Alaska Airlines has announced its intention to join the oneworld alliance as a full member in mid-2021.
This is good news for Qantas customers as it means the two airlines’ existing partnership will deepen.
The Seattle-based airline has a strong network in North America.
Right now, Qantas gold and platinum status holders and Qantas Club members can access Alaska lounges when they are flying with the airline and connecting to or from a Qantas international flight.
Alaska has lounges in Seattle, Anchorage, New York JFK, Portland and Los Angeles.
Once Alaska joins oneworld, all Qantas gold and platinum elites will have access to Alaska’s lounges no matter where or which class they are flying, and they’ll also enjoy other tier perks like a bigger baggage allowance and priority check-in and boarding.
Qantas customers can currently earn and redeem Qantas Points with Alaska.
Once the airline joins oneworld, status credits will also be on the menu.
Alaska is also expanding its partnership with oneworld member American Airlines, with immediate reciprocal benefits for customers, such as lounge access.
The two carriers will also closely coordinate their networks and start flying to new destinations.
This includes today’s announcement by American Airlines for the first nonstop flight from Seattle to Bangalore, India, starting October 2020, along with new service from Seattle to London, starting in early 2021.
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