What the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan credit card does
The Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan credit card is a rewards card issued by Bank of America that earns miles toward Alaska Airlines flights and other travel purchases. You earn miles on every purchase, with higher earning rates on Alaska Airlines tickets and certain other categories. The card comes with an annual fee, a sign-up bonus, and perks like free checked bags and priority boarding on Alaska Airlines flights.
The card is designed for people who fly Alaska Airlines regularly or live in a region where Alaska serves. It is not a travel card for general use across all airlines — the rewards and benefits are specific to Alaska Airlines and its partners.
Key Takeaways
- You earn miles on every purchase, with the highest earning rate on Alaska Airlines tickets and select other categories like dining and hotels.
- The card charges an annual fee, and you receive a sign-up bonus of miles after you meet a minimum spending requirement in the first few months.
- Cardholders get a free checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights and other perks like priority boarding, which can offset the annual fee if you fly regularly.
- Miles do not expire as long as your account remains active, but closing the card ends your account and may cause you to lose unused miles.
- You can use miles to book Alaska Airlines flights directly, or transfer them to Alaska's airline partners for flights on other carriers.
How miles earning works on this card
The earning structure has a base rate and higher rates for specific categories. You earn a set number of miles per dollar spent on most purchases. Alaska Airlines tickets purchased directly from the airline earn at a higher rate — typically double or more. Dining, hotels, and car rentals also earn at elevated rates depending on the current card terms.
The exact earning rates change periodically, so check the card issuer's website or your cardholder agreement for current rates. The key difference from other travel cards is that the highest earning rate applies to Alaska Airlines purchases, not to all airlines or all travel.
Annual fee and sign-up bonus
The card charges an annual fee, typically charged on the anniversary of when you open the account. You receive a sign-up bonus of miles if you spend a certain amount within the first few months of opening the card. The bonus is paid once, not every year.
Whether the card makes financial sense depends on how much you fly Alaska Airlines and whether the perks — particularly the free checked bag — offset the annual cost. If you take even two Alaska Airlines round trips per year, the free checked bag alone can cover the fee, since checked bags normally cost money on most airlines.
Perks beyond miles: free bags, boarding, and lounge access
Cardholders receive a free first checked bag on Alaska Airlines flights. This benefit applies to the cardholder and often to when ready family members traveling on the same reservation. You also typically receive priority boarding, which means you board before general passengers and may have access to overhead bin space.
Some versions of the card include access to Alaska Airlines lounges or partner lounges, though this varies by card tier. Check your specific card benefits to see what lounge access, if any, is included. These perks are valuable only if you actually fly Alaska Airlines; they provide no benefit if you do not travel with the airline.
How to use miles for flights and other redemptions
Miles are redeemed through your Mileage Plan account on the Alaska Airlines website or mobile app. You can book Alaska Airlines flights directly using miles, or you can transfer miles to Alaska's partner airlines and hotel chains. The number of miles required for a flight varies by route, season, and how far in advance you book.
Alaska Airlines does not publish a fixed chart of mile costs — prices are dynamic and change based on demand, similar to how cash prices work. This means the same flight might cost different amounts in miles on different dates. You can search for flights and see the mile cost before you commit to the redemption.
Miles expiration and account closure
Miles do not expire as long as your Mileage Plan account remains active. Activity includes earning miles, redeeming miles, or having an active Alaska Airlines credit card. If your account goes inactive for a set period — typically 24 months with no activity — miles may expire and your account may be closed.
If you close the credit card, your Mileage Plan account itself does not close automatically, but you lose the benefit of keeping miles active through card spending. If your account then goes inactive, you risk losing unused miles. Before closing the card, consider whether you have miles you want to keep or redeem.
Comparing this card to other Alaska Airlines options and competitors
Alaska Airlines offers multiple versions of its credit card with different annual fees and benefits. The standard card has a lower annual fee and basic benefits, while premium versions have higher fees but include lounge access and other perks. Your choice depends on how often you fly and whether you value lounge access or other premium benefits.
If you do not fly Alaska Airlines regularly, a general travel rewards card from another issuer might earn more value across multiple airlines and travel categories. If you live outside Alaska Airlines' service area or rarely fly the airline, the card's benefits are limited. Compare the annual fee against the value of the free checked bag and any sign-up bonus before opening an account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to use the card to keep my miles from expiring?
No. Miles stay active as long as your Mileage Plan account has any activity within 24 months. This includes earning miles, redeeming miles, or holding an active credit card. If you close the card and your account goes inactive, miles can expire after 24 months of no activity.
Can I transfer miles to someone else or use them on a family member's ticket?
You can book a flight for a family member or friend using your miles, but you cannot transfer miles to another person's account. The miles must be used to purchase a ticket, and you book it through your own account. Some airlines allow mile transfers between family members, but Alaska Airlines does not.
What happens to my miles if I close the card?
Your miles remain in your Mileage Plan account after you close the card. However, without the card or other account activity, your account may become inactive after 24 months, and inactive miles can expire. If you have miles you want to keep, redeem them before closing the card or maintain account activity another way.
Is the sign-up bonus worth the annual fee?
That depends on the bonus amount and the annual fee. Calculate whether the bonus miles, combined with the value of the free checked bag over a year, exceed the annual cost. If you fly Alaska Airlines at least twice a year, the free checked bag typically covers the fee, making the bonus and other rewards additional value.
Can I use miles on airlines other than Alaska?
Yes. Alaska Airlines has airline partners, and you can transfer miles to partner airlines to book flights. The number of miles required and the availability of partner awards vary by airline and route. Check Alaska's partner list and search for partner flights through your Mileage Plan account to see what options are available.