While there’s nothing earth shattering here, I’d like to share how I’ve increasingly been redeeming Alaska Atmos Rewards points for travel on American, particularly for domestic and short haul international travel. In many ways, I’d argue that this has become the real sweet spot of the program, so let me explain…
In this post:
I frequently redeem points for domestic flights
I’m not some weekly domestic road warrior. Quite to the contrary, I avoid domestic travel as much as possible, since nothing is as comfortable as my bed at home. However, I still end up flying a fair bit domestically.
What has changed over the years is that I’m increasingly just redeeming points for domestic and short haul international flights, including in first class. Why? Well, a lot has changed over the years. Back in the day, I’d almost exclusively pay cash for economy tickets when traveling domestically:
- As an American AAdvantage Executive Platinum member, I’d almost always get upgraded to first class, so it ended up being quite a good value
- Years ago, the only way to earn elite status was through actually flying, so that was my pathway to qualifying
However, times sure have changed. First class upgrades are really tough to come by nowadays, so more often than not, I end up finding a way to confirm myself into first class, assuming it represents a decent value. Sometimes that’s by outright redeeming points for first class, and other times it’s by purchasing reasonably priced upgrades.
Furthermore, nowadays you can earn elite status through credit card spending, but it’s even questionable whether that’s worth it, given that it’s not as valuable as it used to be.
I also plan a lot of my domestic travel last minute, when costs for a ticket in cash might be really high, while award costs are often reasonable. So long story short, I find that points just get me the best value and most comfortable domestic flying in a majority of situations.
Alaska Atmos Rewards is the domestic sweet spot program
In many cases, redeeming American AAdvantage miles for domestic travel can be a solid value. American no longer has an award chart for these flights, though pricing can be attractive. The catch is that American almost always penalizes you if you want to fly nonstop, as connections are typically priced lower.
Back in the day, redeeming British Airways Club Avios for short haul travel on American was an incredible value. It was one of the best sweet spots of the program. Unfortunately we’ve seen devaluation after devaluation, to the point that these kinds of short haul redemptions just aren’t a good deal anymore, in a vast majority of situations.
But this is an area where the Alaska Atmos Rewards program has become increasingly useful in recent years. In particular, at this point my favorite way to redeem Atmos Rewards points is for travel on American, particularly on short haul flights, but also on long haul flights.
Below is Alaska Atmos Rewards’ award chart for travel within the Americas. Assuming there’s saver level award space on American, pricing is as follows:
- A flight of under 700 miles will cost 4,500 points in economy, 9,000 points in business class
- A flight of 701-1,400 miles will cost 7,500 points in economy, 15,000 points in business class
- A flight of 1,401-2,100 miles will cost 12,500 points in economy, 25,000 points in business class
A vast majority of my nonstop domestic travel covers distances of under 1,400 miles, so that’s where I get the most value.
For example, my single most frequently flown route is between Miami and Tampa, and last minute fares can be pretty expensive with cash. If I redeem American AAdvantage miles for this flight, pricing is often 7,000 miles in economy, or 15,000 miles in first class.
Meanwhile if I redeem Alaska Atmos Rewards points, pricing is only 4,500 points in economy, or 9,000 points in first class.
Just to be thorough and point out how bad British Airways Club has become, that award costs 12,000 Avios in economy, or 24,000 Avios in first class.
My next most frequent route is between Miami and New York. If I redeem American AAdvantage miles for this flight, pricing is often 9,000 miles in economy, or 26,000 miles in first class.
Meanwhile if I redeem Alaska Atmos Rewards points, pricing is only 7,500 points in economy, or 15,000 points in first class.
To include British Airways Club, that award costs 16,000 Avios in economy, or 32,000 Avios in first class.
Even beyond short haul awards, there’s potentially a lot of upside with Atmos Rewards award flights on American. For example, say you want to fly from New York to London. If I redeem American AAdvantage miles for this flight, pricing is often 27,000 miles in economy, or 70,000 miles in business class.
Meanwhile if I redeem Alaska Atmos Rewards points, pricing is only 22,500 points in economy, or 45,000 points in business class.
To include British Airways Club, that award costs 20,750 Avios plus $131 in economy, or 62,000 Avios plus $1,058 in business class.
Now, let me just mention that Alaska Atmos Rewards does charge a $12.50 partner award booking fee per direction of travel, so you’ll pay that in addition to the taxes. That’s not a huge deal, though you can even avoid that fee simply by having the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card (review), as getting that fee waived is one of the card perks. Regardless, beyond that partner fee, you can change or cancel Atmos Rewards awards on American at no cost.
Furthermore, if you’re looking to take advantage of elite perks, note that you often can’t add another frequent flyer program number to a reservation booked with Atmos Rewards points. This isn’t consistently enforced, and also probably isn’t much of an issue if you’re booking first class, since there’s not much incremental value to status. But still, it’s worth pointing out.
