Alaska Airlines Enhances Mileage Plan with New International Award Options

Alaska Airlines is set to revolutionize its Mileage Plan, offering members improved options for booking award travel on international routes. These enhancements focus on simplicity, value, and availability, marking a significant improvement in the airline’s loyalty program.

Unified Reward Chart: Alaska Airlines introduces a simpler, unified award chart, effective March 2024, covering all its one world and partner airlines. The new chart, divided into three regions – the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Asia-Pacific – provides clear ‘starting from’ redemption rates based on the distance flown.

Distance-Based Structure: The new structure will see 60% of partner nonstop routes in economy class and 64% in business class begin at a lower price point. Short-haul awards now start as low as 4,500 miles each way, a significant reduction from the previous 7,500 miles. This reduction extends to many shorter-distance flights within continents, with some starting at half the current price.

Expanded Premium Economy Awards: The program expands access to premium economy awards with more partners, including American Airlines and Japan Airlines. The awards in this category start just 30% higher than economy, with one-way premium economy awards beginning at 6,000 miles (down from 12,500) and business class from 9,000 miles each way (down from 20,000).

• Increased Award Inventory: Alaska Airlines will open access to increased award inventory on 10% of partner routes, covering over 370 global destinations. This expansion provides members more flexibility in using their miles for preferred travel times and cabin choices.
• Reduced Mileage Requirements: The airline is reducing the miles required for some of its most popular global destinations. For instance, award pricing to London and Tokyo will be reduced by an average of 15% for nonstop flights from the West Coast.
• Global Partner Award Sales: Beginning in 2024, Alaska Airlines will introduce regular global partner award sales. These quarterly, limited-time promotions will feature special pricing of up to 50% off specific partners, routes, or destinations.
• Generous Stopover Policy: The airline will continue to offer one of the most generous stopover policies in the industry, allowing a free stop in a partner’s hub en route to the final destination.

Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances, and Sales at Alaska Airlines, expressed enthusiasm for these changes, stating, “Mileage Plan has long been known for offering great value on global redemptions… We’re excited to provide a more straightforward award proposition while doubling down on the opportunities our guests will have to find amazing values.”

These changes underscore Alaska Airlines’ commitment to enhancing the value of its Mileage Plan for members, especially in facilitating international travel with partner airlines.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, Alaska Airlines