Atmos™ Rewards 101: A member’s guide to finding the right Community

October 22, 2026
Loyalty
Alaska Airlines
27 min read

Summary

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Atmos Rewards members can choose from six Communities, including Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, Club 49, Global Locals, Culinary Journeys, Families on the Go and Active Escapes.

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A new Atmos Communities quiz and member guide help members discover the Community that best aligns with their travel style, interests and benefits preferences.

Atmos™ Rewards is built for all types of travelers, because not everyone travels the same way or values the same things. Atmos Communities brings that philosophy to life by giving members a more personalized loyalty experience, with relevant offers, inspiration and benefits shaped around how they travel, where they live and what they love to do.

Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach to loyalty, Atmos Rewards gives members more ways to engage with the program based on how they travel and what matters to them. Members can join one of six Atmos Communities for free and unlock relevant perks, including flight deals, bonus points, free bags and exclusive experiences tailored to their lifestyles and travel interests.

Not sure which Atmos Community is the right fit? Take the quiz below, then use the member’s guide to compare benefits and find the best match.

Quiz: Which Atmos Community is the best fit?

A starter’s guide to Atmos Communities

Active Escapes

About Active Escapes

Active Escapes is an Atmos Rewards Community that rewards members for traveling to places filled with natural wonder.

Active Escapes benefits

Quarterly flight deals
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos Rewards’ travel and lifestyle partners
Bonus points challenge: Earn up to 10,000 bonus points and status points when members visit 10 gateway cities to America’s most legendary National Parks. View the list of destinations.

Who can join Active Escapes

Any Atmos Rewards member

More information

Frequently asked questions

Join Active Escapes

Club 49

About Club 49

Club 49 is an Atmos Rewards Community and free travel benefits program for Alaska residents.

Club 49 benefits

Two free checked bags when traveling to or from Alaska on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines, and three bags free when flying entirely within the state on Alaska Airlines (Applies to Club 49 members and all passengers on the same reservation)
Annual flight discounts for travel to, from or within Alaska
Exclusive cargo shipping discounts
Weekly flight deals
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos Rewards’ travel and lifestyle partners
Bonus points challenge: Earn up to 10,000 bonus points and status points when members fly to 10 handpicked sunny destinations. View the list of destinations.

Who can join Club 49

Atmos Rewards members with a mailing address in Alaska.

More information:

Frequently asked questions

Join Club 49

Culinary Journeys

About Culinary Journeys

Culinary Journeys is an Atmos Rewards Community that rewards food lovers for chasing flavors around the world.

Culinary Journeys benefits

Quarterly flight deals
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos Rewards’ travel and lifestyle partners
Bonus points challenge: Earn up to 10,000 bonus points and status points when members fly to 10 acclaimed dining destinations. View the list of destinations.

Who can join Culinary Journeys

Any Atmos Rewards member

More information

Frequently asked questions

Join Culinary Journeys

Families on the Go

About Families on the Go

Families on the Go is an Atmos Rewards Community that rewards members with points that add up faster on family adventures and perks for bringing the kids along.

Families on the Go benefits

20% points back on kids’ award flights: Redeem points for award flights on Alaska, Hawaiian and our airline partners and get 20% of points back for children 12 and under once the trip is completed
Quarterly flight deals
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos Rewards’ travel and lifestyle partners
Bonus points challenge: Earn up to 10,000 bonus points and status points when members fly to 10 family-friendly destinations — cities packed with zoos, aquariums, and attractions. View the list of destinations.

Who can join Familes on the Go

Any Atmos Rewards member

More information

Frequently asked questions

Join Families on the Go

Global Locals

About Global Locals

Global Locals is an Atmos Rewards Community that helps members make the most of international adventures and earn status faster.

Global Locals benefits

A 10% status point multiplier on flights that begin and/or end outside the United States (when crediting points to Atmos Rewards) (Award flights are eligible)
Quarterly flight deals
Ability to earn one status point for every 25 points transferred into Atmos Rewards from eligible loyalty partners
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos Rewards’ travel and lifestyle partners
Bonus points challenge: Earn up to 10,000 bonus points and status points when members fly to the cities that oneworld^® international carriers call home. View the list of destinations.

Who can join Global Locals

Any Atmos Rewards member

More information

Frequently asked questions

Join Global Locals

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

About Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian is an Atmos Rewards Community and free travel benefits program for Hawaiʻi residents.

