SEATTLE, Jan. 17, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines and Emirates today announced enhanced frequent flier award benefits, enabling members to now redeem awards for travel in each others' programs. Members of Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan and Emirates' Skywards programs have already been able to earn miles on a reciprocal basis since the airlines' partnership began in March 2012.

"We're delighted to now offer our Mileage Plan members the ability to redeem miles on Emirates, a carrier admired for its service and quality, which will provide our members with even more options for international award travel," said Caroline Boren, Alaska Airlines' managing director of loyalty marketing and customer advocacy.

Emirates, the largest operator of Boeing 777 aircraft in the world, launched daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Dubai on March 1, 2012.

"With its hub in Seattle, Alaska Airlines' network offers convenient connections for Skywards members traveling on Emirates' daily flights from Seattle, as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles, to Dubai and beyond to any of the 128 destinations on our global network," said Brian LaBelle, Emirates' senior vice president of Skywards.

To celebrate, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn triple miles for travel on Emirates in first or business class, double miles for Economy Flex travel and 2,500 bonus miles each way for Economy Saver travel on Emirates flights between Seattle and Dubai from Feb. 1 to April 30, 2013. Members must register their Mileage Plan number at www.alaskaair.com prior to their first qualifying flight.

About Emirates

Emirates, one of the world's fastest growing international airlines, has received more than 500 global awards for excellence. Serving 128 destinations in 74 countries, the airline reported a net profit of US$409 million for the 2011-12 fiscal year. Emirates operates 191 wide-body Airbus and Boeing aircraft, including the world's largest fleet of A380s, and has orders for an additional 208 aircraft, worth more than US$74 billion. Visit Emirates online at www.emirates.com.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 95 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. Alaska Airlines has ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Network Carriers" in the J.D. Power and Associates North America Airline Satisfaction Study^SM for five consecutive years from 2008 to 2012. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines