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Program Comparison

United MileagePlus vs Alaska Mileage Plan

A detailed comparison of United MileagePlus and Alaska Mileage Plan to help you decide which loyalty program is the best fit for your travel needs.

United MileagePlus

United Airlines

Alaska Mileage Plan

Alaska Airlines

Star Alliance
Alliance
OneWorld
miles
Currency
miles
5 base miles per $1 on eligible United flights. Elite bonuses: Silver +40%, Gold +60%, Platinum +80%, 1K +100%
Earn Rate
Earn via distance (1 SP per mile flown), price (5 SP per $1 on airfare), or segments (500 SP per flight). Members choose one method
1.2¢ per mile
Avg Value
1.5¢ per mile
Premier Silver, Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K, Global Services
Elite Tiers
MVP (Atmos Silver), MVP Gold (Atmos Gold), MVP Gold 75K (Atmos Platinum), MVP Gold 100K (Atmos Titanium)
Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing
Expiration
Miles do not expire as long as the account is open. Accounts may be locked after 24 months of inactivity but can be unlocked
Marriott Bonvoy, Chase Ultimate Rewards
Transfer Partners
Marriott Bonvoy
Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN)
Best For
West coast travelers and those who fly OneWorld partners internationally

Choose United MileagePlus if you...

Frequent domestic US travelers and Star Alliance flyers based at United hubs (ORD, EWR, IAH, SFO, DEN). United Airlines' loyalty program offering miles for flights, upgrades, and partner purchases across the Star Alliance network.

Choose Alaska Mileage Plan if you...

West coast travelers and those who fly OneWorld partners internationally. Alaska Airlines' loyalty program (rebranding to Atmos Rewards) known for excellent partner award charts and generous earning on OneWorld partners.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better, United MileagePlus or Alaska Mileage Plan?

It depends on your travel patterns. United MileagePlus is best for frequent domestic us travelers and star alliance flyers based at united hubs (ord, ewr, iah, sfo, den). Alaska Mileage Plan is best for west coast travelers and those who fly oneworld partners internationally. Consider your home airport, preferred destinations, and how often you travel when choosing.

Do United MileagePlus or Alaska Mileage Plan miles expire?

United MileagePlus: Miles do not expire as long as the account is open and in good standing. Alaska Mileage Plan: Miles do not expire as long as the account is open. Accounts may be locked after 24 months of inactivity but can be unlocked.

Can I transfer points between United MileagePlus and Alaska Mileage Plan?

While you can't transfer directly between United MileagePlus and Alaska Mileage Plan, they share transfer partners through credit card programs, which can serve as a bridge.

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