{"id":107744,"date":"2023-05-25T15:00:04","date_gmt":"2023-05-25T15:00:04","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/?p=107744"},"modified":"2026-04-08T13:46:36","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T13:46:36","slug":"lifetime-elite-status-improvements","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/news\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/lifetime-elite-status-improvements\/","title":{"rendered":"Alaska Airlines Makes Significant Improvements to Lifetime Elite Status"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Each year, many travelers aim to achieve elite status with an airline. However, many programs offer an even more prestigious level to aspire to: lifetime elite status. This coveted status is reserved for the most dedicated frequent flyers. <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan<\/a> is one loyalty program that offers this valuable benefit.<\/p>\n<p>This week, Alaska Airlines made some exciting changes to its lifetime elite status program. These changes are great news for those who attain lifetime elite status with the airline.<\/p>\n<p>These changes significantly enhance Alaska Airlines' lifetime elite status with new benefits for members. Here are the highlights of these program improvements and how you can earn Alaska Airlines' lifetime elite status in the first place.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_107779\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"600\/340\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-107779 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/first-class-most-legroom.jpeg\" alt=\"A stock image of Alaska Airlines first class cabin.\" width=\"600\" height=\"340\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/first-class-most-legroom.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/first-class-most-legroom-300x170.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/first-class-most-legroom-768x435.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><center><em>First class upgrades are just that start for Mileage Plan lifetime elites. (Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines)<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<h2><span id=\"How_to_Earn_Alaska_Airlines_Mileage_Plan_Lifetime_Elite_Status\">How to Earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Lifetime Elite Status<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>For those unfamiliar with Alaska's million miler program, this is a tier earned by its most frequent of frequent flyers. But, if you're interested in pursuing Mileage Plan lifetime elite status, you need to keep one very crucial aspect in mind. <strong>Both one- and two-million-miler status is earned exclusively through flights on Alaska Airlines.<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>To clarify, you can't obtain these coveted statuses other than through base miles earned from flights on Alaska Airlines. Flights on partner airlines and bonus miles earned as an elite member do not count toward million miler status.<\/p>\n<p>Before the recent round of program improvements, the main benefits of Mileage Plan lifetime elite status were:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Travelers that achieved one million mile status received lifetime MVP Gold status<\/li>\n<li>Travelers that achieved two million mile status received lifetime MVP Gold 75K status<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Both MVP Gold and Gold 75K statuses alone are phenomenal. In short, both tiers offer members numerous benefits, including first-class upgrades. And after another recent change, <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/alaska-saver-fare\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Airlines elites now get upgrades on basic economy tickets<\/a>.<\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_107778\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img data-aspectratio=\"750\/422\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-107778 lazyload\" data-src=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/8697_ak_loyaltycards_16x9_mbr_m1b-e1455320643478.webp\" alt=\"A stock image of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite status membership cards.\" width=\"750\" height=\"422\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/8697_ak_loyaltycards_16x9_mbr_m1b-e1455320643478.webp 1750w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/8697_ak_loyaltycards_16x9_mbr_m1b-e1455320643478-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/8697_ak_loyaltycards_16x9_mbr_m1b-e1455320643478-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/8697_ak_loyaltycards_16x9_mbr_m1b-e1455320643478-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/8697_ak_loyaltycards_16x9_mbr_m1b-e1455320643478-1536x864.webp 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px\" \/><center><em>Members that achieved one and two million miler status have always received Mileage Plan elite status. Now, they'll also receive some added benefits. (Image courtesy of Alaska Airlines)<\/em><\/enter><\/figure>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a0<\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/news\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/alaska-saver-fare\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Airlines Makes Changes to Saver Fares<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"Alaska_Airlines_Mileage_Plan_Lifetime_Elite_Status_Improvements\">Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Lifetime Elite Status Improvements<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Thanks to the recent program improvements, <strong>one- and two-million-mile flyers will receive additional benefits.<\/strong> Here are the highlights:<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Annual_Status_Boost\"><strong>Annual Status Boost<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>To motivate travelers to work towards the next elite status tier, one and two-million-mile flyers will start the year already well on their way to reaching the next tier.