Here’s a negative change, though I can’t say I’m surprised, given the general industry trend that we’ve seen.
Alaska Saver fares won’t earn any points as of July 31, 2026
Alaska’s Atmos Rewards program has just quietly updated its points earning chart, to reflect a major new restriction. I’ll just quote the program’s announcement:
Important earning update: Saver fares (X class) earn 30% of miles flown for travel through July 31, 2026, or for trips booked before June 11, 2026. Saver fares booked on or after June 11, 2026 and flown on/after August 1, 2026 do not earn Atmos Rewards points. For eligible travel on/after August 1, please allow 4–6 weeks for points to post.
As you can see, for bookings as of June 11 that are for travel as of August 1, Saver fares (Alaska’s version of basic economy) will no longer earn any Atmos Rewards points or status points.
Alaska used to love to promote how a mile flown is a mile earned, though back in 2023, we saw points earning on Saver fares reduced from 100% to 30%. So this is just the next step in that progression.
This is disappointing, but follows the industry trend
To state the obvious, it’s disappointing to see Alaska eliminate points earning and status qualification on its cheapest fares. There’s a certain irony to Atmos Rewards awarding status points on award flights, but not on cheap revenue flights.
I can’t say I’m surprised to see this, though. We recently saw American make a similar change, as you also don’t earn miles or get status qualification for basic economy. That was just intended to follow Delta’s lead, as the airline has the same policy.
Meanwhile United doesn’t award miles for basic economy fares to non-elite members without a co-branded card, while elite members and those with a co-branded card earn miles at a reduced rate. However, United has the most punitive basic economy fares, and doesn’t allow a free carry-on, which is very restrictive.
What’s the logic for this change on Alaska’s part? Basic economy has become an incredibly valuable tool for airlines to both expand their customer base, and extract as much revenue out of passengers as possible. The goal with basic economy is twofold:
- To go after a different customer base that might have historically booked ultra low cost carriers, in order to fill seats
- To make the fare type punitive, in order to get people to buy up to a more expensive non-basic economy fare
I’d say this change fits squarely in the second category. The goal is for Alaska to be able to show low entry level pricing that’s competitive, while giving people a big incentive to book a more expensive fare.
Of course I’m disappointed to see this change. Alaska has long tried to differentiate itself from the competition and stand out, and there’s no denying that the gap is narrowing.
Bottom line
Alaska Airlines will no longer award points or status qualification on Saver fares, which is the carrier’s version of basic economy. This is a trend that Delta started and American followed, so I guess it’s not too surprising to see Alaska hop on the bandwagon as well, disappointing as it is.
While I’m sure a secondary motivation here is to minimize costs and improve margins on basic economy, I think the bigger reason for this is to be punitive, and encourage people to book more expensive fares.
What do you make of this change to Atmos Rewards Saver fares?
