HereWeGo
June 2, 2026 • 3 min read
Alaska Airlines will stop awarding points for Saver fares starting July 31, 2026, impacting both current and future travelers with the airline.
New Updates on Alaska Airlines and the Atmos Rewards Program
Alaska Airlines has announced a significant change to its Atmos Rewards points program. Beginning July 31, 2026, Saver fares (also known as basic economy tickets) will no longer qualify for points accumulation. This decision is disappointing, especially as customers seek more value from their flights.
A Major Shift in Points Earning Policy
This change means that from July 31, 2026, Saver fares will not earn any points or status credits. Specifically, Saver tickets booked before June 11, 2026, and flown before July 31, will still earn 30% of the miles flown. However, any tickets booked after this date will not accrue any points.
This reflects a broader trend in the airline industry: many airlines have started to reduce benefits for basic economy passengers to encourage them to choose higher fare classes.
Insights from Other Airlines
Alaska Airlines isn’t the only airline making this move. Airlines like American Airlines and Delta have implemented similar policies. For instance, American Airlines does not allow miles to be earned on basic economy fares, and Delta has adopted comparable rules. This trend indicates a shift in the industry as airlines look to optimize revenue from budget travelers.
Ticket Prices and Costs
If you’re in Vietnam and considering flying to the U.S. with Alaska Airlines, Saver fare prices typically range from 10 million to 15 million VND, depending on when you book and when you fly. The reduction in points earning may lead you to reconsider other flying options, especially if you planned to use reward points for future flights.
✈️ Tìm chuyến bay giá tốt
Đặt vé ngay với giá ưu đãi từ các hãng hàng không
Service Quality and Other Options
For loyal customers familiar with Alaska Airlines, this change may come as a disappointment. Alaska Airlines has previously stood out with an attractive points earning policy that set it apart from competitors. Now, that gap seems to be narrowing.
In addition to Alaska Airlines, you might consider other carriers like United Airlines, although many airlines now have similar policies regarding the non-earning of points on basic economy tickets.
Useful Information for Vietnamese Travelers
When deciding to fly to the U.S. with Alaska Airlines, be mindful of visa requirements. Vietnamese travelers need a U.S. visa, which can take several weeks to process. If you’re flying from Hanoi (HAN) or Ho Chi Minh City (SGN), ticket prices start at around 10 million VND for a round-trip flight.
Keep in mind that with this change, if the airline does not offer points for cheaper flights, you should plan your finances wisely to opt for more beneficial fare classes in the future.
Conclusion
Overall, Alaska Airlines’ decision to cut points earning for Saver fares is not just a revenue-boosting strategy but also aims to encourage customers to book higher fares. This change mirrors what many other airlines have done and prompts customers to reevaluate their airline choices for travel.
While this may be disappointing, always look for new opportunities on every trip to ensure the best experience. Don’t forget to compare ticket prices and keep an eye on airline promotions to optimize your travel costs.
This article is referenced and edited from: One Mile at a Time
HereWeGo
HereWeGo is a leading online flight booking platform in Vietnam, providing accurate and up-to-date travel information. We are committed to delivering wonderful travel experiences with the best prices on the market.