Alaska Airlines has announced plans to join the Oneworld airline alliance in summer 2021.
Oneworld said it was “delighted” by the announcement, though the application has not yet been approved.
Alaska Airlines also today announced it will strengthen its partnership with Oneworld member American Airlines.
From today, passengers will be able to redeem Alaska miles on all American Airlines flights, and Alaska Lounge members will be able to access American Airlines Admirals Clubs.
By spring it will be possible to earn Alaska miles on all American Airlines flights.
It was previously reported that the airlines would end their loyalty partnership on March 1.
American Airlines today announced two new routes from Seattle, to Bengaluru (from October 2020) and London Heathrow (from March 2021). Though not one of American’s hubs, Alaska Airlines runs up to 350 daily flights at the west coast US airport.
Joining Oneworld will allow passengers to earn and redeem Alaska miles on all Oneworld airlines, get elite privileges such as priority boarding, premium seating and baggage benefits on any Oneworld Airline, and access 650 member lounges with MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75k status.
Alaska Airlines would join members American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Iberia, Japan Airlines, Malaysia Airlines, Qantas, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, S7 Airlines, Sri Lankan Airlines and Fiji Airways.
Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc is set to join Oneworld on April 1, while LATAM will leave the alliance on May 1 following its majority acquisition by Skyteam member Delta.
The alliance marked its 20th anniversary last year, when it unveiled new branding and announced plans to open its first airport branded lounge.
Alaska Airways acquired Virgin America in 2016, later integrating the two under the Alaska Airways brand and a single FAA operating certificate.
Alaska Airlines and Virgin America now “one airline in the eyes of the FAA”
