The airline's expanded network enables the carrier to strengthen its product offering, a key element in retaining high-spending customers. The airline's major urban hubs, such as Seattle/Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), have changed from being regional hubs for the carrier into major international gateways through which it can funnel large amounts of traffic. Therefore, expanded industry collaboration has historically been a good thing for Alaska, making their interest in the Japan Airlines joint venture somewhat unsurprising.