Why a second American carrier for Oneworld?

9 replies

skoffman

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 09 Mar 2017

Total posts 13

Legitimate question, what are the perceived advantages from Alaskan joining Oneworld alongside AA?

levinn

Etihad - Etihad Guest

Member since 19 Mar 2018

Total posts 21

American has the least chance of survival.

patrickk

Qantas

Member since 19 Apr 2012

Total posts 733

I think from Alaskan's point of view from the NW of the US it ties it in with QF, JAL and Cathay in the pacific market and means it does not have to invest too much more in the US very competitive East Coast US market. From American's point of view it doesn't have invest too much more in the US NW market.

Michael Kao

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 06 Nov 2014

Total posts 164

Alaska has been very smart and successful in their approach. They focused on local domestic market and have strong ties with major airlines in the world. This is the model VA should follow.

Ultimately, AS decides to join an alliance, I really think it's time for VA to rethink again now its 2.0. Focus on domestic market +/- some regional short hauls like the pacific islands, and make more friends! Join an alliance and let others take care of the international routes.

kimshep

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 11 Oct 2014

Total posts 412

@skoffman - you don't specify "who" is the beneficiary regarding perceived benefits. So,

Oneworld - obviously a competitive alliance advantage by having two (2) homegrown members in the USA. Star Alliance and SkyTeam only have one each.

American Airlines - major advantage given that it doesn't have to pump money into establishing ports at poorly served and populated cities in the North West. American's coverage of the upper North West is, and always has been, scant. Their new tie-up with AS allows AS dominance and co-operative feed to/from each carrier. Allows AA to develop SEA into a second international West Coast hub (apart from LAX).

Alaska Air benefits in many ways: Greater loads from incoming oneworld carriers. Greater feed / hand-off to oneworld carriers. Enhances AS dominance along the US West Coast and adds strength against DL in Seattle. Adds the potential for greater feed on domestic transcontinental and DFW services. Allows AS to pick up AA West Coast <-> Hawaii traffic, outside LAX.

Passengers - will benefit from being able to earn miles / points in reciprocal OW carriers. Also earning Status Credits. Note also that Alaska's own program currently has better access / cheaper options with QF than does AA. It also brings route advantages as well. There will also be retail pricing advantages for fare bundling, both on international and domestic fares.

In short - there are numerous advantages and benefits.

mitchsydney

Member since 22 Jan 2020

Total posts 1

It's a better overall airline and it creates new timetables for Oneworld flyers

Himeno

Member since 12 Dec 2012

Total posts 295

"Oneworld - obviously a competitive alliance advantage by having two (2) homegrown members in the USA. Star Alliance and SkyTeam only have one each."


Both Star and Sky used to have 2 US members each, until they both merged with the domestic alliance partners. Oneworld never had a 2nd US based member (until AS joins).


AS covers areas of North America that AA doesn't, and also has year round service to Alaska, while AA only has seasonal service.


AS has had partnerships with most oneworld members for some time. They've also taken part in the oneworld Global Explorer (mileage based RTW fare). They likely saw more benefit to join oneworld then the other alliances.

jaideester

Member since 07 Dec 2017

Total posts 1

Why? You obviously haven't flown Alaska Airlines. I have numerous times from LAX to YVR and this is the only way to cover this trip. Lounges, don't use, seat as good as it gets, food again, as good as it gets, cabin crew soooo friendly and so good at their job, overall experience, just what I expected, the best!

twiningb

Member since 30 Jan 2015

Total posts 22

If I remember correctly, SkyTeam at one point had three US members: Delta, Northwest (merged into Delta) and Continental (moved to Star prior to United merger). And then Star had three between Continental joining and merging with United, during which time US was still there before it merged into American.

andrewan

Member since 30 Oct 2014

Total posts 4

Not really a second carrier in the US as already part of OneWorld system through AA and QF code shares. Also as many have already pointed out more of a focused regional carrier than AA.

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