American Airlines and Alaska Airlines Introduce Enhanced Offerings for Customers in 2021

FORT WORTH, Texas — AAdvantage® members will enjoy more rewards when American Airlines and Alaska Airlines implement reciprocal benefits as part of the West Coast International Alliance.

• Select elite members will be able to upgrade on both airlines’ domestic and international networks next year.
• Starting in the spring, elite members will receive priority check-in, security and boarding, as well as reciprocal bag allowances and select elites receive access to both airlines’ lounges when traveling internationally.
• Select elite members will also receive complimentary access to extra legroom seats and additional preferred seating options at time of booking and same day flight changes.

FORT WORTH, Texas — AAdvantage® members will enjoy more rewards when American Airlines and Alaska Airlines implement reciprocal benefits as part of the West Coast International Alliance.

“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,” said American’s Chief Revenue Officer Vasu Raja. “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.”

Reciprocal Benefits Begin in March

The next phase of the relationship between American and Alaska will enhance the elite member experience when flying on either carrier, from priority check-in to lounge access. Elite customers will also be able to relax in flight with access to preferred seating and extra legroom with options to book Main Cabin Extra seats on American or Premium Class on Alaska.

While members can currently earn and burn miles on both networks, American and Alaska are working together to offer enhanced mileage accrual — an opportunity to earn even more miles — next year, with more details to come. The partnership will also provide members additional flexibility when traveling with baggage allowance and same day flight changes.

More to Come in 2021

Following the initial reciprocal benefits, Platinum Pro and Executive Platinum members will be eligible for free domestic upgrades on Alaska and MVP Gold 75K will be eligible for free domestic upgrades when traveling on American.

“Our upcoming membership in oneworld makes these added benefits with American even more rewarding for our guests,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer. “We look forward to welcoming American’s elite members with our award-winning service and growing network of destinations.”

In February, American and Alaska announced a West Coast International Alliance designed to bring more international routes to Seattle and create more choice for West Coast travelers flying internationally. American intends to launch new service from Seattle (SEA) to London (LHR), Bengaluru (BLR) and Shanghai (PVG) beginning next year.

When the long-haul international flights launch, MVP Gold 75K members will also have the opportunity to access long-haul upgrades when traveling on American. Additional details on reciprocal upgrades will be revealed at a later date.