Hey everyone its a sad day for American and Alaska airlines fans/travelers. Alaska and American have dropped the partnership with big losses on both sides.
- Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members will lose the ability to redeem Alaska Airlines miles for all award flights on American Airlines, both domestic and international.
- Similarly, American’s AAdvantage members will no longer be able to use American Airlines miles for award seats on Alaska Airlines flights.
- Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan frequent flyers will no longer be able to earn miles for international flights operated by American Airlines.
(via https://thepointsguy.com/)
On the American side of the partnership, the biggest loss comes with service to Alaska itself and from the West Coast to Hawaii. Only a handful of airlines offer service to Alaska, and customers looking to travel beyond Anchorage are mostly dependent on Alaska Airlines or another regional carrier.
On the Alaska side, the biggest loss for Alaska Airlines customers is the sheer number of options that come with partnering with the world’s largest airline. While American Airlines has been incredibly stingy lately with its saver-level award space (the type needed for partners like Alaska to book awards), its fleet size and route map dwarf Alaska’s both in the U.S. and internationally.
Sad days but this doesn’t take place until March 1st 2020 so we have some time.