How to Score Elite Status with Alaska Airlines on Your Next Flight

Fly round-trip from the U.S. to Australia or New Zealand with Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines this year, and you could benefit from MVP status with Alaska Airlines for the entirety of 2026.

The promotion applies to round-trip journeys taken with the airlines between the continental U.S. (including Alaska but excluding Hawaii) and Sydney, Australia (SYD) or Auckland, New Zealand (AKL) via Honolulu (HNL) before December 31, 2025.

Promotion Overview

The special promotion provides a shortcut to MVP status with Alaska’s much-liked MileagePlan frequent flyer program, which normally requires 20,000 elite qualifying miles.

The offer is intended to promote Hawaiian Airlines’ links from Honolulu to Sydney and Auckland. Alaska Airlines acquired the smaller carrier last year and is using it to expand internationally from the West Coast, with its Honolulu base serving as a waypoint on trans-Pacific flights.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Alaska says that the two airlines offer the most direct routes between the Pacific Northwest and Sydney and Auckland, via Honolulu. For example, on the route between Seattle (SEA) and Sydney, a stopover in Honolulu only aids four nautical miles to the journey, “flying the same path as a nonstop flight.”

Hawaiian Airlines flies from Honolulu to Sydney five times a week throughout the year, using its Airbus A330s. It offers seasonal links between Honolulu and Auckland three times a week: flights are available until April 30, pause during winter in the summer hemisphere, and then resume on November 16.

“With the combined network of Alaska and Hawaiian, it’s more convenient than ever for our guests to book a flight to Australia and New Zealand for the trip of a lifetime – and reward themselves with the benefits of MVP elite status for future flying benefits,” said Alex Judson, Managing Director of Partnerships and International at Alaska Airlines.

Eligible Flights and Requirements

There’s some fine print, of course. All segments of your round-trip flight must be booked at the same time and through Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian’s websites. Make sure to include your Alaska MileagePlan number when booking.

Award tickets and Saver fares, Alaska’s entry-level economy tickets, are excluded.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

All segments must be operated by Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, its subsidiary Horizon Air, or SkyWest Airlines, which the Alaska Air Group contracts for regional flights. Flights operated by codeshare partners aren’t eligible.

Additionally, the journey must originate and end in the same U.S. city, excluding any in Hawaii.

Alaska Airlines MVP Perks

MVP status is the lowest elite level within Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan frequent flyer program, but it still offers plenty of perks.

The best benefit is the possibility of nabbing a complimentary upgrade to First or Premium Class on Alaska Airlines flights, provided space is available. From late 2025, companions on the same flight and reservation will also be eligible for upgrades.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Upgrades are offered to MVP Gold 100K, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold members, in that order, but you could still get lucky with MVP status on a less crowded flight. Alaska Airlines is also expanding its First and Premium class offerings this year, installing nicer seats on more than 200 aircraft to make an additional 1.3 million premium tickets available yearly, increasing your chances.

Even if you don’t luck into an upgrade, as an MVP, you’ll be able to choose preferred seats, such as those closer to the front of the cabin, for no additional cost.

Reciprocal Benefits with Hawaiian Airlines

You’ll also be treated to priority check-in and boarding and, at select airports, security. During 2026, you’ll benefit from one free checked bag. Unfortunately, this is fewer than the two free checked bags elites previously received.

With MVP status, you don’t get automatic access to Alaska’s network of airline lounges but can purchase membership for a discount.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

You’ll earn 25 percent bonus miles on all flights, including those taken with airline partners, helping you maintain MVP status in the future.

MVP status also comes with oneworld Ruby status, entitling you to benefits such as priority check-in and pre-reserved seating with partners like American Airlines, British Airways, and Qantas.

Additionally, because Alaska and Hawaiian offer reciprocal status matching, MVP status entitles you to HawaiianMiles Pualani Gold status.