There is a further great upside, though. Keep in mind that Atmos Rewards awards status points for award flights booked through the program, so you can actually qualify for elite status based on your award flights. That’s why I think being loyal to Atmos Rewards as an American flyer could make a lot of sense.
Racking up Alaska Atmos Rewards points is easy
Like I said, redeeming on American might not be the most aspirational award redemption on earth, but it sure is practical. Keep in mind there are lots of ways to acquire Atmos Rewards points at a reasonable cost.
For example, you can frequently buy Atmos Rewards points for well under two cents each, as we often see promotions — I’d consider this to be a very attractive way to secure domestic awards on American, assuming you can find availability.
Furthermore, the Atmos Rewards program has three co-brand credit cards, issued by Bank of America, and they all have excellent welcome bonuses with limited eligibility restrictions:
- The Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card (review) has a $395 annual fee, and there are so many reasons to get this lucrative card, ranging from the fastest pathway to earning status, to Global Companion Awards, to great bonus categories, and much more
- The Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card (review) has a $95 annual fee, and it offers valuable basic perks for travel on Alaska & Hawaiian, including the ability to earn a $99 companion fare
- The Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card (review) has a minimum of a $95 annual fee ($70 for the company and $25 per user), and offers useful benefits for travel on Alaska & Hawaiian
What’s so great is that you can potentially qualify for all of these cards, so that’s an opportunity to earn lots of points. For example, I recently picked up both the Atmos Rewards Summit Card and Atmos Rewards Business Card.
Bottom line
The Alaska Atmos Rewards program can be mighty useful. Nowadays I’d consider it to be an excellent value program for redeeming on American, where I find the pricing is consistently lower than through American AAdvantage or British Airways Club.
The catch is that there needs to be saver level award availability, but for situations in which it’s available, the value is pretty unbeatable, in my opinion. Best of all, Alaska Atmos Rewards points are easy to come by, and you can even earn status points for award flights, which is the icing on the cake.
Anyone else appreciate the value of redeeming Alaska Atmos Rewards points on American?
I booked a 50,000 Atmos pts Premium Economy seat thru Alaska on AA that they were listing for 70,000.
I liked that deal.
how much yearly spend do you have to maintain to get that Executive Platinum status? cursory research looks like it's $100,000k+ annual spend on cards, or $30,000-$50,000 on flights/hotels
I use my Atmos miles almost exclusively for AA flights. The short hops that I take, in particular, can be very pricey out of ORD on AA ($400 o/w ORD-ILM in Y, for example, which I do with a good amount of frequency); AA often wants close to 45k or more AAdvantage Miles for these flights! But, in August, I booked 4 hours out ILM-ORD in F for 9k using Atmos miles. As much as...
I use my Atmos miles almost exclusively for AA flights. The short hops that I take, in particular, can be very pricey out of ORD on AA ($400 o/w ORD-ILM in Y, for example, which I do with a good amount of frequency); AA often wants close to 45k or more AAdvantage Miles for these flights! But, in August, I booked 4 hours out ILM-ORD in F for 9k using Atmos miles. As much as I prefer DL when flying domestically, being based in CHI when in the States makes Atmos really useful.
It is a nice use of AS points and I've used for close in bookings with some frequency. I did so yesterday in fact. I had a connecting flight on Delta (for $175). American for the 75 minute nonstop didn't waiver from over $400 from time of booking to day of departure. No AS mileage tickets available in advance for any afternoon or evening flights. On day of departure yesterday, I checked it a few...
It is a nice use of AS points and I've used for close in bookings with some frequency. I did so yesterday in fact. I had a connecting flight on Delta (for $175). American for the 75 minute nonstop didn't waiver from over $400 from time of booking to day of departure. No AS mileage tickets available in advance for any afternoon or evening flights. On day of departure yesterday, I checked it a few times and about 2.5 hours before the flight: 4500 mile award available on the AA nonstop about 30 min after my DL flight. Retail was $488. Booked it, took the DL credit, made it home almost 3 hours early. I'll take a near 11 cents a mile redemption any day
Alaska Atmos is the best! I use points to fly all over the lower 48 for $25. Which now that will be waived as I got a Summit Card. I’m blessed with upgrades automatically to first class many times. Anyone traveling on the same flight with you have your tickets joined under the same reservation. They as well may get the upgrade. There are so many perks with the Alaska Cards. I switched years ago....
Alaska Atmos is the best! I use points to fly all over the lower 48 for $25. Which now that will be waived as I got a Summit Card. I’m blessed with upgrades automatically to first class many times. Anyone traveling on the same flight with you have your tickets joined under the same reservation. They as well may get the upgrade. There are so many perks with the Alaska Cards. I switched years ago. I have told many friends family and others about this card and points plan. The end up getting two cards. The companion fare is the way to go if you’re going to Alaska or Hawaii. Just get in the Alaska Airlines Website and check out the perks. You will not be disappointed. Don’t let paying a fee of $95 yearly for the card keep you from getting the card. You will get that back and so much more!
