Frequent flyer mileage no longer expires at Alaska

Business Wire, Jan 23, 1996

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 23, 1996--Members of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, the carrier's frequent flyer program, no longer need worry about expiring mileage credits.

Along with most frequent flyer programs, mileage earned by members since Jan. 1, 1989, has been dated and valid for three years. After three years, mileage had to be redeemed or it automatically expired and was no longer available for redemption.

Effective immediately all mileage currently accrued and mileage earned from Jan. 1, 1996, on will accumulate indefinitely in the Mileage Plan member's account.

"In surveys, comments and focus groups, our members often told us they wanted this change. Frankly, it not only makes more sense for them, but for the airline as well," said Bill Ayer, vice president of marketing and planning for Alaska. "This allows members unlimited time to accumulate mileage credit and choose when they would like to use their award travel. After all, it's the lure of the premium international awards that draw many to the program in the first place.

"We already provide a great array of awards, generous redemption levels and a variety of optional ways to accumulate mileage. Now we're providing members with even more choice and value."

Alaska's Mileage Plan travel partners include Horizon Air, SAS, TWA, Northwest Airlines, British Airways, Qantas Airways and commuter carriers Era Aviation and PenAir in Alaska. Others include Budget and Alamo Rent a Car and the following hotels: Hilton, Holiday Inn, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, Kimpton Hotels, Preferred Hotels and Resorts, Princess Cruises Hotels, Red Lion Hotels, WestCoast Hotels, Westin Hotels and Resorts and Westmark Hotels.

Last month Alaska Airlines became the first major airline in the United States to offer customers the ability to book and purchase tickets through the Internet. Ayer said the carrier hopes to be able to offer Mileage Plan members the option of checking their mileage account and redeeming awards later this year. Alaska Airlines is at http://www.alaskaair.com on the Internet.

CONTACT: Alaska Air

Lou Cancelmi, 206/433-3170