Alaska Airlines expands Brazil travel links through GOL partnership

Nov. 10 (UPI) — Alaska Airlines announced Tuesday an expansion of its partnership with Brazilian carrier GOL Linhas Aéreas, allowing travelers to book flights across Brazil and South America as the U.S. carrier broadens its international travel network.

The expanded booking arrangements are intended to make it easier for U.S. travelers to reach destinations throughout Brazil and neighboring South American countries like Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay, Colombia, Bolivia and Suriname.

Beginning immediately, passengers can book select GOL flights through the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines websites, combining flights operated by the three carriers on a single ticket, with checked baggage transferred to their final destination, according to an announcement from Alaska Airlines.

The agreement also allows travelers to earn points through Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program shared by Alaska and Hawaiian, when booking eligible GOL flights directly through either airline’s website. Members are expected to be able to redeem points for GOL flights beginning in early 2027.

GOL operates about 675 daily flights and serves more than 80 airports, including destinations in more than 60 Brazilian cities.

Starting March 28, passengers traveling from the U.S. West Coast will be able to connect through New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport to Rio de Janeiro on GOL flights. From Rio, travelers will have access to connections to more than 35 cities, including São Paulo and Buenos Aires.

“Our new partnership with GOL gives Atmos Rewards members an exciting new gateway to South America,” Alex Judson, Alaska Airlines’ managing director of partnerships and international, said in the company’s announcement.

The airline also is expanding its existing cooperation with American Airlines to provide additional connections between the United States and South America.

Under the expanded arrangements, travelers will eventually be able to book more itineraries combining Alaska or Hawaiian flights with American Airlines services to Brazil, initially through New York, Dallas and Miami, with additional South American destinations expected in 2027.

Alaska said Atmos Rewards members already earn points on American Airlines flights, while eligible status holders receive benefits including additional legroom and complimentary upgrades when available.

Beginning in 2027, loyalty program members will also be able to choose whether to earn rewards on eligible partner flights based on distance traveled, ticket price or flight segments.

The changes form part of Alaska Airlines’ efforts to expand international connectivity through partnerships rather than relying exclusively on flights operated by its own aircraft.

GOL, meanwhile, already lists Alaska Airlines among its commercial partners on its official website, which describes arrangements for connecting flights, ticket purchases and baggage handling.

Alaska Air Group, the parent company of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, operates a network serving more than 140 destinations across North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe.