Alaska Airlines began a partnership last year with Finnair that has allowed for mileage earning, but as of today they have finally added the ability to redeem Alaska miles on Finnair. The rates aren’t particularly good, but with the ability to add a stopover they aren’t terrible either. Flying to Europe via Finnair won’t be the best use of Alaska miles, but awards between Europe and Asia or from the US to Helsinki to Asia come at reasonable rates.
The Rates
Alaska does not yet have an award chart published for travel on Finnair, but based on searches thus far these appear to be the rates:
- US to Europe in economy class = 30K
- US to Europe in business class = 70K
- Europe to Asia in economy class = 32.5K
- Europe to Asia in business class = 60K
- More options available via search
Business class to Europe for 70K is not a special deal (especially considering the fact that Alaska will let you fly from the US to Hong Kong to South Africa in Cathay Pacific first class for that price), though it isn’t unreasonably higher than what other carriers charge – and with Alaska allowing a stopover on a one-way award, the value is competitive.
If you are piecing together a bigger trip around the world, paying 60K from Europe to Asia is a pretty good deal. For example, you could fly between Tokyo and Helsinki for 60K one way in business class.
Bottom line
While the rates for travel between the US and Europe are not nearly as competitive as Alaska’s awards are known to be on other partners/routes, it is nonetheless good to have the ability to redeem with another partner. Considering Alaska’s stopover policies, this one could be a decent enough deal and the low fees make it a much better option for getting to Europe than via British Airways.
H/T: One Mile at a Time
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I’m finding availability on the app but not on the full website…. Hmm