Can I earn Avios and BA tier points if I fly with Alaska Airlines?

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In this article we’ll look at how you can earn Avios and British Airways tier points by flying with Alaska Airlines and whether it’s worth it compared to flying British Airways.

It is possible to earn Avios and BA tier points when you fly with Alaska Airlines instead of their own mileage reward currency. This is because the airlines have a joint partnership.

When you book or manage your flights with Alaska Airlines, you will be able to add your British Airways Executive Club number. Upon completion of your flights you will automatically be credited the correct Avios.

(This also works in reverse. Passengers on British Airways can choose to earn miles in the Alaska Airlines frequent flyer scheme instead.)

However, you will earn a different amount of Avios on Alaska Airlines compared to similar flights on British Airways. On Alaska Airlines, you will earn Avios at a maximum of 150% of miles flown if you fly in First Class. On British Airways flights, First Class fares can earn up to 300% of miles flown if you are on a flexible ticket.

Here is the full chart of earning rates on Alaska Airlines, sourced from the British Airways website. We are comparing the earnings when you take a flight on Alaska Airlines compared to taking a flight on British Airways.

Economy lowest – 25% on both airlines

Economy low – 50% on both airlines

Economy flexible – 100% on both airlines

Premium Economy – not available on Alaska vs 100%-150% on British Airways

Business – not available on AS vs 150%-250% on British Airways

First – 150% vs 250%-300% on British Airways (to be fair, Alaska Airlines does not fly long haul; their ‘First’ product is the equivalent to short haul business class, or Club Europe on British Airways.)

As you can see, economy earning rates are the same for both airlines. For flights in business class you will suffer some severe losses – up to 100% less when comparing Alaska Airlines’ short-haul First product with British Airway’s business class (Alaska Airlines First is not true first class.)

You will NOT get a status bonus when you fly with Alaska Airlines. This means that Bronze, Silver and Gold members of the Executive Club will do even worse compared to a similar length of flight on British Airways.

You will are unable to collect tier points with Alaska Airlines. This means that your flights with them will NOT count towards earning status in British Airways Executive Club.

(This article is part of our ‘BA Q&A’ series which explains how British Airways Executive Club works. You can see all of our ‘BA Q&A’ articles here. )

(Head for Points is the UK’s biggest frequent flyer website with 1.8 million monthly page views. Want to learn more about earning and spending Avios? Click here to read our latest news stories, click here to join our email list and click here to read our ‘Avios Redemption University’ series.)

How to get 20,000 Avios from Amex Gold or 30,000 Avios from Amex Platinum (December 2021 offer)

The sign-up bonus on American Express Preferred Rewards Gold converts to 20,000 Avios and the card is free for the first year. You can apply here.

American Express Preferred Rewards Gold

Your best beginner’s card – 20,000 points, FREE for a year & two airport lounge passes Read our full review

You don’t qualify for the Amex Gold bonus if you have a British Airways American Express card. You DO qualify for the bonus on The Platinum Card, which converts into 30,000 Avios. You can apply here.

The Platinum Card from American Express

30,000 points and an unbeatable set of travel benefits – for a fee Read our full review

If you have your own small business, the best way of earning Avios is via the Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa. It has a sign-up bonus which converts to 10,000 Avios:

Capital On Tap Business Rewards Visa

The most generous Avios Visa or Mastercard for a limited company Read our full review

You should also look at the British Airways Accelerating Business card, because it currently has a limited time offer of 60,000 Avios when you sign up by 14th November. You can apply here.