Recent announcements from Alaska Airlines include a pending codeshare agreement with Icelandair, as well as the launch of a new non-stop service between Nashville and Seattle.
Alaska Airlines and Icelandair have entered into a codeshare agreement and frequent flier partnership in order to provide customers with easier connections and more options to earn benefits when flying between the United States and Europe.
The agreement is set to take effect November 1 pending government approval. Travelers will have access to reservations and ticketing, one-stop check-in, baggage checked to its final destination and coordinated flight schedules, along with the ability to earn miles and/or points on the reciprocal airline and consistent passenger service standards. Additionally, Elite-level members of both airlines’ frequent flier programs will also receive reciprocal club lounge benefits.
"Icelandair offers our frequent fliers a unique option for flying and earning miles to Europe from our Seattle, Portland and Anchorage gateways," said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Alaska Airlines.
As an added benefit, beginning October 1 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold and Gold 75K members will receive complimentary access to Icelandair's Saga Lounge at Keflavik International Airport in Reykjavik, while Icelandair Saga Gold and Silver members will enjoy complimentary access to Alaska Board Room lounges in Seattle, Portland, Anchorage and Los Angeles. Also, through December 15, 2015 the airline is offering double miles.
In addition to the pending codeshare agreement with Icelandaire, Alaska Airlines has also announced the launch of a new nonstop service between Nashville and Seattle, increasing the number of nonstop destinations from its Seattle hub to 84.
"Our new nonstop flight between Seattle and Nashville connects two of the country's largest and most popular music capitals," said John Kirby, the airline's vice president of capacity planning. "Loyal Pacific Northwest customers will enjoy our convenient schedule, and our new Nashville customers will appreciate our great service, complimentary assigned seats and our premium cabin experience."
The daily flights depart from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport at 9:30am and arrive at Nashville International Airport at 4:05pm. Service from Nashville will depart at 5:05pm, and arrive in Seattle at 8:20pm.
Alaska is operating the new flights with fuel-efficient, next generation Boeing 737 aircraft. Travelers have access to free entertainment on personal devices, as well as Northwest-inspired food and beverages. Additionally, prior to take-off, Alaska customers onboard the inaugural Seattle-Nashville flight will be serenaded by the pilot, 32-year Alaska Airlines veteran Michael Rinehart, alongside members of the Northwest Sound Men's Chorus.
Visit www.alaskaair.com