People in the post-pandemic have been revenge-traveling and may continue to do so the following year. You’d think you’re already getting the best deals with heavily discounted flights or looking up the cheapest ticket online (you can also find some helpful tips for finding more affordable flight options on your next travel). But not many know that the best way to get the most out of their travel is to get a credit card primarily made for travel.
With travel credit cards, many doors will open up for you, from pre-flight exclusive perks to post-travel financial rewards. If you are in your travel era and find yourself on a plane with Alaska Airlines for most of the beginning and end of your adventures, the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card might be one you can’t afford to take a hard pass on. But that may just be the beginning. To truly make the most of these cards, we have compiled some trade secrets to help you maximize the incredible rewards it offers.
Reach the Peak Performance of Your Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Leveraging your Mileage Points
The first step in maximizing the rewards of your Alaska Airlines credit card is to learn how to earn miles efficiently. Using their bonus categories is one way to rack up on that mileage. They offer high bonus mile points on your sign-up as long as you meet their $2,000 spend requirement.
Their tiered mileage points for different purchases, such as 3 miles for a dollar spent on Alaska Airlines flight tickets and 1 mile for a dollar on all other purchases, can also come to your advantage.
You can use the card for everyday purchases to get back mileage points for your next travel. This can add up and significantly contribute to a hefty mileage balance over time, especially when buying from their partner merchants. Another efficient way is to use your card for your travel expenses. Avail services from their travel partners from hotels, car rentals, and even when booking your Lyft ride.
Redeeming Miles Like a Pro
Now that you’re down to earning miles in no time, you will want to take advantage of that precious mileage while still in travel mode. However, some extra precautions will go a long way in putting those hard-earned miles to good use. Here are some foolproof ways to efficiently exploit those rewards:
- Plan out your travels at least a year in advance. Do your research and design your itineraries with peak activities that align with your vacation time. This way, when Alaska Airlines releases award seats up to 330 days in advance, you are ready to secure a seat on your preferred flight.
- Prioritize flexibility on your travel dates. You can find better award availability on less popular days if you have more leeway with your travel dates. Consider booking mid-week flight tickets or travel during off-peak seasons.
- Take advantage of those stopovers. One great advantage of the Alaska Airlines awards ticket is that you are allowed one route stopover for your one-way award. If you are an adventure-seeking traveler and enjoy visiting multiple destinations alone, this reward is definitely up your alley. For the price of two one-way tickets, you get to see four places during the entire vacation time.
- Keep updated with the airlines’ periodical promotions. Look out for any Alaska Airlines Mileage plan deals and see if their offers align with your travel date. Take advantage of any discounted award redemptions or bonus miles. These bonus miles are not only limited to airline ticket purchases, but you could get double mileage even for home purchases or dining at restaurants.
Find their current Mileage Plan bonus miles offers here: https://www.pointhacks.com.au/mileage-plan/buy-miles-promotions/
Maxing Out on All Card Benefits
Your Alaska Airlines credit card comes with more than just a mileage points advantage. They also offer various valuable benefits that can further enhance your travel experience.
- Companion Fare – A standout for Alaska Airlines credit card users is their Companion Fare, which renews annually. You can bring a friend or loved one on your flight each year for a lesser fee. To maximize this perk, find more expensive flights you can travel with your miles while with a friend, with their companion fare, thanks to you.
- Pre-flight Experience – Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit cardholders enjoy pre-flight benefits, including a free checked bag, perfect for family travelers or those with extra luggage. It also gives you priority boarding, which allows you to board ahead of others, securing overhead bin space. Plus, you can access Alaska Lounges at select airports, offering a peaceful, comfortable area with free WiFi and complimentary snacks and beverages.
- Bonus Rewards and Discounts – Using your credit card for in-flight purchases earns you a 20% cashback, including food, beverages, and WiFi. Additionally, having a Bank of America account connected to your credit card allows you to enjoy a rewards bonus of 10% of your overall rewards points.
You don’t have to wait in line for the next sales promotions of flights and travel perks. As a cardholder, you can easily enjoy airport perks and savings at the tip of your Alaska Airlines Credit card. By properly maximizing your mileage points and other benefits, you can enjoy that long-awaited travel adventure or even a relaxing weekend away that you so richly deserve.
