Q

magnifying glass with dark circle in the middle.

We’re the official airline of the Kraken!

NHL ANNOUNCES SEATTLE TEAM NAME, LOGO AND COLORS

It’s official! Kraken is the name of the National Hockey League (NHL) expansion team from Seattle.

In an announcement Thursday at the construction site for the new Climate Pledge Arena in downtown Seattle, the NHL’s 32nd team revealed its name, logo and colors. Flanked by construction workers charged with building the new site, team officials said the name was an ode to the region’s maritime history and was born of the fans.

The long-anticipated news follows last January’s big announcement that Alaska Airlines is the founding partner and official airline of the Seattle NHL team, and will have naming rights to the stadium’s atrium.

The Seattle Kraken will beginning playing in the 2021-22 season  and already has an enthusiastic following across the region and beyond.

I love it!! It’s such a cool logo!” said Alex Wigoda, senior schedule planning analyst who, being from Pittsburgh is a die-hard Penguins fan. “I’m having an internal conflict though. Guess I can have an East Coast team and a West Coast team.”

RELEASE THE KRAKEN MERCH & SUPPORT A GOOD CAUSE

Seattle hockey fans can support the community by simply buying the franchise’s new branded gear at releasethekrakenstore.com, including blue (with a dash of red) t-shirts, hoodies, hats and more.

Through Aug. 21, the Seattle Kraken will give all net sale proceeds to local non-profits YouthCare, Community Passageways and the Urban League of Metropolitan Seattle to end youth homelessness an create positive pathways and opportunities for BIPOC youth in our region. We couldn’t be more on board with that kind-heartedness!

Welcome to Seattle, Kraken!

Watch: Meet the Seattle Kraken

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant & Soul Food Chef Hampton Isom recognized for his ‘Giant’ heart

When Hampton Isom joined Alaska Airlines in 2015, he had no idea what would become of it and the joy he’d bring to people in the skies and his community.

Nominated by his peers, Isom, who is a flight attendant based in Seattle and also runs his own food truck business, recently won an initiative from the Brawny® paper towel brand for going out of his way to support his community.

Hampton Isom

The Brawny® Giants Initiative was created to recognize and support people who are going out of their way across the country to help those who’ve been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

After roaming the globe, first as a professional basketball player and later a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines, Isom aka “The Boss,” had big plans to bring his love of Cajun Cuisine to the Pacific Northwest while also giving back to people in need. Through “sweatin‘ and workin hard” and his Louisiana-rooted culinary skills, he created Dat Creole Soul, a nonprofit business in Seattle. He takes his cooking a step further by sharing hot plates with people who are homeless.

Whether he’s setting up shop down on Pine St. or at an annual festival or family reunion, when you see his Creole Soul truck pull up you know you’ll be taken care of with some hot food that “will stick to your ribs” like gumbo jambalaya, shrimp et tu fe, red beans and rice.

“When I got my food truck, every time I go out on location to sell food, the food that I have left over, instead of throwing it away, I will park somewhere and I got this sign that says ‘If you’re hungry stop on by and come get something to eat,’” he said.

Hampton says he hears the same questions and quips from guests almost every flight. From “If you were any taller, you wouldn’t fit in this plane” to “Do you play basketball?” And to reply, he says “You should’ve seen me with an afro,” and “yes” to playing basketball – Isom played in college and professional for 12 years in Turkey, Italy and Australia.

Born and raised in New Orleans, Isom says he grew up poor and knows what it’s like to be hungry. He says if he can help someone avoid it, he will.

“I grew up in the projects, food stamps the whole nine yards. I’ve been there. I know what it’s like to be hungry, I know how it feels to be cold,” he said. “It’s easy to give. Everyone has to eat plain and simple. More importantly, the world just needs to come together as a whole and everybody needs to be nice to somebody, it doesn’t cost anything to be nice.”

Before applying to work at Alaska, Isom was nervous that a 7-foot tall Black man might not be the best fit for working inside of an airplane all day or night, but it happened. Not only is he giant by nature—many airlines do have maximum height limitations that fall well under 7-feet—but he’s also a ‘Giant’ to people in his community.

