The Guide to Alaska 100K

Alaska Airlines has historically only offered three elite status tiers. This changed with the introduction Alaska MVP 100K in 2021. It is now the top elite status tier at the Seattle-based airline.

Alaska 100K elite status is loaded with perks, including first-class upgrades on Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, free checked bags and lounge access. Alaska MVP elite status is very appealing to frequent fliers. There’s no spending requirement and Alaska doesn’t require any expenditure. This is our complete guide to Alaska’s MVP Gold 100K elite status.

Alaska 100K perks

If a loyalty program wants to offer a top-tier status to its members, it must justify the cost of making it possible for travelers to fly more to get it. That’s what Alaska did with the Alaska 100K perks. Here are some highlights of Alaska MVP Gold 100K elite status.

• 150% Mileage Bonus : Fly Alaska and its partners to earn 2.5x your base mileage.

• Alaska Airlines first-class upgrades: Book Y, B or H fares and get upgraded to first class. Clear upgrades up to 120 hours for all other fares, except “saver” basic economy tickets.

• Additional-legroom Alaskan seats: Book instantly to upgrade to Premium Class extra legroom seats — not available on basic economy tickets.

• Companion Upgrades: Upgrade to first or extra-legroom seating for one companion.

• First-class guest upgrades: Give up to four first class upgrades to passengers who aren’t flying with you.

• First class upgrades on American Airlines: Enjoy complimentary upgrades on domestic and international short-haul flights. These upgrades are prioritized after American Airlines Executive Platinum, Platinum Pro and elites.

• Additional-legroom American Airlines seats: Choose American Airlines Main Cabin Extra-legroom seating for no additional charge, starting at booking.

• Upgrades on American: In April, you will receive two systemwide upgrades to any American Airlines flight.

• Priority check in and boarding for Alaska or Oneworld partners

• Get three checked bags free with Alaska Airlines. Get an extra bag allowance on Oneworld airlines.

• Get four Alaska Lounge Day Passes for Free: You can use or gift as many Alaska Lounge Day Passes as you wish.

• Select airports have security lines

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  Standby for full flight requests.
  
  

• Upgrade not cleared? Enjoy a complimentary premium beverage on all flights exceeding 350 miles

• Free snack or meal in the main cabin Pre-order is required to receive fresh meals.

• Alaska Lounge Membership Discount: Get a $100 discount on Alaska Lounge or Lounge+ memberships.

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  Complimentary Same-Day Flight Changes
  
  

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  Priority call routing for customer service.
  
  

• Elite leave for new parents: Travel plans can be halted if there is a new member of the family. You don’t have to worry about losing your elite status if that happens. You can keep the elite status benefits that you have already earned for an additional year with Elite Leave.

The 100K Choice Benefit is the newest perk for Alaska 100K elite status. It was introduced in January 2023 with a selection deadline on Jan. 31. The new benefit offers Alaska MVP Gold 100K elites the option of choosing from four options:

• 50,000 Bonus miles : NerdWallet values starting at $600

• Alaska Lounge+ Membership : Otherwise, $550 for Mileage Plan Elites.

• Gifting MVP Silver Status : NerdWallet values up to $2160

• Free Wi-Fi : Valued at approximately $600

How to Earn Alaska 100K

Alaska Mileage Plan rewards frequent flyers, unlike airlines that have switched to points-based systems. Mileage Plan members must fulfill a segment or flight mileage requirement to earn Alaska MVP Gold 100K elite status.

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  100,000 elite-qualifying miles.
  

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  140 elite-qualifying segments.
  

Alaska Airlines flights earn at least 100% of their flight miles as qualifying miles. If you fly 100,000 miles with Alaska Airlines, you will earn at least 100,000 elite-qualifying points. Flying on other airlines can result in different earning rates. American Airlines offers cheap flights that earn elite qualifying miles for only one-quarter the miles flown.

Mileage Plan members must fly at least one Alaska Airlines flight to be eligible for MVP status. This is to ensure loyal flyers to Alaska Airlines. To earn MVP status, flyers must complete at least 24 qualifying segments on Alaska Airlines flights. This includes Horizon Air and SkyWest regional partners.

What is Alaska 100K worth in dollars?

NerdWallet recently found that Alaska MVP Gold 100K Elite provides an average of $8,300 worth of value to travelers who fly enough to earn it.

This makes Alaska 100K elite status, the most valuable top-tier elite status among all U.S.-based airlines. Alaska Airlines won the NerdWallet’s top award for best overall elite status program. Alaska 100K was tied for the most rewarding top tier elite status level.

Is it possible? The Alaska MVP elite status is a great way to maximize your travel expenses. Alaska Elite status does not require that travelers meet spending requirements, but we estimate that it takes around $12,000 for travelers to achieve Alaska 100K elite status. This status comes with a number of perks, including a salary of $8,300. This is a return of approximately 69% of your travel expenses.

Other information about Alaska 100K

In 2021, Alaska Airlines joined Oneworld Alliance. This means Alaska’s elite members can enjoy elite perks on all airlines, from American Airlines to SriLankan Airlines. Alaska MVP Gold 100K members receive Oneworld Emerald status, which grants them access to First-Class Lounges, First-Class Check-In, and Preferential Seats.

The Alaska Airlines Visa(r), credit card has been recently refreshed and offers elite-like perks such as priority boarding and a free checked bag. There are also valuable perks such as a Companion Fare.

But, Mileage Plan members who are loyal can’t use the card to get to Alaska 100K elite status.

Don’t forget the sign-up bonus! Get 70,000 bonus points and Alaska’s Famous Companion fare(tm), starting at $122 (99 fare plus taxes, fees, and charges starting from $23). You must spend $3,000 or more within the first 90 day of opening an account to be eligible.

Alaska status matches are available to travelers once in a lifetime. Status matches for Alaska 100K are not possible. Alaska MVP Gold 75K status matches are available at the highest tier.

Alaska Mileage Plan members receive lifetime Alaska MVP Gold 75K if they have earned two million eligible flight hours. However, that’s it. Alaska does not currently offer Alaska 100K for life.

Alaska 100K elite status recapped

The Alaska Airlines MVP Gold 100K elite top-tier status is accompanied by a host of valuable benefits, both for Alaska Airlines and its partners. For frequent flyers who cannot afford other airlines, Alaska 100K is the best top-tier elite status.

To earn 100K elite status, you must be loyal to Alaska and fly at least 24 flights on Alaska-operated flight routes. Alaska 100K status will be difficult for travelers who do not fly regularly on Alaska Airlines routes.

(Top Photo courtesy Alaska Airlines)