The airline is increasing fees for partner award bookings, doubling the cost of purchasing tickets over the phone and eliminating the ability to earn Atmos Rewards points and Status Points on many Saver fares.

While the changes don’t affect award pricing or mileage earning on most fare classes, they could make it more expensive to redeem points and less rewarding to fly on Alaska’s lowest-priced tickets. Here’s what travelers need to know.

Currently, Alaska’s Saver fares, the airline’s version of basic economy, earn 30% of the miles flown toward both Atmos Rewards points and Status Points.

However, that benefit is going away for many travelers later this year. Here’s how the transition will work:

If it’s any consolation, the airline noted that Saver fares on Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines will still count toward Million Miler status even after Aug. 1, with flyers receiving credit equal to 100% of the actual distance flown.

Alaska is also raising partner award ticket fees and phone reservation fees.

Currently, travelers pay a nonrefundable partner award fee of $12.50 per person, each way when redeeming Atmos Rewards points for flights operated by Alaska’s airline partners. Beginning July 1, 2026, that fee will increase to $20 per person, each way, in addition to any applicable taxes and fees.

One thing to keep in mind is that the fee is nonrefundable. Even if you later cancel your award ticket and receive your points back, the partner award fee will not be refunded.

Those who hold the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card and use it to pay for their tickets will continue to receive waived partner award booking fees even after this change, making that benefit more valuable once the higher fees take effect.

Alaska is also increasing its fee for tickets purchased over the phone. Currently, travelers who make a new reservation through Alaska’s call center pay a $15 fee per person. For tickets purchased on or after July 2, 2026, that fee will double to $30 per person.

The fee applies to both paid and award tickets issued through Alaska’s call center. Atmos Gold and Platinum elite members will continue to receive waived contact center service charges. Many travelers may be able to avoid this fee altogether by booking their tickets online rather than through Alaska’s call center.

For travelers who frequently purchase Saver fares, these changes are disappointing. However, the move isn’t entirely surprising given that many other major U.S. airlines have already reduced or eliminated rewards earning on their most restrictive basic economy tickets.

Those who regularly redeem Alaska points for partner award flights will also face higher out-of-pocket costs. However, while the fee increase is unwelcome, the new $20 partner award booking fee is still relatively modest, especially considering the value travelers can often receive from Alaska’s partner award redemptions.

While these changes make the program less rewarding in some situations, Alaska Atmos Rewards still offers valuable partner redemption opportunities and remains one of the few airline loyalty programs with published award charts.

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As an aviation geek, I love trying business class on a new airline. I hadn’t tried Austrian Airlines before, and I was excited to check out the airline’s recently introduced business class on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner during my flight from New York-JFK to Vienna.

From the comfortable lie-flat seat to the delicious food, I really enjoyed the entire flight. Here’s what it was like flying Austrian Airlines business class on one of the carrier’s newest aircraft.

Austrian Airlines is the flag carrier of Austria, part of the Lufthansa Group and a member of Star Alliance. The airline operates a hub at Vienna International Airport and serves more than 120 destinations worldwide.

This flight was the transatlantic segment of my itinerary from New York City to Amsterdam, with a layover in Vienna.

The premium experience started before I boarded the plane thanks to priority check-in and lounge access.

The airport process was smooth. Austrian has a dedicated first and business class check-in area, so I didn’t need to wait in line to check my bags. I was able to check two large suitcases for free because of the generous baggage allowance. Business class passengers also receive lounge access, so after checking my bags, I headed straight to the lounge.

Before boarding, I enjoyed a quick dinner while watching the sunset and planes taxi across the tarmac.

This flight was on the Boeing 787-9, which features 26 business class seats arranged in a 1-2-1 herringbone configuration, giving every passenger direct aisle access.

Since I booked my flight relatively last-minute, the only available seats were in row 1 or one of the middle seats. When flying solo, I prefer a window seat, so I selected seat 1K in the first row of the cabin. The one downside was its proximity to the galley. Because flight attendants gathered in that area while preparing and serving meals, it wasn’t the quietest spot for an overnight flight.

The seat was comfortable in both upright and bed mode. Austrian provided a plush pillow and blanket, and despite the increased noise level, I fell asleep shortly after dinner and had no trouble sleeping for most of the flight.

The seat also had various small storage compartments, including the main one that housed the entertainment remote, a universal power outlet and a USB charging port, making it easy to keep devices charged throughout the flight. Seat adjustments were controlled through a touchscreen panel with preset positions for lounging, dining and sleeping.

Meal service began with a bread roll and a buffalo mozzarella salad served with figs and cherry tomatoes, followed by a carrot ginger soup. Despite the large drink selection, I chose water.

For my main course, I selected the roast beef with crispy onions, potatoes and string beans, which was delicious. I was so full from eating that I skipped dessert and went to sleep.

Before landing, breakfast was served. I chose sunny-side-up eggs and enjoyed them with orange juice and tea. The breakfast was really tasty and it was the perfect way to start the day since by the time we landed it was almost 11 a.m.

Service throughout the flight was attentive and professional. The flight attendants were friendly, efficient and responsive whenever passengers needed assistance.

During dinner service, we received cards to select our preferred breakfast options and indicate whether we wanted to be woken up. I selected the eggs but noted that I didn’t want to be disturbed if I was sleeping. When I woke up, breakfast service was almost over, but the flight attendants were still able to get me my meal, which was a really nice touch.

The entertainment system featured a large screen with a variety of movies, television shows and other programming. Austrian also provided noise-canceling headphones, which helped create a more comfortable experience. I didn’t take advantage of either since I went right to sleep after dinner.

The aircraft was equipped with Wi-Fi. Complimentary messaging through services such as iMessage and WhatsApp was included, while passengers who wanted full internet access could purchase a paid Wi-Fi package. I didn’t end up purchasing Wi-Fi since messaging was enough for me.

Business class passengers also received an amenity kit that included essentials such as a sleep mask, ear plugs, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste tablets.

For travelers looking to cross the Atlantic comfortably, Austrian Airlines business class is a solid option.

The comfortable lie-flat seat made it easy to get meaningful sleep on an overnight flight, the food was excellent and the service was consistently attentive. Lounge access and priority airport services added value to the overall experience.

The biggest drawback of my experience was the location of seat 1K near the galley, which resulted in some extra noise during the flight. However, that was a relatively minor inconvenience compared with the overall comfort of the journey.

If you can book Austrian Airlines business class using points, especially during a transfer bonus like the one I used, it can be an excellent way to travel to Europe in comfort without paying cash for an expensive premium-cabin ticket.

(Top photo by Elina Geller)

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