Alaska Airlines allows mile transfers to others for a fee, but with specific limits and conditions to consider.
Understanding Alaska Airlines Mileage Transfer Policies
Alaska Airlines miles are a valuable currency for frequent flyers, offering flexibility and rewards across a broad network. But what if you want to share those miles with family or friends? The question “Can I Transfer Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?” is common among travelers looking to maximize their rewards or help others book flights.
Yes, Alaska Airlines permits the transfer of miles between Mileage Plan accounts. However, it’s not a free service. Transfers come with fees and restrictions that can affect how and when you use this option. This system is designed to prevent abuse while still offering some flexibility to mile owners.
The transfer process requires the sender to pay a fixed fee per transaction plus an additional cost per mile transferred. The minimum transfer amount is 1,000 miles, and the maximum is capped at 40,000 miles per calendar year. These limits ensure that transfers remain manageable and discourage large-scale mileage trading.
Understanding these rules upfront helps you decide if transferring miles is the best route or if other options like redeeming miles directly or pooling with family members via booking are more efficient.
Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring Alaska Airlines Miles
The actual process of transferring miles is straightforward but involves several key steps:
1. Log into Your Mileage Plan Account: Start by accessing your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account online.
2. Navigate to the Transfer Section: Under your account dashboard, look for the “Buy or Transfer Miles” option.
3. Select ‘Transfer Miles’: Choose the option to transfer miles rather than buying them.
4. Enter Recipient Details: Provide the recipient’s full name and Mileage Plan number accurately.
5. Choose Transfer Amount: Specify how many miles you want to send (minimum 1,000; maximum 40,000 annually).
6. Pay Transfer Fees: Fees are calculated based on the number of miles transferred plus a flat transaction fee.
7. Confirm and Submit: Review all details carefully before confirming your transfer request.
Once submitted, transfers generally process quickly but may take up to 24 hours in some cases. Both sender and recipient will receive confirmation emails once the transaction completes.
Fees and Costs Associated with Mile Transfers
Transferring Alaska Airlines miles isn’t cheap compared to simply redeeming them yourself or gifting travel through other means. Here’s how fees break down:
| Fee Type | Cost per Transaction | Cost per Mile Transferred |
|---|---|---|
| Flat Transaction Fee | $30 | N/A |
| Per-Mile Fee | N/A | $0.03 |
For example, transferring 10,000 miles would cost $30 (transaction fee) + $300 (10,000 x $0.03), totaling $330.
This pricing structure means transferring large amounts of miles can become costly quickly. This discourages casual transfers but remains useful in specific scenarios where transferring is necessary or beneficial.
Alternatives to Transferring Miles
If fees give you pause, there are alternative ways to share travel benefits without moving miles between accounts:
- Booking Flights for Others Using Your Miles: You can use your own Mileage Plan account to book tickets for anyone else without transferring miles. This avoids fees entirely since no actual transfer occurs.
- Pooling Miles Within Family Accounts: While Alaska doesn’t offer formal family pooling like some airlines, booking on behalf of family members via your account effectively achieves similar results.
- Gifting Travel Vouchers: Instead of sending miles, consider gifting travel vouchers or prepaid tickets purchased through your Mileage Plan account.
These alternatives often prove more cost-effective than paying transfer fees and allow greater control over how rewards are used.
Why Does Alaska Charge Fees for Transfers?
Airlines implement mileage transfer fees primarily as a deterrent against unauthorized resale or abuse of frequent flyer programs. Without such controls, miles could be traded like cash on secondary markets at inflated prices, undermining airline revenue models.
By charging fees and capping yearly transfers, Alaska maintains program integrity while still offering flexibility for genuine needs—such as helping family members who might not have enough miles themselves or consolidating rewards after account mergers.
This balance keeps the program sustainable long-term while supporting loyal customers’ occasional requests for mileage sharing.
Restrictions and Important Details About Transfers
Beyond fees and limits, several restrictions apply when transferring Alaska Airlines miles:
- Transfer Limits: You cannot send more than 40,000 miles per calendar year from one account.
