I read a report recently that 95% of all miles earned on Alaska Airlines are redeemed on Alaska Airlines. While perhaps not shocking it isn't the best way to maximize your travel miles!

Enter airline alliances. Most major full service airlines in the world are members of one of 3 global alliances. These alliances are Oneworld (American and Alaska) SkyTeam (Delta) and Star Alliance (United and Air Canada).

So why should you care?  When flying on these airlines you can earn miles on your preferred program. Flying on British, American or Cathay Pacific? Earn Alaska miles. Flying on Air France or Korean, earn Delta miles.  This can really help you have one pool of miles when it comes time to redeem for awesome travel.

When it comes time to redeem you can use these miles to fly on any of these airlines as well! Use your American miles to fly Qatar in the world's best business class to South Africa for your safari, for example.

Global Airline alliance miles earned also count toward your airline's elite status too. Last year I earned Alaska MVP for one paid round trip flight on Qatar from Chicago to Tblisi!



The point is think of you airline as a global partner and not just a domestic airline. This makes it so much easier to explore while earning/redeeming miles!