Alaska Airlines has just announced plans to overhaul its Mileage Plan program with a host of new global award redemption options, offering members increased simplicity, value and availability. The changes to its award-winning loyalty program will provide more upfront information that's clearer and more user-friendly, as well as expand its award availability, making it easier for travelers to explore the world using their Mileage Plan miles.
Set to launch in March 2024, the initiative will introduce more straightforward award charts that cover its 24 oneworld Alliance and partner airlines, which will be categorized into three regions: the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa; and Asia-Pacific. The charts will feature clearly defined 'starting from' redemption rates, which will vary based on the distance flown. This new distance-based structure aims to bring greater transparency to the redemption process.
The new award redemption options will also bring about more cost-effective pricing, with 60 percent of partner nonstop routes in economy class and 64 percent in business class starting at a lower price point. For instance, short-haul awards will begin at just 4,500 miles each way, a significant reduction from the previous 7,500 miles. The newly streamlined information should make it easier to envision how many miles will be needed to fly to and within global regions.
Moreover, Alaska Airlines is broadening access to premium economy awards, collaborating with more partners than ever before—including American Airlines and Japan Airlines—at levels starting just 30 percent higher than regular economy. Awards in premium economy will start at only 6,000 miles one-way (down from 12,500) and from 9,000 miles one-way for business class (down from 20,000), making these options more attainable for travelers seeking a more comfortable flight.
All of Alaska’s partner redemption pricing will be calculated on a one-way basis so that guests can mix and match the airlines they’re flying on each leg of their journey.
"Mileage Plan has long been known for offering great value on global redemptions with access to some of the most aspirational premium products and destinations," said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. "We're excited to provide a more straightforward award proposition while doubling down on the opportunities our guests will have to find amazing values."
Some key program enhancements include:
- Adding itineraries by combining Alaska flights with partner flights, providing increased options for connecting to global partner destinations.
- Increasing access to award inventory on 10 percent of partner routes, reaching over 370 global destinations. This flexibility allows members to utilize additional miles to choose their preferred cabin and travel when it suits them.
- New awards are being introduced for travel between and within regions outside of North America. Examples include routes from Madrid to London, Paris to Sydney, or Tokyo to Singapore.
- Reduction of mileage requirements needed to reach some of the most sought-after global destinations. For instance, award pricing to destinations like London and Tokyo will see an average reduction of 15 percent for nonstop travel from the West Coast.
- Initiating regular global partner award sales with quarterly, limited-time promotions. These promotions will offer special pricing of up to 50 percent off on specific partner airlines, routes or destinations.
- Continuing its commitment to having one of the most generous stopover policies in the industry, Alaska allows for a free stop in a partner's hub on the way to a final destination, essentially providing the opportunity for two trips at the cost of one. Note that many other carriers either allow no stopovers or limit them one stopover on roundtrip itineraries.
Alaska will continue to innovate new ways to provide flexibility to its Mileage Plan members. In the future, members will have the option to redeem award tickets using a combination of miles and money, providing them with greater control over their travels. And, it will introduce mileage redemption for combining flights with two partner airlines into a single itinerary on a one-way trip. Furthermore, the airline plans to enhance the value of Mileage Plan miles by enabling their redemption on car rentals.
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