Alaska Airlines is changing its rewards program. Here’s how.
Aug 21, 2025, 5:02 AM
The Alaska Airlines logo is displayed in front of a ticket counter at San Francisco International Airport on June 04, 2025 in San Francisco, California. (Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
(Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images)
Alaska Airlines is announcing a new rewards program and premium VISA card, as the Seattle-based carrier grows its global markets and integrates with recently acquired Hawaiian Airlines.
The loyalty program, which will cover existing Alaska and Hawaiian mileage programs, has been rebranded as “Atmos.” It’s short for atmosphere.
Members will be earning “points” instead of miles, and they’ll have some flexibility in how to earn them.
“Fly far? Earn by distance traveled. Spend more? Earn by price you paid. Fly a lot of short hops? Earn by segments flown,” Ben Minicucci, CEO and president of Alaska Air Group, said in a video announcing the new flexible plan.
The airline said the program is a “first” for any global airline and will be available in 2026.
RELATED STORIES
Alaska Airlines announces new premium card
The new premium card, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card, will unleash a slew of additional perks, including a chance to earn points faster, ticket upgrades, and increased access to lounges, according to the airline.
It also includes a global companion fare — like the current program, you buy a ticket, and your friend gets to fly at a reduced price.
With a $395 annual fee, the new premium card isn’t cheap, but Alaska Airlines apparently sees a demand for it as the carrier expands its global reach.
The company said it will continue to offer its Alaska Airlines Visa card, but it’s being rebranded as Atmos Rewards Visa. If you’re a current cardholder, your account number and benefits will stay the same, and you don’t have to take any action.
If you’re an Alaska Mileage Plan member, you are automatically an Atmos Rewards member. Your mileage numbers and benefits remain the same, and there’s no need for you to do anything, according to the Alaska Airlines announcement.
If you’re a Hawaiian Miles member, your miles will transition into Atmos Rewards on October 1, and you will receive a new account number. But Alaska Airlines said you won’t have to take any action if you have a Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard. The name and benefits will stay the same.
Alaska Airlines also shared that Atmos Rewards members will have access to free in-flight ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi beginning in 2026.
“Atmos Rewards is a reflection of who we are and where we’re headed,” Minicucci said.
Read more of Heather Bosch’s stories here.
Follow @http://www.twitter.com/heatherbosch
