Effective Nov. 1, changes include new three-tier award levels

SEATTLE, July 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alaska Airlines has announced changes to its Mileage Plan program, including new award levels and increased fees. The changes, which the airline is detailing in letters to its frequent fliers, will begin Nov. 1, 2008.

'Our program has always been one of the most generous in the industry, with lower award levels and more robust benefits than any other carrier,' said Steve Jarvis, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing, sales and customer experience. 'With the current state of the industry and impact of fuel prices on our bottom line, we're forced to refine our program to make it viable for our airline while maintaining its strong value for our customers.'

Jarvis noted that airline frequent flier programs were created during a time when costs were lower. 'When Alaska Airlines introduced its popular 20,000-mile 'Saver' award 13 years ago, we were paying less than $20 a barrel for crude oil. Last week oil touched $145 a barrel,' Jarvis said.

The following changes become effective for Mileage Plan awards redeemed on or after Nov. 1, 2008:

Award-level changes

-- The domestic round-trip 'Coach Saver' award that has been available at 20,000 miles for over 13 years is increasing to 25,000 miles, whether redeemed online or through Reservations.

-- The current 'Saver' and 'Peak' award levels for coach and first class travel on Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air are increasing, with the exception of intra-state travel.

-- The popular 15,000 mile 'Intra-Alaska' award has been expanded to an 'Intra-State' award, offering travel wholly within one individual state in Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, Oregon or Washington. The lowest award level for travel within these states, except Alaska, was previously 20,000 miles.