Alaska Airlines and American Airlines have announced plans to form a closer alliance that will expand options and benefits for travelers. As part of the agreement, Alaska intends to join the oneworld alliance in 2021, giving passengers access to a broader global network. The partnership will enable new transpacific and transatlantic routes operated by American Airlines, including service between Seattle (SEA) and Bangalore (BLR) and between Seattle and London Heathrow (LHR).
The airlines will also extend their domestic codeshare relationship to include connecting international routes from key West Coast gateways such as Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle, improving connectivity for travelers across the United States and abroad. Frequent flyers on both carriers will gain enhanced loyalty benefits, and passengers who hold qualifying lounge access will be able to use nearly 50 American Admirals Club locations worldwide as well as seven Alaska lounges in the U.S. when traveling on the same day with either airline.
“Alaska has always been proud to serve Seattle, the city that we call home. We’re thrilled to give our guests more choice, broader use of loyalty benefits, and seamless global service with American and oneworld,” said Ben Minicucci, president of Alaska Airlines. “Additionally, international service to global business and tech hubs Heathrow and Bangalore is a tremendous win for the growing Seattle region and the West Coast.”
Robert Isom, president of American Airlines, added, “Alaska Airlines has been an outstanding partner for nearly 40 years, and we’re excited to expand West Coast international service together. By connecting American’s strength in long‑haul international flying and Alaska’s presence across the West Coast, we will build a better network for our customers than either airline could build alone. Together, we will deliver more value, benefits and choice for customers across the United States and around the globe.”
The alliance aims to simplify travel planning and loyalty redemption between the two carriers, offering travelers enhanced schedules, more seamless connections, and improved access to destinations that were previously less convenient from West Coast hubs. As Alaska integrates into oneworld, members can expect incremental improvements to earning and redeeming miles, streamlined elite benefits, and coordinated customer service policies that make international and domestic travel more consistent across both airlines.
Overall, the partnership underscores a strategic focus on expanding West Coast international connectivity and strengthening transcontinental and global links. Passengers based in Seattle and Los Angeles stand to benefit significantly from increased nonstop service, expanded lounge access, and a more unified loyalty experience when traveling domestically or overseas with Alaska and American.