anythursday

I'm really new to Emirates/Alaska.

So, I've been hearing you can bank Emirates miles on Alaska. But I've also heard that you only get 50% of the miles. Does anyone know more about it?

Also, if I transfer my miles to Alaska, will that mean I won't qualify for the silver skywards status?

puls

Almost universally, you can't transfer miles from one program to another. What you can do in this case is earn Alaska miles instead of Emirates miles for your trips on Emirates.

Discounted economy fares on Emirates earn 50% of miles flown when crediting to Alaska Mileage Plan. Full-fare economy earns 100%, business class 125%, and first class 150%. See https://www.alaskaair.com/content/mi.../emirates.aspx.

Likewise, if you're earning Alaska miles instead of Emirates miles, you'll earn credit towards Alaska status instead of Emirates status.

anythursday

Oh thank you for clarifying. I'm currently located in HKG. I'll only travel for pleasure to Europe probably 2-3 times a year. Would it be worthwhile to transfer miles to Alaska or Emirates? I will only be flying economy. The pro of Emirates would be the use of the lounge after making 25,000. But, would I be able to easily "match" that if I go with Alaska?

eponymous_coward

I don't think you quite understand this. When flying you get to choose which program you credit, Alaska or Emirates. It is a one time choice each flight. There is no transfer involved. If you choose to credit your 25,000 partner miles to Alaska you will not get lounge privileges on Emirates, nor can you transfer those miles later to Emirates to get lounge privileges.

Alaska Airlines is probably not a good choice for someone based in HKG and primarily traveling to Europe on Emirates and wishing to redeem on Emirates, given the very high Emirates redemption levels now implemented and an inability to redeem on Emirates for itineraries that do not touch the United States- you could redeem for Hong Kong-New York but not London. You WOULD have the ability to redeem for Cathay Pacific to Europe, but Alaska is a program intended primarily for people flying an airline based in the USA. There are some severe limitations on using it outside the USA.