Fast Track Earning Alaska Airlines Points with Betsey from @heralaskatravels | Ep 181

[@Sultan-nx4iz]

FYI, two corrections: million milers get 20,000 EQMs per year (not 40,000). Two million milers get 40,000 EQMs per year. The EQMs are not spendable miles but help with your status (not mentioned). The credit card spend bonus is 4,000 (not 2,000) EQMs per $10,000 spent. Although not mentioned one way or the other the bonuses are thresholds and not pro-rated, so for example if you spend $9,000 you get zero; if you spend $10,000 then you get 4000 EQMs.

[@geobreezetravel]

Thank you!!

[@DanielRall]

It was 2k miles per $10k spend across all your cobranded cards _last year_ (including biz cards), and Alaska doubled the earning to 4k for the same spend for 2024. (Love this! I'll be maxing this out this year.)

[@Heralaskatravels]

Thank you!! I believe that the article I read was wrong, I noticed this after we filmed, glad we cleared this one up too.

[@michaeldeeds8089]

This has literally been one of the most valuable podcast/KZbin episodes I have listened to in 2024. Two additional thoughts: 1) if you use Citi Custom Cash as your Safeway Card, you can get 5x Citi points plus Alaska miles for Safeway transactions (I’ve calculated as much as 23.5X return, even assuming Alaska miles are only 1 cpp); 2) changes in Alaska Airlines rules re accrual of loyalty points toward MVP status using Alaska miles in 2025 are going to make this even more valuable. Like seriously more valuable.

[@geobreezetravel]

Glad it was helpful for you! Great tip with the Citi Custom Cash!

[@jasonlaw1079]

It's 100 points for 100 AS miles, 200 pts for 250, 300 pts for 400, 400 pts for 600, 500 pts for 850, 700 pts for 1300. You can only buy 1 each reward denomination per week. So that's 3500 miles for 2200 points per week. If GCs regularly earn 2x points, you'll need $19k spend to earn a 60k reward flight. A little less if you only redeem 700 pts at once. The 8x or 10x point promotions reduces it to about $3-$4k spend. Less than that during the 3x reward earning weeks. Also, unless you have their membership plan, points expire the month after they were earned.

[@geobreezetravel]

thanks for this clarification!

[@deliverydoctor]

This is so confusing. Are you saying 1 Safeway Reward = 100 Alaska Air points = 100 AS miles? Which points expire after 1 month -- Safeway or Alaska?

[@deliverydoctor]

Nevermind. I found the answer. So, 1 Safeway point for each dollar spend. Need at least 100 Safeway points to redeem the Alaska Air miles. I am assuming Safeway points expire the month after you earned them (if not redeemed).

[@pointsdexter73]

Great tips I’ve never heard about. Thanks Julia!

[@geobreezetravel]

anytime! thank you for tuning in every week!

[@ileshpatel390]

Just got my Alaska card so perfect timing with some great tips!

[@geobreezetravel]

yay!! So many great sweet spots with Alaska!

[@ScottyOutdoorAdventures]

Love Alaska Airlines, Thanks for these great tips

[@geobreezetravel]

anytime! glad you enjoyed!

[@tonymnla]

I've downloaded the CARRS app, connected it to my Safeway/Vons account. Now I'm trying to see where I connect my Alaska Miles account. Any info you can share on where this is done?

[@loloi]

It seems that if you have an existing Safeway/Vons account, the CARRS app would always revert to Safeway/Vons because it's connected to your phone number. Youl would need to have started with a CARRS account, which you will then be able to use at any Albertsons group grocery. It seems like to be able to do this, you would have to either delte you Safeway/Vons account so that you can use your phone number to create a new CARRS account, or if you have another phone number, create a new CARRS account with that. I've been trying to do this with my ACME Markets account (another Albertson group). I'll use my husbands number instead since it's not connected to any of the other Albertson groceries.

[@tonymnla]

@@loloi Thank you! I'll give it a shot!

[@loloi]

@@tonymnla I'll try it myself too. I stilll have rewards with my current ACME markets account so I'll try the switch as soon as I redeem them.

[@ellenmcgregor6258]

Just found out you have to put in an Alaska zip code for the option to show up

[@tonymnla]

@@ellenmcgregor6258 in CARRS app or in Safeway app?

[@Sultan-nx4iz]

Thanks for posting this useful video. Thank you also for covering Alaska Airlines with frequency; it's often overlooked and is a great value airline.

[@geobreezetravel]

For sure! I think a lot of people don't cover Alaska since it's not a major transfer partner with credit cards that pay out a lot of commissions to influencers and bloggers, but it's a fantastic program for maximizing points!

[@stevenbutler48]

Does it work with Albertsons since they own Safeway?

[@stevenbutler48]

Seems you have to have an Alaskan address to do this.

[@loloi]

@@stevenbutler48 It looke like you just need a fresh CARRS account. I have been able to use my local ACME markets (another Albertsons supermarket) at other Albertsons supermarkets, and the rewards went to my ACME markets' reward structure. If you already have an Albertsoons account, CARRS would default tothat. So I think someone like us would either have to sign up for a fresh CARRS account with a different phone number, or delete our current accounts. The phone number is the key. They always ask for your phone number, and they to default to the supermarket program your phone number is associate with. I still have some rewards to use on my current account, but will delete it and sign up for CARRS when I've used them up.

