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While Alaska Mileage Plan isn’t quite as rewarding as it once was, following the recent (and sudden) devaluation of Emirates business and first-class awards, you can still get a lot of value from the program. For example, you can book Cathay Pacific first-class award flights to Asia for 70,000 miles each way, compared to 110,000 when booking with American AAdvantage — and Alaska allows you to book a free stopover, even on one-way flights.
Members of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan will be able to begin earning miles on JAL early this summer. Redemption for award travel will begin later in 2016. JAL’s codeshare will be on Alaska Airlines routes from JAL’s California gateways, plus Vancouver.
As Alaska has different rates for each partner, we don’t know exactly how many miles you’ll need for JAL redemptions once they become available, but there’s a good chance Alaska will price awards at or below the rates used for Cathay Pacific redemptions:
As the press release states, Alaska members will be able to earn miles on JAL flights beginning this summer, with redemptions coming later this year. JAL tends to have fairly decent award availability, especially in business and premium economy, and it’s easy to find award space using Oneworld partners. It’s possible that JAL flights will be searchable (and bookable) via Alaska’s site, making it easier to search for flights — even if you don’t plan to redeem Alaska miles to book.
If you’re looking to build your Mileage Plan balance, consider signing up for the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card, which is currently offering 25,000 bonus miles upon approval (with no minimum spending requirement). You’ll also get an annual coach companion fare, and you’ll earn 3 miles per dollar on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.
Source: thepointsguy.com