Step right up, Alaska Air! They are the next major US airline to assure members that they will have their coveted status guaranteed for another year. Here is the information on that, which is great news since Alaska Air has an amazing frequent flyer program and they will be joining Oneworld next year!
Alaska Airlines Elite Status Extending Until the End of 2021
While Delta and United have already made their status extension updates, Alaska’s update is actually a bit more interesting. It means that current Alaska elite members have their status locked in until the oneworld alliance integration kicks off next July. This will be huge for those members and be an encouragement to them to keep going with Alaska.
Here is what Alaska says about their status extensions.
Will you be extending elite status?
Yes! Your current Mileage Plan status will be extended through December 31, 2021. That status will unlock even more benefits as we inch closer to our oneworld® launch in summer 2021.
What about companion certificates?
All companion certificates set to expire in 2020 will be extended. You’ll now have until December 31, 2020 to purchase new travel through November 26, 2021.
With the extension of my status through 2021, will all usual tier benefits apply?
All status benefits will apply, with the exception of the 50,000 bonus miles associated with earned 75K status. Look for more details in a few weeks with info on how 75K members can earn additional bonus miles for travel this year.
I don’t have elite status but was hoping to earn it this year. Will elite tier qualification requirements be adjusted for those trying to earn elite for the first time?
Tier qualification requirements are not being adjusted at this time, but look for more information over the coming weeks on ways you can earn additional elite-qualifying miles this year.
What About Status Challenges?
This is one that is very special since status challenges normally expire much sooner than this generous extension – Alaska says, “Members who enrolled in a status match challenge between December 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 will have their trial status extended through the end of 2021.”
Great news indeed!
Also, great news for all of those Alaska credit card holders with companion certificates! You now get an extra year out of them so it will be great for when we all take to the skies once again!
To see more information about things like changes and cancellations, check out this page.
Featured image courtesy of Chris Parypa Photography via Shutterstock