Alaska Airlines made some interesting announcements at a recent luncheon for its MVP Gold elite members. While no official agreement has been reached, Alaska Airlines is discussing with Emirates the possibility of entering a partnership that would include reciprocal FFP benefits.

Members will soon be able to redeem miles for international awards at alaskaair.com. The airline expects to have full international award booking capability for Delta, Northwest and American flights in the first quarter of 2009 with other international carriers to be added later.

Mileage Plan members can currently book award flights on Delta, Northwest and American within the U.S. and some flights to Mexico, Canada and the Carribean.

In-flight satellite based Internet will also be added to the entire Alaska fleet sometime next year.