Huakaʻi by Hawaiian benefits

Earn 50% more points and status points on flights between the Hawaiian Islands starting Jan. 1, 2027
Two free checked bags on Neighbor Island flights, including sports equipment like surfboards and golf bags
Quarterly Neighbor Island discount codes
Redeem Foodland Maikaʻi Points for 3x Atmos Rewards points
Ability to use upgrade certificates to join the upgrade waitlist on Hawaiian Airlines branded flights between Hawaiʻi and the U.S. continent, Asia and Oceania – with priority waitlist placement
Monthly flight deals
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos Rewards’ travel and lifestyle partners
Bonus points challenge: Earn up to 10,000 bonus points and status points when members fly to 10 destinations in and beyond Hawaiʻi. View the list of destinations.

Who can join Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

Atmos Rewards members with a mailing address in Hawaiʻi.

More information

Frequently asked questions

Join Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

Frequently asked questions

What are Atmos Communities?

Atmos Communities are one way Atmos Rewards makes loyalty more personal, giving members benefits, offers and experiences based on how they travel, where they live and what they enjoy. Members can choose the Community that best matches their interests and travel style.

How do Atmos Communities work?

Select a Community when signing up for Atmos Rewards. Already a member? Sign in and select “Join a Community.”
Get email updates about Community deals and benefits. Members can change marketing communication preferences anytime from the account page.
Members can change Communities once per calendar year. Until then, members stay in the one they’ve chosen.

How many Communities can members join?

One at a time.

Can members change their Community?

Yes, once per calendar year. If a member hasn’t made a Community selection this year, they can switch anytime. If a Community has already been selected, the ability to change Communities opens in the new calendar year.

Download the Atmos Communities fact sheet

Visit atmosrewards.com

Alaska Air Group reports third quarter 2026 results

October 20, 2026
Company
Marissa Villegas
28 min read

Summary

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Reported loss per share of ($1.32), and adjusted earnings per share, excluding impact of revised tax rate, of $0.36

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Announced intent to join the Atlantic and Pacific Joint International Businesses with oneworld and global partners

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New service to Osaka and Papeete expands Seattle’s nonstop international network to 9 of 15 planned routes by 2030

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2026.

At Investor Day, we laid out a clear strategy for building a stronger, more diversified business, and we’re executing it: growing premium, international, cargo and Atmos Rewards, and investing in the guest experience. Those are the things that earn guest loyalty, diversify our revenue and ultimately drive stronger earnings. While we’re not satisfied with this quarter’s result or the $1.8 billion fuel headwind this year, we are confident in our ability to execute on the things we can control, including increasing the spread between unit revenue and unit costs excluding fuel.“

Ben Minicucci

CEO , Alaska Air Group

Quarter in review

Air Group reported third quarter Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) pretax margin of 0.4% and GAAP net loss of ($147) million, or ($1.32) per share. Air Group’s third quarter adjusted pretax margin was 1.1% and adjusted net loss was ($35) million, or ($0.31) per share. Excluding certain tax impacts, Air Group’s third quarter adjusted net income was $49 million, or $0.36 per share.

(a) These results reflect a Q3 adjusted effective tax rate of 18.4%, or adjusted tax expense of $9 million, versus our original guidance assumption of approximately 35% due to the AETR revision discussed below.

Third quarter results were driven by strong underlying commercial momentum despite a significant fuel headwind. Revenue increased 14% year-over-year to $4.3 billion on 2.4% capacity growth, resulting in unit revenue growth of nearly 12%, despite Hawaiʻi headwinds, pressure from strategic growth markets investments, and rapid international expansion. Yield improved through the quarter, with September yield increasing approximately 17% year-over-year.

Air Group’s diversified revenue, which represents operating revenue outside the main cabin, has grown to 54% of total revenue, reflecting progress against our strategic initiatives as we shift towards a more structurally resilient business. Premium revenue grew approximately 25% and represented more than 36% of total revenue, loyalty program cash remuneration grew 21% to $721 million, and managed corporate revenue increased 30%. Air Group continued to expand its international network, with the additions of Paris, Athens, Osaka, and Papeete, bringing our Seattle international network to nine routes.

