Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to introduce new chef-curated menus and premium wine program for international Suites guests

October 15, 2026
Guest Experience
Hawaiian Airlines
37 min read

Summary

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New menus by Chefs Brady Ishiwata Williams and Dell Valdez showcase destination-inspired cuisine with regional influences

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Updated premium wine selections are thoughtfully paired to complement each menu

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Hawai‘i Chef Keaka Lee to design select Hawaiian Airlines domestic First Class flights menus

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines this month unveiled refreshed international Suites menus on flights to Asia, Europe and Oceania, featuring regionally inspired dishes that immerse guests in the flavors of their destination before arrival. As part of the updated Suites dining experience, the airlines are building on their collaborations with award-winning chefs Brady Ishiwata Williams and Dell Valdez, whose restaurant-quality menus showcase premium, locally sourced ingredients.

Guests will enjoy a multi-course dining experience from the moment they board. The seasonal menu update also introduces enhanced wine selections, thoughtfully chosen to complement the unique flavors and ingredients featured across each menu.

Starting next week, Hawaiian Airlines guests in international Business Class will enjoy the same expanded pre-select meal options that Alaska guests have come to expect. Suites guests will be able to pre-order from up to five entrée options on eligible domestic and international flights, giving them even more choice before they fly.

Exceptional dining is an essential part of the premium travel experience and our fall menu brings together the talent and distinct culinary perspectives of chefs in Seattle and Honolulu, with thoughtfully crafted dishes that celebrate the flavors of our home communities while bringing a fresh perspective to dining at 35,000 feet.”

Mark Krolick

Managing Director of Inflight Product & Experience, Alaska Airlines

A world-class wine program to complement every meal

Whether dining on Hawaiian or Alaska, guests will enjoy a refreshed selection of premium wines this fall. Thoughtfully curated to complement the flavors and ingredients featured across both menus, the international Business Class wine program showcases acclaimed producers from around the world, including Paul Hobbs West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Viña Cobos Cocodrilo Corte Red Blend from Argentina.

Local chefs help bring the flavors of Hawaiʻi onboard

Chef Dell Valdez, the Hawaiʻi-born culinary leader behind Vein in Kakaʻako, as well as Dell’s Kitchen & Bakery and Mio PASTALOGY, is introducing a refreshed international Suites menu starting Oct. 21 with dishes inspired by Hawaiʻi and global flavors, including Ahi au Poivre with celery root purée, Huli Huli BBQ Chicken with kimchee fried rice, Grilled Pork Medallions with a soy-balsamic honey glaze, and Blackened Tofu with Brussels sprouts and orzo.

Valdez is also continuing to enhance Hawaiian’s First Class dining experience closer to home. For guests traveling from the U.S. continent to Hawaiʻi, his thoughtfully crafted meals offer a first taste of the islands, featuring locally inspired dishes that celebrate Hawaiʻi’s rich culinary heritage.

Starting Oct. 21 on flights departing Hawaiʻi, longtime Hawaiian chef collaborator Chef Keaka Lee of Honolulu’s Kapa Hale brings his signature island-inspired cuisine onboard, with standout offerings including a Loco Moco for breakfast, and Braised Beef with Roasted ʻUlu (breadfruit) for dinner. Together, the chefs create a seamless dining journey that reflects the diverse flavors, culture and hospitality of Hawaiʻi from departure to arrival.

Through its chef collaborations, Hawaiian brings a genuine taste of the islands onboard, using food as a way to deliver the warm hospitality that defines the Hawaiian experience. This commitment extends across every cabin and stage of the guest journey, with Valdez creating elevated First and Suites menus on inbound domestic and international routes; Chef Keaka Lee of Honolulu’s Kapa Hale bringing beloved local dishes and island ingredients to First Class guests departing Hawaiʻi; and Chef Sheldon Simeon crafting exclusive pre-order meals for Main Cabin guests.

Together, these new offerings allow Hawaiian to celebrate local ingredients, culinary talent and the diverse flavors of the islands, ensuring guests can experience an authentic taste of Hawaiʻi no matter where they are seated.

Award-winning chef elevates Alaska’s international dining experience

Alaska is excited to expand its relationship with James Beard Award-winning Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams. The Seattle-based, self-taught chef, known for creating innovative dishes inspired by his Japanese American heritage, has elevated Alaska’s inflight dining experience since 2025.

Today, Williams’ signature beef entrée is a guest favorite on flights from Seattle to Tokyo, Seoul and London. Building on that success, the chef is introducing new dishes for international Suites guests, including Miso Glazed Black Cod with kimchi fried rice and traditional banchan on flights to Tokyo-Narita, and Galbi-Glazed Chicken with fried rice and banchan on flights to Seoul-Incheon. Williams’ new menu is available now for pre-order.

Coming soon, one of Seattle’s most acclaimed chefs, Renee Erickson, will bring her signature Pacific Northwest culinary style onboard Alaska Airlines. The airline is thrilled to be working with Chef Erickson to create seasonal menus for guests traveling in the Suites experience on flights between Seattle and London, as well as Athens and Paris when service launches in May 2027.

Chef Erickson, a James Beard Award winner who co-owns some of Seattle’s most celebrated restaurants, will pair Pacific Northwest ingredients and techniques with flavors inspired by Alaska’s European destinations, further elevating Alaska’s end-to-end premium experience unveiled in September.

From L to R: Chef Renee Erickson, Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, Chef Dell Valdez, Chef Keaka Lee

More choices, same signature hospitality

These new menus are just one way Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines bring their signature hospitality to the skies. Through the airline’s convenient pre-order feature, guests can select their preferred meal from two weeks up to 20 hours before departure using the Alaska and Hawaiian mobile app. No matter where guests sit, Alaska and Hawaiian offer elevated food and beverage options designed to make every journey more special.

Visit alaskaair.com

Visit hawaiianair.com

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld^© alliance. Members of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Frequently asked questions

What meals are available in Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines international Business Class?

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer chef-curated, multi-course meals for guests traveling in international Suites. Current menu selections include dishes from James Beard Award-winning Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams and Hawaiʻi Chef Dell Valdez, with regionally inspired entrées such as Miso Glazed Black Cod, Galbi-Glazed Chicken, Ahi au Poivre and Huli Huli BBQ Chicken. Menu selections vary by route and are seasonally refreshed.

Can Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines guests pre-order their inflight meals?

Yes. Eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines guests can pre-order their preferred meal beginning two weeks before departure and up to 20 hours before their flight using the Alaska and Hawaiian mobile app. Suites guests can choose from up to five entrée options on eligible domestic and international flights.

Which chefs create meals for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines?

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines partner with chefs from Seattle and Hawaiʻi to create inflight menus across their cabins. Current culinary partners include James Beard Award-winning chefs Brady Ishiwata Williams and Renee Erickson, and Hawaiʻi chefs Dell Valdez, Keaka Lee of Kapa Hale and Sheldon Simeon. Their menus draw inspiration from Pacific Northwest, Hawaiʻi and international flavors.

What wines are served in Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines international Business Class?

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer a rotating selection of premium wines in international Business Class, curated to complement the flavors and ingredients of their seasonal menus. Current selections include Paul Hobbs West Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir and Viña Cobos Cocodrilo Corte Red Blend from Argentina.

What Alaska and Hawaiian’s new premium investments mean for travelers

October 14, 2026
Company
Ali Wunderman
27 min read

Summary

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San Francisco-based travel writer Ali Wunderman attended Alaska Air Group’s 2026 Investor Day events in Seattle on Sept. 29, getting an early look at Alaska’s plans to elevate the premium experience across the travel journey.