[@loloi]

@@stevenbutler48 turn off location permission for the app

[@aliciavalencia5727]

It works for Vons, so I don’t see why it wouldn’t work for Albertsons as well.

[@u_taitata652]

Yes it does. Rewards points would be in the same pool. I shop both places using same phone number (linked to my account) when checkout. Note: I’ve never registered account with Albertsons, only registered once with safeway many years ago. Yeah it does automatically work at Albertsons.

[@WhatsThePoints1]

CARRS to AS seems gone now. 4 of the last 5 months the points have bounced back to my Safeway account on the first of the month

[@chombehailesellasse1727]

Thank you so much good information. I just made my safeway points to transfer to Alaska about two days ago. Do you know how long it takes to show Alaska mails on my account. Thank you again

[@geobreezetravel]

sorry just now saw this comment. did the points transfer over?

[@StateOfWellBeing]

@@geobreezetravel the fine print says it takes 4 to 5 weeks before you see the transfer

[@jeffw1390]

This is only for Safeways in the state of Alaska, correct?

[@geobreezetravel]

some people have reported they've gotten it to work in other states but YMMV

[@seongmcginnis1657]

Do I need to choose an Alaska Carrs Safeway as my home Safeway for this to link?

[@milindataylor3331]

I downloaded the CARR app and connected my Alaska mileage plan number. When I go to shop in the app, it keeps sending me to the normal Safeway app. And I tried the normal Safeway app, but then it tells me to download it. Am I doing something wrong? I heard Betsy mention that we have to shop in the Carr but it’s not allowing me to. TIA

[@geobreezetravel]

I think they may have changed it so that your account location is based in Alaska

[@orbiplex]

Safeway CARRS only works for Alaska residents.

[@geobreezetravel]

I think there used to be a way around this for non-Alaska residents a few months ago, but it sounds like they have closed that loophole.

[@Traderbear]

I’m not finding where to add my AA on the Safeway app. Online said only for Alaska residents?

[@geobreezetravel]

are you using the CARRS app as well?

[@sdesilva9552]

Can the Alaska miles earned via Safeway go towards status?

[@geobreezetravel]

no, Alaska status requires you to physically fly. More info on how to get Alaska status in this episode: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z4fVk5aZa895jcU

[@Youtube207user]

15:19 thanks! I’ll have to try this out. Any way to buy digital gift cards?

[@Heralaskatravels]

Not that I know of! Definitely haven’t seen them in the Safeway app.

[@geobreezetravel]

from what I've read, this only works for physical gift cards

[@Youtube207user]

Thanks guys! I’m just worried with the gift card scams but I’ll give it a try 👍

[@MayaR-gk3oq]

This is so cool. Great content.

[@geobreezetravel]

thank you! glad you enjoyed!

[@KennyHyde]

We don't have Safeways around here (MA), but on the Safeway site when searching for the nearest location, Shaws groceries show up. Would the partnership apply here with Shaws as well, or is it only Safeways (and Albertsons)?

[@geobreezetravel]

I'm doubtful that would work. If you want to try, go small first with a test of $10 or so

[@StateOfWellBeing]

it seems to me that the safeway account is the same as carrs. SO the question is does shaws use the account system as safeway? if it does, then you can grab the carrs app and login with that account.

[@21socc]

Does Visa Gift Cards get 1 point like all regular items or are no points given for purchasing them?

[@geobreezetravel]

depends on what card you're using to purchase them. If you're using a Chase Freedom Flex that gets 5x at grocery stores this quarter, you'll earn 5x points for purchasing gift cards at a grocery store.

[@21socc]

@@geobreezetravel Sorry I meant does it generate Safeway points?

[@StateOfWellBeing]

@@21socc I am just starting down this path. I believe when the safeway gift cards are used, its at that moment safeway points are given. the branding at my safeway says 2X points and also mention weekend 4X points which I think is short term.

[@MilesandMoneyMatters]

Does this work for AA Business? Thanks

[@geobreezetravel]

it does not, unfortunately

[@moslypig]

You can only earn 20,000 EQMS per the 2024 calendar year with spending on the Alaska card. Even if they have more than one card. Each time you spend $10k on the card, you earn 4K EQM bonus in 2024 - again max 20k EQMs

[@geobreezetravel]

thank you! this was helpful!

[@YanLuo]

does anyone know if KINGs would work for the safeway trick ? i cant find any safeway/albertson in NY

[@Heralaskatravels]

I am not sure about this one, I’ve only used this at Safeway stores

[@geobreezetravel]

I doubt it would work at other non-affiliated grocery chains

[@jimmyjames6492]

Thanks for the great tips + interview!!!

[@geobreezetravel]

glad you enjoyed it! if you know anyone else who would enjoy the channel, I always appreciate it if you share the videos with friends!

[@dragone7e]

Appreciate the content, but the Safeway points to Alaska miles conversion is way off and needs correction! Like some people posted, it's 100 points for 100 AS miles, 200 pts for 250, 300 pts for 400, 400 pts for 600, 500 pts for 850, 700 pts for 1300.