“When it comes down to the grind, everyone I work with is ‘in.’ I use that same motto when I’m helping the homeless—I’m all in—whether I get donations from somebody or whether I gotta do it myself,” Isom said. “If I don’t get donations or a lot of stuff I just go out of pocket because I chose to go down this road to feed people and I will do it until I can’t do it anymore.”

Isom received a supply of Brawny® paper towel and a donation toward his business as part of the recognition.

Over eight weeks, Brawny® asked consumers to nominate their friends, family members and neighbors who are making a difference. Brawny® recognized and supported recipients like Isom (of course) with paper towels and donations to help him and others continue the work they are doing.

“Being a giant has nothing to do with a person’s height but everything to do with the action they take to bring good to this world,” says Katie Kolesky, Senior Director of Brand Building, Brawny®. “Giants like Hampton embody the Brawny® brand purpose of inspiring others to overcome life’s challenges with strength and resilience and do things from their hearts without expecting anything in return. We’re honored to help him continue to cook meals with love, kindness and compassion.”

Michelle Spackman, an Alaska flight attendant based in Los Angeles, nominated Isom for the award. She says she’s only met him a handful of times but he made a lasting impression on her and that he just has something about him.

“He could not be a more deserving person. Forget the fact that he is 7 feet tall and what he is doing with the community. Just as a person, Hampton is remarkable. There’s no other word that describes him,” Spackman said.

Michelle Spackman

Alaska talks about going above and beyond and when you go through his posts, you see what he’s doing with the community and he even takes his time to go out to hand out flyers that say ‘my truck will be here at this date and this time and if you want a hot meal I will be here.’”

Spackman says she is normally the type of person who fast forwards through commercials and for whatever reason, she stopped to watch the Brawny® Giants Initiative commercial. She says the first person that came to my mind was Hampton.

Whether he won or not, I’m glad there was somebody, a virtual stranger, who did something for him and to affect his life. He’s a legend in the making.” – Michelle Spackman

Photo shot by Ingrid Barrentine in 2019.

For more information about Isom & what’s on his menu visit Dat Creole Soul’s website and check out other Brawny® ‘Giants’ taking action here.

Katharine McEntee contributed to this story.

Donate Alaska Airlines miles to support HBCU students with UNCF

Alaska Mileage Plan members can donate miles to UNCF to fly students to and from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), as well as career-development opportunities like the annual HBCU Innovation Summit and more.

Miles donated will continue to help students fly to college tours at HBCUs, travel back and forth between school and home, and participate in a variety of leadership development programs and other programming offered by UNCF.

Robert, an aspiring economics major at Norfolk State University of the graduating class of 2020.

Thank you Team Alaska and the Mileage plan family. Your generous support helps our UNCF students achieve their college and career dreams. Education can break the cycle of poverty and together we create access to educational opportunity, one student at a time,” said Linda Thompson-Black UNCF Pacific Northwest Area Development Director.

UNCF is one of more than a dozen other nonprofit organizations supported year-round by Alaska’s Mileage Plan members through the airline’s LIFT Miles donation program. Since 2011, members have donated more than 300 million miles.

Related: The gift of miles brings HBCU students home for the holidays – and opens doors to careers.

How to give

Mileage Plan members can donate as few as 1,000 miles through Alaska’s LIFT Miles program at alaskaair.com/donatemiles. Bonus: Donating will help keep your account active if you haven’t been flying or redeeming as frequently.

UNCF also accepts cash donations for its various programs, including scholarships, mentorship and other programming. Learn more at uncf.org.

UNCF brings dreams within reach

In 2017, Alaska Airlines named UNCF a LIFT Miles partner which allows Alaska Mileage Plan members to donate miles to assist the organization in fulfilling its mission.

Founded in 1944, UNCF is the national leader in the effort to expand college access for Black students and other minority groups.

Sanyh Aarons, student at Benedict College.

UNCF does amazing work, and we’re thrilled Mileage Plan members have the opportunity to help further this organization’s mission,” said Shaunta Hyde, a UNCF board member and Alaska’s managing director of community relations. “We chose UNCF because the work they do has a direct impact on underserved Black communities across the United States.”

Supporting young people and helping them to pursue their educational dreams is an initiative that Alaska strongly supports. Alaska believes that every young person deserves the opportunity to have the best start in life, and education allows them the opportunity to pursue their goals and dreams.

