Breaking news coming out of Seattle is that Alaska Airlines intends to join the oneworld Alliance from summer 2021. This move will give Alaska passengers a number of new options for travel around the world.

Alaska Airlines to join oneworld

By summer 2021, Alaska Airlines intends to be a full member of the oneworld Alliance. As part of this move, the airline would partner with other oneworld carriers to offer connections to over 1,200 destinations around the world.

Alaska and American
Alaska and American have a close partnership. Photo: Getty Images

President of Alaska Airlines, Ben Minicucci, offered the following statement:

Alaska has always been proud to serve Seattle, the city that we call home. We’re thrilled to give our guests more choice, broader use of loyalty benefits, and seamless global service with American and oneworld

Alaska Airlines deepens partnership with American Airlines

In the United States, Alaska and American will continue to work closely with each other. Currently, the two airlines codeshare. As part of this announcement, Alaska and American will expand this codeshare agreement. This will now include international routes out of West Coast gateways Los Angeles and Seattle.

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Alaska Airlines passengers will soon have access to international flights on American Airlines out of Los Angeles and Seattle. Photo: Jay Singh - Simple Flying

Elite members through Alaska's Mileage Plan or American's AAdvantage program will receive reciprocal benefits across airlines. This includes the ability to earn and redeem miles on flights on both airlines, lounge access benefits across American's 50 Admirals Clubs worldwide and seven Alaska Airlines lounges in the United States.

On this enhanced partnership, Robert Isom, President of American Airlines, offered the following statement:

Alaska Airlines has been an outstanding partner for nearly 40 years, and we’re excited to expand West Coast international service together. By connecting American’s strength in long-haul international flying and Alaska’s presence across the West Coast, we will build a better network for our customers than either airline could build alone. Together, we will deliver more value, benefits and choice for customers across the U.S. and around the globe.

A boost for oneworld

After LATAM's announced departure, this is a huge win for oneworld. Previously, Alaska had been rumored to be joining the alliance. However, now that it is final that the airline intends to join, oneworld will be able to grow its already expansive North American network.

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Royal Air Maroc opens up 39 new destinations for oneworld, mostly across Africa. Photo: Tom Boon - Simple Flying

And, on April 1st, the oneworld Alliance will fully bring in Royal Air Maroc into the fray and start to fill in some gaps in Africa. To support connections, American is even launching flights between its hub in Philadelphia and Casablanca.

Overall

Alaska Airlines intends to become a full member of the oneworld alliance. Being a member of an alliance offers a number of benefits not just for the airline, but also for its passengers. Fellow North American carrier, American Airlines, is fully onboard and intends to leverage its partnership with Alaska to drive greater connectivity out of Seattle.

Are you glad Alaska Airlines intends to join the oneworld alliance? How will the news affect you? Let us know in the comments!