Many travel loyalty programs provide the chance to achieve lifetime elite status. Typically, elite status must be obtained yearly, so it’s certainly convenient to no longer fret about requalifying for status.
In this article, I will explore how Alaska Atmos Rewards lifetime status functions. Although Alaska may not be as internationally widespread as the “big three” US airlines, it is part of the oneworld alliance and has an appealing lifetime recognition program.
How to achieve Alaska Atmos Rewards lifetime status
The million miler program of Alaska Atmos Rewards is gratifying, though attaining lifetime status can be tough. This is because only revenue miles earned through “butt-in-seat” travel on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines count towards lifetime status, indicating a significant level of commitment and loyalty is necessary. Atmos Rewards features two lifetime status tiers, so let’s discuss the specifics of each.
Lifetime Atmos Rewards Gold status (one million miler)
Those who achieve one million miler status with Alaska Airlines earn Atmos Rewards Gold status for life, along with status for a companion. Gold status is among Alaska’s mid-tier elite qualifications, making it quite valuable, especially since it also includes oneworld Sapphire status. Keep in mind that million milers enjoy upgrade priority over others within the same elite tier and fare class who are not million milers.
Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to select a one-time gift from a customized catalog, which will be sent to you via email upon attaining the status.
Lifetime Atmos Rewards Platinum status (two million miler)
Individuals who reach two million miler status with Alaska Airlines receive Atmos Rewards Platinum status for life, including status for a companion. This represents Alaska’s second highest elite tier, following Atmos Rewards Titanium status. Platinum status brings oneworld Emerald status, which is my preferred alliance elite tier. Remember that million milers have upgrade priority over others in the same elite tier and fare class who are not million milers.
Alaska’s million miler status points enhancement
Alaska Airlines also awards million milers additional status points annually. Those who earn one million miler status obtain 20,000 bonus status points each year, while those achieving two million miler status receive 40,000 bonus status points annually.
This can be extremely useful when attempting to reach an elite category higher than your lifetime status or when looking to unlock milestone perks.
Alaska’s million miler companion benefit
Million milers with Alaska Airlines can extend their status to someone within their household. They can share either their higher lifetime elite status or their earned status for a specific year. In essence, if you achieved Atmos Rewards Titanium status for a particular year, you could share that with a companion. The companion benefit can be requested through this link and will automatically renew every January.
Alaska Atmos Rewards lifetime status FAQs
While the prior sections detail the essentials of Alaska’s million miler program, let me address some common questions people have about the program.
What is counted towards Atmos Rewards million miler status?
Only paid, “butt-in-seat” miles on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are counted towards million miler status. Flights on partner airlines, bonuses for class of service, award flights, etc., do not contribute to lifetime status (even though award flights may accrue status points in their own right).
Can lifetime Atmos Rewards status be earned through credit card spending?
No, lifetime status can only be earned based on the miles you fly on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Although spending on Alaska’s co-branded credit cards can accumulate status points, it does not contribute to lifetime status.
How can you monitor your Atmos Rewards million miler status progress?
By logging into your Atmos Rewards account and scrolling down, you will find a section that displays your “Million miler milestone” progress, indicating your lifetime miles towards million miler status and the duration of your membership in the program.
Do Atmos Rewards million miler miles have an expiration date?
Miles earned toward million miler status will continue to accumulate throughout the life of your account. Unlike status points, they do not reset each calendar year.
Additionally, please note that million miler miles are entirely separate from redeemable points, as you cannot utilize million miler miles for anything. It’s merely a record of the total revenue miles you’ve flown with Alaska Airlines over the years.
Can lifetime Atmos Rewards Titanium status be earned?
While Alaska Airlines permits members to achieve top-tier Atmos Rewards Titanium status on a yearly basis, there is currently no option to earn lifetime Titanium status. This feature may be introduced in the future but is not available at this time.
What advantages come with Atmos Rewards Gold & Platinum status?
What are the perks associated with Atmos Rewards elite status? Some of the most sought-after benefits of Atmos Rewards Gold status include:
– Complimentary upgrades to first class up to 72 hours prior to departure, inclusive of companions
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