Frequent Traveler Awards Names Alaska Airlines Visa 'Best Loyalty Card'

SEATTLE, April 29, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card was named "Best Loyalty Credit Card" in the Americas for the second year in a row at the Frequent Traveler Awards last night in New York. Based on votes cast by more than 1.3 million frequent fliers, these awards recognize the best airline, hotel and travel loyalty programs. Winners are determined based on the overall merits of each program as ranked by voters.

"This recognition is particularly meaningful to us because it comes directly from our customers," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' vice president of marketing. "We'd like to thank our Mileage Plan members and Visa Signature cardholders, as well as our partners at Bank of America and Visa, who share this honor with us."

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature cardholders receive 25,000 miles upon approval, as well as an annual discount code for purchase of one roundtrip companion ticket for $99* (plus applicable taxes and government fees) with no travel restrictions or blackout dates. Cardholders earn three miles for every $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air tickets and Vacations packages, and one mile for every $1 of other purchases on the card.

Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan offers some of the industry's most attractive award levels when booking online, with Super Saver Awards starting at 7,500 miles one way and 15,000 miles roundtrip. Additionally, online innovations at alaskaair.com make it easy for customers to see all award-seat options for one-way and roundtrip itineraries on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, including Saver and Peak award seats, coach and first class seats, and award sale seats.

About Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

About the Frequent Traveler Awards

The Frequent Traveler Awards represent excellence in frequent travel programs worldwide, rating the best frequent flier and frequent guest programs. The Frequent Traveler Awards are voted on by frequent travelers worldwide, allowing them to rate airline and hotel programs from their point of view. The merits of what each program offers determine the winners. Frequent flier and frequent guest programs compete in five categories, with voters selecting programs in one of three global regions: Americas, Europe/Africa, and the Middle East/Asia and Oceania.

* Upon approval and on each anniversary, the cardholder will receive a discount code entitling the cardholder to purchase one roundtrip companion ticket for $99 (USD) on Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air when traveling with another passenger on a paid published airfare on the same itinerary, booked at the same time. Mileage credit is allowed on this offer. Passenger is responsible for all applicable taxes, fees, surcharges and applicable checked baggage fees associated with the $99 companion ticket. Fees vary depending on itinerary.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines