How to get MAXIMUM VALUE from Alaska Airline Miles (+Credit Card Review)

[@alexeliason1169]

The best Alaska Miles video yet!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Thank you very much! 🙏 I wanted to make the best video about Alaska Mile maximization and thanks to your comment it seems like I succeeded! I appreciate the comment 🤙

[@pxw3]

I agree!!!

[@squeegeeman2000]

On the delayed luggage award hack: I’m a standby traveler with an Alaska Lounge membership. Can I AirTag my luggage, watch it get delayed over 20 minutes while in a lounge, then ask for the mileage reward from the CSA at the Lounge front desk? Plus, I’ve noticed that the stopovers can be listed for six months or more, but multiple cities in the same direction are trickier for miles. Also, thanks for the Alaska hotels info. Same price as Priceline, but with a 10% kickback in miles, which can be paid with a cash/miles back credit card?!? Awesome!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Wow, great comment and it sounds like are already hacking the system a bit already which is awesome 😎- I am unsure if standby travellers qualify for the 20m guarantee - but hey, I’d look into that. From my experience they don’t even ask questions, if you just say it’s late they’ll give you credit. And exactly, hotels can be really good, and the multiple let itineraries are tough to nail down for sure… constantly have to be trying combinations.

[@cagan8]

Subscribed, prob the best explanation I've watched so far!

[@JacksonMeyer]

I appreciate that! I certainly try to, lots more videos coming soon ;)

[@jsotelo5150]

Yup, booking hotels via the Alaska website can earn you a ton of miles but you have to be careful because sometimes they add on different fees or just cost way more than other OTAs. Just this week I booked 6 days in Tokyo and even thou Alaska would have given me 5700 additional miles, it was 290.00 more and I could take that 290.00 and buy 11K miles from Alaska direct.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Yup, exactly - I've never seen the 'purchase bonus miles' for hotel bookings make financial sense, but hotels you can really find some sweet spots... I find a lot of ROI over 10%. I just booked an iceland hotel for $200, got 2000 points, 10pts per dollar is amazing and I will take that everytime

[@RR380]

Great info! Gave you a "like" and "Subscribed". I have ~380,000 Alaska miles, all from non-airline purchases and 2 "sign-up" awards. Can't wait to do Australia with Fiji stopover!

[@JacksonMeyer]

WOAH, that is a lot, good one ya, that's insane. Do it! We are looking at doing that same itinerary business class, just hard to find 2 award seats business class. Have so much fun!

[@RR380]

We'll prob go coach on the stopover legs, and business on the non-stop.

[@frederickpillsbury7467]

I love Alaska Air and it is the only US carrier which serves my city, Victoria BC, as United and Delta have dropped out. I am always looking for ways to travel business class on longer flights and thanks to this great video, I may just do it.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Awesome, yeah I love Alaska! I hope you got some valuable tips/tricks, I'm learning new ones all the time and trying to figure out how to best spend these miles ;)

[@ragnaraxelson59]

Same here. Too bad it costs so many points just to fly from Victoria to Seattle 😢

[@martin.heskier]

SUPER - thx Jackson - Keep up the Really good work -it's ok to pace a little slower - your info is max!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Thanks Martin, watching back I can totally see what you mean, I'm like a speed demon in this video haha, next time I'll slow my roll. Thanks for the advice!

[@PDerrickSeagraves]

Great video! Some info that was new to me, thanks!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Thanks for watching and hope is was helpful, rack up those miles and spend them wisely 😜

[@pcgholland]

Late luggage clock actually starts when your plane pulls up to the gate and airplane stops, not at touchdown. I always note time of pulling up to Terminal and plane stopping and can then figure exactly if all bags make by 20 minutes. There is a pretty high chance, in my experience, to all my bags NOT being out in 20 minutes. And when everyone is standing around for 30 minutes at carousel , that is obviously all luggage is late and I'm the only one who has gone over to baggage desk and gotten my coupon, $20 or 2000 Akair miles, I can't understand why no one or just a few of us bother with it. PS you need baggage claim ticket or sticker for baggage claim folks to record it and to get coupon. You still have to get online and choose the $ or the miles, not a huge hassle at all. Paul in Fairbanks where we're in a -40 cold snap, yuck.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Hey Paul thanks for the comment, love to hear another person doing the baggage hack! Good work! The used to be far more lenient, now you need more proof like you said lol

[@xlightknightx]

I have literally never had my bags show up later than 20 minutes. I have tried!

