Beginning Jan. 1, 2027, Alaska Airlines will switch its Atmos Rewards program so that members will have three options for how they earn points: actual distance traveled, similar to the current setup; or at a rate of 500 miles per flight regardless of distance traveled; or by ticket price.

Which choice is best for individual travelers will depend on how often they fly, whether they most often take are long or short flights, and how much they spend.

While the options will kick in on Jan. 1, members have until the end of the year to choose which option is best for them.

Under the new system, an eligible Wrangell-to-Juneau flight would earn 153 points using the distance-based method, rather than the current system that assigns a minimum of 500 miles per flight regardless of distance.

But for travelers who choose the flight-segment option and take a lot of short flights, they could benefit from the new option that will give them 500 miles regardless of the length of the flight.

And for travelers who choose to accrue mileage based on what they spend, they will earn five points for every $1 they spend on airfare, upgrades and premium seats.

Atmos Rewards members who don’t select one of the three options will automatically continue earning points based on distance traveled.

In announcing the program’s expansion Sept. 29, the airline said the three choices are intended to accommodate passengers with different travel patterns as the company develops its combined loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines.

Brett Catlin, Alaska Airlines’ senior vice president of network, loyalty and partnerships, said the expansion is designed to give customers more flexibility across the airline’s growing network.

The changes affect redeemable rewards points, which members can use toward future travel, and status points, which determine eligibility for frequent-flyer benefits.

Alaska Airlines said travelers can change their earning preference once per calendar year, with the new method applying to future flights. Existing members can make their initial choice now, while those joining the program in 2027 will default to price-based earning if they don’t select an option.

The airline continues to offer its Club 49 program for Alaska residents, which provides separate benefits including free checked bags. Those benefits will not change under the new points choices.

Members can review their options through their Atmos Rewards accounts on the Alaska Airlines website.