And then there were three.

Alaska Airlines joined the rush of airlines extending elite status for their most loyal flyers, extending current status for all Mileage Plan members through Dec. 31, 2021. It follows similar moves by both United and Delta. Elite flyers with American Airlines, JetBlue, and Southwest are still awaiting word on how those carriers may handle elite status extensions.

This move by Alaska ensures that flyers with status – from MVP to MVP Gold to MVP Gold 75K – will retain those benefits through 2021. Considering how much harder it is to earn status at a time when no one is flying, that's a good move.

The airline will also roll over any elite miles earned between January and April of 2020, making it easier to earn status for 2022 and beyond. Alaska said it isn't adjusting the requirements to earn status “at this time,” but hinted that it will offer ways to build status faster.

 

Graphical user interface, text, application, email
The different levels and requirements of Alaska Mileage Plan status

 

Have a Companion Fare from an Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card? You're getting an extension, too. Any companion certificates expiring in 2020 have been automatically extended through the end of the year. So you've got until Dec. 31 to book a trip as far out as November 26, 2021. The companion certificate allows you to book any economy ticket for just $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees).

 

Bottom Line

This is becoming a pattern.

Airlines are writing off 2020 and giving their most loyal flyers a break by extending status. These are moves that should pay off when it's time to travel again.

Now the clock is ticking on American, Southwest, and JetBlue.