Additional partner organizations Mileage Plan members can donate to include The Nature Conservancy, Make-A-Wish Foundation, Medical Teams International, Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center, National Forest Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Dream Foundation, Angel Flight West, Seattle Children’s Hospital, and the Alaska Airlines Disaster Relief pool, and the Alaska Airlines Miles for Youth. Learn more at alaskaair.com/donatemiles.

Alaska Airlines plans to start reopening Lounges Aug. 1

We’re providing our guests with Next Level Care on board, at the airport and in our Lounges.  We’ve made some changes to our Lounges to ensure your comfort and safety. Please continue to check back for updates as the situation evolves. Thank you for your patience, flexibility and understanding during this time.

Locations & hours

  • Currently, only our SEA D Concourse Lounge is open.
  • Effective Aug. 1 we will be reopening our Lounges in ANC, PDX, LAX and SEA North Satellite.
  • Our current hours are available on our locations and hours page.
  • We’ll continue to update this page with any additional closures or changes to hours of operation.

Cleaning + Safety

  • Employees are taking temperature checks before starting each shift.
  • We are limiting each location’s capacity based on local restrictions, which in most cities is currently 50%.
  • Guests and employees are required to wear masks when not eating or drinking.
  • Hand-sanitizing stations have been installed in multiple locations throughout each Lounge.
  • Foot-pull door handles have been installed in each restroom.
  • Our staff will be continuously cleaning each Lounge throughout the day.
  • We will be replacing physical newspapers with complimentary online access to digital media while on our Lounge Wi-Fi.
  • We have added signage to encourage social distancing and have removed seats at high-density areas.
  • When checking-in, we request that you hold out your boarding pass to our staff to scan, rather than passing your phone or boarding pass to them.
  • We have paused the use of fingerprint scanners.

Food & beverage

  • While self-service buffets are most likely a thing of the past, fresh food options will be available in locations where current local restrictions allow.
  • Pre-packaged snacks will be available in all locations.
  • You’ll see our team continuing to wear gloves and only pour drinks into clean glasses.
  • Beer, wine and liquor selections will be reinstated as local authorities permit.
  • We’ve removed free-standing water towers and instead encourage guests to ask for a clean glass or bring a water bottle that our barista would be happy to fill for you.

Memberships

  • This spring all guests with an active membership as of April 1, 2020, received a 6-month extension.
  • Your digital membership card was updated in May.  To access, open the Alaska Airlines mobile app, go to “Account,” then click “Alaska Lounge card.”
  • We no longer send out physical membership cards, except upon request. To request a physical card, please email Alaska.Lounge@alaskaair.com with your Mileage Plan number.

Alaska Airlines is setting sustainable goals to make flying matter

The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic changed many of your plans and ours. On top of the public health crisis, many around the country and world have lost their jobs and are experiencing an unprecedented amount of uncertainty. Our eyes have also been opened wider to the senseless race-related violence and painful experiences that our Black neighbors, friends and colleagues live with every day. In addition, the challenge of climate change remains critical to address. These are not easy times, but they do remind us how deeply we are connected, and how critical our individual and collective actions are.

At Alaska Airlines, we know something about connection: our top priority is to connect people safely, with fantastic travel experiences and a workplace our employees are proud of. Flying is – and will remain – an important part of how we see family, do business, learn about other cultures and explore the world. It’s up to us to keep it thriving for many years to come and to do so in a way that is responsible to all those who depend on us.

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine

A few years ago, we began using the term “LIFT” for our long-time efforts around environmental and social impact, riffing on the physics principle at the root of aviation. And today, we released our 2019 LIFT Report, which includes data we use to hold ourselves accountable for goals set over the last decade to measure our performance and progress in these areas. The report shares progress in areas such as fuel emissions, waste management and reduction, employee engagement, and supplier labor practices – and 2020 goal attainment in areas such as safety and supporting education opportunity.

This year, to increase transparency, we are also reporting according to Sustainable Accounting Standards Board (SASB) guidelines including deeper commentary on safety and climate. We are proud of our industry leadership on aviation safety and have expanded that focus to the personal health and safety of our guests and employees in light of COVID-19. We also know that our greatest material impact is the carbon generated through burning fuel in our operation and that this has an impact on the climate. We hold ourselves accountable to continue to address that impact through ongoing effort to improve fuel efficiency, use of sustainable aviation fuels and investment in carbon offsets.