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New premium cabins, lounges, loyalty benefits and global growth underscore the next phase of Alaska Accelerate, as Alaska Air Group moves from integration to activation and builds a more global, premium and diversified airline.

To reach the conference area at Alaska Air Group’s Seattle-based Global Training Center, one must walk past the expansive spaces where flight crews train for weeks to ensure passenger safety: an array of yellow life rafts in the ditching room, a lineup of CPR dummies and a wall of inflatable life vests. The company’s values — own safety, do the right thing, be caring and kind, deliver performance — are etched into the walls throughout the building.

Fitting, for Alaska Air Group’s 2026 Investor Day, which I attended on Sept. 29 in Seattle. The day’s announcements and events were built around one promise: that the airline known for care can now compete with the best premium global carriers in the U.S.

As a San Franciscan who travels for a living, I’ve watched Alaska grow from the dependable West Coast option into something much grander since it brought Virgin America and then Hawaiian Airlines into the fold. During its Investor Day events, Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci laid out the next phase of Alaska Accelerate, then invited us to experience it ourselves.

Here’s what’s coming, what it was like in person and what I believe is worth watching

Aurora Suites and Leihōkū Suites

Aurora, inspired by the night skies of Alaska and the airline’s Pacific Northwest roots, is the airline’s new flagship premium experience, from a private check-in lobby in Seattle with a direct line to TSA, to lie-flat Aurora Suites with sliding doors on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet starting in 2028. For West Coast travelers, the bigger news is domestic: for the first time, Alaska will put true Aurora Suites on select transcontinental routes, on at least 25 new Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft beginning in 2028.

Hawaiian’s version is Leihōkū, meaning “lei of stars,” after the Polynesian wayfinders who crossed the Pacific by them. All 24 of Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s will be refreshed nose to tail, including 22 enhanced Leihōkū Suites on international business class and domestic First Class starting in 2028, as well as a dedicated Leihōkū check-in in Honolulu next year and a new lounge there in 2028.

I stretched out in each model Suite, surrounded by dazzling projections of the night sky. I slid the door to the Suite closed and settled in with over-the-ear headphones, my phone nestled into its stand and a screen ready to entertain. Both were built for enjoying a flight across the ocean, not simply enduring it.

Between the Suites and Premium Class (Hawaiian’s former Extra Comfort) sits a new cabin, Premium Reserve: international-grade premium economy with 38 inches of pitch, leg and calf rests and 16-inch 4K screens, on 787s, A330s and select 737 MAX 10s from 2028, with tickets on sale next summer. Purchasing a lie-flat seat is usually out of reach for me, which makes Premium Reserve one of the most consequential products of the day.

Lounges worth the early airport arrival

Seattle is getting a new 41,000-square-foot lounge in 2027, with a 500-seat main room downstairs and an exclusive Aurora Lounge upstairs featuring made-to-order dining, a deluxe bar, private showers and wellness spaces. In Honolulu, a new 13,000-square-foot lounge, five times larger than the current one, will open next year with designs inspired by the natural elements of the Islands. San Diego travelers will also have a new 14,000-square-foot lounge to look forward to.

The detail I loved most, from Alaska’s Manager of Lounge Programs, Liz Vernon: Aurora Lounge guests can taste a wine flight featured in international Business Class before their flight, giving them the opportunity to explore the selection and discover a favorite before boarding. We experienced a mock-up of the lounge during Investor Day, and the level of detail and hospitality was impressive. Experience-focused elements like seat-side ordering from anywhere in the Aurora Lounge contribute to a seamless experience, so solo travelers like me no longer have to choose between eating and keeping an eye on our bags.

Atmos™ Rewards: choose your own path to status

Atmos Rewards offering members the option to choose how they earn status was the announcement that excited me most — it’s one of the most innovative changes to reward travel I’ve seen in years. Members can now decide to earn status based on price paid, distance flown or segments flown, with the program recommending the best fit for how you actually travel. As Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison put it, “People travel differently, so why should loyalty work exactly the same for everyone?”

Most airline loyalty programs reward whoever spends the most, which favors corporate travelers. Even as a full-time professional traveler, I can rarely meet the spending goals. Letting travelers earn on distance or segments opens status to far more people. It also removes the incentive for mileage runs, flights taken purely to hit a threshold, which is an environmental win in my book. A new Atmos Rewards debit card, launching in 2027, adds a way to earn between trips without opening a credit card.

The food: award-winning chefs at 35,000 feet

Onboard dining is where both airlines lean hardest on local talent. Alaska menus come from Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, the James Beard Award–winning chef of Seattle’s Tomo, on Asia routes, and Chef Renee Erickson, the James Beard–winning chef behind Seattle’s The Walrus and the Carpenter, among others, on Europe routes.

Erickson’s dishes debut on next spring’s flights, and she was asked to cook dishes that felt nostalgic or personal. Her raw carrot salad with dukkah is inspired by the sides sold at Parisian butcher shops, a nod to her French training and the new Paris route. I also tasted a sockeye salmon salad adapted from one she served when The Walrus and the Carpenter opened 16 years ago. “When I’m flying, what I want is something that’s really bright and kind of forward,” she told me. Both dishes were exactly that: light, satisfying and packed with flavor. I would fly just to eat them.

On Hawaiian, Honolulu-based Chef Dell Valdez, who is behind Vein at Kakaʻako, Dell’s Kitchen & Bakery and Mio Pastalogy, leads premium menus. A two-time Hawaiian Airlines Featured Chef before being tapped for Hawaiian’s top job as Executive Chef, he cooks from a Mediterranean-Japanese background, balancing salty, sweet, savory and sour. His menus are served in Business Class cabins for flights between Honolulu and Japan and Australia now, with domestic routes next. “I just want to exceed your expectations of what we can provide up there,” he said.

From L to R: Chef Renee Erickson, Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, Alaska Airlines Manager of Food and Beverage Jessica Johnston, Chef Dell Valdez

A more global network: 15 long-haul destinations by 2030

Alaska already flies from Seattle (SEA) to Tokyo (NRT), Seoul (ICN), London (LHR), Rome (FCO) and Reykjavík (KEF), with Paris (CDG) and Athens (ATH) joining next year. The goal is at least 15 long-haul intercontinental destinations by 2030, meaning eight more are coming. That’s more options for travelers, and only a one-stop connection through Seattle whether you’re based in San Francisco (SFO), Boise (BOI), Honolulu (HNL) or Kahului (OGG). Even better: that connection is about to get a lot more comfortable.

Looking ahead

In the next few years you can look forward to new routes, Aurora Suites, Leihōkū Suites, Premium Reserve and Hawaiian’s refreshed A330s. For a West Coast traveler who spends much of the year in the air, that’s a lot to be excited about — and I already know what I’m ordering on the way to Paris.

Learn more at alaskaaccelerate.com

Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo help Mahi Pono scale expansion with first-ever air shipments of Maui limes

October 14, 2026
Company
Alaska Airlines
23 min read

Summary

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Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo worked closely with agricultural company Mahi Pono to create a custom shipping solution to carry limes to its customers. 

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Each week, more than 80,000 pounds of Maui limes fly in the bellies of Hawaiian Airlines widebody jets from Kahului to Seattle then on to Canada — bringing fresh Island-grown fruit to North American markets and nourishing the agriculture economy in the state of Hawai‘i.

Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330 widebody aircraft can carry up to 278 guests and their luggage across the Pacific. But that isn’t all they carry. While many people think of Hawaiian Airlines as only a passenger airline, cargo is an essential part of the business, serving as a core component of the company’s Alaska Accelerate strategic plan, with cargo set to deliver $150 million of new annual profit.

What kind of cargo does the airline ship? Lately: a lot of limes.