During the third quarter, the Company reduced its estimated annual effective tax rate (AETR) following a change in its full-year outlook from pretax income to a pretax loss, driven primarily by elevated fuel prices. As a result, the Company recorded a cumulative catch-up adjustment related to tax benefits recognized on first-half losses, which reduced third quarter adjusted earnings per share by ($0.67). Excluding this adjustment, third quarter adjusted earnings per share were $0.36.

Fourth quarter forecast information

Looking ahead, demand remains healthy, with commercial momentum continuing into the fourth quarter. Air Group expects capacity to grow approximately 1% to 1.5% year-over-year, with the increase concentrated in international flying. Unit revenue is expected to increase in the low double digits year-over-year and improve sequentially on a gross basis, supported by continued yield strength. Non-fuel unit costs are expected to increase in the mid-single digits, reflecting lower capacity growth.

Elevated fuel costs are expected to remain a significant headwind to near-term profitability, with our guidance assuming a fourth quarter economic fuel cost of $4.65 to $4.85 per gallon, or $650 million higher than our initial plan. For the full year, we now expect an adjusted loss per share between ($5.50) and ($5.00), inclusive of $1.8 billion in fuel expense above our plan.

(a) Q4 loss per share guidance assumes non-operating expense of approximately $70 million, a tax rate of approximately 20%, and shares outstanding of approximately 112.5 million.

Commercial updates

Announced intent to join the Atlantic and Pacific Joint International Businesses with oneworld and global partners, broadening international connectivity for guests and increasing access to premium worldwide travel opportunities.

Unveiled Aurora and Leihōkū by Alaska and Hawaiian, new premium guest experiences designed to elevate travel, featuring spacious lie flat suites, access to exclusive check-in and concierge services, and elevated dining options. Aurora will be featured on Alaska’s Boeing 787 fleet and select transcontinental routes operated by new 737-10 MAX aircraft, while Leihōkū will be featured on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet.

Introduced Premium Reserve, a new premium economy product set to debut in 2028 on Alaska’s 787-9, 787-10 and select 737-10 MAX aircraft and on Hawaiian’s A330 fleet, offering guests enhanced comfort, space, and choice on longer flights.

Loyalty updates

Loyalty program cash remuneration grew 21% to $721 million in the third quarter.

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

Announced enhancements to Atmos Rewards, including expanded card offerings with the launch of an Atmos debit card in early 2027, four new Atmos communities, and additional program partnerships.

Launched new and improved benefits for Huakaʻi by Hawaiian members, including two free checked bags for Neighbor Island travel and additional ways to earn Atmos Rewards points.

Network updates

Announced new nonstop service from Seattle to Athens, Paris, Osaka, and Papeete beginning in spring 2027, further strengthening our position as Seattle’s largest international carrier.

Announced domestic route expansions, including new routes from Portland to Steamboat Springs, San Diego to Loreto, Mexico and Paine Field to San Jose, alongside increased service from Paine Field to Portland, San Diego and Los Angeles.

Liquidity updates

Generated $755 million of operating cash flow during the first nine months of 2026.

Held $3.3 billion in available liquidity, including unrestricted cash, marketable securities, and undrawn credit facilities.

Had approximately $20 billion of unencumbered assets at September 30, 2026, including 134 aircraft and the unencumbered portion of our loyalty program assets.

Other highlights

Amaresh Siva named Alaska’s Chief Information Technology Officer, joining the company from CVS Health. Siva will serve on the company’s Executive Committee.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines were recognized with the 2026 APEX Five Star Major Airline Award.

Alaska Airlines recognized by the Skytrax World Airline Awards as the #1 Cleanest Airline in North America and the #2 Best Regional Airline in North America.

SVP of Merchandising and Innovation Charu Jain was recognized as one of Time’s 2026 Tech and Data Executives of the Year.

View full financial data

References in this update to “Air Group,” “Company,” “we,” “us,” and “our” refer to Alaska Air Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries, unless otherwise specified.

