
Alaska has a new benefit for Mileage Plan elites. (Image: Pixaby – TawnyNina)
What happens when your frequent flying lifestyle (and cherished status) comes to a grinding halt due to a new baby? Not much on some airlines…
Alaska Airlines has a new perk for Mileage Plan members: preserving your elite status when your frequent travel schedule is interrupted by parenthood.
The concept of extending program status for parental leaves is gaining ground among foreign airlines. A similar offer is available to frequent flyers of Iberia, Qantas, and Virgin Atlantic, and more recently Air Canada and British Airways.
Under the terms of Alaska’s new benefit, “members who have taken or will take a parental leave that ends this year can extend their status through the end of 2018,” the company said. “In future years, status will be extended through the calendar year following the end of leave.”
Elite members who want to take advantage of the offer are instructed to email their full name, birth date, Mileage Plan number and proof of parental leave to flyer@alaskaair.com, and they will be registered in the program after their eligibility is verified.
What constitutes proof? “A note from your doctor or employer will do,” Alaska said.
You can see the full terms and conditions here.
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