Alaska Airlines has brought back a unique program for Mileage Plan members to earn elite status by supporting sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Following its success last year, this program offers travelers a chance to earn Elite-Qualifying Miles (EQMs) while addressing their travel-related carbon emissions. Alaska encourages members to purchase SAF credits through this initiative, contributing to real-world emissions reductions.
The SAF credits are available through Chooose, a platform specializing in sustainable travel solutions. Alaska Airlines members can buy these credits on the airline’s website or by visiting a dedicated Alaska Air platform.
From December 31, 2024, members can accumulate 500 EQMs for each $100 spent on SAF credits, with a maximum limit of 5,000 EQMs for the year.
Alaska Airlines’ spokesperson described the initiative as a way for passengers to align their travel with sustainability.
“This program empowers our members to take action on their carbon footprint while working toward elite status,” they said.
This is Alaska’s second year offering EQMs for purchasing SAF credits. In its initial launch in 2023, the program garnered strong support from Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan members. That year, members contributed enough to support over 500,000 gallons of SAF.
Nearly 9% of participants contributed the maximum allowable $1,000, showing the program’s popularity among Alaska’s frequent flyers.
In May 2024, Alaska expanded the SAF initiative, allowing passengers to add SAF credits based on their specific flight’s estimated carbon emissions. Now, travelers booking on alaskaair.com can add SAF credits reflecting their trip’s environmental impact.
Alaska believes this level of guest involvement helps build awareness and responsibility among its travelers.
“We’re fostering a community that understands the value of sustainable aviation fuel,” said Alaska’s representative. “With more options to support SAF, we’re enabling passengers to make meaningful contributions to a lower-emission future.”
Despite its promise, SAF remains expensive and limited in supply. It costs 2 to 7 times more than conventional jet fuel, making it inaccessible for many airlines.
In addition, SAF production meets less than 1% of global aviation fuel demand. Alaska’s SAF initiatives aim to overcome these obstacles.
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) offers impressive environmental benefits. Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF can cut carbon emissions by up to 80% over the fuel’s entire lifecycle. Alaska Airlines has supported SAF since 2010, making it an early leader in the field.
In 2011, Alaska became the first U.S. airline to operate SAF routes, marking a significant step forward in sustainable aviation.
Alaska aims to boost SAF production and lower its costs through partnerships and initiatives. Collaboration with other companies, including major corporations and governmental organizations, is one key element.
For example, Alaska partners with Microsoft to reduce emissions related to business travel. This partnership creates a model other companies can follow, spreading SAF’s benefits across the corporate travel sector.
Alaska has also collaborated with the U.S. Department of Energy and financial institutions like Wells Fargo to encourage SAF expansion. Together, they’ve convened industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities in SAF scaling. These sessions gather voices from the energy, finance, policy, and technology sectors, creating a multi-dimensional conversation on SAF’s future.
Alaska’s initiatives also include innovation in SAF production methods. Recently, the airline partnered with E-Jet® company Twelve to conduct the first commercial flight powered by E-Jet® fuel. This fuel is produced using captured carbon, an exciting breakthrough for sustainable fuel.
Alaska’s support of Twelve extends to investment; the airline recently joined Twelve’s Series C funding round, reflecting Alaska’s dedication to fuel alternatives.
Alaska’s collaboration with Shell Aviation adds another layer of commitment to its SAF efforts. The two companies are working together to expand SAF market availability and better understand the technology and infrastructure needed to support SAF scaling.
Shell and Alaska are also exploring carbon accounting systems to help validate SAF’s benefits and the public policy support necessary to make SAF a more widespread fuel option.
Alaska Airlines refers to this commitment as “closing the SAF gap.” The phrase highlights the discrepancy between SAF’s potential as a low-carbon fuel and its current limited production levels. Alaska aims to close this gap through partnerships, regulatory support, and public awareness.
Despite its high costs and limited availability, SAF is one of the most promising solutions for reducing aviation emissions. Alaska Airlines is one of a few airlines investing in SAF and the infrastructure required to scale it. Alaska is taking tangible steps toward making SAF more viable by fostering partnerships and supporting new production techniques.
As of September 30, 2024, the airline disclosed an operating cash flow of $318 million and maintained $2.5 billion in liquid cash and marketable securities.
These funds ensure that Alaska can continue investing in SAF even as it pursues its ambitious environmental goals.
By linking SAF support to its loyalty program, Alaska Airlines offers a meaningful way for travelers to participate in its sustainability mission. Passengers earn EQMs for elite status and contribute to cleaner skies. Alaska’s elite status provides benefits such as priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and more, so achieving it through SAF credits offers travelers rewards and purpose.
As Alaska strives to grow SAF availability, the program provides a way for its guests to engage in sustainability. Alaska is setting a precedent in the industry by involving passengers directly in its climate initiatives.
For Mileage Plan members, the path to elite status aligns with environmental action. Alaska’s SAF program offers a fresh model for responsible travel, enabling guests to directly contribute to reducing aviation’s carbon impact.
Members can purchase credits online until December 31, 2024, giving them ample time to earn EQMs while supporting cleaner skies.
Alaska’s SAF credit program is an important milestone. By prioritizing customer engagement, Alaska shows how an airline can encourage eco-friendly practices. This initiative may help shape the future of sustainable travel, influencing both industry standards and passenger expectations.