Elite Leave: Frequent flyer benefits for new parents

Alaska Airlines has changed the policy on its frequent flyer program in regards to family leave. Previously, if new parents wanted to keep their elite status on their mileage plan, they were unable to.
Under Alaska Airline’s new hold program called Elite Leave, benefits accrued will be held and roll over to the next calendar year. For example, if a family takes leave in 2017 the benefits will roll over to 2018.
According to an Alaska Airlines press release, the idea for Elite Leave wa