Source: The Points Guy
Summary
Alaska Airlines is launching a new feature for its Atmos Rewards program, allowing members to choose how they earn points and elite status. Options include earning by distance flown, spending, or number of flights. The change, announced last summer, is part of a larger loyalty program merger with Hawaiian Airlines. Members can select their preferred method starting October 1, with the new system applying to flights after January 1, 2027. Changes can be made once per year.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
<p.Members choose how to earn points—by distance, spending, or flights.
Elite status depends on the method selected.
Changes are limited to once a year.
Travelers adjust their strategy to maximize rewards.
Author: Evan Null
Key Dates to Know: Atmos Rewards Choice Accrual
Atmos members can start selecting their preferred earning option on Oct. 1. Their choice will apply to all flights taken on or after Jan. 1, 2027.
Can You Change Your Atmos Rewards Choice Accrual Selection?
Members can change their choice accrual selection once per calendar year. So if you start the year with a revenue-based selection but have a flurry of short flights later in the year, you could switch over to earn via segments flown.
What If You Don’t Select Your Preference?
Existing Atmos Rewards members who don’t make a choice accrual selection will automatically default to the airline’s longtime “distance-based” earning model. New members who join between now and the new year will default to revenue-based earning, so they’d earn based on how much they spent on flights.
What Does It Take to Earn Atmos Rewards Elite Status?
The Atmos choice accrual applies both to the points you earn and the status points Alaska awards, which count toward elite status in the program. As a reminder, here are the status qualification thresholds for Atmos Rewards.
How to Make Your Selection
You can pick which way you want to earn points with Alaska and Hawaiian in 2027 by logging into your loyalty account.