This work is as imperative as ever to address racial equity, economic opportunity, and climate change. In the next year, we will roll out new five-year objectives to reflect our commitments in each of these areas, including our impact on carbon, waste and water. We’ve learned from the coronavirus pandemic that our collective actions have impacts around the globe – and, that they can change a trend. These global challenges will require action from all of us. We are grateful for your support and partnership on this continued journey in creating “lift.”

Here are some of our sustainability efforts:

We’re reducing aircraft emissions by:

  • Investing in sustainable aviation fuels that are renewable and produce less emissions.
  • Purchasing more efficient aircraft and upgrading existing planes with advanced design features.
  • Using technology to fly safer routes that use less fuel.

We’re producing less waste by:

We’re making flying matter by:

Many of these initiatives are truly employee-driven.

Our robust recycling program (which we’re itching to return to) began in the mid-80s from the passion of a Horizon Air flight attendant. Though inflight recycling is paused during Covid-19 to reduce risk for guests and employees alike, we look forward to restarting on all our flights.

Our business resource groups, such as the Green Team and Air Group Black Employees Allies & Advocates (ABEA) push us to learn and continue to improve. They’ve created training and education programs, connected employees to volunteer and mentor to support young people’s educational and career advancement, and helped galvanize installation of water bottle filling stations and a move to #FillBeforeYouFly away from plastic water bottles in our offices.

Our safety reporting systems are a top priority every day – and since 2014, Alaska Air Group has honored more than 1,200 employees with the Safe Operations Award & Recognition (SOAR) program, in which peers nominate their fellow employees who’ve gone above and beyond to keep our operation safe.

See the full 2019 report here

We can’t do it alone.

When it comes to making an impact, we all have a role to play. At Alaska Airlines we are building toward a more equitable and sustainable future. With your help, we can make flying matter and help our planet thrive.

Here’s what you can do:

#FillBeforeYouFly: We’re partnering with The Lonely Whale to reduce plastic bottles by making sure you fill up your reusable water bottle before you board. Every time you bring a prefilled water bottle on an Alaska flight and post it to social media with the hashtag #FillBeforeYouFly, we are planting a tree with help from the Bonneville Environmental Foundation. Learn more

Donate Charity Miles: Our Charity Miles program offers members a unique and meaningful way to support important causes and use travel for impact. In 2019, our passengers donated 73 million miles, valued at over $2 million, to [10 partners, including The Nature Conservancy and the National Forest Foundation]. Read more

Pack light, fly direct, and purchase carbon offsets: Every pound you bring on the plane and every mile you travel matters. We encourage every guest to take the least amount of luggage possible and to pick the most direct flights to reduce the amount of emissions it takes to get you and your luggage to your destination. If you want to do more, you can offset your travel by participating in our carbon offset program. More info

Learn more about our sustainability efforts at FlySustainably.com.

Tada Yotsuuye celebrates 55-year milestone anniversary with Alaska Airlines

This year was a special year for both Tada Yotsuuye, Seattle line inspector, and the Alaska Air Group family. Last month, Yotsuuye celebrated 55 years as an employee with Alaska, and he’s the first employee to achieve this monumental milestone in the history of our company.

Leaders recently hosted a special pin recognition ceremony to honor Yotsuuye’s 55th anniversary, and there was no shortage of funny stories and notes of gratitude.

Yotsuuye receiving his 55th anniversary pin at a special ceremony with co-workers and family members.

“Tada is an incredible Alaska Airlines employee,” said Constance von Muehlen, SVP of maintenance and engineering, during the presentation. In reflecting on this major milestone, she did a little math. The aviation industry is 117 years old (starting in 1903), and Tada has been part of the aviation industry for 74 of those years since he started with the Air Force in 1946. He later joined Alaska in 1965.

“That means not only are you, Tada, a fantastic part of our Alaska history,” she said, “but you’re really part of American airline and aviation history, which we are treasured and honored to have among us.”

