It’s no secret that I’m personally a big supporter of Alaska Airlines. Part of that is because they choose to not be part of an alliance, but instead work with a multitude of partners. Their partnership with Emirates Airlines seems to be paying off; in recent weeks, I’ve seen a number of people flying with Emirates luggage tags. I know that’s not scientific, but I hadn’t seen these luggage tags outside of the Middle East until now.
Everyone knows about US Airways taking over American Airlines. But what’s not known is what’s going to happen with the Alaska/American tie-up. Yes, the new AA/US is going to be part of oneworld (and isn’t US Airways supposed to drop Star Alliance any day now?), and the new AA will have hubs in Phoenix, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Charlotte, and Chicago. But how is it going to effect Alaska Airline’s relationship with the “new” American? I, for one, am curious.
And speaking of Alaska partners, they’ve severed their ties to Kenmore Air as of 4/1/2013, and will be severing their ties with Iceland Air on 6/1/2013 – and they say to consider one of their other partners, including American. So there’s that (though it may not hold water – we’ll see).
I, for one, was actually wanting to fly to Reykjavik one of these days. Guess it won’t be on Iceland, if I’m cashing in Alaska miles…