[@JacksonMeyer]

yeah, it's tough, and since it only applies to domestic routes there are only a few airports that are pretty bad and you can take advantage here... Alaska Airlines is usually pretty punctual... which stinks for us haha

[@JohnGrilloJag]

Loving the video! I'd like to make a trip from west coast USA to Taiwan, possibly with a stopover in eiter Phillipines or Japan. Especially Tokyo Japan for a week stopover. Got any advice for doing this via business class? and good advice on booking hotels via their website!

[@Wmnhntr]

Amazing video for a newbie to traveling utilizing miles. Thank you for sharing!! We have a trip to New Zealand planned for Sept. 2024. We are currently trying to figure out how to utilize our miles with Alaska. We have a total of about 200,000+ miles. We're wanting to take advantage of the free stayover as well. We'll be flying from Dallas (DFW) to Queenstown. Looking at business class or First class. Any help would greatly be appreciated to help get the bang for our buck.

[@JacksonMeyer]

I’ll look into it for you! Thank you so much for the kind comment and honestly please let me know, we are trying to get to New Zealand in the next few years and would love to hear about your experience and tips and tricks for me! 🤙

[@JacksonMeyer]

✈️ ATTENTION! The current sign up bonus offer is 70,000 miles, the highest it's ever been! Get valuable miles now, send me an email or comment if you would like to sign up for this card, I'd love to send you my link, it really helps the channel, more than you know! Thanks and keep on travelling!

[@MayrahC7]

Hi. Is the offer still valid? If so, can you send me the link please?

[@nicolenelson8143]

I would like the link🙋🏼‍♀️

[@JacksonMeyer]

​@@MayrahC7 Sorry for the late reply, didn't see this, shoot me an email at [e-mail] and I'll send the link, and yes it's still active.

[@JacksonMeyer]

@@nicolenelson8143 sorry for the late reply, shoot me an email or send me your email and I'll send you the link! It is still active as of last week.

[@Miles994]

Thanks for the video! Can you clarify how you searched and what you're looking for on the Qantas site? I'm looking to book a JAL flight (preferably premium economy or business class) from PDX to Tokyo using Alaska Miles but not finding ANY options via Alaska's site for any dates. Thanks!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment - I’m currently in France 🇫🇷 working on some videos and I will address this when I get back and sill try to see what I can find. Thanks! And that sounds like a fun trip!!😜

[@Miles994]

@@JacksonMeyer thanks!

[@xmagoo190]

Great video. What are your thoughts on booking reward travel from LHR->SEA on American with the economic option being 22.5K + $380 vs 57.5K + $380. Indulge or go on a budget?

[@JacksonMeyer]

I see economy LHR to Seattle one way to be ~$700 (can get cheaper) and so it’s 22.5k points for $320 of value… not even 1.5cpp. Business is like ~$1800… so $1450 for 57.5k miles… so 3.9cpp. Pretty good redemption, might be worth the splurge! Sounds fun!

[@xmagoo190]

@@JacksonMeyerThanks, the airfare around that time is more like $1200 + seat selection fees for MCE1-way, but business class is ~$9K. Going to splurge.

[@fremont-desi6430]

What are rules on Alaska Airlines Credit Card sign up bonus offer - every 24 months or 48 months eligibility?

[@JacksonMeyer]

it's a great question, so you can actually have two personal Alaska Airline credit cards open at once and you can earn the sign up bonus on the second so long as 24 months has passed since your previous, worth doing if an elevated bonus comes back!

