Alaska Airlines’ new elite status offer promises MVP status through 2026 after just one round-trip flight to Sydney or Auckland. It sounds like a great deal—but you had better read the fine print. The offer may be a nonstarter for Hawaii, as it excludes flights originating from the islands. Here’s why this matters and what it might say about Alaska’s loyalty strategy post-merger.
The shortcut to MVP.
The promotion is simple: Fly round-trip between the continental U.S. and Australia or New Zealand on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines by December 31, 2025, and you’ll earn MVP status through the end of 2026. All flights connect through Honolulu. You must register and book directly with Alaska. Full details are on their official offer page.
However, MVP is Alaska’s lowest elite tier, offering limited perks like two free checked bags, early boarding, and a 50% mileage bonus. There’s no lounge access or international upgrade priority. Seat upgrades are space-available and apply only to select fare classes. In our experience, they are rarely available.
Considering that the SEA–SYD round-trip distance is around 15,000 miles, and MVP qualification otherwise is 20,000 miles—the promotion fast-tracks you to the MVP tier at a 5,000 mile discount.
Hawaii travelers are left out.
The headline exclusion here is Hawaii. The offer only applies to flights departing from the continental U.S. Travelers based in Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, or Lihue can’t participate unless they reposition to the mainland first. That means a sizable portion of Alaska and Hawaiian’s combined customer base is sidelined from this promotion…