Normally, you can book an award ticket using Alaska Mileage Plan miles and then ask Alaska to change the loyalty program affiliated with the account to another Oneworld partner program that you may have higher-tier status with to receive those benefits.
Related: Alaska Airlines adds new subscription service Alaska Access
In my case, for example, I just booked a one-way mileage award using my Alaska miles to fly on Japan Airlines next winter from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Tokyo's Haneda Airport (HND). I was planning to swap out my Alaska Mileage Plan account number for my American Airlines AAdvantage number since I have Executive Platinum status on American. Doing so would allow me to use benefits like first-class lounge access since my Executive Platinum status gives me Sapphire status with Oneworld partners.
Additionally, a higher elite status can unlock benefits like greater baggage allowances and free seat selection.
However, according to the new terms and conditions posted by Alaska (and first reported by LoyaltyLobby), Alaska now explicitly forbids changing the loyalty number on award tickets.
Here's the relevant language:
When redeeming miles for an award ticket from Alaska Mileage Plan account, customer cannot enter another airline’s frequent flyer number and is thus ineligible for benefits from another program.
This would devalue the program if it turns out to be enforced since it would limit my ability to visit first-class lounges like the incredible JAL First Class Lounge at Tokyo's Haneda Airport.
Related: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan award chart changes are now live
As Gary Leff from View from the Wing points out, American Airlines has similar rules that aren't typically enforced. We've reached out to Alaska Airlines for comment and will report back when we hear more.
Bottom line
Slowly, I've been moving away from the Alaska MileagePlan program, and this new rule change isn't helping me find value in the program. Not only did Alaska roll out a new award chart and a new distance-based structure, but I've found it's become much harder to find award availability. Plus, prices on award redemptions have jumped substantially, especially for first- and business-class redemptions (if you can find them at all), and I've found the program isn't as compelling as it once was.
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