Alaska Airlines expands its relationship with American Airlines

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) is moving one step closer to American Airlines (Dallas/Fort Worth). Alaska is increasingly competing with Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) at its Seattle/Tacoma hub. Alaska issued this statement:

Members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan now have access to book nearly 3,000 more daily flights on partner American Airlines following the most recent phase of the airline’s reservation system migration, which will bring all US Airways flights under the American code this fall. On October 17, Mileage Plan members will enjoy seamless access to the world’s largest airline and have even more options to earn and redeem miles for award travel.

Alaska Airlines also announced today an expanded lounge agreement with American Airlines, which gives Board Room members access to all 54 Admirals Club locations worldwide beginning August 15.

Elite members of Alaska’s Mileage Plan receive exclusive benefits on American’s expanded network, including expedited security, priority check-in and boarding, complimentary or discounted access to Main Cabin Extra seats, as well as baggage waivers.

“We are excited to deepen the strong relationship we already have with Alaska Airlines by providing customers more access to more destinations,” said Andrew Nocella, American’s chief marketing officer. “Our relationship with Alaska goes back more than 15 years and we continue to look for ways to work together to enhance the benefits for our customers, whether through access to clubs or new opportunities to earn and redeem miles.”

Alaska Airlines existing relationship with American began in 1999 and has included codeshare and frequent flyer reciprocity, which expanded in 2011 to include reciprocal elite benefits on each airline. The two carriers are working to expand their codeshare agreement even further later this year.