In a stunning turn of events, Alaska Airlines has mostly reversed the decision they implemented yesterday to disallow bookings made within 72 hours for flights on Cathay Pacific, Hainan, and Japan Airlines.
Note, however, that the decision was not completely reversed. Bookings made within 72 hours will still not be allowed on these airlines for intra-Asia flights.
The advance booking restriction for these carriers, including awards from North America to Asia will be removed by close of business. The 72-hour advance booking requirement will remain in place for intra-Asia awards only on CX, JL, and HU.
— Alaska Airlines (@AlaskaAir) February 15, 2018
This is great news for users of Alaska Airlines miles, as many are likely based in the US and are far more likely to redeem for a flight from the US to Asia than for intra-Asia flights.
Whether this policy change had to do with customer outrage or not, is unknown. Either way, this is a good thing for us.