Alaska Milage plan recently had some changes to their program like the ability to now book Japan Airlines awards, but they also added the ability to fly Emirates through to the USA, this was previously not allowed, and flights had to be Ex Asia.
Here’s an example flying Sydney – Dubai – Los Angeles
The availability is pretty good in all classes especially business class, it’ll also heavily depend on which destination you choose.
Emirates fly to these following USA cities: Boston, Chicago, Dallas, Fort Lauderdale, Houston, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, San Fransisco, Seattle and Washington.
Emirates also fly out of these Australia cities: Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth, Sydney.
You can also fly out of New Zealand from Auckland and Christchurch.
The miles required for the redemptions are a little compared to what Qantas charge. Qantas charge the following:
Economy – 90,000 oneway
Business – 192,000 oneway
First – 288,000 oneway
Emirates First Class
How do I get Alaska Miles?
There are three good ways you can get Alaska Miles in Australia
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Buying miles
Alaska have a brilliant program when It comes to buying miles; you can purchase unlimited miles and the frequently offer 20% to 40% bonus miles when you purchase them.
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Transferring from SPG
SPG have to be the most valuble miles of any program. SPG transfer t0 30+ airlines at most of them at a 1:1 rates. Also when you transfer 20,000 points you get a bonus of 5000 points. American Express cards transfer to SPG at a 1:0.5 rate and Diners Club earn 1 point per $
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Crediting Qantas flights to Alaska Mileage Plan
Qantas flights earn Alaska points which is another way to rack up miles.
Personally I wouldn’t do it as the miles required is very high compared to doing Sydney to Los Angeles etc. if you want to go to the USA the loooong way it is quite fun but very tiring, trust me 😉
(Hat tip – One Mile At a Time)
