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Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card Review: Is It Worth It?
What Is the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card?
The Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card is a travel rewards credit card designed for frequent flyers who prefer Alaska Airlines and its partner carriers. This card offers a range of benefits tailored to enhance your travel experience, from earning miles on purchases to enjoying premium perks when flying with Alaska Airlines.
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Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card Pros & Cons
Pros:
- Earn 3X miles on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Annual Companion Fare benefit
- Access to preferred plus seating and priority boarding
- Free checked bag for you and up to 6 guests on the same reservation
- 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons:
- Annual fee
- Limited redemption options outside of Alaska Airlines and its partners
- Higher APR compared to some other travel cards
- Requires good to excellent credit for approval
Who Is the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card For?
The Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card is ideal for:
- Frequent Alaska Airlines flyers: If you often travel with Alaska Airlines or its partners, this card's benefits can significantly enhance your travel experience.
- West Coast travelers: Given Alaska Airlines' strong presence on the West Coast, residents or frequent visitors to this region can maximize the card's benefits.
- Mileage Plan enthusiasts: Those who value Alaska's Mileage Plan program and its unique partnerships will find this card particularly rewarding.
- Companion travelers: The annual Companion Fare benefit can provide substantial savings for those who often travel with a partner.
- Premium class seekers: Cardholders who appreciate upgrades and preferred seating will enjoy the card's premium class perks.
Comparing the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card With Other Credit Cards
When considering the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the premium travel card category:
The Platinum Card® from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $695
- Welcome offer: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5X points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel
- Standout feature: Extensive airport lounge access and hotel elite status
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $395
- Sign-up bonus: Large miles bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 10X miles on hotels and rental cars and 5X on vacation rentals and on flights booked through Capital One Travel
- Standout feature: Annual travel credit and 10,000 bonus miles each account anniversary
- Annual fee: $550
- Sign-up bonus: Substantial points bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3X points on travel and dining
- Standout feature: $300 annual travel credit and 50% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel℠
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card is designed for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers
- The Platinum Card® from American Express offers premium travel perks
- Capital One Venture X provides high rewards on travel bookings
- Chase Sapphire Reserve® features flexible travel credits and point redemptions
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Consider Using Kudos
While the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card offers excellent benefits for Alaska Airlines loyalists, it's essential to maximize your rewards across all your credit cards. This is where Kudos comes in handy.
Kudos is a free AI-powered browser extension that helps you get the most out of your credit cards when shopping online. It works with over 15,000 stores and automatically suggests the best card to use for each purchase, ensuring you earn the most rewards, points, or cash back based on your spending patterns.
By using Kudos alongside your Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card, you can:
- Maximize rewards across all your cards
- Discover new credit cards that complement your spending habits
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card is a solid choice for frequent Alaska Airlines flyers and West Coast travelers. Its premium perks, such as preferred plus seating, priority boarding, and the annual Companion Fare, can provide significant value for cardholders who regularly fly with Alaska Airlines.
However, the card's benefits are primarily focused on Alaska Airlines, which may limit its appeal for those who prefer more flexible travel rewards. The annual fee is also a consideration, though it can be offset by the card's perks for regular Alaska Airlines customers.
For those who fly Alaska Airlines often and value premium class upgrades and preferred seating, this card can significantly enhance the travel experience. But if you're looking for more versatile travel rewards or don't frequently fly with Alaska Airlines, you might want to consider other travel credit cards with broader benefits.
Remember, to truly maximize your credit card rewards, consider using a tool like Kudos to ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase, regardless of which airlines you fly.
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Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card FAQ
What are preferred plus seats on Alaska Airlines?
Preferred plus seats are premium seats located at the front of the main cabin, offering extra legroom and priority boarding. Cardholders get access to these seats at a discounted rate or for free, depending on availability.
How does the Companion Fare benefit work?
The Companion Fare allows you to book a companion ticket from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) once per year on Alaska Airlines flights when you purchase another ticket.
Can I use Alaska Airlines miles on partner airlines?
Yes, you can redeem Alaska Airlines miles on their oneworld alliance partners and other partner airlines, offering a wide range of international travel options.
Does the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card offer lounge access?
While the card doesn't provide complimentary lounge access, it does offer discounted day passes to Alaska Lounges.
How do I upgrade to premium class with this card?
Cardholders can upgrade to premium class at a discounted rate or for free, depending on availability, when checking in or at the gate.
Is there a foreign transaction fee?
No, the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card does not charge foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel.
How does priority boarding work with this card?
Cardholders enjoy priority boarding, allowing them to board the plane earlier and secure overhead bin space for their carry-on luggage.
By leveraging the benefits of the Alaska Airlines Preferred Plus Credit Card and using tools like Kudos to maximize your overall credit card rewards, you can enhance your travel experience and get the most value from your credit card spending.
Supercharge Your Credit Cards
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
