In a brief press release issued today, Alaska Airlines announced the Oneworld elite tier status for their members.
Alaska Airlines will officially join the Oneworld alliance on March 31, 2021. Today, it was revealed how Alaska Airline Mileage Plan elites will have Oneworld elite status:
- MVP Gold 75K = oneworld Emerald
- MVP Gold = oneworld Sapphire
- MVP = oneworld Ruby
The press release said:
Many of the benefits elite flyers currently enjoy on Alaska with their status will seamlessly carry over to the oneworld tiers when they travel on any of the 13 global oneworld member airlines. This means they’ll be able to take advantage of a variety of privileges, including priority check-in, access to international first and business class lounges, preferred boarding, fast track through security, baggage benefits and more.
“Our upcoming membership in oneworld opens up endless possibilities, especially for our elite Mileage Plan members,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska’s president. “As the airline industry continues to recover, we expect an increasing number of our guests to look ahead to international travel once again. If you’ve worked hard to earn status with us, all that hard work will go even further with benefits in oneworld to make your journey even more enjoyable.”
For example, beginning March 31, an Alaska MVP Gold member will receive oneworld Sapphire status right away. If that traveler then takes a trip from San Francisco to Doha on Qatar Airways, they’ll have access to business class lounges, business class priority check-in and priority boarding, regardless of the class of service they’re flying in.
“We are excited to announce the oneworld benefits that Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan customers can expect when Alaska joins the alliance next year – unlocking more benefits and destinations for the airline’s frequent flyers,” said oneworld CEO Rob Gurney. “With its strong network on the U.S. West Coast and award-winning customer service, Alaska’s membership will position oneworld to offer even more privileges and options to our member airlines and customers.”
Here is a summary of the Alaska Oneworld benefits:
Alaska Airlines to Partner With Qatar
On December 15, 2020, Alaska officially adds Qatar Airways as an airline partner.
Beginning on December 15th, members of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan will be able to earn Alaska Airlines miles while flying on Qatar. Here is the mileage earning chart:
The Alaska Airlines award chart for using on miles on Qatar has yet to be published. This may be announced as we get closer to the official entry date into the Oneworld Alliance.
Qatar Adds New Service To Seattle
On March 15, 2021, Qatar Airways will begin new nonstop service from Doha to Seattle. The airline will fly the 7,411-mile route with a block time of 14 hours. They will use the Airbus A350-900 aircraft seating 283 passengers. The aircraft will feature 36 Q suites onboard.
