Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Offers New Way to Earn Miles for Wireless Purchases

Alaska Airlines has launched a new program that allows Mileage Plan members to earn frequent-flier miles when they purchase wireless services and products.

Members can earn 5,000 miles for purchasing new or renewal service from a range of wireless providers, including AT&T, Nextel, Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon Wireless. Customers also can earn 10 miles per dollar spent on wireless accessories, such as Bluetooth headsets and car chargers, and 5,000 miles when they subscribe to satellite television service.

"Our Mileage Plan Wireless Program expands the number of ways our customers can earn miles," said Rick Rasmussen, Alaska’s director of customer loyalty. "With the new program, earning miles for wireless purchases is as easy as the click of a mouse."

Customers can sign up and find terms and conditions in the Mileage Plan section of the airline’s Web site at http://www.alaskaair.com/, at http://www.mileageplanwireless.com/ or by calling (866) 631-1843.

Alaska Airlines worked with InPhonic, Inc., a leading online marketer of wireless services, and mForce Communications, Inc., to offer the program.

"We’re thrilled to team with Alaska Airlines to introduce this service to Mileage Plan members," said Michael Sauer, president of mForce Communications, Inc. "We consolidate services from all the major providers in one place, enabling customers to earn free award travel on any rate plan and any handset from nearly any provider."

"Consumers are looking to reap new benefits from their wireless usage," said Chad Stockman, InPhonic’s vice president of affinity programs. "The Mileage Plan Wireless Program will help loyal customers not only accumulate miles, but save time and money by having access to our wide selection of wireless plans, phones and accessories."

The program is available to Mileage Plan members who live in the Lower 48 states and Hawaii. Members who live in Alaska can earn frequent-flier miles from GCI when they purchase cable television, Internet or phone service.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn or redeem mileage on more than a dozen airlines, including more major U.S. airlines than any other frequent-flier program. The program offers additional opportunities to earn miles through an extensive network of partners, including the Alaska Airlines Visa credit and debit cards, Mileage Plan Shopping, Mileage Plan Dining, Safeway and more than 30 hotel and car rental partners worldwide.

InPhonic, Inc. is a leading online seller of wireless services and products. InPhonic sells these services and devices through Web sites it creates and manages for online businesses, national retailers, member-based organizations and associations under their own brands. Among many awards in its history, InPhonic holds the distinction as #1 Company of the Year on the INC. 500 for 2004. For more information, visit http://www.inphonic.com/.

mForce Communications is a leading communications firm specializing in the design and management of affinity marketing programs. The principals behind mForce Communications have been developing and implementing affinity programs in the travel and telecommunications industries for more than 20 years. Information about the firm is available at http://www.mforcecommunications.com/.

Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier, Horizon Air, serve 92 cities through an expansive network throughout Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. This year Alaska Airlines celebrates its 75th anniversary, marking the airline’s growth from a single-aircraft operation in 1932 to one of the largest U.S. carriers. For reservations, visit http://www.alaskaair.com/. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at http://www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact: maria.koenig@alaskaair.com

SOURCE: Alaska Airlines