Flying limes for Mahi Pono

Each week, more than 80,000 pounds of Maui limes fly in the bellies of Hawaiian Airlines widebody jets from Kahului (OGG) to Seattle (SEA) and then travel by truck to Canada — bringing fresh Island-grown fruit to restaurant and grocery store customers across the country, while nourishing the agriculture economy in the state of Hawai‘i.

About 2 million pounds of limes grown by agricultural company Mahi Pono have been carried on the OGG-SEA route since February, when the first-ever air shipments of limes from Hawai‘i started. These regular air cargo flights allow the fruit to reach markets in just 3 days, rather than up to two weeks when shipped by sea, delivering fresher and greener limes.

(Photo courtesy of Mahi Pono)

Air freight provides a significant advantage because the fruit gets to market faster, preserving more shelf life for customers.”

Chris Hayes

Logistics Manager, Mahi Pono

Island grown and growing

Mahi Pono has grown limes on Maui since 2019, when it began transforming more than 41,000 acres of abandoned sugarcane land to cultivate diverse crops to feed communities across the state. They now have more than 3 million lime and other fruit trees, and Mahi Pono-grown citrus, watermelon and other products are sold under the Maui Harvest brand at stores like Foodland and Whole Foods within Hawai‘i.

“Anything we can do to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on imports, we’re all for,” Hayes said.

Mahi Pono lime fields on Maui.
(Photo courtesy of Mahi Pono)

Logistics and limes

Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo teams worked closely with Mahi Pono for more than a year to solve the logistics puzzle of efficiently transporting the limes. The teams navigated U.S. Department of Agriculture and Transportation Security Administration requirements, and cargo teams developed new security inspection methods on Maui.

“We’ve had a great partnership locally, and I can’t talk enough about them,” Hayes said. “Without the diligence, resilience, and aloha from the teams at OGG and SEA this would not have been possible.”

Growth on the horizon

Mahi Pono is still growing. The company hopes to increase the size of its lime shipments later this year and has its sights set on shipping produce to other West Coast markets. In coming years, Mahi Pono hopes to double or triple its 300-person Maui workforce.

“It is our kuleana (responsibility) to cultivate higher-paying career opportunities, and my hope is that doing so will help address the high cost of living so more local families can stay in Hawai’i and build their future here,” Hayes said.

This partnership is a proud moment for our team, and it’s also good for the community, Maui and the state of Hawai‘i. We look forward to serving Mahi Pono with mālama, trust and aloha.”

Gail Hayashi

Alaska and Hawaiian Air Cargo Sales Manager in Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines

Supporting our communities

In addition to working with newer customers such as Mahi Pono, the company’s air cargo business continues to represent a vital link to the communities served by Alaska and Hawaiian, transporting time-sensitive goods that communities need, including medicine, household supplies and groceries. In 2025, Alaska and Hawaiian carried more than 157,000 tons of cargo to, from and within Hawai‘i and Alaska.

Learn how the airline is investing in its cargo service in the states of Alaska and Hawai‘i.

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Step inside Hollywood Burbank Airport’s stunning new terminal

October 13, 2026
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
14 min read

Summary

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Hollywood Burbank Airport’s new 355,000-square-foot terminal opens to guests Oct. 13, offering Alaska Airlines travelers a brighter, more spacious and more modern airport experience.

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The new terminal features one centralized ticketing hall, one TSA checkpoint and one indoor baggage claim area, with access to dining, shopping and passenger amenities after security.

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The new terminal keeps one of BUR’s signature features: outdoor aircraft boarding beneath the Southern California sky.

Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) opened a brand-new terminal, giving Alaska Airlines guests a brighter, more spacious and more modern way to travel through one of Southern California’s most convenient airports.

Alaska began flying to Hollywood Burbank in March 1981, and more than four decades later, the airport is entering a new chapter. Beginning today, Oct. 13, all arriving and departing passengers will use the new 355,000-square-foot terminal. The modern facility preserves one of BUR’s most distinctive features: outdoor boarding and deplaning directly from the tarmac.

For Alaska Airlines guests, the new terminal brings a simpler, more connected experience from arrival to boarding.

What’s changing for guests

The new terminal brings several key parts of the travel experience under one roof, including one centralized ticketing hall, one TSA checkpoint and one indoor baggage claim area.

Guests will also have access to dining, shopping and passenger amenities after security, along with digital displays, workstation-style seating and power outlets at every seat.

Dedicated arrivals and departures lanes are designed to help improve traffic flow as guests move through the new terminal area.

A modern terminal with a familiar BUR feel

While the new terminal brings a more spacious, connected and modern travel experience, Hollywood Burbank will keep one of the traditions travelers love most: boarding and deplaning outside.

For many guests, that short walk across the tarmac is part of BUR’s charm, a reminder that even with a larger, more modern terminal, the airport still offers the close-in, easygoing experience that has made it a favorite across the Los Angeles Basin.

For Alaska guests, it means a smoother journey through a new terminal, and the same easygoing Burbank convenience travelers have counted on since Alaska began serving BUR more than 40 years ago.

Visit alaskaair.com

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines help uplift local communities during Week of CARE

October 9, 2026
Community
Alaska Airlines
37 min read

Summary

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Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines participated in their annual Week of CARE, volunteering with community partners around the country.

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During this year’s event, employees participated in 26 projects across 9 different states.

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These projects act in service to the company’s commitment to care, building on employees’ ongoing efforts to support their communities throughout the year.

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Horizon Air and McGee are dedicated to caring for the people and places they serve, whether by carrying guests to their destinations or uplifting the communities they serve. Each October, employees participate in the company’s Week of CARE, a companywide week focused on supporting local communities.

This year, more than 320 volunteers supported 26 projects across our network. Here’s a snapshot of what was achieved:

Showing care throughout the year

The airline’s Week of CARE is an important opportunity for employees to engage with their communities, but showing care isn’t limited to one week of the year. As part of Alaska’s commitment to care, the airline works with its community partners on a continual basis to support meaningful events and give back to the regions it serves.

Here are some 2026 highlights from across our network:

Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade

Alaska has supported Seattle’s Alaska Airlines Seafair Torchlight Parade for 18 years. This includes 15 years of participation from the Alaska Airlines Volunteer Dance team, as well as many other company volunteers who help make Seafair a success.

Points for Purpose campaign with Portland Fire

Alaska Airlines’ Points for Purpose campaign with the Portland Fire turned free throws into meaningful support for education. For every free throw the Fire made at home, Alaska donated 2,500 Atmos Rewards points to UNCF, helping advance UNCF’s mission of expanding access to college education and opportunity.

Alaska Federation of Natives Convention

The Alaska Federation of Natives (AFN) Convention is the largest representative annual gathering in the United States of any Native peoples. Each year, the AFN Convention draws between 4,000–5,000 attendees and provides employees with a great opportunity to interact with guests from all over the state of Alaska.

Boise Pride Parade

Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon employees walked in the Boise Pride Parade along with the company’s Pride Crew Business Resource Group.

Aloha Festivals Parade

Celebrating 80 years of Aloha Festivals in Hawaiʻi, Team Kōkua and Hawaiian Airlines employees who work on our ground service equipment partnered with community volunteers to create a float in the Aloha Festival Floral Parade. The float was themed on the tradition of Hawaiian Quilting, with employee-created quilt patterns representative of each island and featuring employee Malia D. with her grandmother’s quilting artifacts and the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders. Hawaiian Airlines employees have participated in this parade for over 50 years.

