Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology.

You Can Now Redeem Alaska Miles on Nonstop Flights to Morocco

Daniel Ross's image
Daniel Ross
Daniel Ross's image

Daniel Ross

Senior Content Contributor

627 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 56U.S. States Visited: 17

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points...

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Alaska Airlines, a freshly minted member of the Oneworld alliance, is slowly but surely strengthening its partnerships with other members of the alliance.

Its latest move opens up the ability to redeem its Mileage Plan miles on Royal Air Maroc flights.

Let’s take a brief look at Royal Air Maroc, the new redemption rates, and why you may want to save your valuable Alaska miles for redemptions on other carriers.

Who Is Royal Air Maroc?

Royal Air Maroc is the flag carrier of the North African nation of Morocco. It operates flights from its hub in Casablanca (CMN) to the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

The airline’s U.S. route network typically includes nonstop flights to major cities including Miami (MIA), New York (JFK), and Washington, D.C. (IAD), but these routes are currently suspended due to the pandemic.

Royal Air Maroc's routes from Morocco to the U.S.
Royal Air Maroc’s typical nonstop routes between Morocco and the U.S. Image Credit: Great Circle Mapper

However, flights are slated to resume on February 1, February 2, and February 4, 2022, to New York, Washington, D.C., and Miami, respectively. These routes are operated by a mixture of Boeing’s 787-8 and -9 Dreamliner jets.

Redeeming Alaska Miles on Royal Air Maroc Flights

News of a new redemption partner is usually something to get excited about, but sadly that’s not the case this time.

Unfortunately, the value you get from redeeming Alaska miles on Royal Air Maroc flights between the U.S. and Morocco is subpar, at best. This likely has something to do with the fact that the carrier is the only one to offer nonstop flights between the 2 countries.

Let’s take a look at an example.

A one-way flight with Royal Air Maroc from New York to Casablanca will cost 50,000 miles in economy or a whopping 100,000 in business. According to our valuations, 50,000 Alaska miles are worth $900, while 100,000 are worth $1,800.

Alaska Miles prices from U.S. to Morocco
Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

On first glance, you may think that doesn’t sound all that crazy for a long-haul flight in business class. However, keep in mind that flying to Morocco in business class with Lufthansa (albeit with a stop in Germany) would cost you just 78,000 Avianca LifeMiles one-way, roughly equal to $1,092.

If you think about it from a cash-outlay perspective, you’d be “spending” $1,800 (plus taxes and fees) for a one-way ticket on Royal Air Maroc versus under $1,100 (plus taxes and fees) for the Lufthansa ticket — not to mention you’d save 44,000 miles.

Obviously, a journey with a layover would be longer, but there’s not a tremendous difference in the business class experience between the 2 carriers (though Royal Air Maroc’s new 787-9s have a more modern 1-2-1 configuration up front), so we’d be inclined to recommend saving your miles in this case.

Acquiring a lot of LifeMiles is also easier than doing so with Mileage Plan, thanks to the fact that the program is an Amex transfer partner, Brex transfer partner, Capital One transfer partner, Citi transfer partner, and a Marriot transfer partner.

The Lufthansa example is just one alternative that would provide a better value for your miles on flights to Morocco. For more ideas on getting to the region, check out our complete guide on flying to the Middle East and North Africa using points and miles.

Hot Tip: Make sure you check out our post on the best ways to use Alaska Mileage Plan miles for maximum value before you book any flights. 

Final Thoughts

It’s no surprise that Alaska is attempting to deepen its relationship with other Oneworld airlines in this way. However, this development puts a dent in Alaska’s reputation as having one of the most valuable currencies out there.

Daniel Ross's image

About Daniel Ross

Daniel has loved aviation and travel his entire life. He earned a Master of Science in Air Transport Management and has written about travel and aviation in publications like Simple Flying, The Points Guy, and more.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

Deluxe Travel Provided by UP Pulse
DMCA.com Protection Status