Good news for those who have gotten to know (and maybe even love) the US-airline and its frequent flyer program Mileage Plan: Alaska Airlines yesterday announced in its own blog, that they want to join the Oneworld alliance. Their plan has this process concluding before summer 2021. Until then, they will have an even closer cooperation with American Airlines.
If you read their press release carefully, you’ll find many parts that hint towards the fact, that them joining the Oneworld alliance is not a sure thing (Alaska Airlines, for instance, writes that they are only announcing their plan to join, but are still waiting for the alliance’s approval). Nevertheless, with a bit of optimism, it seems that this shouldn’t be a problem.
Multistep plan
The change is based on a plan, which has 3 phases:
- Effective immediately
- From now on, Alaska Mileage Plan members will be able to redeem their points for flights with American Airlines.
- An Alaska Lounge membership now grants you access to all 50 Admirals Club lounges worldwide.
- Spring 2020
- You can now earn miles at Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan on all domestic and international American Airlines flights.
- Summer 2021
- Alaska Airlines becomes a Oneworld member. Mileage Plan miles can now be redeemed for all flights with partner airlines, as well as be earned on those flights. Of course, flights with Alaska Airlines will now also give miles at the programs of other Oneworld airlines.
- Members, that have a status at Alaska Airlines, will now enjoy the perks of Oneworld benefits, such as a higher baggage allowance or priority boarding, depending on their status.
- All MVP Gold or Gold 75K members will now have free access to the 650 Oneworld lounges.
Conclusion
Basically, these are very good news. Alaska Airlines and its program Mileage Plan were already a good option for many of us, to earn a lot of miles, especially where others barely gave any (e.g. Condor‘s business class). Also, their mileage sales are always very popular.
The fact, that you’ll be able to earn miles at many new airlines in the future is definitively a plus. The new redemption options will also make quite a few people happy. This is clearly also good news for American Airlines and Oneworld customers.
Nevertheless, not only positive thoughts come up when such an announcement is made. A typical negative move would be a devaluation of Alaska Mileage Plan miles. Many will start thinking about spending some of the earned miles quickly. Also, current partners of Alaska Airline’s frequent flyer program, which are not Oneworld members, could be removed in the future.
Source: YHBU – Thanks!