Miramar Air Show

Employees volunteered throughout all three days of the Miramar Air Show in San Diego, engaging with guests and creating meaningful connections with the local community. Volunteers helped ensure the safety of our aircraft and guests while serving as a welcoming presence for Alaska—answering questions, distributing swag, and, in some cases, providing exterior tours of the aircraft. Their engagement helped bring the Alaska brand to life and strengthened our connection with the San Diego community.

Girls in Aviation

Girls in Aviation Day is an annual event in Tampa led by various chapters of Women in Aviation International with the goal of inspiring young people to expand their interest in aviation and explore the opportunities available in the industry. Alaska Airlines has participated in the event for several years as employees engage with the girls to share information about careers in aviation.

Week of CARE

And here is a look at some of the important work our employees helped with across our network:

Visit alaskaair.com

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Atmos™ Rewards expands with new Unlocked experiences from Alterra Mountain Company, Nordstrom and Pebble Beach Resorts

October 7, 2026
Loyalty
Marissa Villegas
15 min read

Summary

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Atmos™ Rewards is expanding with new Unlocked experiences from Alterra Mountain Company, Nordstrom and Pebble Beach Resorts, giving members more ways to redeem points beyond air travel.

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New offerings include ski-and-stay packages, heli-skiing experiences, private holiday shopping events, golf getaways, culinary experiences and other premium lifestyle experiences.

From ski days at Crystal Mountain and Palisades Tahoe to curated shopping experiences with Nordstrom and premium getaways at Pebble Beach Resorts, Atmos™ Rewards is expanding Atmos Unlocked with new ways for members to use points and access elevated experiences.

Atmos Unlocked is the rewards marketplace where Atmos Rewards members can turn points into experiences through exclusive packages, events and partner offerings.

The newest offerings reflect a broader goal for Atmos Rewards: giving members more ways to use points in ways that align with their interests, from outdoor adventure and golf to food, wine, fashion and more.

With Ikon Pass, Atmos Rewards members will be able to redeem points through Atmos Unlocked for select ski and mountain experiences this season, including a CMH heli-skiing package, Steamboat Ski Resort stay-and-ski offerings and a Steamboat Ski Resort bundle that includes a lift ticket, First Tracks and True West lounge access. The lineup also includes 26/27 Ikon Pass bundles and other mountain travel offerings, with Crystal Mountain offering a particularly strong local connection for Pacific Northwest members.

Atmos Rewards will also come to life on the mountain through a weekly Atmos Members Day on the slopes, special member activations and other opportunities to engage with the program throughout the season.

Nordstrom will bring Atmos Rewards into retail and lifestyle through select fashion-focused experiences and future member offers tied to Atmos Members Day and key Nordstrom events throughout the year. Starting this season, Atmos Rewards members can use their points on private holiday shopping experiences at Nordstrom stores across seven major markets, including Seattle, Portland, Honolulu, Los Angeles and New York City.

The collaboration connects two Seattle-based brands with loyal, premium customers and gives members another way to experience Atmos Rewards outside the travel day.

Pebble Beach Resorts delivers another premium experience platform for Atmos Rewards members, connecting the program to one of the country’s most recognized lifestyle travel destinations. Members will have opportunities to access the resort’s unparalleled golf courses along with everything else Pebble Beach offers beyond the fairways.

Alaska is also the Official Airline of Pebble Beach Food & Wine, with planned Atmos Unlocked offers including seasonal stay-and-play packages, hosted golf experiences and curated culinary and resort packages members can access with points.

Together, these new offerings make Atmos Unlocked more personal, giving members more ways to use their points on experiences that match their interests. Find new opportunities at Atmos Rewards Unlocked.

Stay in the know about Atmos Members Day

Held on the first Wednesday of every month, Atmos Members Day delivers a curated mix of exclusive offers, program updates and unique opportunities directly to members through a dedicated email. Atmos Rewards members can follow along on the Atmos Rewards Instagram (@atmosrewards) and receive each edition of Members Day in their email by logging into their Atmos Rewards account and updating their communication preferences.

October’s Atmos™ Members Day flight deals unlock six charming winter destinations

October 7, 2026
Loyalty
Marissa Villegas
26 min read

Summary

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Today is Atmos™ Members Day, and members are invited to take advantage of exclusive flight deals for six extraordinary winter destinations that span the globe.

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Through Oct. 10, Atmos Rewards members can save up to 50% on award travel to Helsinki, Munich, Paris, Sapporo, Seoul and Stavanger, where winter is a way of life.

Cooler temperatures and shorter days don’t have to mean hunkering down for winter. For a limited time, Atmos™ Rewards members can save up to 50% on award travel to six Global Getaways, where winter is a way of life. Whether taking in snow-capped mountain views, exploring historic landmarks with fewer crowds, indulging in regional specialties or experiencing rich culture and local traditions, these limited-time flight deals offer more ways to make lasting memories throughout the season.

Atmos Rewards members must book by Oct. 10 for travel between Jan. 15 and March 8, 2027.

October’s Global Getaways

Seoul, South Korea

One-way starting at 20,000 points

Winter reveals a different side of Seoul, where centuries-old palaces and traditional hanok (Korean houses) neighborhoods stand while the city’s modern energy buzzes around them. Wander the grounds of Gyeongbokgung Palace, sip tea in Bukchon Hanok Village and explore bustling shopping districts with street vendors serving hotteok (sweet, filled pancakes), fish cakes and steaming bowls of soup.

Book award travel to Seoul

Helsinki, Finland

One-way starting at 25,000 points

In Helsinki, winter is a way of life. Snow-covered waterfronts, cozy restaurants, cafés and public saunas form the backdrop to everyday routines as locals head outdoors regardless of the temperature. Visitors can take in the crisp Baltic air while sipping hot coffee, exploring the city or trying a winter sport and experience firsthand how design, nature and community come together in Finland’s unique winter culture.

Book award travel to Helsinki

Paris, France

One-way starting at 25,000 points

Paris takes on a distinctive, unhurried charm during the colder months, when its grand thoroughfares, historic squares and famous architecture can be enjoyed at a slower pace. Visitors can cozy up in centuries-old eateries, take a peaceful stroll along the Seine and spend hours exploring the city’s globally renowned museums and galleries with fewer crowds.

Book award travel to Paris

Don’t miss

Alaska also recently announced nonstop, seasonal service from Seattle to Paris, beginning May 25, 2027. Read the press release.

Munich, Germany

One-way starting at 25,000 points

Rooted in centuries of Bavarian tradition, Munich fully embraces the spirit of winter. Historic squares and impressive architecture create a striking setting for exploring the city during the colder months. Beer halls serve hearty local specialties, and the nearby Alps provide the ultimate, picturesque winter backdrop.

Book award travel to Munich

Sapporo, Japan

One-way starting at 30,000 points

Located on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Sapporo has built an identity around its winter. The city is best known for the annual Sapporo Snow Festival, hosted in February, where giant snow and ice sculptures transform the streets into an outdoor gallery, but the season extends far beyond a single event. Visitors can soak in nearby hot springs, savor bowls of miso ramen and experience the area’s legendary powder snow.

Book award travel to Sapporo

Stavanger, Norway

One-way starting at 30,000 points

Set between dramatic fjords and the North Sea, Stavanger showcases the quieter beauty of a Norwegian winter. Spend the day exploring colorful harbor-front streets, wandering among the white wooden homes of Gamle Stavanger (Old Stavanger) or taking in unparalleled coastal and fjord scenery. In the evening, visitors can settle into one of the city’s welcoming gathering places and experience Norway’s peaceful winter atmosphere.

Book award travel to Stavanger

How to book award travel with Atmos Rewards points

Select “use points” when searching for a flight on alaskaair.com or hawaiianairlines.com.
Discounted award fare will show up in the search results.
Select an award flight of your choice and get ready to make some memories.

