Alaska Airlines Welcomes Japan Airlines as newest Mileage Plan and Codeshare Partner

SEATTLE, May 10, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL) have announced plans for a codeshare agreement and frequent flier partnership, which will provide seamless travel and mileage earning opportunities between Alaska's gateways in North America, Japan and throughout Asia.

From the West Coast, JAL flies nonstop between Tokyo and Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Vancouver, B.C. and between Los Angeles and Osaka. JAL also offers an extensive network within Japan and throughout Asia.

With the new codeshare agreement, to take effect June 29 pending government approval, customers flying on Alaska Airlines and JAL will enjoy:

• Seamless reservations and ticketing
• One-stop check-in, baggage checked to final destination
• Smooth flight connections
• The ability to earn miles on the other airline and outstanding customer service

"As a premium Japanese airline, JAL is a great addition to Alaska's line-up of high-quality global partners, giving our Mileage Plan members more ways to earn and redeem miles for travel from the West Coast to Japan and beyond," said Andrew Harrison, Alaska's executive vice president and chief commercial officer.  "For the first time, our members will be able to earn and redeem miles within Japan, taking advantage of 600 daily flights on JAL's broad domestic network."

Harrison said the new partnership will especially benefit the airline's customers in the state of California, who can take advantage of JAL's nonstop flights from the Bay Area, L.A. and San Diego. Alaska Airlines will provide connections via its expansive network of feeder flights across California, Oregon, Idaho and Washington. From California alone, Alaska has over 1,200 weekly departures. Customers in the Pacific Northwest can also make easy one-stop connections to JAL flights via Vancouver, B.C. and California.

"We are pleased to offer our customers more routes and destinations with our new partner Alaska Airlines," said Hideki Oshima, JAL executive officer, international relations and alliances. "The new cooperation also allows JAL to strengthen its presence throughout the Pacific Northwest."

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.

JAL operates a modern fleet of Boeing 777-300ERs and 787-8s from North America to Japan. The carrier boasts four classes of service in its 777-300ERs: economy, premium economy, business and first class. JAL's business and first class service feature private suites, 23-inch LCD monitors and Asian-inspired cuisine and beverages. JAL SKY SUITE was named Best Business Class Airline Seat by Skytrax in 2013 and the JAL SKY WIDER seat in its economy cabin was recognized for Best Economy Class Airline Seat in 2015.

Alaska Airlines maintains a young fleet of 153 Boeing 737 aircraft, with an average age of 9.4 years, and a regional fleet of 67 aircraft comprising E-175s and Q400s with a combined average age of 8.9 years. Onboard, customers will enjoy Alaska's award-winning service, along with features to help make the most of their flight – for work or pleasure. Alaska Beyond Entertainment offers free and premium entertainment direct to customer devices. Other onboard amenities include a selection of food and beverages inspired by local flavors, custom leather seats with adjustable headrests, and power outlets for laptops and personal devices at every seat.

In all, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan now boasts a total of 17 international and domestic airline partners, who fly to more than 900 destinations around the world. Mileage Plan was recently rated #1 Airline Rewards Program by U.S. News and World Report.

Editor's Note: High-definition company b-roll video and images are available for download from Alaska Airlines' image gallery at http://www.alaskasworld.com/newsroom/ASNews/photos.asp

About Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines (JAL) was founded in 1951 and became the first international airline in Japan. A member of the oneworld^® alliance, the airline now reaches more than 305 airports in 51 countries and regions together with its codeshare partners with a modern fleet of more than 220 aircraft. JAL Mileage Bank (JMB), the airline's loyalty program, has reached over 30 million members worldwide. Awarded the most punctual major international airline in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 and 2015, JAL is committed to providing customers with the highest levels of flight safety and supreme quality in every aspect of its service, and aims to become the most preferred airline in the world.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves more than 100 cities through an expansive network in the United States, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit Alaska Airlines' newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20160509/365485

SOURCE Alaska Airlines