From the West Coast to Manila—new rewards and routes take off
- Paul Aage Hegvik
- 2 days ago
- 6 min read
Your points now stretch further: Alaska Airlines teams up with Philippine Airlines to offer shared perks and smoother journeys between North America and Asia—strengthening a connection that dates back to 1898, when the U.S. and the Philippines first forged ties through history, war, and migration.
Traveling between the U.S. and Asia just got more rewarding. Alaska Airlines and Philippine Airlines (PAL) have according to Alaska Airlines teamed up in a new partnership that lets members of both airlines' loyalty programs earn and redeem miles across each other’s networks.
For Alaska, this marks its 32nd global airline partnership, while for PAL, it’s their first loyalty alliance in North America—a major step that opens up exciting new travel options.
More flexibility, more rewards
Soon, Alaska Mileage Plan members will be able to book flights on PAL directly through Alaska’s website or app, and earn miles along the way. At the same time, PAL’s Mabuhay Miles members can collect points when flying on eligible Alaska Airlines routes.
It’s a two-way partnership designed to give travelers more flexibility and reach, especially between North America and Asia.
Nonstop access to key U.S. cities
Philippine Airlines already operates nonstop flights from Manila to several major U.S. destinations, including Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and Honolulu. From there, PAL connects travelers to cities throughout Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific.
For the millions of Filipino-Americans living in states like California, Hawaii, and Washington, this partnership means easier routes home—and more miles earned while doing it.
A partnership built on service
«This is a terrific addition to our global network,» said Brett Catlin, Alaska’s VP of Loyalty and Alliances. «Philippine Airlines offers world-class service and amenities, and this partnership creates more opportunities for our Mileage Plan members to fly across the Pacific.»
PAL’s VP for Marketing, Alvin M. Miranda, added, «It significantly expands our network and flight options, giving our members more freedom in how and where they use their miles.»
Smoother journeys across the Pacific
This partnership also builds on PAL’s existing codeshare with Hawaiian Airlines, which is now part of the Alaska Air Group. That means travelers can look forward to even smoother journeys, easier bookings, and shared benefits across multiple airlines.
As this new alliance rolls out in the coming months, flyers can expect more routes, more perks, and more reasons to explore.
Why millions fly between the U.S. and the Philippines?
The substantial air traffic between the Philippines and the United States is driven by a combination of demographic, historical, and economic factors.
1. Large Filipino-American population
As of 2023, approximately 4.6 million people in the United States identified as Filipino, making them the third-largest Asian origin group in the country. Significant Filipino communities are concentrated in states like California, Hawaii, Texas, New York, and Nevada. This extensive diaspora results in frequent travel between the two nations for family visits, cultural events, and other personal reasons.
2. Historical and political ties
The Philippines was a U.S. territory from 1898 to 1946, establishing deep-rooted political and cultural connections. These ties have fostered ongoing exchanges in education, military cooperation, and governance, further strengthening travel between the countries.
3. Employment and migration
The United States is a primary destination for Filipino professionals, particularly in healthcare and engineering sectors. Many Filipinos travel to the U.S. for employment opportunities, and family reunification processes often follow, increasing the volume of travelers.
4. Tourism and dual citizenship
Many Filipino-Americans hold dual citizenship, facilitating frequent travel for holidays, retirement planning, or property investments. Additionally, U.S. citizens travel to the Philippines for its scenic destinations and affordable services.
5. Direct flight availability
Philippine Airlines and U.S. carriers operate nonstop flights between Manila and major U.S. cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, Seattle, and Honolulu, making travel more convenient and accessible.
These factors collectively contribute to the robust air traffic between the Philippines and the United States, reflecting the enduring connections between the two nations.
A short history of U.S.–Philippine ties
The relationship between the United States and the Philippines has deep historical roots, shaped by colonialism, war, and strategic alliance.
Colonial era (1898–1946)
In 1898, after defeating Spain in the Spanish-American War, the United States took control of the Philippines under the Treaty of Paris. The move was controversial and led to the Philippine-American War (1899–1902), in which Filipino revolutionaries fought unsuccessfully for independence.
The U.S. governed the Philippines as a colony, introducing American-style education, legal systems, and infrastructure, while also suppressing resistance. Over time, the U.S. gradually allowed more Filipino political participation, culminating in the 1935 establishment of the Philippine Commonwealth, a transitional government toward full independence.
World War II and occupation
During World War II, the Philippines was invaded and occupied by Imperial Japan (1942–1945). Filipino and American troops fought side by side in key battles like Bataan and Leyte, and many civilians joined the resistance. The war caused massive destruction and loss of life, but also reinforced the bond between the two nations.
Independence and post-war ties
On July 4, 1946, the Philippines was granted full independence. However, the U.S. retained military bases (like Clark Air Base and Subic Bay Naval Base) and remained deeply involved in Filipino politics and defense.
Over the years, the two countries signed mutual defense treaties, conducted joint military exercises, and developed strong economic and educational exchanges. Many Filipinos migrated to the U.S. under work or family-based visas, helping to form one of the largest Asian immigrant communities in America.
Modern relations
Today, the Philippines and the U.S. maintain a strategic partnership through agreements like the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) and the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA). The connection also thrives in terms of trade, tourism, migration, and cultural exchange, with millions of Filipinos living and working in the U.S., and thousands of Americans residing in the Philippines.
Hosting rotational deployments of U.S. forces
As of 2025, the United States maintains access to nine military sites across the Philippines under the Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement (EDCA), established in 2014. These sites are not traditional U.S.-owned bases but are Philippine military facilities that host rotational deployments of U.S. forces, equipment, and infrastructure improvements.
The nine EDCA locations include:
Antonio Bautista Air Base – Palawan
Basa Air Base – Pampanga
Benito Ebuen Air Base – Cebu
Fort Magsaysay – Nueva Ecija
Lumbia Airfield – Cagayan de Oro
Balabac Island – Palawan
Camp Melchor Dela Cruz – Isabela
Lal-lo Airport – Cagayan
Naval Base Camilo Osias – Cagayan
These sites enhance the U.S.-Philippines alliance, particularly in response to regional security challenges, including tensions in the South China Sea.
Regarding troop presence, the U.S. does not maintain a permanent military force in the Philippines. Instead, American troops rotate through the country for joint exercises and training missions. For instance, the 2024 Balikatan exercise, the largest annual bilateral military drill between the U.S. and the Philippines, involved over 16,000 personnel from both nations. These rotational deployments are designed to strengthen interoperability and readiness without establishing a permanent U.S. military footprint.
This arrangement reflects the evolving defense partnership between the United States and the Philippines, balancing strategic interests with respect for Philippine sovereignty.