Choose how to earn Atmos Rewards points

Atmos Rewards members now have the option to choose how they will earn points and status points on flights departing on or after Jan. 1, 2027 – by distance traveled, price paid or segments flown.

Current members who do not select will continue earning based on distance traveled, while new members who join on or after Jan. 1, 2027, will default to earning based on price paid. All members can change their earning choice once per calendar year for future travel, giving them flexibility to adapt how they earn if their travel evolves.

Members can also continue to earn Atmos Rewards points by:

Using any Atmos Rewards Visa® card to earn points for purchases.
Simply flying with Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and its 30-plus oneworld and airline partners. When booking a partner flight directly on Alaska or Hawaiian, members earn 100% of the points for the miles they fly. Traveling in a Premium cabin? Members earn 250% of the distance flown on all Business Class fares, with all partners.
Booking a rental car with Alaska Car Rentals or linking Lyft and Atmos Rewards accounts to earn with every rideshare.
Planning a trip with Stays by Alaska Vacations or Alaska Hawaiian Cruises. Members earn one point for every dollar spent.
Dining with Atmos Rewards Dining and earning up to five points per $1 spent on every bill, including food, drinks, taxes and tips.
Earning points online and in person at 1,100-plus top retailers, including Nike, Apple, Sephora and lululemon through Atmos Rewards Shopping. Members can install the Atmos Rewards Shopping app on their desktop browser and get alerts for points-earning opportunities at their favorite stores.
Shopping with everyday partners, from 1-800-Flowers.com to Carrs-Safeway. View a full list of partners.

Stay in the know about Atmos Members Day

Alaska Air Group announces webcast of third-quarter 2026 financial results

October 7, 2026
Company
Marissa Villegas
10 min read

Summary



Alaska Air Group Inc. will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2026 third quarter financial results on Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.



The company will file its third-quarter results and outlook after market close on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.

Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc., Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2026 third quarter financial results at 11:30 a.m. EDT/ 8:30 a.m. PDT, Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026. A webcast of the call will be available to the public at www.alaskaair.com/investors. An archive of the call will be posted on the website later that morning.

The company will file its third-quarter results and outlook after market close on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026.

Visit the AAG Investor Hub

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld© alliance. Members of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines unveil Aurora and Leihōkū – elevating the premium travel experience from curb to cabin, along with a new Premium Reserve class and investments in the core guest experience

September 29, 2026
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
52 min read

Summary



Aurora will elevate the lie-flat suite experience on Alaska’s 787 fleet and, for the first time, on select transcontinental routes on new Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft, with dedicated check-in, an exclusive Seattle lounge and chef-led dining



The Leihōkū experience will be anchored by Hawaiian’s enhanced Airbus A330 with redesigned lie-flat suites, dedicated check-in and Island-inspired cuisine. Additional enhancements to the core guest experience include all-new A330 interiors from first row to last, and a new 13,000-square-foot lounge in Honolulu.



Premium Reserve adds a new premium economy option across the 787 and A330 fleets and select 737-10 MAX aircraft, with more space, comfort and amenities on longer flights

Alaska Air Group today unveiled its most significant investment in premium travel, introducing two distinct flagship experiences that reflect the identities of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Aurora, inspired by roots across Alaska and the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Airlines’ spirit of innovation, and Leihōkū, meaning “lei of stars” and inspired by early Polynesian navigation and wayfinding, will shape premium journeys from the airport to the aircraft.

As part of its broader core guest experience investments, the company is also introducing Premium Reserve – a new premium economy cabin that debuts in 2028 on Alaska’s 787-9, 787-10 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft, and on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet, providing guests with more room, comfort and choice on longer flights.

We believe premium is more than a seat. It’s how guests feel from the moment they book their trip to the moment they arrive at the airport to when they’re in the air with us. Aurora for Alaska and Leihōkū for Hawaiian bring that vision to life in ways that feel true to the Alaska and Hawaiian brands our guests love, while raising the standard for comfort, service, dining and care throughout the journey.”

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Air Group

Aurora Suites: The next evolution of international business class and select transcontinental first class flights on Alaska

As guests increasingly seek elevated experiences across every type of trip, Alaska is bringing 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites to all widebody 787-9 Dreamliner flights, 40 to future 787-10 Dreamliner flights, and – for the first time in the carrier’s history – to select transcontinental flying in first class on the 737 in 2028. Overall, the updated 787-9 will feature about 46 percent premium seating, up from 38 percent today.

787-10 Dreamliner Aurora Suites

There will be 12 Aurora Suites on at least 25 737-10 MAX aircraft. These aircraft will also be painted in the same Aurora livery design as the current 787 Dreamliners. Inspired by the northern lights, the Aurora livery creates a visual symbol of Alaska’s next chapter as a global airline while remaining rooted in the natural beauty that inspired the airline’s name.

737-10 MAX Aurora Suites

The new Aurora Suites will be Alaska’s most elevated onboard product. Here’s what guests can expect:

An exclusive Aurora Suites check-in and concierge service at Alaska’s Seattle global gateway
Access to the new Aurora Lounge in Seattle, designed to give Aurora Suites guests a more elevated and seamless preflight experience
Some of the industry’s most spacious suites, with a fully lie-flat bed, privacy doors on the 787s, direct aisle access and convenient storage
Each suite includes a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging and AC power
New premium materials, including softer, more breathable Ultraleather upholstery
Restaurant-quality dining and amenities that extend the Aurora experience onboard through a curated chef program and on-demand dining
Lightning-fast Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos™ Rewards members, complimentary thanks to T-Mobile

787-10 Dreamliner Aurora press kit

737-10 MAX Aurora press kit

Leihōkū Suites: An expanded and enhanced experience on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet

Hawaiian’s fleet of 24 A330 widebody aircraft, which serves destinations in Asia, Oceania and select North America routes, will receive brand-new interiors from the first row to the last beginning in 2028, including 22 enhanced Leihōkū Suites for guests on international business class and domestic First Class flights. Overall, the full cabin will feature about 40 percent premium seating, up from 30 percent today.

A330 Leihōkū Suites

Hawaiian’s new premium front-cabin experience will offer Leihōkū Suites guests:

Access to an exclusive check-in and concierge service in Honolulu and Seattle for a more seamless airport experience
Direct aisle access, lie-flat seating and privacy doors
A 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging and AC power
Curated dining by local chefs with wine pairings designed to support both domestic premium travel and multi-course, premium dining experiences on international routes.
Hotel-quality bedding and enhanced onboard amenities
Lightning-fast Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos™ Rewards members, complimentary thanks to T-Mobile

As part of its broader core guest experience investments, the company is also introducing all-new interiors for the full A330 cabin, including an upgraded inflight entertainment system with 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity.

A330 Leihōkū press kit

Hawai‘i is our home and a place that leaves a lasting impression on visitors from around the world. We take deep pride in welcoming our guests with genuine hospitality and an authentically Hawaiian experience, making us preferred over any other airline brand for travel to, from and within the islands. These investments, part of our Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan, help us take that to the next level to deliver a unique, elevated experience today’s travelers seek while continuing to connect our guests with aloha.”

Diana Birkett Rakow

CEO , Hawaiian Airlines

Premium Reserve: Expanding premium choice

Designed for guests seeking more room and comfort on longer flights, Premium Reserve seats will be available for purchase next summer and begin rolling out in 2028 on both Alaska and Hawaiian fleets. The new addition completes a four-cabin configuration that offers guests superior choice and value with Aurora Suites or Leihōkū Suites, Premium Reserve, Premium Class and Main Cabin.