- No Refunds on Transfers: Once completed, transferred miles cannot be reversed or refunded.
- Recipient Eligibility: The recipient must have an active Mileage Plan account prior to receiving transferred miles.
- No Status Benefits Transfer: Only award miles move between accounts; elite status or related perks do not transfer.
- Transfer Timing: Transfers typically complete within 24 hours but may sometimes take longer during peak times.
Being aware of these points helps avoid surprises after initiating a transfer request.
Impact on Elite Status and Upgrades
Transferring mileage points does not affect elite status qualification directly since status depends on flown segments and earned elite qualifying points (EQPs). Likewise:
- You cannot transfer elite status credits or benefits along with the award miles.
- Upgrades tied to elite status remain associated exclusively with the original member’s account.
If you’re aiming for elite qualification boosts or upgrade advantages by sharing mileage balances, transferring won’t help in this regard.
When Should You Consider Transferring Miles?
Despite costs and restrictions, there are scenarios where transferring makes perfect sense:
- A loved one needs just a few thousand extra miles to book an award flight.
- You’ve accumulated extra miles that you won’t use before expiration but someone else can benefit from them.
- Combining smaller balances from multiple accounts isn’t possible via pooling; transfers consolidate points efficiently.
- Helping friends or family who don’t travel frequently but want occasional trips without buying full-price tickets.
In these cases, paying transfer fees might be worthwhile compared with buying new tickets outright at retail prices.
Tips for Smart Mile Transfers
To make mileage transfers work best for you:
- Always double-check recipient details before submitting—errors can cause lost points.
- Compare total costs of transfer versus direct booking on behalf of others before deciding.
- Consider timing; avoid last-minute transfers that might delay flight bookings.
- Use transfers sparingly due to annual limits—plan ahead if multiple transactions may be needed over time.
These strategies help maximize value while minimizing unnecessary expenses.
Comparing Alaska Airlines’ Policy With Other Carriers
Alaska’s approach differs notably from other major airlines regarding mile transfers:
| Airline | Transfer Allowed? | Fees/Restrictions |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | $30 + $0.03/mile; max 40k/year |
| Delta Air Lines | No | Transfers not permitted; must book flights directly |
| American Airlines | Yes | $30 + $0.03/mile; max 50k/year |
| United Airlines | No | No transfers allowed |
| Southwest | Yes | No fee; points transferable between Rapid Rewards accounts |
Alaska’s policy strikes a middle ground: allowing transfers but imposing significant fees compared to Southwest’s free policy or Delta’s outright ban on transfers. This reflects different loyalty program philosophies across carriers.
Key Takeaways: Can I Transfer Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?
➤ Transfers are allowed but come with fees and restrictions.
➤ Recipients must have an Alaska Airlines account to receive miles.
➤ Transfer fees vary based on the number of miles sent.
➤ Miles transferred do not count toward elite status qualification.
➤ Consider gifting miles as an alternative to direct transfers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Transfer Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?
Yes, Alaska Airlines allows you to transfer miles to another person’s Mileage Plan account. However, this service is not free and involves fees per transaction and per mile transferred. Transfers are subject to specific limits and conditions set by the airline.
What Are the Limits When I Transfer Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?
You can transfer a minimum of 1,000 miles and up to 40,000 miles per calendar year to another person. These limits help manage transfers and prevent large-scale mileage trading between accounts.
How Much Does It Cost To Transfer Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?
Transferring miles requires paying a fixed fee per transaction plus an additional cost for each mile transferred. The exact fee depends on the number of miles you want to send, so it’s important to review the charges before confirming the transfer.
What Is the Process To Transfer Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?
To transfer miles, log into your Mileage Plan account, navigate to “Buy or Transfer Miles,” select “Transfer Miles,” enter the recipient’s details, specify the amount, pay the fees, and confirm your request. Transfers typically process within 24 hours.
Are There Alternatives To Transferring Alaska Airlines Miles To Another Person?
If transferring miles isn’t ideal due to fees or limits, consider redeeming miles directly for tickets or booking flights for family and friends using your account. These options can sometimes offer better value without additional costs.