This news release may contain forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor protection provided by Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual outcomes to be materially different from those indicated by our forward-looking statements, assumptions or beliefs. For a discussion of risks and uncertainties that may cause our forward-looking statements to differ materially, see Item 1A of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025. Some of these risks include competition, labor costs, relations and availability, general economic conditions, increases in operating costs including fuel, uncertainties regarding the ability to successfully integrate operations following the acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. and the ability to realize anticipated cost savings, synergies, or growth from the acquisition, inability to meet cost reduction and other strategic goals, seasonal fluctuations in demand and financial results, supply chain risks, events that negatively impact aviation safety and security, cybersecurity risks, and changes in laws and regulations that impact our business. All of the forward-looking statements are qualified in their entirety by reference to the risk factors discussed in our most recent Form 10-K and in our subsequent SEC filings. We operate in a continually changing business environment, and new risk factors emerge from time to time. Management cannot predict such new risk factors, nor can it assess the impact, if any, of such new risk factors on our business or events described in any forward-looking statements. We expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements made today to conform them to actual results. Over time, our actual results, performance or achievements may differ from the anticipated results, performance or achievements that are expressed or implied by our forward-looking statements, assumptions or beliefs and such differences might be significant and materially adverse.

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 hawaiianairlines.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 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’ statement on the FAA’s certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10

October 20, 2026
On The Record
Marissa Villegas
2 min read

Alaska Airlines welcomes the Federal Aviation Administration’s certification of the Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft. This pivotal milestone opens new possibilities for Alaska’s guests.

“The MAX 10 is an important part of Alaska’s long-term fleet strategy and our future,” said Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci. “These modern, fuel-efficient airplanes will help us connect more people to more of the world, and on at least 25 of them, our new Aurora lie-flat suites will raise the bar for comfort on transcontinental flights. Certification of the MAX 10 has been a rigorous, deliberate process, and we respect the work the FAA and Boeing have put into it. We appreciate the thoroughness of the agency’s review, and we’re grateful to Boeing for its effort in bringing this vision to life.”

The MAX 10’s additional capacity and improved per-seat economics can serve high-demand routes more efficiently while managing fuel use and emissions.

In January, Alaska announced its largest order in company history for 105 additional MAX 10s. Alaska has firm orders for 168 aircraft across the MAX family, with most of those orders for the MAX 10. Alaska’s transcontinental MAX 10 will have 12 new Aurora Suites on at least 25 aircraft – the first time in the carrier’s history that lie-flat seating will be available on its 737 fleet.

Alaska currently expects delivery of its first MAX 10 in the second quarter of 2027.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines expand global network with new nonstop service connecting Seattle with Osaka and Papeete

October 20, 2026
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
36 min read

Summary

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Osaka, Japan and Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, become the eighth and ninth long-haul intercontinental routes added to Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ growing global network from Seattle and advance Alaska Accelerate, the company’s mission to connect the Pacific Northwest with more destinations around the world.

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The combined airline will offer the only nonstop service between Seattle and Osaka and Papeete, with Hawaiian Airlines serving the routes beginning next spring.

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Guests traveling aboard Hawaiian Airlines Airbus’ A330 fleet will enjoy the signature Hawaiian hospitality they know and love, paired with a premium experience, including free Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos™ Rewards members, thanks to T-Mobile.

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To celebrate the two new routes, the airline is offering special introductory round-trip Main Cabin fares to both destinations, subject to availability.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are broadening its global network with new year-round, nonstop service between Seattle and Osaka, Japan, and Papeete, Tahiti, French Polynesia, bringing two new international destinations within easy reach of guests across the continental U.S.

The airline will offer the only nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Osaka (KIX) and Papeete (PPT) when the routes launch next spring, with convenient connections from cities across Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ combined network. In celebration of the new routes, the airline is offering special introductory fares to both destinations. Starting today through Oct. 26, round-trip Main Cabin fares from Seattle start at $999 to Papeete and $1,199 to Osaka, subject to availability. Tickets are on sale now at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. All new routes are subject to government approval. Terms and conditions apply.

We are building an airline that connects the Pacific Northwest to more of the world and we know our guests will be excited to have convenient access to Osaka and Papeete from Seattle. We’re just getting started, with more international destinations on the horizon as we grow as the leading global airline on the West Coast.”

Ben Minicucci

President & CEO, Alaska Air Group

The routes advance Alaska Accelerate, a long-term plan designed to evolve into a more global, premium and diversified airline, including transforming Seattle into a global gateway serving at least 15 long-haul intercontinental destinations by 2030. Osaka and Papeete join the airline’s growing Seattle long-haul network, including London, Tokyo, Seoul, Rome and Reykjavík as well as newly announced nonstop routes to Athens and Paris. Alaska’s main hub in Seattle is already the largest airline hub on the West Coast, serving 103 nonstop destinations across North America.