Tada was named a Customer Service Legend, Alaska’s most prestigious honor in 2006. Photo by Ingrid Barrentine

Not only is Yotsuuye an Alaska Legend, but he’s also a 2006 Charles Taylor Master Mechanic Award recipient, which is a prestigious award that only 2,888 individuals in the United States have received. He has had a long and distinguished career.

Scott Miller, director chief inspector, reflected on the 19 years he has spent working with Yotsuuye and what a pleasure it has been to learn from him and share laughs along the way.

“I have been part of Tada’s 40-year, 50-year and now his 55th-year pin recognition,” he said. “I remember when Tada got his 50-year pin we asked him what his plans were, and he said, ‘I wonder what the 55-year pin looks like.’”

Whenever he’s asked by co-workers about retirement, Yotsuuye would say with a smile that he had no plans to put away his tools.

Fifty-five years sounds like a long time,” Yotsuuye said during his recognition ceremony. “Ninety years sounds ridiculous, but here I am 55 years with Alaska Airlines at the age of 92 and I am glad to be here.”

When asked what has kept him with Alaska for so long, he said, “Alaska Airlines has the most exceptional people I enjoy working for and with, which makes the time fly by.”

Often referred to as the Jedi Master among his coworkers, Miller researched what it means to be one.

“Jedi Master is the highest rank attainable in the Jedi Order, reserved only for those who have shown exceptional skill and devotion,” he said. “I can’t think of a better way to describe Tada as somebody that has displayed 55 years of exceptional skill and devotion to safety and compliance and helped grow Alaska Airlines into the company it is today.”

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

CEO Brad Tilden also wanted to express his gratitude during the presentation to Yotsuuye and recognize his dedication to Alaska.

Tada, thank you for 55 years of service,” said Tilden. “It’s just amazing. It’s stunning. This is a great company because of folks like you. We appreciate everything you’ve done to make this great company what it is.”

So, what’s in store for Yotsuuye now that he’s seen what the 55-year pin looks like?

“Now I can retire,” he said.

In support of other employees who would like to work toward long-lasting careers with the Alaska family, Yotsuuye offers this advice: “Keep busy and have fun.” Those are two things Yotsuuye is likely to do even as he welcomes retirement with open arms and his toolbox at his side.

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine

Please join us in sharing your notes of congratulations and appreciation below for all Yotsuuye has done to help make us who we are today.

Tada, Alaska wouldn’t be the same without you! May the force be with you, friend.

We want you to have a great flight with us – with your mask on

As part of a final warning, this yellow card could be issued to a guest who repeatedly refuses to wear a mask or face covering on our aircraft.

Updated August 5:

We take the use of cloth masks and face coverings very seriously, like we do all safety, health and well-being issues for our guests and employees.

Overwhelmingly, those who fly with us understand and appreciate the importance of wearing masks and face coverings during this time of COVID-19. We also rely heavily on our guests to do the right thing for the greater good of everyone onboard our flights.

Our flight crews encounter moments when some travelers disregard or disobey our mask requirement. It creates tension and anxiety for many of our passengers who do have their face coverings on. So, a change is needed.

Starting August 7, our flight attendants will be empowered to issue a final notice to any guest who repeatedly refuses to wear a mask or face covering on board our aircraft. With that warning – in the form of a yellow card handed to them – the guest’s travel with Alaska could be suspended immediately. That would be a decision we do not take lightly. By working together, we do more for the common good.

We take pride in our excellent customer service, a main reason so many of our guests enjoy flying with us. That stays the same,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska’s president. “We’re counting on both our guests and employees to be considerate of one another to wear face coverings and contribute to our constant effort to keep everyone healthy and safe.”

All Alaska passengers will be required to wear a cloth mask or face covering over their nose and mouth (except for children under the age of two) – with no exceptions. Cloth masks or face coverings will be required on all flights, at ticket counters, throughout gate areas and any other location where Alaska conducts business.

Another reminder of how seriously we take our mask enforcement policy: All of our guests are asked during check-in to sign off on a required health agreement to acknowledge and attest to their willingness to adhere to the mask policy.

For guests who might forget their own mask, we will have them available upon request. Starting in July, we also began providing individual hand-sanitizer wipes on board.

