Atmos Elite: Choice Earning on Alaska and Hawaiian in 2026

The Alaska Airlines Atmos reward and elite status program introduced major changes in 2024 and 2025, reshaping how flyers earn Elite Status Points. With the new “Choose How You Earn” options launching in 2026, here’s a breakdown on maximizing miles and points when the new program launches.

Quick Take: Catskills

I loved the inclusive charm and nature of the Catskills and Andes, NY. It was a charming and welcoming blend of nature, art and food (and family) for a getaway that was surprisingly LGBTQ-friendly.

Atmos Status: Elite Levels and Perks for 2026

Alaska Airlines unveiled its new Atmos Rewards program in August 2025 folding together Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines frequent flyer programs. As the calendar turned over to 2026, updates and higher thresholds for some tiers took effect. Read on for fresh updates.

Atmos Status: Decrypting Elite Points on Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines announced major updates to its loyalty program for 2025. As a frequent flyer, I paid close attention to changes in how flyers earn MVP elite status, including new qualification opportunities and added milestone rewards at mid-tier levels.

Alaska Access: 1st (and 2nd) Impressions

In March 2024, Alaska Airlines unveiled their Alaska Access subscription program. I can only presume this was to celebrate the beginning of spring with a new revenue opportunity program frequent fliers didn’t really know they wanted or needed. Ok, fine. I bit. I first wrote this post in March 2024 and I’ve updated it as […]

Five Tips to Help Smooth Air Travel Wrinkles

Oh wow. This post I wrote in December 2023 didn’t age well. Or maybe it was a sign. I don’t know. What I do know is that when 25% of your go-to airline’s fleet is grounded for safety inspections, cancellations are rough and rebooking options are less than ideal (a gross understatement). With the benefit […]

Five Ways to Find New Adventures

Craving a more authentic travel experience? Skip some of the tourist traps and find ways to explore a new city like a local. From hidden gems to off-the-beaten-path adventures, here’s five tips to help you create a more memorable travel itinerary—without relying on the typical top-10 lists.

Atmos Rewards: Decrypting Upgrades on Alaska Air

It’s no secret I love to travel, and being in front of the curtain makes it even better. It’s great to reap the benefits of elite frequent-flyer perks like free upgrades, but they’re not always as easy to decipher as one might hope. Here’s my best attempt (updated August 2025) to share what I’ve learned […]

Lessons Learned: 5 Surprises in Colombia

Colombia packed a lot of adventures and surprises. Here are a few of the unexpected things I wish I’d figured out before we went…

Travel Gadgets: Five Favorites

Everyone has their favorite things to bring along to make trips more relaxing, fun, productive, or all of the above. Maybe it’s simple like a neck pillow or a deck of cards. Or maybe it’s super functional like international power adapters or a passport wallet. Travel gadgets and accessories are subject to huge personal preference. […]