I was able to get a BCN-PHL in business for 45k at the last minute when I had a change of plans. Just looked on point.me to see what was available, and that was the best by far.
I'm here for the BA libel.
Btw CX announced SEA to HKG, which is surely to stimulate some engagement for your site.
I redeemed AS miles on AA for the first time for a flight in Premium economy from DCA to HNL this upcoming January with a layover in ORD. The cost was 30k miles vs >40k miles on AS metal flying all in economy. Nice to fly from ORD to HNL in a 787 in PE vs a 737 from SEA
Hard disagree - I booked an AA flight on AS miles
AA cancelled the flight due to weather
AS told me to call AA to get a refund, AA told me to call AS. Wheeeeeee!
This is why cocaine is necessary
Loved the build-up to the logical conclusion! 100/100.
While I used to like saving my Alaska points got first/business flights to Asia/Oceania with a free stopper over, this has become my best use as well.
Sad the days of flying SYD-HKG-LAX in first with a stopover for 70k are pretty much gone, it’s nice to avoid spending hundreds on a last minute AA flight for just a few thousand miles.
Now if only AA flew to more international destinations, could have...
While I used to like saving my Alaska points got first/business flights to Asia/Oceania with a free stopper over, this has become my best use as well.
Sad the days of flying SYD-HKG-LAX in first with a stopover for 70k are pretty much gone, it’s nice to avoid spending hundreds on a last minute AA flight for just a few thousand miles.
Now if only AA flew to more international destinations, could have a nice way of getting to more of Europe without paying the huge BA fees
I have a question. we paid off the minimum requirements for the Atmos Summit Cards of 6K in the First 3 Days of receiving the cards. It has been almost a month now. when do they post the 105K plus miles?
After the current statement closes. Check the exact date o BOA website.
Thank you!
Great article, and I appreciate your insight. One problem, however, with using Atmos points for an American flight is you can't upgrade off of it.
I'm American Executive Platinum. I had multiple flights on American booked in coach, some using American miles, and one using Atmos points. I noticed the upgade language was different on the Atmos reservation on American, although of course I can't remember the exact difference now.
In any event, I called...
Great article, and I appreciate your insight. One problem, however, with using Atmos points for an American flight is you can't upgrade off of it.
I'm American Executive Platinum. I had multiple flights on American booked in coach, some using American miles, and one using Atmos points. I noticed the upgade language was different on the Atmos reservation on American, although of course I can't remember the exact difference now.
In any event, I called American's reservation line and got a very knowledgeable and helpful customer service agent. She said American doesn't allow upgrades on Atmost awards. Thus, my EP status meant nothing, and I wasn't going to get out of coach (although I was in MCE). That's obviously not a problem if you're booking business in the first place, but it's a serious problem if you're expecting an upgrade from economy that's not going to happen.
Has this ever happened to you?
Sounds like you misunderstood slightly.
If you book with AS miles, unless you're very careful, the ticket will have your AS frequent flier number, not your AA frequent flier number. So their computer systems don't know that you're EP, they see whatever status you have in the Atmos program. Now, Atmos elite members are ALSO entitled to upgrades on AA, but at a lower level of priority depending on your Atmos elite status -- and,...
Sounds like you misunderstood slightly.
If you book with AS miles, unless you're very careful, the ticket will have your AS frequent flier number, not your AA frequent flier number. So their computer systems don't know that you're EP, they see whatever status you have in the Atmos program. Now, Atmos elite members are ALSO entitled to upgrades on AA, but at a lower level of priority depending on your Atmos elite status -- and, I'm guessing you have no status in that program?
I have booked AA with AS miles and appeared on the upgrade list with the correct priority. I believe one time I even got the upgrade. I've also booked AA with AS miles and managed to get my AA number on the reservation and was on the upgrade list as well.
I use my AS miles to fly AA ALL THE TIME... I live in DFW. 80% of the time, my flights are 4.5k miles. I use my AAdvantage Platinum number and I get at least an upgrade to Main Cabin Extra on AA on every flight, sometimes First Class. You've now caught on to my "secret" I've been taking advantage of!
I have Alaska status, which I use for flying AA (75% of my points are earned flying on AA - I do this as I fly a lot of segments at the advantage of planning ahead - status is a lot easier to come by on AS). I have used AA miles for a ticket on AA, then even used the text agent to add my AS number to the reservation as well and ta-da...
