For some time, American Airlines’ strengthened relationship with Alaska Airlines had been all sunshine and roses. The two carriers enhanced their reciprocal elite upgrades in January, and our managing editor for information acquired the royal remedy on American Airlines as an Alaska Airlines MVP 100K. Likewise, some New York-based American elite members have acquired extra upgrades on Alaska’s transcontinental flights.
But on all journey after May 1, AAdvantage will slash mileage earnings on Alaska Airlines saver tickets by 60%, as AwardWallet first reported. Saver is Alaska’s model of fundamental economic system.
We’ve contacted American and Alaska for feedback and can replace the story once we hear again.
The adjustments
For all journey after May 1, AAdvantage will credit score Alaska Airlines saver tickets at a ten% foundation (as a substitute of 25%). Existing saver tickets (indicated by an X fare class) with journey dates after May 1 won’t be exempt from the lower.
Let’s check out what meaning for a one-way, 2,586-mile saver ticket from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK):
- Currently, basic AAdvantage members earn 647 miles (price $11.45 at our valuations) and Loyalty Points (25% of the space flown).
- From May 1, basic AAdvantage members will earn 259 miles (price $4.58 at our valuations) and Loyalty Points (10% of the space flown).
As it stood, 25% was already a stingy incomes price, however by dropping this to 10%, AAdvantage members will earn even much less on Alaska’s saver tickets.
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For now, Alaska saver tickets nonetheless earn the usual 100% mileage accruals should you fly together with your Alaska Mileage Plan quantity. However, should you’re an American elite member, you will should fly together with your AAdvantage quantity to obtain your perks.
Related: What is American Airlines elite standing price in 2023?
Bottom line
American can be reducing earnings from Alaska saver tickets. Earlier this month, AAdvantage’s 2023 elite standing yr kicked off with a requirement of 40,000 Loyalty Points for its entry-level AAdvantage Gold standing (a 33% improve from final yr’s Gold standing necessities).
By rising elite standing necessities and devaluing earnings on Alaska’s saver tickets, it is wanting prefer it’ll be tougher to qualify for AAdvantage standing.
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Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed listed here are the writer’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, airline or resort chain, and haven’t been reviewed, permitted or in any other case endorsed by any of those entities.