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American and Alaska Solidify Reciprocal Benefits for Oneworld Membership

Seattle, USA - April 28, 2012: Alaska Airlines jet at the D Concourse being loaded with passengers and luggage.

When Alaska Airlines joins the Oneworld alliance in March 2021, Mileage Plan elite members will have new bonuses when flying with American Airlines. Reciprocal benefits include upgrades on both airlines, priority check-in and security, lounge access and more.

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have settled their plans for reciprocal elite status benefits, extending the bonuses for AAdvantage and Mileage Plan status holders. Both airlines say their top flyers will be able to access upgrades, lounge access and access to extra legroom seats once Alaska’s integration into Oneworld is complete.

Extended Elite Benefits Includes Upgrades and Lounge Access

Once Alaska becomes a full member of Oneworld on Mar. 31, 2021, benefits will immediately extend to elites flying either airline. In addition to interline treatment, select elites will be able to access upgrades on both domestic and international flights, along with access to both American Admiral’s Club lounges and Alaska Lounge locations.

In addition, select elites will also have access to priority check-in, preferred seating and extra legroom. Alaska Mileage Plan MVP elites will be able to access Main Cabin Extra seats, while American AAdvantage elites can select open seats in Alaska Premium Class. Finally, both elites will be able to earn miles when flying on either carrier, with additional access on same-day changes and free baggage allowance.

“We look forward to offering our loyal members more ways to earn miles and realize the benefits of our West Coast International Alliance with Alaska Airlines,” American chief revenue officer Vasu Raja said in the press release. “We’re working tirelessly to bring our customers the value they deserve with access to the best of both networks, and a seamless travel experience throughout the customer journey.”

When American launches international service from Seattle to Bengaluru, London and Shanghai, Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K will get first access to long-haul American upgrades. Access to all other benefits for different levels will be announced at a later time.

American Yet to Determine Benefits for JetBlue TrueBlue Mosaic Members

While American is settling their benefits for Alaska elites, they have yet to announce how they plan to integrate with the JetBlue. The two airlines announced an alliance in July, with the goal of offering “seamless connectivity” for those flying aboard both carriers – including elite flyers.

2 Comments
A
AsiaTravel2019 December 1, 2020

Good move for AS and great news for AA fliers. Now we just need B6 to either join OW or merge with AA.

K
kkua November 30, 2020

AS should have joined SkyTeam. They already have SEA as a hub and should continue using their network to feed DL’s international and cross-country routes.