Although they aren’t Delta, American, or United, Alaska Airlines has a real niche for those traveling in the Western United States. I recently stumbled upon this enticing offer of 50,000 Alaska Airlines miles.
Alaska Airlines 50k Offer
Per One Mile at a Time, many people have been able to score this deal for 50k even with this disclaimer right on the application page:
More than likely you haven’t been targeted for this deal, but hopeful you can still qualify for this limited-time offer.
Features of the Alaska Airlines 50k Offer
Here is the good stuff:
- 25,000 Miles are given upon approval.
- Another 25,000 miles are given after a low spending requirement of $1000 within the first 90 days of opening the account.
- Coach Companion Fare every year from $118- This works even when flying to Hawaii or Alaska. (This is unique)
- People have reported scoring this card multiple times throughout time.
The bad and ugly:
- $75 Annual fee is NOT waived the first year
- In the fine print….”The value of this reward may constitute taxable income to you. You may be issued an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 (or other appropriate form) that reflects the value of such reward”
- More fine print…”If your application is approved with a credit line of $5,000 or greater, you will receive a Visa Signature® account [50k offer]; if your credit line is less than $5,000, but greater or equal to $2,000, you will receive a Platinum Plus® account [5,000 miles offer]; if your credit line is less than $2,000, you will receive a Preferred account. [3,000 miles offer]”
Using 50k Alaska Airlines Miles
Dreaming of where you can put 50k miles to use? Try these on for size:
- Anywhere that Alaska flies within the lower 48, Canada, and Alaska: 25,000 round trip. Great value for someone going to Alaska!
- Europe flying on American Airlines between October 15th-May 15th: 40,000 round trip.
- Getting to the coveted Hawaii: 40,000 round trip.
- Quieres ir a Mexico a tomar pina coladas en la playa? 35,000 ida y vuelta
For other ideas and partner flights check out Alaska Airlines’ Earn & Use Miles page that shows the points requirements. You’ll quickly see how valuable these points could be for you.
All of these assume that you’re able to fly in a sardine can (coach) and that you have the patience to find availability on the “Saver” awards. If you missed Monday’s post, read it. The post teaches you about the value in being flexible when booking award travel.
Summary of the Alaska Airlines 50k Offer
This is really the Lone Ranger when it comes to Bank of America travel credit cards. It is always nice to spread your cards across multiple issuers, so when this card bumps up, it is one that I definitely consider.
I’m a little concerned that they offer people their cards with very small bonuses, or that they don’t honor this bonus of 50k as none of you were really targeted with this offer. The $75 annual fee the first year hurts, and makes me hesitate as well.
If you’ve burned through all the other cards and you’re willing to take a risk on this one, make the plunge. Let us know how things turn out for you. I’m heavily considering getting this card for its value to Alaska (somewhere I’ve yet to go) or for using it to book a trip to Europe.
What are your thoughts about the card? Will you go for it?