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>One million mile members will start with 20,000 elite qualifying miles<\/li>\n<li>Two million mile members will start with 40,000 elite qualifying miles<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>With the annual status boost, members with 1 million mile status will only need to earn 55,000 (vs. 75,000) elite qualifying miles to reach MVP Gold 75K status. Two million mile flyers will only need to earn 60,000 (vs. 100,000) elite qualifying miles to reach MVP Gold 100K status &#8212; the airline\u2019s highest elite tier.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Share_Your_Status_Within_Your_Household\"><strong>Share Your Status Within Your Household<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Alaska Airlines million mile members can now share their elite status with someone in their household. Members can share either their lifetime or annual status with someone in their household, whichever is greater.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Prioritized_Upgrades\"><strong>Prioritized Upgrades<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>One and two million milers will also enjoy priority on upgrade lists. For example, Alaska Airlines will still prioritize one million mile members with MVP Gold status over other non-million-mile members with the same status. One caveat here is that passengers who book into higher fare classes will still receive priority over one- and two-million-mile flyers.<\/p>\n<h3><span id=\"Increased_Loyalty_Recognition\"><strong>Increased Loyalty Recognition<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Travelers with one and two million miler status will also receive more recognition for achieving those milestones. Call center agents and flight attendants will now be able to see which travelers hold lifetime status. In turn, they will be able to recognize these travelers both on the phone and in-flight.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Related:\u00a0<\/strong><a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/best-use-of-alaska-miles\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Award Chart Sweet Spots<\/a><\/p>\n<h2><span id=\"The_Bottom_Line\">The Bottom Line<\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Alaska Airlines has now introduced significant improvements to its lifetime elite status program. Lifetime elite status &#8212; which is reserved for the most dedicated frequent flyers &#8212; already offered remarkable benefits to members. Now, recent changes mean added benefits for <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"\/airlines\/alaska-atmos-rewards\/\" rel=\"noopener\">Mileage Plan members<\/a> who have achieved one and two million miler status.<\/p>\n<p>These program enhancements include an annual status boost, status sharing with someone within your household, and additional status recognition, both on the ground and in-flight.<\/p>\n<p><em>What do you make of Alaska Airlines' improvements to its lifetime elite status tiers? Do you hold lifetime elite status with any loyalty programs?<\/em><\/p>\n<div id=\"ftoc\"><div id=\"toc_container\" class=\"toc_light_blue no_bullets\"><p class=\"toc_title\">Page Contents<\/p><ul class=\"toc_list\"><li><a href=\"#How_to_Earn_Alaska_Airlines_Mileage_Plan_Lifetime_Elite_Status\">How to Earn Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Lifetime Elite Status<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Alaska_Airlines_Mileage_Plan_Lifetime_Elite_Status_Improvements\">Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Lifetime Elite Status Improvements<\/a><ul><li><a href=\"#Annual_Status_Boost\">Annual Status Boost<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Share_Your_Status_Within_Your_Household\">Share Your Status Within Your Household<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Prioritized_Upgrades\">Prioritized Upgrades<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#Increased_Loyalty_Recognition\">Increased Loyalty Recognition<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li><a href=\"#The_Bottom_Line\">The Bottom Line<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Alaska Airlines just made some significant changes to the airline&#8217;s lifetime elite status program. Mileage Plan members who fly one and two million miles with Alaska Airlines will now enjoy some added benefits. Here&#8217;s what one and two million mile flyers \u2014 and those aspiring to this status \u2014 need to know about these improvements.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":56,"featured_media":107772,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","_wpscppro_dont_share_socialmedia":false,"_wpscppro_custom_social_share_image":0,"_facebook_share_type":"","_twitter_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type":"","_pinterest_share_type":"","_linkedin_share_type_page":"","_instagram_share_type":"","_medium_share_type":"","_threads_share_type":"","_google_business_share_type":"","_selected_social_profile":[],"_wpsp_enable_custom_social_template":false,"_wpsp_social_scheduling":{"enabled":false,"datetime":null,"platforms":[],"status":"template_only","dateOption":"today","timeOption":"now","customDays":"","customHours":"","customDate":"","customTime":"","schedulingType":"absolute"},"_wpsp_active_default_template":true},"categories":[12069],"tags":[12770,12622],"coauthors":[36401],"class_list":["post-107744","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news","tag-alaska-mileage-plan","tag-elite-status"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/107744","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/56"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=107744"}],"version-history":[{"count":27,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/107744\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":255878,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/107744\/revisions\/255878"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/107772"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=107744"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=107744"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=107744"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/awardwallet.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=107744"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}