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An Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan Award Chart Devaluation may be coming by the end of December, 2022, bolding ours:
“Starting late December, the way you view award charts online is changing. We’ll have a simplified award chart to show you where award levels start based on which regions you’re traveling from and to. With this change, similar to awards on Alaska, partner award levels may vary depending on multiple factors including route, distance, or demand. You’ll continue to be able to enjoy great value for your miles. As always, the best way to view pricing and availability for the routes you’re interested in flying is to search for your specific travel dates and destinations.”
The above is on Alaska's Web site.
As frequent flyer miles enthusiasts know, anytime an airline's frequent flyer program uses “enhancement” or “simplify” to describe an upcoming change, that's code for award program devaluation. Specifically, the fact that partner award mileage amounts will vary based in part on demand is new. Different routes/distances have already been taken into account with current regional award pricing, but Alaska Mileage Plan partner awards until now haven't varied based on customer demand.
Currently, our favorite awards using Alaska Mileage Plan miles tend to be JAL First Class, JAL Business Class, Cathay Pacific First Class, Cathay Pacific Business Class. We'd recommend using your existing Alaska Mileage Plan miles and not buying more than you can redeem before late December 2022.
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