Imagine building up a big pot of Alaska Mileage Plan miles… only to lose them because you forgot to log an activity. Sounds tragic, right? But here’s the good news: Alaska Airlines makes it relatively easy to protect your miles — if you know what to do.
In this guide, we’ll show you exactly how to keep Alaska miles from expiring — with easy, low-effort ways to stay active, even if you don’t have travel plans. Plus, we’ll share a few professional secrets to keeping your miles safe without breaking a sweat.
Do Alaska Miles Expire? (And Why You Should Still Pay Attention)
Here’s the simple answer:
Alaska miles do not expire as long as your Mileage Plan account remains active.
The keyword is active. If your account sits completely unused for too long (specifically 24+ months), Alaska Airlines reserves the right to shut it down. And when that happens?
Your miles could disappear faster than a bag of free pretzels on a long flight.
That’s why learning how to keep Alaska miles from expiring isn’t just smart — it’s essential for protecting your travel rewards.
How to Keep Your Alaska Mileage Plan Account Active (No Boarding Pass Required)
Keeping your Alaska account active is way easier than most travelers realize. You don’t even have to board a flight or leave your couch if you don’t want to.
Here’s how to keep Alaska miles from expiring effortlessly:
1. Fly with Alaska Airlines or Oneworld Partners
Booking even a short flight on Alaska Airlines or any Oneworld alliance partner will reset your activity clock.
A cheap one-hour hop counts the same as a long-haul adventure.
2. Shop Through the Alaska Mileage Plan Shopping Portal
Make a quick purchase online — socks, a book, or even toothpaste — through the Mileage Plan shopping portal, and you’ll earn miles while resetting your activity date.
Saving your entire mileage balance with a $10 online shopping spree? Sounds like a great return on investment.
3. Use an Alaska Airlines Credit Card
If you have the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® or Visa® Business card, simply using your card on everyday purchases — like your morning coffee or a last-minute Amazon order — keeps your account active.
4. Book Hotels or Rent Cars with Partner Brands
Whether it’s a stay at Marriott or Hyatt or renting a car from Budget or Avis, booking through Alaska’s partners earns miles and keeps your account fresh.
Smart Traveler Secrets: Creative Ways to Keep Alaska Miles Alive
If you’re thinking “I’m not traveling this year” — don’t worry.
There are some creative, easy ways to ensure your account stays active without leaving your house:
- Donate miles to charity through Alaska Airlines’ giving programs.
- Buy a small number of miles to trigger activity (usually a last-resort option, as it’s not cheap).
- Transfer points from Marriott Bonvoy, Bilt Rewards, or even Hawaiian Airlines into your Mileage Plan account.
- Dine out and link your card through Mileage Plan Dining. (Saving your miles and justifying that extra dessert? Yes, please.)
Sometimes, keeping your miles active is as simple as enjoying a burger and fries — and hey, who are we to argue with science?
What Happens If You Forget? (Account Closure Risks Explained)
If you completely neglect your Mileage Plan account for more than 24 months — no earning, no redeeming, no action at all — Alaska Airlines may close your account entirely.
And once closed, your miles are gone. There’s no simple reactivation like some other programs offer. That’s why knowing how to keep Alaska miles from expiring is so crucial: it only takes one tiny action to keep your dreams of award flights alive.
Transfer Options to Save the Day (If You’re Running Out of Time)
If you realize you’re about to hit the inactivity deadline, here’s how you can quickly pad your account:
- Transfer Marriott Bonvoy points (3:1 ratio) to Alaska miles.
- Transfer Bilt Rewards points (1:1 — fast and efficient).
- Transfer HawaiianMiles if you’re part of that program (new partnership launched in 2024).
Pro Tips for Keeping Alaska Miles Safe Without Stress
Keeping your Mileage Plan account active doesn’t have to feel like managing a stock portfolio. Here’s how to make it almost automatic:
- Set reminders: Use your calendar, phone alarms, or AwardWallet tracking alerts.
- Schedule an annual shopping portal purchase every year (you’ll thank yourself later).
- Keep a small recurring subscription (like Spotify, Netflix, or Amazon Prime) charged on your Alaska credit card.
Protecting your miles should be easier than remembering your coworker’s birthday — and more rewarding.
Keeping Alaska Miles Active is Surprisingly Easy
The beauty of Alaska’s Mileage Plan?
It’s flexible, traveler-friendly, and designed for longevity — if you show it a little love now and then. Whether you fly, shop, eat out, or simply move a few points around, knowing how to keep Alaska miles from expiring ensures that your rewards stay ready whenever your next big adventure calls.
Protect your miles today — your future self (and future travel plans) will thank you.
How We Can Help You
Looking for an even smarter way to manage your miles? At Cash For My Miles, we help you sell Turkish miles— including Alaska, Turkish, and many others — into real cash, quickly and securely.
Whether you want to protect your miles or cash them out before they go to waste, our trusted service gives you peace of mind (and a bigger wallet). Contact us today and see why over 47,000 travelers have trusted us with their rewards!