We’ve recently made significant investments in enhanced cleaning procedures, hospital-grade air filtration systems and other approaches to ensure your safety throughout the travel journey.

Learn more about how we’re earning your confidence with Next-Level Care on alaskaair.com.

We realize a piece of cloth across your nose and mouth is probably not your ideal way to travel. But if we all take that small step while flying, we’ll be better off in the long run.

6 ways to celebrate Pride 2020 at home

Due to the coronavirus, virtually all Pride 2020 live events have been canceled or postponed—but you can still celebrate one of the biggest, best, loudest, proudest celebrations out there from home with the tips below.

At Alaska, we’re a big team, inclusive of many people and perspectives. Our differences make us better––especially when we respect and embrace what makes us unique. Alaska Airlines celebrates and supports the LGBTQ+ community year-round and remains committed to helping create a more equitable society. We’re proud to sponsor Pride in Seattle, San Francisco, Honolulu, Anchorage, San Diego, Portland and Palm Springs.

Below are some tips to celebrate Pride from our GLOBE team, a business resource group at Alaska committed to creating an inclusive, safe and supportive environment for Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual or Transgender Employees.

Here’s how you can do Pride 2020 right:

1. Attend a virtual Pride event at home

Get dressed up (finally, you’ll have an excuse) and invite your friends to join a Pride event over video chat! Just because we can’t get together in person doesn’t mean we have to miss out, right? Download Alaska’s  Pride backgrounds to add some fun & flare to your phone or computer backdrop.

San Francisco Trans March – 6/26

Global Pride 2020 – 24hrs 6/27

Seattle Pride – 6/28

San Diego Pride – Series of events

2. Support LGBTQ+ artists, authors, businesses & more

If you’re able, donating to LGBTQ+ causes or supporting gay-owned businesses is a great way to not only celebrate Pride Month but also helps those who need it most.

3. Just dance

Turn your living room into a dance floor and blast music from your favorite artists that support the LGBTQ+ community.

4. Share your #FlyWithPride moments

Post photos with your friends, family or pets with #FlywithPride (social distancing, of course).

5. Show up for your friends, family or co-workers

Never underestimate the power of being there for someone. For some people, Pride can be a confusing time, especially for those who are not completely out about their sexuality. A small gesture can go a long way like sending a thoughtful text or message on social media.

6. Have yourself a day

Take a minute or two to pamper yourself or do something that makes you happy. Pride is also about loving yourself and taking time to celebrate you! Whether that means pampering yourself with a rejuvenating facial or slicing up your best fruit & cheese platter (which we can’t wait to bring back onboard), or taking a breather using Headspace (which you can also listen to on your next Alaska flight).

What does Pride mean to you?

We asked some of our GLOBE members questions about Pride. Here’s what they had to say:

How do you get to be your true self at Alaska Airlines?“At my department I’m able to look like myself and not have to alter my appearance, which I am very grateful for.” – Amiya, a central baggage agent based in Seattle. She’s worked at Alaska for 1 year.

What inspires you to celebrate Pride?“The reason I am able to live my true life is because brave people have stood up against injustices and fought for my freedom to live. That is something to be proud of, something to be thankful for, and something to celebrate!” – Corey, a flight attendant based in Portland for 2.5 years.

How do you show your Pride at Alaska?“Alaska has opened the doors for me and welcomed me with open arms and said ‘we take you for who you really are’ and that feeling in my heart is amazing. I’m always grateful and honored to be able to represent this company with pure integrity of who I am. The Drill Team (Alaska’s dedicated group of flight attendants that dance routines at large events like Pride] is my escape to my dance world and allows me to pay forward what Alaska has done for me. Last year, Alaska’s Pride dance routine was amazing! Full attitude sass and pride.” – Orly, a flight attendant based in Seattle. He’s been with Alaska for 8 years.

What’s your most memorable Pride moment?“Being interviewed by Living808 TV on top of our Alaska Pride Float in my hometown of Honolulu with my wife, our daughter, and my sister dancing alongside me in the Parade. I got to tell the world how proud I am to be gay and to work for a company who celebrates me for that!” – Rasha, Alaska flight attendant for 3.5 years, based in Portland.