For years, Hawaiian Airlines has connected Honolulu with Osaka and Papeete, and now the airline will expand its reach to both cities from Seattle. By serving these destinations from Honolulu and Seattle, Hawaiian will create even more opportunities for guests across the combined network to explore Asia and Oceania. The Seattle global expansion complements Hawaiian Airlines’ international service from Honolulu — Alaska’s second-largest hub — to Tokyo and Osaka, and destinations across Oceania including Pago Pago, Rarotonga, Papeete, and Sydney.

Both routes will be served on Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330 aircraft, offering a comfortable, premium widebody experience for long-haul flying, including lie-flat business class Suites and free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, alongside the airline’s signature onboard hospitality.

Seattle to Osaka, Japan

Beginning May 14, 2027, the airline’s new, four-times-weekly nonstop service between Seattle and Osaka offers convenient connections between Japan and destinations across Alaska’s expansive domestic network, including the shortest connecting path to Osaka from many points across the network. Known for its celebrated food culture, bustling business scene and central location in Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka offers guests access to a wider region that includes Kyoto, Nara and Kobe.

Hawaiian Airlines has served Osaka from Honolulu since 2011, fostering a longstanding connection between Hawai‘i and Japan. Hawaiian will continue to serve the route, giving guests the flexibility to travel nonstop from Seattle or connect through Honolulu.

We are delighted to welcome the launch of Alaska Airlines’ new Seattle service. We are especially pleased that Kansai International Airport has been selected as the airline’s third destination in Asia. Kansai Airports has been working to expand its network to North America, and we are truly grateful and delighted to welcome Alaska Airlines, whose service to KIX we have long looked forward to. We hope that this new nonstop connection between Kansai and Seattle will further strengthen both tourism and business ties between Kansai and North America.”

Fabien Gourdon

Corporate Executive Vice President, CCO of Aeronautical, Kansai Airports

Seattle to Papeete, Tahiti

Located in French Polynesia on the island of Tahiti, Papeete is a gateway to the region’s islands featuring dramatic volcanic landscapes and stunning beaches. The new nonstop service will operate three times a week starting June 11, 2027, and will offer guests convenient one-stop access from across the U.S., including some cities that currently require two or more stops to reach Tahiti. The combined airline will also be the only U.S. airline with same-day connections from Papeete to Bora Bora and Moorea, allowing guests to reach these popular islands without an overnight stop in Tahiti.

Hawaiian Airlines first began serving Papeete from Honolulu in 1987, bringing together Hawai‘i with French Polynesia for nearly four decades. With Hawaiian continuing its Honolulu to Papeete service, guests will have even more options for reaching Tahiti, whether traveling directly from Seattle or connecting through Honolulu.

The new Hawaiian Airlines-branded Seattle–Papeete route will operate as flight AS987, a nod to French Polynesia’s five-digit postal codes that begin with 987.

As Hawaiian Airlines celebrates 40 years of connecting Hawai‘i and French Polynesia, Tahiti Tourisme is pleased to welcome this new milestone in our shared Pacific story. The integration of Hawaiian Airlines into Alaska Airlines’ extensive network creates new opportunities to connect a broader and more diverse range of North American travelers with The Islands of Tahiti. Beyond greater connectivity, this new service is an invitation to discover Tahiti itself, a vibrant cultural capital, and to explore the remarkable diversity of our five archipelagos, including islands beyond our best-known destinations.”

Vaihere Lissant

CEO, Tahiti Tourisme

Through the airline’s expanded partnership with Air Tahiti, guests will have access to convenient same-day connections to Rarotonga, adding more opportunities to travel between Seattle and the Cook Islands alongside Hawaiian Airlines’ weekly nonstop service between Honolulu and the South Pacific island.

