Just another reason why Alaska Air has an outstanding frequent flyer program. When you redeem a free ticket to Australia, they’ll given you another free ticket good anywhere in the U.S. (including Alaska).

So what are the other reasons that I like Alaska?

First of all, their elite-level is pretty outstanding. Free upgrades from any fare — 2 days out for MVPs and at the time of booking (subject to availability) for MVP Golds. Note also that they have the lowest threshold of any US airline for qualifying as an elite — only 15,000 miles. They even give MVP Golds upgrade coupons to pass out to their friends.

Second of all, their partnerships are excellent — American and Northwest, to name a few.

Third, they are a good airline, even in coach.

They have one of the best mile earning credit cards — it even throws in a free pass to the airline’s club and gives you bonus miles each year just for keeping the card.

Sign up for their program, and they’ll give you 500 bonus miles. Then you can earn another 1500 miles free for signing up for their e-mails