L to R: A330 Premium Reserve, 787-10 Dreamliner Premium Reserve

What to expect in Premium Reserve:

There will be 35 Premium Reserve seats on the 787-9 and 787-10 aircraft; 28 Premium Reserve seats on the A330; and 12 on the 737-10 MAX
A generous 38 inches of pitch and a wider seat than traditional economy
Enhanced recline and a leg and calf rest for added comfort
Large tray tables and convenient storage pockets
A 16-inch 4K OLED entertainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity
Multiple charging options, including AC power and USB-C charging at every seat
Premium finishes and materials that create a more elevated onboard environment
An upgraded dining experience and amenities

Premium Dining: West Coast flavors on Alaska and Island-inspired meals on Hawaiian

Dining is one of the clearest expressions of Aurora’s Seattle roots and Pacific Northwest identity. Alaska has partnered with celebrated Seattle chefs Renee Erickson and Brady Ishiwata Williams to bring local flavors to guests traveling between Seattle and the world.

Chef Erickson will create menus for Alaska’s European routes, including London, Rome and, beginning in spring 2027, Athens and Paris. James Beard Award-winning chef Williams will expand his culinary program with Alaska to routes across Asia from Seattle. All international guests will enjoy a sophisticated welcome service featuring a cheese and charcuterie board, a refined interpretation of Alaska’s iconic Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter. Alaska will also introduce a new international wine program.

From L to R: Chef Renee Erickson, Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, Chef Dell Valdez, Chef Sheldon Simeon

Food and beverage remain central to Hawaiian’s Mea Ho‘okipa (“I am host”) inflight service and the Leihōkū experience, bringing the flavors and stories of Hawaiʻi into every journey. Hawaiian Airlines Executive Chef Dell Valdez will continue to shape menus for Hawaiian’s Leihōkū Suites and First Class cabins with dishes inspired by local ingredients and culinary traditions, complemented by thoughtfully selected wine pairings.

This summer, Hawaiian extended that approach with the launch of a chef-driven Main Cabin pre-order dining program on most flights between Hawai‘i and the U.S. continent, developed with Maui-based chef and James Beard Award finalist Sheldon Simeon. The program gives guests more choice while bringing more of Hawaiʻi’s local flavors, ingredients and food traditions onboard, in addition to a full suite of locally-sourced products featured onboard.

A world-class Seattle lounge for Alaska’s global future

At Alaska’s hometown hub and global gateway in Seattle, Aurora comes to life as soon as guests arrive at the airport, where they will have exclusive access to a dedicated Suites check-in service. Designed to reflect Alaska’s hospitality and a Pacific Northwest vibe, the new Alaska Lounge and Aurora Lounge will feature two connected spaces for domestic and international travelers, creating moments of calm, discovery and care with world-class hospitality.

Located at the newly expanded C Concourse, the nearly 41,000-square-foot space will become Seattle’s largest lounge and one of the largest in the country when it opens in late 2027. It will feature:

A 500-seat Alaska Lounge on the main level welcoming travelers who can currently access the Lounge under existing policies
A 200-seat Aurora Lounge for Aurora Suites guests traveling on intercontinental flights
Outdoor patio with a fireplace
Private work pods
Locally sourced food and beverage offerings, including seasonal menus, a pizza oven, coffee lab and fresh pastries
Three premium bar areas across two floors, offering craft cocktails, curated wines and beers from select local breweries
Exclusive to the Aurora Lounge: Private shower suites; wellness spaces; and chef-prepared, made-to-order cuisine, à la carte dining and tableside service

Lounge press kits

A new Hawaiian Airlines Lounge in Honolulu

Hawaiian will open a nearly 13,000-square-foot Lounge at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 in Honolulu in early 2028. The premium lounge will seat approximately 200 guests who will enjoy a more elevated preflight experience and Hawaiian’s warm hospitality on the ground. The Hawaiian Lounge will feature: 

Access similar to The Plumeria Lounge, including guests traveling in the Leihōkū Suites
Locally-inspired food and beverages
A signature local coffee experience 
A full-service bar with specially crafted cocktails 
Private workspaces  
Artwork and installations by local artists

In addition to a growing Lounge portfolio in Seattle and Honolulu, a new 14,000-square-foot Alaska Lounge will open in San Diego in 2028 – further strengthening the company’s presence in key West Coast markets.

Together, these investments across Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines advance Alaska Accelerate by strengthening the airline’s global platform through expanded premium offerings, a more valuable Atmos™ Rewards program and a broader network of destinations and partners.

Learn more about these milestone moments and stay on top of updates at alaskaair.com, hawaiianairlines.com and news.alaskaair.com.

Leihōkū and Aurora fact sheet

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld© alliance. Members of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Atmos™ Rewards expands with customized ways to earn, more benefits, new partners, broader access to premium experiences and a new debit card offering

September 29, 2026
Loyalty
Marissa Villegas
32 min read

Summary

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Atmos Rewards is introducing industry-first innovations that give members customizable ways to earn points, status points and extra perks based on their unique travel styles.



New Atmos Rewards card and bank products will create more ways to earn and engage, including a feature-packed debit card that extends the program into everyday banking.



New lifestyle partners will give Atmos Rewards members access to aspirational experiences and offers while supporting Alaska Air Group’s global expansion strategy and premium product offering.

Alaska Air Group is unveiling the next phase of Atmos™ Rewards, the award-winning loyalty program for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, with more ways for members to earn, engage and access value.

What’s new at a glance

New ways for Atmos Rewards members to earn points and status points
Members can choose how they earn starting Oct. 1, 2026 – distance traveled, price paid or segments flown
Unique perks through six different Atmos Communities
Expanding lineup of card products, including an Atmos Rewards debit card planned for early 2027
More ways to unlock value through Atmos Members Day and new lifestyle partnerships, including Alterra Mountain Company, Nordstrom and Pebble Beach Resorts

With Atmos Rewards, we’re building a program for all types of travelers. While many loyalty programs focus their richest rewards on a small group of travelers, we’re expanding choice, flexibility and value for members across a wide range of travel styles. By bringing together Alaska’s deep West Coast customer base and Hawaiian’s trusted presence in Hawaiʻi and across the Pacific, we’re giving guests more choice in how they earn and redeem, richer benefits and more reasons to engage across a broader network through unique lifestyle partnerships while building a more durable earnings platform for Alaska Air Group.”

Brett Catlin

Senior Vice President of Network, Loyalty and Partnerships , Alaska Airlines

As Alaska grows, Atmos Rewards connects members to a broader travel platform spanning Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld and more than 30 global airline partners serving more than 1,100 destinations. The program is designed to make that expanding network more useful to different types of travelers through new ways to earn, discover offers and access benefits across the travel journey.

Since launching, Atmos Rewards has accelerated loyalty growth and attracted new member cohorts. Active membership is growing at roughly four times the prior pace, while the average member age now sits below 40. More than half of new status members are Gen Z, underscoring the program’s appeal with the next generation of travelers.

Adding more ways to earn every day

Atmos Rewards members can already earn points and status points through everyday spend with our suite of Atmos Rewards Visa credit cards, issued by Bank of America*, and access travel benefits like free checked bags, preferred boarding, and companion benefits. Introduced last summer, the Atmos Rewards Summit card also gives members one of the fastest ways to earn enhanced status, with status points earned through everyday card spend and unique accelerated earn for international purchases.

With debit representing a meaningful share of U.S. payments and strong appeal among younger and new-to-country guests, the new Atmos Rewards debit card expands the program’s reach beyond traditional credit products.