How do you celebrate Pride?“I celebrate knowing how far we’ve come, but also how far we have to go. All the hard work we put into getting our Alaska contingent in parades, I’m rewarded by watching our employees celebrate the ability to be themselves and represent a company that supports them.” –  Chad, a reservations workforce planning specialist in Seattle. He has been with Alaska for 16 years.

What inspires you to celebrate Pride?“Watching employees at every level of our organization from frontline employees to the CEO volunteer at Pride events and celebrate our ability to bring our whole selves to work is truly rewarding and inspiring.” – Kevin, a central baggage service manager in Seattle. He has been with Alaska for 17 years.

What does Pride mean to you?“Pride means not having to be scared to be who we are, to not hide and show everyone what acceptance is … I am grateful every day working at Alaska Airlines, where coworkers become friends and our passengers reach out to thank me for being a role model for so many.” – Jennifer, first officer based in Los Angeles. She’s been with Alaska for 4 years.

Tell us how your Pride flies nonstop. Stay safe & be kind to one another!

“Welcome aboard, this is your dad from the flight deck.” Pilot flies son on Make-A-Wish trip

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine | Note: Photos & flight were taken before COVID-19. 

One of the most memorable events for Make-A-Wish kids who fly on Alaska Airlines is the chance to visit the flight deck before their flight. For young Haak Mohr (pronounced: Hawk), of Minneapolis, Minn., it was even more special as his dad and uncle were the pilots.

Ryan Mohr (Haak’s dad) was the first officer and Dan Driggs (Haak’s uncle) was the captain for Haak’s special Make-A-Wish flight from Seattle to Hawaii late winter. The trip was a surprise and a long time coming for the Mohr family, whose lives were jolted when Haak was diagnosed with Wilms tumor cancer just over a year ago.

Haak Mohr (pronounced: Hawk), 6 years old with his uncle, First Officer Dan Driggs.

Haak was a running, jumping, healthy 5-year-old who loved his golden retriever puppy and watching the Minnesota Vikings, according to Mohr, who is based in Seattle. Around Christmas of last year, Haak’s parents noticed a paleness in his skin coloring, so they took him to the doctor. “They sent us home with some Miralax and said he’d be fine,” Mohr said.

But Haak wasn’t fine. When they took him back again 10 days later, he was admitted immediately to Children’s Hospital. Within 24 hours, he was in surgery for a volleyball-sized tumor attached to his kidney. After a six-hour surgery, the doctors informed the Mohr family that the tumor had ruptured and that Haak had stage three cancer.

After 18 days in the hospital, Haak went through eight radiation treatments along with nine months of chemotherapy and daily physical therapy.

“He was just a trooper and stayed positive the whole time,” Mohr said. But the chemo and radiation took a toll on his tiny body. “There were side effects, his immune system shut down and we all stayed home. Keeping him fed and healthy were to be our biggest challenges.”

Haak and his family, along with members of the Alaska Air pilot team.

Alaska’s Employee Assistance Fund jumps in to help

Mohr, who has been with Alaska for 7.5 years, took some time off.

“I didn’t leave the ground myself for about 10 months,” he said. It was through assistance from Alaska’s Employee Assistance Fund (EAF) that he was able to do that.

“I applied and they were wonderful, helping with bills so we could focus on Haak,” Mohr said. “It gave me precious moments with my son during a time where he was considered critical and fighting a disease that could be terminal.”

An overdue family vacation

Haak went into remission and became stronger. The family was offered a dream trip to Hawaii to stay at the Aulani Disney Resort, thanks to the local Make-A-Wish foundation. As the family started to plan, Mohr wanted to make sure their flight was on Alaska Airlines. And maybe—just maybe—he and his brother-in-law Driggs, an Anchorage-based captain, could fly the plane?

Mohr wrote to CEO Brad Tilden with the plan, who put him in touch with Chief Pilot Scott Day and Base Chief Pilots Craig Huffman and Dave Mets who made it happen.

It was a dream come true after a year of hardship. As Haak and his brothers, Bodey (11) and Mavryk (10) and mom, Tory, piled into the flight deck with Mohr and Driggs for photos, onlookers were close to tears. The energy continued upon landing in Honolulu, as Contract Service Lead Kelsey Rollo and the local Hawaii chapter of Make-A-Wish greeted the family with welcome signs and flower leis.