[@JoseSantiago-yq7co]

I think you are overstating the value of Alaska miles on economy trips to Europe. In the shoulder season economy flight trips to Europe are much less than $700 bucks each way, at least from the east coast. I am flying EWR to VIE in April for $576 round trip, and again in late August for $563 on SAS with checked and carry on bags included on both itineraries (so its not like one of those "basic economy fares"). I could be wrong and maybe you can get 2.8 CPP from the west coast, but it is nowhere near that good from the east coast.

[@JacksonMeyer]

You are definitely right, and it could have been just when I was looking for flights out of PDX in Oregon to like central Europe or something... there are deals to be found though, but yes you probably are right, I definitely am one to exaggerate lol

[@ragnaraxelson59]

Do the miles automatically update if you are flying with a partner airline? I have no idea about this.

[@JacksonMeyer]

When you book with partners they will have an area to put your alaska mileage # and indicate that is the rewards plan where you'd like to collect your miles :)

[@jZx09]

Thank you so much! I should have watched this before I submitted my Alaska AIrlines CC application but I'm glad I did. Haha. Ready to travel the world!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Oh shoot! Oh Well ;) Thanks for the comment and I hope it helps! Just know... THE #1 best way to get the best bang for your buck is be flexible when searching for great redemptions, formulate your trip around the flight date as much as you can. Let me know if I can help in anyway - but go travel!

[@jZx09]

Thanks for the tip! Keep it up with the great content!

[@joediaz1942]

Great video Jackson, got a referral code for Alaska Air card?

[@JacksonMeyer]

Hey Joe! Thank you for watching the video and the comment, I got your emails as well - you are a legend. I’ll send it direct to your email. Thankyou again and please keep me updated with where your sign up bonus miles will take you ✈️ - I love hearing about the travels 🤙

[@YanLuo]

do I have to call them to book cathay pacific premium economy class or is the availability shown on the Alaska site the actual only availability? Many thanks!

[@JacksonMeyer]

GREAT question, I believe premium economy can be booked on the Alaska portal with no need to contact Cathay Pacific. Let me get back to you.

[@davidlarsen5693]

Great video! Thanks so much!!

[@SCIFIVAMPIRE]

Where do you find that miles earning rate webpage?

[@JacksonMeyer]

Hi Emma! Which one? The one for earning miles on partner airlines or earning miles on different alaska fare classes?

[@jamesrocco2401]

Alaska goes to Fiji? Or are you talking about transferring the miles to American or a Oneworld Alliance airline??

[@JacksonMeyer]

you don't have to transfer at all, just book fiji airways right in the alaska Portal! I leave from LAX to Nadi, Fiji in 4 weeks!!!

[@davidp3522]

Can you buy your way to elite status using their CC?

[@JacksonMeyer]

Nope, you need miles.

[@cyndeeferlin2697]

I love Alaska Miles. I’m flying to Belize and I nabbed a business class flight for 15000 miles. Best day ever.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Oh my goodness, that is sweet! Congratulations, that will be a nice flight!

[@fcsprinter6210]

Awesome video

[@JacksonMeyer]

Thanks, I really appreciate it!

[@annaindeed]

If you have to call Alaska for the Cathay Pacific flight, how do you how much miles it would cost? Thanks!

[@JacksonMeyer]

Depends on what flight you are looking to book, there are some good deals and bad deals. Have fun!

[@duwaynefrank49]

Outdated information. It’s $95/year fee. Once you have OW sapphire status or higher, the free bag thing is no longer a benefit. He missed several other key benefits that make it a worthwhile CC to have.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Well it's outdated because I filmed before they changed the annual fee. If you have the signature credit card you always get free baggage, unless I'm mistaken... and yes, lots of factors to consider if it's for you or not...

[@EpicThe112]

Interesting video here and I'm wondering can you actually use Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan to book the following Oneworld Partners Japan Airlines🇯🇵 Qantas🇦🇺 Qatar Airways Malaysia Airlines🇲🇾 Cathay Pacific🇭🇰 flights to Manila Philippines🇵🇭.

[@JacksonMeyer]

Yup! Just depends on carriers ports and award availability, I’d do it through the Alaska Portal ✈️ and happy travels, please let me know how it goes for you, sounds like a nice trip!

[@nahusharankar]

How about Wyndham rewards?

