Many airline programs charge money for the ability to transfer points between accounts, and in most cases it costs a pretty penny. For a limited time, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan elite members can transfer their miles to friends and family at no cost.
Alaska MVP, MVP Gold and MVP 75K members are able to transfer up to 40,000 miles, with a limit of three transactions, to another Mileage Plan member for free through Dec. 28. The minimum gift requirement is 1,000 miles. The usual transfer costs $25 plus another $10 for each 1,000 miles transferred, so transferring up to the limit will save you $425.
Should You Transfer?
At first glance, this seems like a lucrative promotion. It’s always nice to have the option to combine miles because your opportunities to redeem them increase with a larger balance. The promo is especially worthwhile if your partner, friend or family member needs more miles for a premium-cabin award on some of the best airlines that Alaska partners with, including Emirates, Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific. In this case, 40,000 miles can make a big difference.
However, transferring out of an elite account to a regular account might not always be your best bet. For example, MVP Gold flyers receive change and cancelation fee waivers on award tickets. If your plans aren’t firm, you might want to consider this limitation before making this free transfer. If you transfer from one account with status to another account with status, then you won’t miss out on the elite perks.
Keep in mind that you can use your Mileage Plan miles to book an award flight for friends or family members, so the points don’t necessarily have to be in their account to make a booking.
In Conclusion
Holiday season is a great time for all kinds of promotions. This one from Alaska offers a great way to top off another member’s account without paying hefty fees. Some hotel programs, such as Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt and Starwood Preferred Guest, already offer the option to transfer points between members for free, and it’s great to have the same option in an airline program, even for a limited time.
Will you take advantage of this limited-time promotion from Alaska Mileage Plan?
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