A superior premium experience

Guests traveling between Seattle and Osaka or Papeete will fly aboard a Hawaiian Airlines-branded A330 aircraft and can look forward to a premium guest experience, including:

Ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi, complimentary thanks to T-Mobile for Atmos Rewards members
Spacious, lie-flat business class Suites seating, with pre-departure beverages, mid-flight snack and multicourse dining featuring chef-curated Asia-Pacific cuisine
Travel amenity kits in partnership with the Hawaiʻi lifestyle brand Noho Home for guests seated in the Suites experience and Premium Class
Nearly 200 new releases and classic movies, and more than 500 TV shows to stay entertained
Dedicated check-in and Alaska Lounge access for Suites guests traveling through Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

As Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines continue to invest in the guest experience, Hawaiian’s A330 fleet is set to receive new interiors beginning in 2028, bringing an enhanced onboard experience to long-haul journeys. The refresh will include investments in more modern, premium seating, a full cabin retrofit, and onboard products and amenities.

City pair	Aircraft	Start date	Departure	Arrival	Frequency
Seattle (SEA) – Osaka (KIX)	A330-200	May 14, 2027	12:10 p.m.	4 p.m. (+1 day)	4x weekly (Mon., Wed., Fri., Sun.), year-round
Osaka (KIX) - Seattle (SEA)	A330-200	May 15, 2027	6 p.m.	12:20 p.m.	4x weekly (Mon., Tue., Thu., Sat.), year-round
Seattle (SEA) - Papeete (PPT)	A330-200	June 11, 2027	11:55 p.m.	7:20 a.m.	3x weekly (Wed. Fri., Sat.), year-round
Papeete (PPT) - Seattle (SEA)	A330-200	June 12, 2027	5 p.m.	6 a.m.	3x weekly (Thur., Sat., Sun.), year-round

Schedules subject to change and government approval

Frequently asked questions

Is there a nonstop flight from Seattle to Osaka, Japan?

Yes. Beginning May 14, 2027, Hawaiian Airlines will offer year-round nonstop service between Seattle (SEA) and Osaka (KIX), operating four times a week.

Is there a nonstop flight from Seattle to Tahiti?

Yes. Beginning June 11, 2027, Hawaiian Airlines will offer year-round nonstop service between Seattle (SEA) and Papeete, Tahiti (PPT), operating three times a week. The route will be served by Hawaiian Airlines and will provide convenient access to French Polynesia, including same-day connections to Bora Bora and Moorea.

What aircraft will Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines use for its Seattle flights to Osaka and Papeete?

The new Seattle-Osaka and Seattle-Papeete routes will be served by Hawaiian Airlines, aboard its Airbus A330 fleet. Guests can enjoy lie-flat Business Class Suites, Starlink Wi-Fi complimentary to Atmos Rewards Members thanks to T-Mobile, and Hawaiian’s signature hospitality.

Visit alaskaair.com

Visit hawaiianairlines.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.”

Hawaiian Airlines hosts largest-ever disability practice flight aboard Airbus A330 in Honolulu

October 19, 2026
Community Guest Experience People
Hawaiian Airlines
26 min read

Summary

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Hawaiian Airlines hosted the largest-ever disability practice flight, welcoming 258 travelers with disabilities and their families aboard an Airbus A330 in Honolulu to help participants build confidence and familiarity with the air travel experience.

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Organized with local nonprofit partners, the event allowed participants to practice every step of a journey, from check-in and security screening to boarding and taxiing, reinforcing Hawaiian Airlines’ commitment to making air travel more accessible and inclusive.

Hawaiian Airlines hosted the largest-ever disability practice flight on Sunday, welcoming 258 travelers with disabilities and their families aboard an Airbus A330 aircraft at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to help participants become more comfortable with air travel.

Organized in partnership with Never Quit Dreaming, Hawaiʻi Autism Foundation and Autism Society of Hawaii, the event gave participants an opportunity to experience the airport and boarding process in a supportive, lower-pressure environment. Families checked in at the ticket counter, received boarding passes, passed through security, found their departure gate and boarded the aircraft before it pushed back from the gate and taxied around the airport.

For travelers with autism, sensory sensitivities and other disabilities, navigating crowded terminals, unfamiliar procedures and the sights and sounds of an airport can present challenges. The practice flight allowed families to experience each step together, ask questions and become more familiar with what to expect on a future trip.

For Reid and Sandra Moriyama, who attended with their two children, the practice flight was a chance to try something they had put off for years. The family of four had never flown together, as the couple had been hesitant to plan a trip without knowing how their children would respond to the airport environment.

“Our younger one is scared of going into large buildings and can’t even stay in the cafeteria in school,” the couple shared. “So, the last thing we wanted to do was start on an expensive trip, get to the airport, and he refuses to walk in the door.”

