Alaska Airlines Launches MVP Gold 100K in 2022

Seattle, USA - April 28, 2012: Alaska Airlines jet at the D Concourse being loaded with passengers and luggage.

Alaska Airlines’ most loyal flyers will be treated to a new level of elite status starting in the new year. In a quiet announcement on their website, the carrier announced a new top-tier level, MVP Gold 100K, an award for those who fly 100,000 miles in a calendar year or 140 qualifying segments.

For those who fly exclusively and extensively on Alaska Airlines, a new tier level is waiting for you. In a quiet announcement made on their website, the Seattle-based carrier announced a new status launching in January 2022: MVP Gold 100K.

New Level Available to Flyers at 100,000 Miles, But Few New Benefits Announced

Alaska Mileage Plan flyers will reach the MVP 100K level once they have flown 100,000 miles with the carrier and its partners in a calendar year or completed 140 qualifying flight segments. Of those, at least 24 flights must be flown aboard Alaska-operated flights.

While the new tier aligns with the elite programs of the major elite airlines, Alaska has not yet announced many new benefits for the tier. The new top-tier flyers will get a 150% bonus towards Million Miler status on all flights and will get the most opportunities to upgrade on most flights. MVP Gold 100K flyers will also get companion upgrades to first class and premium class, as do current MVP Gold flyers. The key unique benefit so far is that MVP Gold 100K elites will get two one-way international certificate upgrades on partner American Airlines, as well as a complimentary drink and snack when flying in the main cabin.

The new tier also aligns with their new membership in the global Oneworld alliance. As most airlines have four elite tiers, Alaska’s program now fits with the program. Both MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K members will both get Oneworld’s highest alliance tier, Emerald.

The airline notes more benefits will be announced later in 2022, with status starting in time for the 2023 elite year.

Announcement Latest Shift in Loyalty Program Landscape

The moves are among several in the past year to attract frequent travelers to invest their time and money with a single airline loyalty program. In October 2020, Spirit Airlines announced an overhaul to the Free Spirit Loyalty program to attract new flyers, while Radisson Rewards split their program in two to focus on North American and Global markets in April 2021.

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