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The end of the year is fast approaching, and that means you're running short on time to re-qualify for your airline and hotel elite status goals. If you're a bit short on Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) with Alaska Mileage Plan, rather than booking a mileage run, consider supporting Sustainable Aviation Fuel to earn EQMs instead.
Through the end of the year, Mileage Plan members can earn Elite Qualifying Miles toward elite status by contributing to Alaska Airlines' investment in and purchase of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). For those who are short on miles, the ease of earnings, cost, and the fact you're supporting a good cause might make for a winning combination.
What Is Sustainable Aviation Fuel?
Sustainable Aviation Fuel is fuel made from non-traditional sources, such as forestry waste and used cooking oils. While this fuel type is more expensive than traditional jet fuel, it has the advantage of being compatible with current airplane mechanics, unlike other fuel types being developed.
However, since SAF is more expensive than traditional jet fuel, it's less commonly used in planes.
Alaska Airlines Elite Qualifying Miles for SAF Contributions
Through December 31, 2024, you can earn 500 Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs) toward Alaska Mileage Plan elite status for each $100 you contribute toward Alaska's SAF goals — up to 5,000 EQMs.
This opportunity presents an easy way to earn a bundle of EQMs with little effort. You can make a purchase by clicking this link — no leaving home and getting on an airplane required.
Terms and conditions
- Earn 500 Elite Qualifying Miles for each $100 contributed toward Alaska's Sustainable Aviation Fuel program.
- Offer available through December 31, 2024.
- Members must include their Alaska Mileage Plan number at checkout to receive credit.
- You can earn a maximum of 5,000 EQMs through this offer.
- You will not earn redeemable miles for award travel, and EQMs count only for the year in which SAF contributions are made.
- The contribution page estimates the amount of carbon offsets achieved through your donation; this doesn't provide anything you can claim later on.
- EQMs are not redeemable.
- Allow up to four weeks for your EQMs to post to your account.
- Click here to make a contribution and earn EQMs.
Earn EQMs Through Alaska Credit Card Spending
If you're still short the EQMs necessary for that next elite status tier, remember that you can earn Alaska EQMs from credit card spending. Through December 31, 2024, you'll earn 4,000 EQMs for every $10,000 you spend combined on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card. You can earn up to 20,000 EQMs from card spending this year.
Unlike with the SAF contribution, you'll earn valuable Mileage Plan miles on your credit card purchases.
Bottom Line
There are two ways to look at an offer like this. On the one hand, you're supporting the development of Sustainable Aviation Fuel while also earning Elite Qualifying Miles in a simple way that might also be cheaper than your remaining options between now and the end of the year, due to expensive travel around the holidays.
On the other hand, you're spending money to achieve elite status without actually getting any travel from it. More or less, you're buying your way up to the next elite status tier. Are the benefits you'll get next year, thanks to your elite status tier, going to be worth more than that? Ensure they are before you pull out your wallet.
See here for other ways to earn airline elite status without flying.
Show me how
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