Frequent-flier flexibility: new one-way award on Alaska Air

This could start well a trend, one that will directly benefit fliers in search of flexibility. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can now redeem their miles for one-way passage anywhere Alaska Airlines and partner Horizon Air fly. The move marks the first of its kind by a major United States carrier, affording fliers some attractive alternatives never open before.

The new deal allows fliers to book one-way travel for half the mileage of round-trip awards. Case in point: fly intra-Alaska, say from Anchorage (ANC) down to Juneau (JNU) for 7,500 miles. On the wider-ranging Alaska route structure, fly to a US or Canadian destination for 10,000 miles on a Saver Award, and 20,000 miles on a Peak Award.

The deal opens up lots of options that produce savings, or increased comfort, on your round-trip. Combine different types of one-way tickets, including Saver and Peak Awards, as well as Coach and First-Class tickets.

Treat yourself on the trip to your destination in First Class and then pay nothing on the return leg back in Coach by using Mileage Plan’s new one-way redemption.

It will be instructive to see if the rest of the airline industry follows Alaska Airlines' lead on this one.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler