Alaska is a dreaaam destination filled with glaciers, wildlife, scenic train rides, and jaw-dropping landscapes. But exploring this remote paradise can get expensive… unless miles and points are involved (of course!).
Here’s how to book flights, hotels, cruises, and epic excursions in Alaska using points—without draining a bank account.
Flying to Alaska with Points
The most obvious airline choice? Alaska Airlines. But, earning Alaska miles can be tricky since they aren’t direct transfer partners with most major credit cards. The workaround? Booking Alaska Airlines flights through partners like:
American Airlines (15,000 miles)
Qatar Airways (16,000 miles)
British Airways (20,000 Avios)
Why this matters: Different programs charge different amounts for the same flight, meaning transferring points wisely can save thousands.
Delta and United also offer great redemption options:
✔️ Delta flights can be booked for 18,000 SkyMiles—but transferring points to Virgin Atlantic first brings the price down to 16,500 points.
✔️ United flights can be booked for 15,000 miles, but transferring to Turkish Airlines first slashes the cost to 10,000 miles.
Pro Tip: Use our Transfer Partners Cheat Sheet to find partner booking options for maximum savings (and filter by airline alliances).
Where to Stay in Alaska with Points
Unlike major cities, Alaska doesn’t have an endless supply of chain hotels. But the ones available offer solid redemption values:
Best Hotel Redemptions in Alaska
🏨 Hyatt House Anchorage – 9,000 points/night
Cash price: $416/night
Value: 4.6 cents per point (exceptional!)
🏨 Hyatt Place Fairbanks – 9,000 points/night
Cash price: ~$400/night
Value: Over 4 cents per point
Not using Chase points? Move on to Hilton and Marriott:
🏨 Home2 Suites Anchorage (Hilton) – 60,000 points/night (fifth night free)
Cash price: $2,300 for five nights
Value: 1.9 cents per point (great for Hilton)
🏨 SpringHill Suites Fairbanks (Marriott) – 27,000 points/night
Cash price: $200–$300/night
Value: ~1.5 cents per point
Pro Tip: Use Marriott and Hilton’s fifth-night-free benefit to stretch points even further.
Cruising Through Alaska with Points
One of the best ways to see Alaska’s remote landscapes is by cruise. The bad news? Redemption values for cruises aren’t always amazing. The good news? There are ways around that:
✅ Use Chase or Amex Travel Portals – Cruises booked through these portals can earn up to 10x points per dollar spent and often come with exclusive perks like onboard credits or drink packages.
✅ Use Points for Statement Credits – If paying for a cruise in cash, use the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card or Chase Sapphire Reserve® to redeem points at 1–1.5 cents per point toward travel purchases.
✅ Book Through Virgin Red – Some Virgin Voyages cruises can be booked with Virgin Atlantic points, though availability is limited.
Pro Tip: Even if a cruise isn't the best use of points, earning tons of extra points through strategic credit card bookings can fuel future travel.
Using Points for Unforgettable Excursions
Some of the best parts of Alaska happen outdoors. The best part? Even excursions can be booked with points!
Helicopter Glacier Tours, Wildlife Safaris & More
✔️ Booked via Chase TravelSM using points at 1.25–1.5 cents per point
✔️ Available under the "Activities" tab
Scenic Train Rides & Other Excursions
✔️ Viator & Rakuten Portals offer cashback and Amex points for activities
✔️ Earn 10% cash back or 10x Amex points per dollar spent
Pro Tip: If you’re paying with cash, use a new credit card to hit a welcome offer and earn a massive stash of points.
Final Thoughts
An Alaskan adventure doesn’t have to come with a five-figure price tag. With the right points strategy, everything from flights and hotels to cruises and bucket-list activities can be booked at a fraction of the cost. Planning an Alaskan trip? Be sure to check the latest travel credit card offers to maximize every booking!
