Alaska needs to offer more to customers than the larger airlines because of its smaller size. It's kind of like how Hyatt and Starwood have to offer better benefits than Marriott or Hilton. I'm sure there will be changes made to Mileage Plan, but it will have to be a more rewarding program than the big 3 so long as Alaska is a smaller, independent carrier.
Originally Posted by
dmodemd
Not to be a party pooper but they also said "And we wouldn't say that we would never go to that, certainly."
Until they actually make such a decision, what else are they going to say other than they are sticking with what they have?
I think all it says is that it will remain as it is for the near term (i.e. 2016 plan year). The time to change things is when planning for the 2017 year... revisit then.
Remember the AA decision is relatively recent...