Alaska Airlines and Delta have announced a partnership that will involve codesharing, reciprocal mileage earning and burning, and lounge access.

No start date has yet been announced. It makes tons of sense, as Delta is weak on the West Coast with a small hub at Salt Lake City as their western base. Alaska partners with Continental and Northwest – both Delta partners – already. Of course, Alaska also partners with American. Come to think of it, they’ll dance with anyone – including KLM (a Northwest/Continental/Delta partner) and Qantas, British Airways, and Cathay Pacific (American partners).

The arrangement between Alaska and Delta is unlikely to include reciprocal upgrade privileges – something that Alaska only extends to Northwest’s elite frequent flyers and then only on a day of departure space available basis, except for travelers on full fare tickets who can confirm upgrades at booking.

Delta frequent flyers will find that Alaska offers outstanding award availability.