Planned for early 2027, with pre-registration open today at atmosrewards.com/debit, the new Atmos Rewards debit card is designed as a feature-rich product for today’s travelers. Offering another way to earn Atmos Rewards points and status points, the debit card includes unique, high-value benefits, including a choice of card designs, flight and onboard purchase discounts, free points sharing, no foreign transaction fees and the ability to pay certain account fees with points.

In 2027, Alaska also plans to deepen its Bank of America relationship by enabling customers with eligible Bank of America card products to transfer points into Atmos Rewards. The new capability will give Bank of America cardholders another path into Atmos Rewards while creating an additional revenue opportunity for Alaska through the sale of points. Over time, Atmos Rewards also plans to add points-transfer opportunities with other select global financial institutions, creating incremental revenue while building the program’s global relevance.

The company also plans to refresh its Atmos Rewards Visa Business Card, issued by Bank of America, in late 2026, with benefits including 10x points on eligible purchases through Atmos Rewards for Business, lounge passes, free same-day confirmed flight changes and more. Complete details on the refreshed card will be available later this fall.

Atmos Rewards Visa® cards press kit

Giving members an industry-first choice in how they earn

Atmos Rewards will become the only airline loyalty program to let members choose how they earn points for flights, allowing travelers to select the earning model that best matches how they travel. By adding more flexibility, Atmos Rewards can better meet the needs of premium global travelers while appealing to younger members who increasingly expect loyalty programs to reward their spend.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, Atmos Rewards members can choose how they will earn points and status points on flights departing on or after Jan. 1, 2027 – by distance traveled, price paid or segments flown.

Choosing is optional: Current members who do not select will continue earning based on distance traveled, while new members who join on or after Jan. 1, 2027, will default to earning based on price paid. All members can change their earning choice once per calendar year for future travel, giving them flexibility to adapt how they earn if their travel evolves.

Atmos Choose How to Earn fact sheet

Connecting members to more relevant rewards through Atmos Communities

Atmos Communities is exclusive to Atmos Rewards – a way to make loyalty more customizable, connecting travelers to curated offers, inspiration and benefits based on how they travel, where they live and what they love to do. Beginning Oct. 1, 2026, Atmos Rewards will expand from two resident-focused Communities – Club 49 and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian – to six total Communities, adding new options tied to international travel, family travel, outdoor adventure and culinary experiences while enhancing benefits for existing resident members.

Together, the six Communities – Global Locals, Families on the Go, Culinary Journeys, Active Escapes, Club 49 and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian – connect members to relevant offers and benefits based on how they travel, where they live and what they enjoy. Benefits range from free bags, exclusive flight deals, bonus-point challenges, partner offers and 20% off select Atmos Rewards Unlocked experiences to tailored perks such as award-flight discounts for children, bonus status points for international travel and expanded resident benefits for Club 49 and Huakaʻi by Hawaiian.

Atmos Community fact sheet

Creating a monthly moment for member value

Atmos Members Day gives Atmos Rewards a regular cadence for delivering new value to members throughout the year. Held on the first Wednesday of each month, Members Day is where Atmos Rewards shares new content directly with members, including exclusive travel offers, premium partner benefits, program updates, new Atmos Unlocked experiences and Global Getaways.

Atmos Rewards is building a network of lifestyle partners that extend the value of membership beyond the flight, connecting members to the destinations, interests and experiences they care about most.

Upcoming collaborations with Alterra Mountain Company, Nordstrom and Pebble Beach Resorts extend Atmos Rewards to mountain travel, destination resorts, food and wine, retail and lifestyle, with Atmos Unlocked serving as one way members can access select experiences, packages and offers through points and membership.

Expanding benefits throughout the travel journey

Atmos Rewards is continuing to build on its award-winning loyalty platform by investing even more in the experience for its most engaged members. Recently recognized by NerdWallet and The Points Guy as one of the best airline loyalty programs, Atmos Rewards has continued adding benefits for its most engaged members, including a dedicated Titanium check-in facility in Seattle and a Titanium-exclusive offer of global upgrades to Alaska’s premium cabins.

Beginning Nov. 2, Platinum and Titanium members will receive even more value, with the ability to bring eligible children and one companion into Premium Class on a complimentary basis when space is available. Later this year, Atmos Rewards will also continue investing in the digital experience with a modernized activity page designed to make it easier for members to see how they are earning points, track progress and manage benefits.

Members can learn more about Atmos Rewards at atmosrewards.com. Additional Alaska Accelerate, product and network updates are available at alaskaair.com and news.alaskaair.com.

Visit atmosrewards.com

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld© alliance. Members of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Alaska Air Group enters activation phase of Alaska Accelerate, building a more global, premium and diversified airline

September 29, 2026
Company
Alaska Airlines
34 min read

Summary



Alaska Accelerate is moving from foundation-building to activation, with completed integration milestones, new growth engines and roughly two-thirds of the $1 billion incremental profit plan already captured.



The company is investing in the areas driving airline value today: premium experiences, global connectivity, network breadth, loyalty and cargo.



The plan includes new flagship premium experiences for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, a new Premium Reserve cabin, new lounges, expanded Atmos™ Rewards financial products, at least 15 long-haul intercontinental destinations by 2030, a larger cargo platform and continued investment in the company’s Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan.

Alaska Air Group announced the next phase of its Alaska Accelerate strategic plan during its 2026 Investor Day in Seattle, outlining how the combined airline is moving from integration to activation as it builds a more global, premium and diversified airline with stronger earnings power.

The strategy reflects a deliberate choice to evolve Alaska’s model for an industry increasingly defined by scale, relevance and loyalty – connecting guests to more places, delivering products and experiences that matter, and turning loyalty into a greater competitive advantage – while retaining Alaska’s historic strengths in safety, operational performance, care and financial discipline.

Alaska Accelerate is about shaping our future and doing it in a way that builds on Alaska and Hawaiian’s 90+ year legacies while setting a new standard for what air travel should be. The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines did not create a new strategy – it accelerated one we had already built. The heavy lifting is behind us, the value creation is in front of us, and we are entering the phase where the investments we have made in premium products, global connectivity, loyalty, cargo and Hawaiʻi increasingly show up in our results.”

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Air Group

What we’ve delivered

When Alaska Air Group launched Alaska Accelerate in December 2024, the company set out to restore earnings power, strengthen its competitive position and deliver $1 billion in incremental profit by building a broader network, a stronger commercial platform, deeper customer engagement and a more diversified earnings base.

Since then, Alaska has:

Captured roughly two-thirds of the $1 billion incremental profit target and remains on track to achieve the full amount by 2027. The $1 billion of incremental profit is inclusive of $500 million of merger synergies from the combination of Alaska and Hawaiian.

Completed three of four major integration milestones, including a single loyalty program, a Single Operating Certificate and a single passenger service system. Joint collective bargaining with represented workgroups is under way.
Optimized the combined network and launched long-haul international service from Seattle: Started nonstop flights to London, Rome, Reykjavik, Tokyo and Seoul. Announced Paris and Athens starting in spring 2027 and expanding to at least 15 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030.
Introduced Atmos Rewards, bringing the loyalty programs of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines together in one award-winning platform. Since launch, active membership has accelerated from about 3% annual growth from 2019 to 2024 to roughly 13% by 2027, more than four times the prior pace. We expect the program to generate nearly $4 billion in cash flow annually by 2030.
Introduced and expanded Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, a benefits program designed exclusively for Hawai‘i residents that further deepens loyalty engagement.
Placed the largest fleet order in its history, growing from 400+ aircraft to 550 by 2035. Alaska has the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleet among the major carriers.
Expanded Alaska Airlines’ premium cabins, with nearly one-third of seats across the West Coast now in premium cabins.
Continued investing in the guest experience, including airport improvements, new lounges and free Starlink Wi-Fi sponsored by T-Mobile.

