Spring break has come and gone. So many Alaskans now are planning their summer travel adventures. There are a few developments at Alaska Airlines that might change how and when you buy your tickets, how you accumulate miles or points and how you deal with checked bags on your journey.
None of the other flexible spend programs had a favorable exchange rate with Alaska Airlines, until last week. Now, travelers who pay rent can earn travel rewards on Alaska Airlines, up to $100,000 per year. In addition to Alaska Airlines, travelers can move points to United, Emirates, Turkish Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, Hyatt Hotels and others. But the Alaska Airlines connection makes it more valuable for travelers who live here.There is no annual fee for the Bilt card.
There’s a 3% transaction fee, though, to use the Alaska Airlines credit card in the Bilt payment portal. Caitlin expects this option will be available for travelers later this spring. But Mileage Plan members can start earning and redeeming points in the Bilt system right now. One component that’s missing from the Bilt card is a big sign-up bonus. But there’s no fee for the card and the ability to get travel reward points for your rent payment, without an additional transaction fee, is a game-changer. Even if your landlord is not set up to take electronic payments, Bilt will receive your payment and issue a check to your landlord.
For example, I spoke with a traveler headed to Buenos Aires, Argentina. His Alaska Airlines ticket went to Houston, where he transferred to a United Airlines flight to Buenos Aires. When he purchased the tickets, he was assured that his bags would be transferred to United’s flight. That’s because Alaska and United have an “interline baggage agreement” to move bags from one flight to another.