# Atmos Rewards lets members choose distance, spend or segment earning

_Sep 29 17:08_

Tags: Alaska Airlines, loyalty program, policy change, airline, program change

Type: Program change

## Summary

Atmos Rewards will let members earn 5 points per dollar or 500 points per segment in place of 1 point per mile flown, with the choice opening October 1, 2026 for flights departing January 1, 2027 or later.

Existing members who make no selection keep distance earning. New members who join in 2027 default to spend-based earning. Elite bonuses from 25% for Silver to 100% for Titanium apply on top of whichever method is selected. The preference can be changed only once per calendar year and only for future travel.

On partner airlines, members who pick distance or spend still earn from fare class and distance. Per-segment earning also applies to partner flights. Credit-card spending toward status and the elite-point thresholds are unchanged. Distance earning still beats spend-based earning unless a ticket costs more than about 20 cents per flown mile or the trip is a cheap short hop.

Do nothing to keep distance earning, and switch from October 1, 2026 only for cheap short-haul connections or consistently expensive tickets.

## Key facts

- **Announced**: Sep 29, 2026
- **Starts**: Jan 1, 2027
- **Numbers**:
  - 5 points per USD: revenue-based earning rate
  - 500 points per segment: segment-based earning rate
  - 25%: Silver elite bonus on the chosen method
  - 50%: Gold elite bonus on the chosen method
  - 75%: Platinum elite bonus on the chosen method
  - 100%: Titanium elite bonus on the chosen method
  - 20 cents per flown mile: breakeven spend between distance and revenue earning
- **Who qualifies**: Atmos Rewards members; existing members who make no choice keep distance earning, while people who join as of 2027 default to spend-based earning
- **Links**:
  - Program page: [Atmos Rewards program page](https://atmosrewards.com/)
- **Takeaway**: Do nothing if you want to keep distance earning; from October 1, 2026, switch only if you fly cheap short-haul connections or consistently expensive tickets.

## Sources cited

- [One Mile at a Time](https://onemileatatime.com/news/atmos-rewards-choose-how-earn-points) — Atmos Rewards Will Let Members Choose How They Earn Points: Which Option Is Best?
- [LoyaltyLobby](https://loyaltylobby.com/2026/09/29/alaska-airlines-atmos-rewards-members-can-choose-how-they-earn-elite-award-points-from-january-1-2027?omhide=true) — Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Members Can Choose How They Earn Elite & Award Points From January 1, 2027

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