[@JacksonMeyer]

I'll be honest... I have NO idea haha, I'd stay away from anything timeshare related.

[@UrAshWhole]

14:23 Where do you find that schedule?

[@JacksonMeyer]

Hey there! Thanks for the comment go create a qantas account (its free forever) and then search for flights using the MULTI-CITY tool even if it is just a single city or flight, the click "rewards" and "flexible dates" Enjoy!

[@adventuresofjandk]

Very helpful

[@JacksonMeyer]

Ayyyy, I appreciate it! As a PNW'er I'm guessing you have some of those oh so sweet Alaska Miles ;) Put em to use this year!

[@adventuresofjandk]

@@JacksonMeyer oh ya plenty. Personal and a busy card so doing my best to max those things. 😂

[@JacksonMeyer]

Nice nice, same. With the new categories that Alaska came out with this year it's made it a bit more valuable as a beginner card. The companion fare is really the only reason I have it as I definitely get more value than the annual fee and my other cards have better earning categories than the two Alaska ones. Anyway, I appreciate you stopping by, saw ya'll are dealing with the snow ;) Crazy RV'ers!

[@jimmcdiarmid7308]

Alaska blames baggage delays on the weather or whatever and doesnt give the 2500 miles. HNL and SAN

[@JacksonMeyer]

wowwwwwww, that's stupid. I got miles from late baggage in Maui just 1 month or so ago.

[@jeanievong7287]

Doesn't work with partner airlines with alaska

[@JacksonMeyer]

@@jeanievong7287 what specifically are you talking about? I booked Fiji airways business class with Alaska miles and leave in 4 months! Stoked!

[@moslypig]

check out what I discovered today. I was looking at the expense of using miles vs cash prices on Alaska. Depart from Phoenix to Frankfurt, via a longer layover at CLT with their partner airline, American. Alaska is asking 140,000 miles for the roundtrip first class tickets. If you had 0 Alaska miles, it is $3850 to purchase 140k Alaska miles at full retail price. The cost to purchase these flights directly on American is $9073. A savings of $5223 if you use Alaska miles.. In addition, Alaska has frequent mileage sales and give 50% free miles. When the miles go one sale, you’ll only spend $1925 for the required 140,000 miles for that same first class flight CLT to FRA of $9073 🫨 $7148 savings

[@JacksonMeyer]

Nice nice, yeah I'm no pro, but I often find that you can buy points to book flights many times for a better deal than just cash.... definitely some arbitrage there :)

[@hwang1607]

Alright

[@JacksonMeyer]

Okay ;)

[@amatvkhmer]

I do not understand much

[@JacksonMeyer]

Hope you got enough for this video to be useful!

[@amatvkhmer]

@@JacksonMeyer Thank you, my brother is from a poor country and just made a new video, no salary, I will learn from my brother

[@todanator]

r/churning

[@gohdux]

Go ducks

[@JacksonMeyer]

I see you 👀

[@vitomorris]

@jacksonmeyer man i don’t know if this was fate or what, but i have been searching all over the internet to redeem or get a great value for my fiancés birthday trip out to Costa Rica. Booked Hyatt resort with chase but still need a solid redemption on flights traveling from LA to Liberia. And as soon as i see your example and saw you typed Liberia i was hooked. How would i go about getting the best value for 2 round trips ? Apply for the card and get the 40k bonus plus the BOGO ? please if you could help me out I’d be forever thankful

[@JacksonMeyer]

Oh that’s awesome! Thanks for watching and reaching out, so love CR. So I’m guessing you have to fly somewhat specific dates and that will make it tougher to find the best value because the best way to find the best deal and get the most value is by being flexible… static dates you are up to the mercy of the airlines demand pricing. What dates are you flying? I hate to say it but sometimes it is better to fly another airline as it’s just a better deal even with points or a BOGO

[@vitomorris]

@@JacksonMeyer so we’re flying from the 23rd of August to the 28th and staying at a resort really close to Liberia airport, Alaska is the only NONstop… that I’m aware of and this is the last piece of the puzzle 🥲😮‍💨