[@Heralaskatravels]

You’re right + I’m glad you pointed that out. First time ever on a podcast + I was a bit nervous 😂 Thanks for clearing it up though!

[@dragone7e]

@@Heralaskatravels Maybe you should be on more often :) great tips for Alaska miles!

[@geobreezetravel]

thank you for the update

[@WhatsThePoints1]

@@Heralaskatravels Thanks so much! I’ve been trying to do the various 4x and 5x on gift cards, first two times worked with scanning my app barcode but third time using phone number at register it didn’t work and had to call CS and took a while but finally they manually credited me the missing points. Is there a way to tell which clipped coupons have actually been redeemed? This is my issue; or can they keep being used over and over until expiration date? I still feel a bit skittish putting so much spend buying gift cards if it’ll mean phone calls! But what a great hack thanks again for sharing!

[@gtn1349]

@@WhatsThePoints1😮

[@terrisun6331]

How many miles for 1 reward? 100 or 300?

[@jasonlaw1079]

100 points for 100 AS miles, 200 pts for 250, 300 pts for 400, 400 pts for 600, 500 pts for 850, 700 pts for 1300

[@Heralaskatravels]

Just as Jason said it, I did mess up in the video above (I was nervous 😅) but do have all this info on my social medias and guides! The best redemption is the 700 points from 1300 miles 😎

[@geobreezetravel]

Thank you Jason and Betsey for answering this one!

[@DefSquadFan]

Julia what about folks getting their accounts shut down. Seen a lot of comments about this on Frequent Miler.

[@geobreezetravel]

I always recommend testing a small amount first, but also been hearing they're getting stricter

[@fredhogans]

Thanks for this

[@geobreezetravel]

anytime! glad you enjoyed it!

[@22morse77]

I'll book Greyhound before I spend 1 cent on AS. Why you ask? AS (code for Alaska Air) canceled our EWR/SEA flight hours before departure. AS did ZERO to get me and my family out the same day on another AS flight or carrier. Offered us a flight three days out. Again, ZERO assistance beyond the AS flight three days out. Turns out AS pilots and crew had been working without a contract for YEARS and our cancellation was victim of a work slowdown. Do I blame the pilots and crew? NO. AS has the obligation to settle labor issues. Full Stop. Weeks one can understand. Months are sketchy. YEARS - criminal. Again, Greyhound over Alaska Air.

[@geobreezetravel]

oof, I'm so sorry you went through that. Usually I've found that Alaska's customer service is much better!

[@ccccccchhhhhh808]

Bummer this is only available if you live in Alaska

[@geobreezetravel]

It's intended for Alaska residents, but you can get around it using the app process mentioned in the episode

[@loloi]

@@geobreezetravel It seems that if you have an existing account with an Albertsons group supermarket, the CARRS app would always revert to that because it's connected to your phone number. You would need to have started with a CARRS account, which you will then be able to use at any Albertsons group grocery. It seems like to be able to do this, you would have to either delete your current supermarket account so that you can use your phone number to create a new CARRS account, or if you have another phone number, create a new CARRS account with that. It looks like an Alaska address is not needed. You can't just sign up with email either, at some point they will always ask for your phone number.

[@loloi]

Turn off location permission for the app and it will work without asking you for an address. It seems that you also need to create a Carrs account with a phone number or email address that’s not already associated with any Albertsons group supermarket. If you don’t have any other phone/email, you might need to delete your existing Albertsons supermarket account first.

[@tonymnla]

@@loloi I feel as though there should be a video on just how to configure CARRS to work anywhere.

[@loloi]

@@tonymnla yeah, I spent a good portion of my day figuring it out, but I think I got it.

[@luannehorne697]

Long Island!!!

[@geobreezetravel]

yup! Points definitely come in handy for that one!

[@NaomiAndTheCrew]

I appreciate this video because my credit isn’t up to par

[@geobreezetravel]

glad you enjoyed it! lots of ways to earn points even without opening 20 credit cards!

[@22morse77]

Hey Julia....not to be Danny Downer though this AS ordeal was a major bummer as well as our first experience with AS. Considering my wife was on her Spring Break with several travel plans hinging on us getting to SeaTac from New Jersey that specific date. I suppose what blew me away was the lack of effort by AS to sympathize and doap to get us out that day on either AS or another carrier serving SEA. It was the first flight of the day that we were booked on and was cancelled three hours before departure. Perfect Storm - perhaps. As the expression goes: you get one chance to make a first impression.

[@geobreezetravel]

oh no! I'm so sorry that happened, especially since it was such a special trip. I'm also surprised they didn't have any other flights they could put you on, since they have a gazillion flights coming in and out of SEA

[@mahbubarrahman2570]

You too let’s people know Alaska resident only

[@geobreezetravel]

there were some ways that people outside of Alaska were able to use this as well, but it sounds like a lot of those methods aren't working as well anymore, unfortunately

[@ragnaraxelson59]

Work on that vocal fry mmk

[@geobreezetravel]

is it still happening in our more recent episodes?