Increased Award Ticket Fees for Alaska Airlines' Atmos Rewards

Introduction to Atmos Rewards

Atmos Rewards is the loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, offering exciting redemption opportunities for frequent flyers of these two airlines. However, a significant change has recently occurred regarding the fees for booking award tickets on partner flights.

Increased Award Ticket Fees

According to the latest announcement, the booking fee for award tickets on partner flights will rise from $12.50 to $20, which is an increase of 60%. This means that if you book round-trip tickets for two people, the total fee will be $80 instead of the previous $45.

Other Associated Costs

This fee increase applies to each direction of travel and each passenger. Additionally, travelers will still need to pay various taxes and government fees when booking tickets. This is a significant charge that could create a substantial financial burden for customers.

Atmos Rewards Summit Credit Card

Fortunately, those who hold the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card will not be affected by this change, as the card allows for unlimited fee-free award ticket bookings, provided the rewards points are deducted from the cardholder's account. This adds further incentive to obtain the card, as it helps save costs when booking award tickets.

Purpose of the Fee Increase

This increase in award ticket fees is expected to encourage more sign-ups for the Atmos Rewards Summit card while helping the program maintain financial sustainability. The fee hike is not only aimed at generating revenue but also at balancing the economics of partner flights, ensuring that payments to partner airlines remain reasonable.

What Vietnamese Travelers Need to Know

For Vietnamese travelers, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines may not be the most popular flight options. However, if you're planning a trip to the United States and want to utilize this program, here are some useful tips:

• Visa: You will need to apply for a travel visa to the United States. This process can take time, so prepare early.
• Flight Routes: There are currently no direct flights from Vietnam to Alaska. You can fly to one of the major U.S. cities like San Francisco or Seattle and then connect to your final destination.
• Ticket Prices: Airfare from Vietnam to the U.S. typically ranges from 15 million to 30 million VND, depending on the booking time and airline.
• Best Travel Times: Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are ideal times to visit the U.S., with pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Conclusion

The increase in award ticket fees may be viewed negatively by many travelers; however, if you have the Atmos Rewards Summit card, this will not impact you. Consider your options carefully before deciding to use the services of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, especially in the context of rising costs.

Article sourced and edited from: One Mile at a Time