Maximize Your Travel: A Guide to Earning Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Points

Alaska Airlines has recently launched its much-anticipated loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. This new program, which went live in August, brings a host of exciting benefits and a flexible approach to earning points and elite status. While it introduces several changes from the previous Mileage Plan program, it maintains Alaska’s award chart for redemptions.

If you’re eager to start earning Atmos Rewards points for your next travel adventure, here’s everything you need to know.

Key Features of Atmos Rewards

Starting October 1, Hawaiian Airlines will fully integrate into the Atmos Rewards program, allowing members to earn and redeem points seamlessly across both airlines. Alaska Airlines partners with over 30 airlines, including members of the Oneworld alliance, enabling you to earn Atmos Rewards points through various travel options, although not all partners offer award redemptions.

Currently, the Atmos Rewards program employs a distance-based points-earning structure. However, by 2026, members will have the option to choose between three methods for earning points: distance-based, spending-based, or segment-based. This flexibility allows you to select the method that best aligns with your travel habits.

For instance, if you book a one-way nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), covering a distance of approximately 2,421 miles in economy fare class Y for $200, your points earned will vary based on the earning method you choose.

Choosing Your Earning Method

It’s essential to consider which earning method will be most advantageous for your travel plans. If you frequently fly short, nonstop domestic routes under 500 miles, the segment-based approach may yield better rewards. Conversely, if you often purchase cash tickets or hold an Atmos Rewards cobranded credit card, the spending-based method might be more beneficial. You can change your selected method once per calendar year, with the default being the spending-based option.

All elite members of Atmos Rewards earn bonus points on flights, including those with Alaska’s extensive network of partner airlines. The number of bonus points varies according to your elite status tier.

Credit Card Benefits

In conjunction with the launch of Atmos Rewards, Alaska Airlines has revamped its cobranded credit cards, introducing a new premium card that offers substantial welcome bonuses in Atmos Rewards points and valuable companion certificates. These cards also provide perks such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and inflight discounts, while earning status points toward your next elite tier.

Hawaiian Airlines will also offer two credit cards that will integrate with Atmos Rewards starting October 1. Currently, HawaiianMiles can be transferred to Atmos Rewards at a 1:1 ratio, but this will change when the integration is complete.

Point Transfers and Sharing

Alaska Airlines has maintained its transfer partners, allowing you to transfer points from Bilt Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy to Atmos Rewards. While Bilt Points can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio, they do not qualify for Atmos status points. If you hold the Atmos Rewards Summit or Ascent cards, you can earn 3 Atmos Rewards points for every dollar spent on eligible rent through Bilt, up to $50,000 per calendar year.

Marriott Bonvoy members can transfer points to Alaska Airlines at a 3:1 ratio, along with a bonus of 5,000 miles for every 60,000 points transferred. Although this may seem less favorable, it can still be beneficial in certain situations.

Atmos Rewards also allows you to transfer points to friends and family for a fee of $10 per 1,000 points. This feature is particularly useful for pooling points for significant redemptions, making the Atmos Rewards Summit card an appealing option for families and groups.

Business Travel Options

For businesses, Alaska Airlines offers a rewards program called EasyBiz, which enables companies to earn Atmos Rewards points on employee travel in addition to personal loyalty accounts. Businesses can earn 1 Atmos Rewards point per dollar spent on base airfare and access various travel management tools.

While EasyBiz will soon be rebranded as Atmos for Business, you can currently explore the new portal using your existing EasyBiz credentials.

Earning Points Beyond Flying

Atmos Rewards provides numerous opportunities to earn points outside of air travel. Through Alaska Vacations, members can book hotels and earn 1 point per dollar spent at nearly one million properties worldwide. Additionally, every $3,000 spent through non-air bookings earns you 1,000 status points.

Members can also earn points through car rentals with Alaska Car Rentals and its partners, as well as through Alaska Airlines’ cruise booking platform, which offers 1 point per dollar spent on cruise purchases.

Everyday Earning Opportunities

Beyond travel, Atmos Rewards allows you to accumulate points through everyday purchases. The Atmos Rewards Shopping portal enables members to earn points at over 1,100 online retailers when they shop through the portal. Installing the Atmos Rewards Shopping button on your browser can alert you to points-earning opportunities at your favorite stores.

Atmos Rewards Dining is another avenue to earn points. By linking a credit card to your account and dining at participating restaurants, you can earn up to 5 points per dollar spent, depending on your membership status. Signing up for email alerts can elevate you to Select member status, which offers 3 points per dollar spent.

Buying Points and Promotions

If you find yourself short on Atmos Rewards points, you can purchase them at a rate of 3.5 cents each. While this may not be the most economical option, it can be worthwhile for reaching a redemption threshold, particularly if you can take advantage of promotional offers.

With so many ways to earn Atmos Rewards points—from flying to everyday spending—it’s easier than ever to accumulate enough points for remarkable travel experiences, such as flying business class to Japan.

In summary, the Atmos Rewards program offers a flexible and rewarding approach to loyalty for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines travelers. By considering your travel habits and preferences, you can maximize your points earning potential and enjoy a wealth of benefits, making your travel experiences even more rewarding.