Alaska Airlines announces oneworld alliance status tiers

Alaska Airlines and OneWorld confirmed the mapping of elite status tiers for MileagePlan members as the carrier approaches its alliance join date. The decisions are far from surprising.

• MVP Gold 75K = oneworld Emerald

• MVP Gold = oneworld Sapphire

• MVP = oneworld Ruby

“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.”

Compared to American Airlines the 75k tier receiving Emerald status is a nice win; Platinum Pro is at the Sapphire tier. Alaska Airlines historically showed a willingness to invest more in the partner benefits of its loyalty program. Also, not having a tier that matched to Emerald would have been unthinkable. And likely thanks to Alaska pushing this transition American Airlines has also adjusted its Platinum Pro tier to receive Emerald status, also announced this morning.

Emerald members receive access to first class check-in services and lounges when traveling with partners. Sapphire status gets access to business class benefits.

“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.”

The alliance status benefits will take effect on 31 March 2021 when Alaska Airlines formally joins the oneworld alliance as its 14th full member.