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Alaska Airlines has added another partner to its fold: Contour Airlines. Starting today, you can earn Mileage Plan miles on Contour flights you book through Alaska Airlines. Here's what you need to know about Contour and what makes Alaska's newest partner so interesting.
Meet Alaska Airlines’ New Partner: Contour Airlines
If you're unfamiliar with Contour Airlines, that's understandable. But if anything, it's like JSX, which you may be familiar with — an independent carrier operating public charter-type routes.
Over time, Contour's route map has grown and shrunk as it added and dropped destinations. But as of today, the carrier's Embraer 135 and 145 regional jets can fly to 28 destinations across the United States. Generally speaking, it flies in and out of smaller airports.
And for a bit more background on Contour, it has an interline agreement with American Airlines, and one-quarter of the company is owned by SkyWest, of which the latter parlays into today's news.
This morning, Alaska Airlines — which has had a long-standing partnership with regional carrier SkyWest Airlines — added its 30th airline partner. Now, you can book Contour flights through Alaska's website and earn Mileage Plan miles when you fly. Coincidence? Maybe not.
Contour doesn't have a business- or first-class section on its jets, so the mileage earning rates are simple. On Contour flights booked through Alaska, you'll earn 100% base miles (based on the miles traveled) and 100% elite-qualifying miles, provided you book a ticket in one of the following economy fare classes: M, B, Q, N, or Y. Mileage Plan elites will earn an additional bonus based on the status held at the time of travel.
Contour is an earn-only partner. It's unclear if Mileage Plan will offer redemptions for Contour flights in the future. However, several of Contour's flights are priced low enough that you're likely better off paying cash for flights instead of redeeming miles — assuming Contour stops being earn-only in the future.
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Final Thoughts
Contour Airlines' route map is unique. But if you're near an airport it serves, it's worth checking out its offerings. Even better, you'll earn valuable Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles on your flight, courtesy of the two airlines' brand-new partnership.
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