Alaska Airlines mileage plan moved from a three-tier elite program to a four-tier elite program when the airline joined Oneworld in 2021. The new 100K elite status introduced for the 2022 program year was not very well received. Yet, with tons of covid promotions, it made it very easy to earn 100k elite status. Therefore, the benefits for 100K elites during the 2022 program year were fairly weak. Offering little incentive for travelers. Yet, now, as promised Alaska Airlines is introducing new benefits for 100K elites membership for the 2023 program year
New 100K Elite Benefits
As part of the newly introduced 100K elite tier level, qualifying members can choose one of four options as an 100K choice benefit
- 50,000 Bonus Miles
- Alaska Lounge+ Membership
- Gifting MVP Gold Status
- Complimentary Wi-Fi every time you fly on us
100K elites must make their selections before January 31, 2023 and cannot be changed after selection. If elites do not select a choice benefit, no benefit will be rewarded. Also note, if you select the Alaska Lounge+ membership, current members will not receive a refund. Therefore, this may be a poor selection for current lounge members.
These benefits equate to an additional $500 in value to Alaska Airlines top tier elites. As that’s the going cost for Alaska Lounge+ membership. Alaska’s wifi is about $8 per segment now or free with say T-Mobile. With that in mind, I will opt for the 50,000 miles for my mvp gold 100k choice benefit, as I can usually get more than $500 in value via a premium flight redemption.
All benefits are valid for the program year, running through December 31, 2023. This means those selecting lounge membership or complimentary Wi-Fi will only enjoy this benefit through the end of 2023, not longer.
Finally note, these benefits are only valid for those who earn and fly 100,000 elite qualifying miles before 12/31/2022.
Bottom Line
When Alaska Airlines announced the new Mvp Gold 100k status, they also said additional benefits would be announced later in 2022. The new benefits are here and fall in line what most major air carriers offer to their top customers. It is sad to see that Alaska is still not offering their top elites a real meal in coach, but instead only a $2.99 snack. Hopefully, this is not the end of Elite benefits to be announced for 2023. Yet, then again it may be. With fewer elite mileage promotions in 2022 there should be fewer 100K elites in 2022 and more 100K elite upgrades.
