Alaska Airlines Leverages Virgin America Acquisition to Compete Aggressively on Loyalty


Skift Take

Alaska's continued efforts to appeal to transcontinental airline passengers is creating lucrative bonuses for frequent flyers.

Back in 2015 and 2016 when legacy U.S. air carriers moved to revenue-based loyalty programs, Alaska Airlines made much ado about keeping its traditional, distance-based program. Now, the airline is using that program as well as some aggressive marketing to lure in more loyalty program members. The incentives started in early March when Alaska launched a promotion to boost elite status for passengers flying on select transcontinental routes. For passengers flying out of four Californian hubs and to a handful of East Coast destinations, the promotion offers