Increased revenue outside the main cabin by five points in two years, with a goal to grow that mix from 53% today to 60% over time through premium products, international growth, Atmos Rewards and cargo.

We know what a winning airline looks like, and we’ve been building towards it proactively. We have captured roughly two-thirds of our $1 billion earnings target, and the next phase is about activating the investments that make our business more durable.”

Shane Tackett

President and Chief Financial Officer, Alaska Airlines

Alaska Accelerate covers four areas:

Deliver a remarkable travel experience

Alaska Air Group is investing across the travel journey, from booking and the airport experience to lounges, cabins and loyalty, with a focus on the longer-haul markets where guests place the greatest value on comfort, privacy, space and service. By 2030, we expect premium revenues to exceed 40% of total revenue, up from 35% today.

Today, the company announced investments in the Alaska and Hawaiian guest experiences with the unveiling of Aurora and Leihōkū, the introduction of Premium Reserve, new Lounges and fleetwide upgrades, and the enhancement of Atmos Rewards.

We already have the scale and customer base – now we are making sure we have the right product for every trip our guests take. Aurora, Leihōkū and Premium Reserve close important product gaps across international, Hawaiʻi and premium transcontinental flying, giving us more ways to compete for high-value demand while preserving the distinct identity of the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands.”

Andrew Harrison

Chief Commercial Officer, Alaska Airlines

Connect guests to the world

Alaska Air Group is using the strength of its number one West Coast franchise, including the Pacific Northwest, California and Hawaiʻi, to build Seattle into a true global gateway and create a more relevant network for guests, corporate customers and Atmos Rewards members.

Alaska serves 110 destinations from Seattle, nearly twice as many as the next-largest competitor.
The company serves seven intercontinental destinations today and expects to grow to 15 by 2030.
Long-haul flying across our network is expected to grow from about 8% of capacity today to approximately 15% by 2030.

Be Hawaiʻi’s trusted airline

The Hawaiian Airlines brand is the number one preferred brand to Hawaiʻi and the number one trusted airline brand in Hawaiʻi, while 70% of Hawaiʻi residents are now Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members.
Hawaiian Airlines joined the oneworld alliance, giving guests access to a global network of leading airline partners and strengthening Honolulu as an international hub.
We announced the fleet transition for Neighbor Island service, ensuring greater long-term reliability, more value for residents and a significantly improved customer experience while preserving local service.

Alaska Air Group is continuing its investment in Hawaiian Airlines and the communities it serves, with new milestones achieved in the Kahuʻewai Hawaiʻi Investment Plan. Hawaiʻi represents both a major visitor opportunity and an essential resident market: 9.6 million visitors travel to Hawaiʻi each year, 1.4 million residents depend on air travel for everyday life, and Hawaiʻi residents travel approximately 30% more than the U.S. average.

Diversify our future

Alaska Air Group is focused on increasing the share of revenue that comes from outside the main cabin; including more revenue from premium, international, loyalty and cargo. These are higher margin revenue streams that are less dependent on domestic fare levels, and more resilient through cycles. By 2030, the company expects diversified revenue to approach 60% of total revenues, up from our current mark of 53% as we continue to invest in the following areas:

We are bringing international premium economy cabins to our widebodies and we will take delivery of a new premium oriented 737-MAX narrowbody for transcontinental and other markets where there is strong demand fit.
We will continue to drive double digit annual growth in remuneration from Atmos Rewards.
We will more than double the size of our cargo business. Cargo revenue has grown approximately 60% since 2024, and the company sees a clear path to $750 million in cargo revenue by 2030, including opportunities in Hawaiʻi freighter flying, mail, international belly capacity and broader network connectivity.

Together, these investments advance Alaska Air Group’s plan to build a company with more ways to win: a more global network, a more complete premium proposition, deeper customer engagement, a stronger Hawaiʻi franchise, a larger cargo business and a more diversified revenue base designed to support durable earnings growth through the cycle.

Learn more about Alaska Accelerate, follow product and network updates, and explore Atmos™ Rewards and oneworld benefits at alaskaair.com and news.alaskaair.com.

Alaska Accelerate fact sheet

Fleet choreography fact sheet

alaskaaccelerate.com

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld© alliance. Members of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

American Airlines and Alaska Airlines announce plans for Alaska to join the Atlantic and Pacific Joint Businesses

September 29, 2026
Company
Marissa Villegas
17 min read

Today, American Airlines and Alaska Airlines announced their intent for Alaska Airlines to join American’s Atlantic and Pacific Joint Businesses, expanding international travel opportunities for customers and strengthening access to premium global travel experiences.

The carriers anticipate filing for approval and antitrust immunity with the U.S. Department of Transportation and seeking other relevant approvals from international regulators in the coming months. The announcement builds upon the existing relationship between Alaska, American, and their oneworld partners across the Atlantic and the Pacific.

Alaska Accelerate is about building a stronger, more global airline for our guests, and expanding our partnership with American is an important step in that strategy. Joining these joint businesses would put Alaska on equal footing with its competitors by giving our guests more seamless access to international destinations while preserving the care, loyalty benefits and premium experience they expect from Alaska.”

Andrew Harrison

Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer , Alaska Airlines

We’re proud of our longstanding partnership with Alaska Airlines and excited to build on its success. Together, with our joint business partners in the Atlantic and Pacific, we are enhancing a global network that gives customers greater access, convenience and choice.”

Nat Pieper

Chief Commercial Officer, American Airlines

The Atlantic Joint Business was formed in 2010 and includes American, British Airways, Iberia, Finnair, Aer Lingus and LEVEL.

Alaska Airlines is a highly regarded partner and we welcome its intention to join the AJB. For more than 15 years, the Atlantic Joint Business has delivered greater choice, better connectivity and a more seamless travel experience across the North Atlantic. Alaska Airlines will further strengthen the partnership and help expand travel options on both sides of the Atlantic.”

Julio Rodríguez Contreras

Chief Commercial Strategy Officer, International Airlines Group (IAG)

The Pacific Joint Business was launched shortly after and includes American and Japan Airlines.

We warmly welcome Alaska Airlines’ intent to join the Pacific Joint Business, as we celebrate our 15th anniversary of the partnership with American Airlines. This expansion will further strengthen our combined network, offering customers more travel options between Asia and North America. We are excited to work closely with our partners to bring greater value to customers across the Pacific.”

Ross Leggett

Senior Managing Executive Officer, Senior Vice President - Route Marketing, Japan Airlines

Inclusion in these international joint businesses is critical to Alaska’s ability to develop its international reach and will increase competition while delivering improved connectivity throughout the West Coast to better serve joint business customers.

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianair.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld© alliance. Members of our Atmos™ Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

About American Airlines Group (NASDAQ: AAL)

American Airlines is a premium global airline connecting more of the U.S. to the world. With roots tracing back to an air mail carrier in the Midwestern United States in 1926, American now operates more than 6,000 daily flights to more than 350 destinations in more than 60 countries and serves more than 200 million customers annually. Powered by a proud and talented team of 130,000 aviation professionals, American’s team lives out the airline’s purpose of caring for people on life’s journey every day.

The world’s largest airline proudly celebrates its centennial year in 2026, reaching a milestone that reflects a century of innovation and the Forever ForwardSM spirit that changed the industry and the world. American introduced the first scheduled air cargo service, the first airport lounge and the first airline loyalty program and continues to reinvent the customer experience today. The airline is also a founding member of the oneworld alliance, whose members serve more than 900 destinations around the globe.

Get the latest about American at news.aa.com and @AmericanAir. 

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