Alaska cuts miles on basic economy, raises award fees

Alaska Airlines says it will stop earning Atmos Rewards points and status points on its “saver” basic economy fares later this year, while also increasing the fee for booking partner award flights via Atmos Rewards from July 1.

For travelers who buy Alaska Airlines’ most restricted basic economy fares to save a little money. the math is about to change. Alaska Airlines is removing the ability to earn Atmos Rewards points—and even status points—when purchasing its “saver” fares later this year. At the same time, the Seattle-based airline is increasing the fee charged for booking partner award flights with Atmos Rewards.

The changes are arriving in stages, with dates that matter for anyone trying to lock in cheaper earn opportunities before the door closes.

Alaska Airlines already sells basic economy fares under heavy restrictions, including not being able to choose a seat in advance. But these “saver” fares are about to get even tougher for rewards earners. Later this year, travelers will no longer earn Atmos Rewards points when booking saver fares.

There’s still a limited window where earning won’t disappear immediately. For flights departing by July 31, passengers will continue to earn 30% of the points flown for saver fares. Travelers also keep 30% earning for future travel booked before June 11—even if those trips occur after July 31. Once flights are booked after Aug. 1, however, there will be no earning of Atmos Rewards points or status points when purchasing saver fares.

In a statement shared with MISRYOUM, Alaska Airlines framed the shift as program management. “This targeted change helps ensure the long-term sustainability of the program while maintaining strong earn opportunities on Main Cabin and higher fares.” The carrier also said there will be no changes to how Atmos Rewards members earn points and status on pricier fares.

The airline is also changing the cost side for people redeeming rewards for partner flights.

Starting July 1, Alaska Airlines will raise the fee attached to booking partner awards via Atmos Rewards. The fee will increase from $12.50 each way to $20 each way—an increase of 60%. Alaska Airlines said the update is meant to protect the long-term sustainability of Atmos Rewards while keeping redemption rates and access to airline partners competitive. “This targeted change supports the long-term sustainability of Atmos Rewards while maintaining competitive redemption rates and broad access to our airline partners. ” the airline said. It added that the approach is “a more balanced approach” than reducing partner award availability or increasing the number of points required for redemptions.

There is one notable exception. If travelers hold the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card, the partner award booking fee is waived.

Taken together. Alaska’s move lands in the same direction many flyers have noticed across the industry: basic economy is becoming a narrower lane. one designed for minimum flexibility and minimum rewards return. For budget-minded travelers who choose saver fares expecting to still build miles or status. the promise is shrinking—and for award travelers. the extra cost is immediate and measurable.

The airline’s stated goal is sustainability without eliminating access to partner awards entirely, but the impact is still direct: less earning on saver tickets, and higher fees to book partner flights through Atmos Rewards—unless you hold the premium co-branded card.

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