SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 2, 2001--Alaska Airlines (NYSE:ALK) announced today that it will extend for one year elite status to existing Mileage Plan MVP and MVP Gold members.

"We understand that many of our customers have had to alter travel plans and may have difficulties requalifying for their 2002 MVP or MVP Gold status," said Gregg Saretsky, senior vice president of marketing and planning. "We are grateful for their patience and loyalty and are pleased to be extending their membership status for an additional year."

MVP and MVP Gold membership is based on the number of miles or flight segments flown the previous year on Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and other qualifying airline partners. MVP and MVP Gold memberships that are due to expire December 31, 2001 will be automatically extended to December 31, 2002.

New membership cards will be mailed out prior to the end of the year.

In addition to Alaska and Horizon, Mileage Plan members can earn and redeem miles on eight airline partners, plus a wide variety of hotel, rental car and other partners.

For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com.

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