Rewards points no longer expiring, members can now focus on accumulating and using their balances without worrying about expiration deadlines. There are multiple ways to earn Alaska points, both through travel and everyday activities.
Ways to Earn Alaska Points
- Flights
- Earn points for flights on Alaska Airlines.
- Earn points for flights with Oneworld alliance partners.
- Hotels and Cruises
- Earn points for hotel stays and cruise bookings.
- Earn points when booking Alaska Vacations packages.
- Car Rentals
- Earn points with rental car partners such as Avis, Budget, and more.
- Shopping and Dining
- Shop through Alaska’s online shopping portal.
- Dine at participating restaurants and earn points.
- Everyday Activities
- Earn points through partners such as Teleflora, Laithwaites, and The Opinion Terminal.
- Credit Cards
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card.
- Alaska Airlines Visa® Business Card.
Boosting Your Alaska Atmos Rewards Balance
Alaska Airlines does not have a large list of transfer partners, but there are still a few options if you need to quickly top up your balance.
| From Program | To Program | Transfer Ratio | Minimum Transfer | Average Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marriott Bonvoy | Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards) | 3:1 | 3,000 | 1 day |
| Best Western Rewards | Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards) | 5:1 | – | Unknown |
| Bilt Rewards | Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards) | 1:1 | 2,000 | 9 hours |
| Choice Privileges | Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards) | 5:1 | 5,000 | 17 hours |
| Hawaiian Airlines (HawaiianMiles) | Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards) | 1:1 | – | Immediate |
| IHG One Rewards | Alaska Airlines (Atmos Rewards) | 5:1 | – | Unknown |
Official Policy
For confirmation and the most current details, always refer to the official program documentation:
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Terms and Conditions (Refer to sections on mileage expiration and account activity)
Summary
Alaska Atmos Rewards points are easier than ever to manage now that they do not expire. Between flights, shopping, dining, and credit card spending, you have many ways to earn points consistently. While Alaska has limited transfer partners, programs like Marriott Bonvoy, Bilt Rewards, and HawaiianMiles provide flexible ways to boost your balance when you need to top up for an award.
Disclaimer: Program terms and conditions can change. While miles currently do not expire, it's always wise to check the official terms periodically. This guide is for informational purposes only.