To their surprise, their younger son eagerly entered the airport, walked down the jet bridge and was among the first to board the aircraft. “He had the most fun on this flight,” they said. The experience has given the Moriyamas greater confidence about the possibility of traveling together, including a future family trip to Disneyland.

We want every guest to feel welcome and confident when they travel with us. Hosting the largest-ever disability practice flight allows us to give more individuals and families the opportunity to experience air travel in a supportive environment. We hope this experience helps participants feel more prepared for their next journey, and we’re grateful to our community partners and employees for making it possible.”

Shelly Parker

Head of Hawaiʻi Guest Operations, Hawaiian Airlines

The event marked Hawaiian Airlines’ return to hosting practice flights in Honolulu following a similar program in 2016. Alaska Airlines also has a history of organizing practice flights for travelers with disabilities, typically hosting three to four events annually. This year’s event marked the first time a widebody aircraft has been used for a disability practice flight, allowing more participants and their families to take part in the experience.

Kristopher Dung, director and founder of Never Quit Dreaming, said unfamiliar airport procedures, sensory challenges and extended periods of sitting can make families hesitant to travel. Practice flights offer an opportunity to experience these situations in advance and better understand how their children or family members may respond. “These practice flights are really important for our families because it exposes them to the unknown,” Dung said. “So having these practice flights just allows them to get a little bit more familiar with their environment and resources.”

Dung added that many of the families his organization serves hope to visit destinations such as Disneyland, Universal Studios and LEGOLAND, and experiences like Sunday’s event can help them begin preparing for those trips.

Julia Wilson, a board certified behavior analyst representing Hawaiʻi Autism Foundation, emphasized the importance of giving participants opportunities to practice in a comfortable environment, particularly for families living in Hawaiʻi, where air travel is necessary to reach destinations beyond the Islands. Wilson observed that some participants initially appeared confused about what to expect, but became more comfortable as the event progressed. One moment stood out to her after everyone had boarded.

“As soon as the safety briefing came on the screen, every child in that plane immediately had their eyes locked right on that safety screen,” Wilson said.

For the Moriyamas, the experience also offered reassurance about how their children might respond to a future flight. “I actually was very surprised, so I think it’d be great if we could take a trip,” they shared. “Maybe one day we might go to LA, Disneyland.”

Download images and b-roll

Visit hawaiianairlines.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 Airlines names Amaresh Siva Chief Information Technology Officer

October 19, 2026
Company
Alaska Airlines
16 min read

Summary

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Veteran technology executive will lead Alaska’s enterprise technology, data, digital, cybersecurity and AI strategy, focused on operational reliability, modernization and long-term growth.

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Siva brings nearly three decades of technology leadership experience across CVS Health, Target Corporation and GE Capital, including large-scale cloud, digital, data and AI transformation.

Alaska Airlines, Inc. today announced that Amaresh Siva has been named Chief Information Technology Officer. Siva will begin next month and will report directly to CEO Ben Minicucci. He will also serve on the company’s Executive Committee.

In this newly created role, Siva will bring Alaska’s technology and digital capabilities together under a single enterprise leader. He will set and execute the company’s enterprise-wide technology, data and digital strategy, with responsibility for strengthening core platforms, advancing digital capabilities and building scalable data and artificial intelligence foundations to support operational excellence, resilience and long-term growth.

Technology is central to nearly every part of our operation and every interaction with our guests and employees. Amaresh is a proven enterprise technology leader with the experience to strengthen performance today while building the modern, secure and resilient platforms we need for the future. His track record leading complex transformations, scaling data and AI capabilities and developing high-performing global teams makes him the right leader for this important role.”

Ben Minicucci

CEO, Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Siva brings 29 years of experience building and scaling digital, data, infrastructure and AI platforms across healthcare, retail and consumer finance. He joins Alaska from CVS Health, where he most recently served as Chief Digital and Technology Officer for Health Care Delivery. His responsibilities also included enterprise data and AI platforms and innovation labs.

At CVS Health, Siva led large-scale modernization and AI initiatives in a highly regulated, high-availability environment, including cloud migration, digital engineering and the deployment of AI tools with measurable business and customer outcomes. Earlier in his career, he held senior technology leadership roles at Target Corporation, where he helped rebuild Target.com and the Target app and modernize infrastructure and cloud platforms. He previously spent nearly a decade with GE Capital, building marketing technology used across 18 businesses in 17 countries.

