Alaska Airlines and Aeromexico Partner to Make Travel Easier to the United States

Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, issued the following news release:

Alaska Airlines and Aeromexico, Mexico's global airline, today announced their new frequent flier and codeshare agreement to connect each other's networks and bring more options to travelers flying between Mexico and several cities along the West Coast and Alaska.

Starting early next year, travelers can accrue miles when they fly on Alaska Airlines' expansive network across the United States, Mexico and Canada, and Aeromexico's 80 destinations throughout Mexico, the United States, Canada, Central and South America, Europe, and Asia. Miles flown on Aeromexico will count toward qualification in Alaska's Mileage Plan MVP elite-level program. Frequent fliers will be able to redeem miles for award travel on Aeromexico beginning later in 2013.

"Aeromexico's customers will enjoy Alaska's easy connections, streamlined handling of checked baggage and more travel options to some of the West Coast's most popular destinations, including Seattle and Portland, Oregon," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "We welcome Aeromexico's passengers to experience the award-winning customer service of Alaska Airlines on their next U.S.-bound flight."

Under the codeshare agreement, Aeromexico's "AM" code will be placed on Alaska Airlines flights between 20 city pairs, including all eight Alaska destinations in Mexico with service from Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose. Travelers connecting between Alaska Airlines and Aeromexico will be able to check in with the originating carrier, receive their boarding passes and check baggage through to their final destination.

"We are very pleased to announce this new alliance and confident that this commitment will benefit all Alaska's and Aeromexico's passengers, which will allow them to connect with 45 cities around Mexico and with 11 different countries in Central and South America," said Sergio Allard, Aeromexico's chief commercial officer. "Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Aeromexico Club Premier members will very soon also be able to enjoy all of their well-known benefits as if they were flying with the same airline."

Aeromexico customers can book travel at www.aeromexico.com or by calling 800-237-6639.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn or redeem mileage on 15 airlines, including more major U.S. carriers than any other frequent-flier program. The program offers additional opportunities to earn miles through an extensive network of partners, including the Alaska Airlines Visa credit and debit cards, Mileage Plan Dining, and 35 hotel and car rental partners worldwide.

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TNS-LE 121221-4147251 StaffFurigay