I have Alaska status, which I use for flying AA (75% of my points are earned flying on AA - I do this as I fly a lot of segments at the advantage of planning ahead - status is a lot easier to come by on AS). I have used AA miles for a ticket on AA, then even used the text agent to add my AS number to the reservation as well and ta-da there's the ability to select Main Cabin Extra and I've even gotten upgrades.
Maybe it does not work the other way around? I don't know. It could depend on who initiates the ticket. But AA mile ticket booked under AA number with AS status added after the fact yielded the appropriate status tier perks.
The partner FF number restriction is not enforced in practice. The key is to just book for a "new passenger" and leave the Alaska FF number field blank. Once booked, you can add whatever oneworld FF number you want on the AA website. I've never had an issue taking advantage of Main Cabin Extra seating, free checked bags, or Admirals Club/Flagship lounge access after I add my BA FF number myself on the AA website.
I agree it's easy to add your AA number and get MCE and club access. However, per my comment in this thread, AA won't upgrade you from economy to business on Atmos rewards. That's not a problem if you're booked in business, but it was an unwelcome surprise when I booked in economy (despite getting an MCE seat).
Hmm, that's odd. I also have AA Platinum Pro status and have been upgraded to domestic first on several Atmos-redeemed award tickets on AA. Not sure why that agent told you otherwise, because it's never been an issue for me.
I’ve been upgraded many times on AA booked with AS, as recently as last week. Book on AS with no FF# attached, message AA on X to add my AA#, reserve MCE and added to upgrade list.
how often can you actually find an american airlines business class flight from nyc to london using atmos? i can only find BA ones with $1k in fees.
@ michelle -- See my response below. While there might not often be readily available award space, by setting ExpertFlyer alerts, I generally do very well.
I mean, this makes sense and I appreciate the window into your more recent thinking, and I believe it may make more sense domestically, but there are real potential gaps on routes like JFK-LHR.
It seems like Alaska does have access to AA saver 70k or lower fares for 45k across the pond. Amazing deal for sure! But go one step up to AA 100k fares (which are sadly much much more common now...
I mean, this makes sense and I appreciate the window into your more recent thinking, and I believe it may make more sense domestically, but there are real potential gaps on routes like JFK-LHR.
It seems like Alaska does have access to AA saver 70k or lower fares for 45k across the pond. Amazing deal for sure! But go one step up to AA 100k fares (which are sadly much much more common now than the 70k saver) and Alaska does NOT have access to those.
After October 2025, AA's next sub 100k saver availability JFK-LHR appears to be in February 2026, where you can find 65k AA (and still 45k Alaska).
So yes, if you can find a 65-70k AA metal fare you can get it for 45k on Alaska, which is amazing, but again, that's much fewer and more far between these days.
Peter -- All of these are totally valid points, and maybe I'm giving away too many secrets here, but let me share my strategy. I try to be realistic about the flights that have decent odds of award space opening up (based on premium cabins still being wide open). Then I set ExpertFlyer alerts, and then you'd be surprised by how often the premium cabin award seats open up on exactly the flights that I...
Peter -- All of these are totally valid points, and maybe I'm giving away too many secrets here, but let me share my strategy. I try to be realistic about the flights that have decent odds of award space opening up (based on premium cabins still being wide open). Then I set ExpertFlyer alerts, and then you'd be surprised by how often the premium cabin award seats open up on exactly the flights that I want.
Like, this happens all the time. Just in recent weeks, it happened on MIA-GYE, MIA-LHR, and MIA-EZE, all of which were flights I was monitoring. It might not look like odds are great if you just take a static look at availability at any given point, but that's all because award seats get snagged up pretty quickly. But if you use the tools available to you, I find I can book with Atmos Rewards more often than not.
In recent months, I've locked in everything
Hey Ben, how far into the future are you looking to assess cabin occupancy?
Hey, if you can’t give away secrets in the comments section of your own blog, where can you do that - certainly not in a full post! ;-). Plus your comment dropped right after “In recent months, I’ve locked in everything…” - more secrets for sure!
Expert flyer alerts certainly make sense, and no illusions about how quickly award seats are getting snapped up these days.
I’m usually not one to sign up for cards...
Hey, if you can’t give away secrets in the comments section of your own blog, where can you do that - certainly not in a full post! ;-). Plus your comment dropped right after “In recent months, I’ve locked in everything…” - more secrets for sure!
Expert flyer alerts certainly make sense, and no illusions about how quickly award seats are getting snapped up these days.
I’m usually not one to sign up for cards for a SUB, and I like AA Hotels too much as a route to help with OWE, so hard for me to fully switch over to Atmos vs AA. That said, I’m very curious what Bilt 2.0 will be with mortgage payments and could see shifting spend there to take advantage of Atmos as a transfer partner.
Thanks as always for the tips and valuable miles-saving insights!
Hey Ben, can you do a review on setting expert flyer reward alerts? or update one? thanks. I am not sure if you have a post.