Alaska Airlines has made it even simpler for elite members to maintain their 2022 status

Aside from Delta, most U.S. airlines are not granting a full year extension of elite status as they did in 2020. Nevertheless, several are still providing partial extensions and fast-track options to facilitate status requalification.

During 2021, Alaska Airlines implemented reduced qualification requirements and awarded bonus elite-qualifying miles for all flights operated by Alaska. In September, the airline announced further measures to assist elites in requalifying, though specifics were scarce. We learned that 2021 status would be prolonged through April 2022, and that members could requalify by flying a set minimum number of miles in early 2022.

Alaska has now provided clear details on how this process will work, so here’s what to expect.

Alaska introduces a new way to requalify for elite status

Any elite member who fails to requalify will automatically have their status extended until April 30, 2022. They can further extend their status through December 31, 2022, by accumulating the following base flight miles from January 1 to April 30, 2022:

• MVP members: 5,000 miles (MVP is typically earned with 20,000 elite-qualifying miles or 30 segments in a year)
• MVP Gold members: 10,000 miles (usually earned with 40,000 elite-qualifying miles or 60 segments annually)
• MVP Gold 75K members: 20,000 miles (generally earned with 75,000 elite-qualifying miles or 90 segments in a year)

For perspective, a direct flight from San Francisco (SFO) to New York-JFK covers 2,586 miles. This means you only need one round-trip journey across the country to requalify for MVP status or four such trips to keep MVP Gold 75K status. You can also earn miles more quickly by adding connecting flights or booking first-class tickets.

You'll always earn at least 100% of the miles traveled on Alaska, even in basic economy. However, when flying first class, you can receive a bonus of 50% to 75% on your miles.

No registration is necessary to take part in this offer. However, it cannot be used to achieve a higher status than what was held on January 1, 2021. Additionally, a minimum of two segments must be completed on flights marketed and operated by Alaska.

Requalifying through this fast track will feel similar to having earned your status through traditional means. Alaska Gold Guest Upgrades, lounge day passes, and MVP Gold 75K MVP nominations will be granted once the requirements for each elite status tier are met. Keep in mind that those who achieve MVP Gold 75K status through this offer will not receive the usual 50,000 bonus miles linked to qualifying for this level.

For additional information on elite status extensions and requalification shortcuts, refer to this guide.