Alaska clearly cares about its guests and its people, and that’s what drew me here. I’m excited to advance our technology capability to elevate the guest experience and make it easier for the people who serve our guests to do it even better. Alaska is taking on hard problems to make every trip remarkable and caring, and technology’s job is to make that easy.”

Amaresh Siva

Incoming Chief Information Technology Officer, Alaska Airlines, Inc.

Siva holds an MBA from XLRI – Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur, India – and a bachelor’s degree in technology with honors from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

Visit alaskaair.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 Airlines celebrates 15 years of Club 49, the Atmos™ Community built for life in Alaska

October 16, 2026
Loyalty
Alaska Airlines
17 min read

Summary

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Alaska Airlines is celebrating 15 years of Club 49, the Atmos™ Community created for Alaska residents, with travel benefits designed around the unique realities of living in the 49th state and staying connected to the people and places that matter most.

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Today, Club 49 members enjoy valuable benefits including free checked bags, annual travel discounts, exclusive flight deals and expanded Atmos Rewards perks across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and a global network of more than 1,100 destinations.

In October 2011, Alaska Airlines introduced Club 49 with one core belief: Alaska residents deserved a travel benefits program designed around the realities of living in the 49th state. As Club 49 marks its 15th anniversary this Alaska Day, Oct. 18, 2026, Alaska Airlines is celebrating and thanking the hundreds of thousands of Atmos™ Rewards members who have made it a lasting success.

Aviation is essential to living in the 49th state, where over 80% of communities are not accessible by road—from remote Bethel to the capital city, Juneau. The program was built to support those who fly with Alaska Airlines to visit family and friends, go shopping, transport supplies and access medical care, education, work and important events, and has continuously evolved to offer perks that are relevant and valuable to residents.

Alaska is an extraordinary place where several communities are not easily accessible, and many rely on Alaska Airlines to stay connected to the people and places that matter most to them. We take that responsibility seriously, and Club 49 reflects our longstanding commitment to Alaskans and their unique travel needs.”

Marilyn Romano

Regional Vice President – State of Alaska , Alaska Airlines

Club 49 member benefits include:

Free checked bags on Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines when traveling to, from or within the state of Alaska (for Club 49 members and all passengers on the same reservation)
Annual travel discounts for travel to, from or within Alaska
Discounted cargo shipping on Alaska Air Cargo
Exclusive flight deals on Alaska Airlines
20% off Atmos Rewards member-exclusive Unlocked experiences
Tailored offers and deals with Atmos™ Rewards travel and lifestyle partners

As an Atmos Community, Club 49 members also receive the expanded benefits of Atmos Rewards, the loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Members can earn and redeem points while flying throughout Alaska, across Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ combined network and to more than 1,100 destinations worldwide through Alaska’s oneworld^© and other airline partners.

Fifteen years of Club 49 is an important milestone, and we thank Alaskans for their loyalty. As Alaska Airlines continues to grow and fly to new destinations, we stay focused on providing safe, reliable service throughout our great state. We look forward to the future, and all the incredible places we can take our Club 49 guests.”

Marilyn Romano

Regional Vice President – State of Alaska, Alaska Airlines

Learn more about Club 49

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
30 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.”

Photo courtesy of Mahi Pono

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.

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

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.”

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Not sure which Atmos Community is the right fit? Take the quiz below, then use the member’s guide to compare benefits and find the best match.

Quiz: Which Atmos Community is the best fit?

A starter’s guide to Atmos Communities

Active Escapes

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Club 49

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Culinary Journeys

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Families on the Go

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Huakaʻi by Hawaiian

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Quarter in review

Fourth quarter forecast information

Commercial updates

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Seattle to Osaka, Japan

Seattle to Papeete, Tahiti

A superior premium experience

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Is there a nonstop flight from Seattle to Tahiti?

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A world-class wine program to complement every meal

Local chefs help bring the flavors of Hawaiʻi onboard

Award-winning chef elevates Alaska’s international dining experience

More choices, same signature hospitality

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

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Which chefs create meals for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines?

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

Aurora Suites and Leihōkū Suites

Lounges worth the early airport arrival

Atmos™ Rewards: choose your own path to status

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