Originally Posted by
above4
Are there any airlines in the USA, or elsewhere, who do not impose a PQD minimum in order to obtain status and reach levels in their frequent flier program?
Alaska is still distance based and would work with top tier at 75K if you fly just Alaska, or 90K if you mix Alaska and partners. Alaska-only really only works well if you're based on the west coast with SEA and SFO being their biggest hubs for transcons and Hawaii flights. Partners can accrue from zero to 100% EQM in economy based on distance flown, with higher accrual rates in other classes, but you'd need to look at their partner list to see if they work for you at the fare you buy.
Not a lot of elite benefits with partners, though. Probably the biggest is lounge access with Qantas and some limited access with BA.