Alaska Modifying Mileage Plan Around Fare Class & Delta

Alaska Airlines announced changes to its Mileage Plan that include increased bonuses based on booking class and reduced credit for flying on Delta Air Lines

Loyal Alaska Airlines flyers enrolled in the carrier’s Mileage Plan will soon see changes to the way they earn miles. The airline announced the changes, which will go into effect January 1, 2015, on their blog Wednesday.

The Mileage Plan changes revolve around bonuses on fare classes while flying Alaska. The bonuses range from 25 percent on certain discounted fares, to up to 75 percent on first class tickets. Mileage Plan members who have achieved the top-tier MVP Gold 75K status will receive a 125 percent bonus on all flights on Alaska and partner airlines.

Mileage Plan flyers who regularly travel with Delta Air Lines in economy class will notice a reduction on their mileage earnings. Many economy classes will be reduced from full credit, down to just a fraction of actual flying miles. Economy seats in class E service will be reduced from 100 percent of miles flown to only 25 percent of miles flown, while seats in most other economy classes of service will be reduced from 100 percent of miles flown to 50 or 75 percent of miles flown.

Those flying in business or first class on Delta will see their Mileage Plan earnings change as well, based on the class of service purchased. Flyers in first class on booking code “G” will notice a reduction of miles earned by 25 percent, while flyers on full-fare first class and all business class seats will see an increase on their earnings.

The changes come on the heels of increased competition between the airlines at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), which serves as Alaska’s main hub. Delta recently increased its focus on the airport, announcing plans to operate as many as 30 gates.

[Photo: Alaska Airlines]