Haak with his brothers Bodey and Mavryk and their dad, First Officer Ryan Mohr

Haak, wearing his mini pilot’s hat, had a smile pasted to his face as he high-fived well-wishers cheering in the terminal.

“He couldn’t wait to see tropical fish,” said Mohr. “We don’t have those in Minneapolis.” The fight’s not over. Haak’s type of cancer has a high relapse rate. But for now, he’s healthy. “He’s a survivor, at six-year’s old.”

Watch this video of Mohr’s onboard announcement:

Juneteenth: Why it’s important to learn from the past to create a better future #WeMustDoBetter

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

We continue to be heartbroken by the senseless deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery, Rayshard Brooks and too many others. Our CEO Brad Tilden shared thoughts on these tragic events through an open letter to our employees, which you can read here. 

At Alaska, we are currently conducting employee listening sessions with Brad and our President, Ben Minicucci, to inform both short- and long-term action plans to address racial equity within and beyond our company. Listening and learning are part of the journey. Talking about race isn’t easy, however, it is critical to learn about the history, experiences and perspectives of Black people in America. 

Last year, ABEA members, Alaska CEO Brad Tilden & employees celebrated Juneteenth.

This Friday, June 19, is a significant day to commemorate Juneteenth, the oldest-known tribute to the end of slavery in the United States. While slavery ended a long time ago, racism has not. 

Today, Alaska’s Business Resource Group, Air Group Black Employees, Allies and Advocates (ABEA) is hosting a virtual internal discussion with all Alaska and Horizon Air employees in recognition of Juneteenth in the hope of educating, engaging and uplifting our company. The virtual event will also feature guest speaker LeNesha DeBardelaben, who is the executive director of the Northwest African American Museum (NAAM) in Seattle and an African American Historian. 

In 2019, employees celebrated Juneteenth at the airport in Seattle.

“In order to know where we’re going, we need to understand where we’ve been,” said ABEA BRG leader, Sarah [pictured in middle of photo above]. “Our hope is that revisiting the struggles and resilience from the past will help increase understanding and help us gather strength for the road ahead.”

Watch video to hear ABEA members explain Juneteenth:

Pride month is here! #FlyWithPride with these virtual backgrounds

This year, we’re reimagining Pride in a whole new way by virtually celebrating throughout the entire month. There will be countless opportunities for you to get involved and show how you #FlyWithPride – all from the comfort of your home.

We may not be able to celebrate Pride in-person this year, but that won’t stop us from showing the LGBTQ community – as well as communities of color – our love and support as we stand together in solidarity during these trying times,” said Karen Wilkins-Mickey, director of diversity & inclusion. “As we watch the protests around the country unfold, it is a reminder that Pride parades started as protests led by trans people of color and they were the catalyst for why we have LGBTQ+ rights today. The LGBTQ+ community is made up of an intersectionality of people, so it is vital we stand in solidarity with black Americans and other communities of color. While we celebrate Pride month, we remember and honor those who fought before us and continue the conversations of equality.”

Celebrate Pride with these virtual backgrounds for your phone or computer.

Mobile backgrounds:

Make it your Zoom background in 3 easy steps:

  1. Download and save your favorite pictures from the blog.
  2. In Zoom, find the arrow next to the camera icon and click “choose virtual background” OR go to
  3. Preferences/Settings > Virtual Background. Upload the picture you downloaded! Ta-da! A Zoom with a view!

If you’re still having issues uploading a background, please visit the Zoom Help Center.

Make it your Microsoft Teams background in 3 easy steps:

  1. Download and save your favorite pictures from the blog.
  2. In a Teams meeting, turn on your video and look for the icon with 3 dots. Click the dotted icon to find “Show background effects.”
  3. At the top, under “Background Settings,” find and click on “+ Add new.” Upload the picture you downloaded & BAM! New colorful background to show your pride!

Read this article about using virtual backgrounds in Teams.

Alaska Airlines Offers Guests Next-Level Care, Cleanliness and Ease

 

We’ve thought through every single stage of your travels—from booking to boarding, and beyond—and implemented nearly 100 ways to keep you safe every time you fly with us.

Drawing on the expertise of the University of Washington Medical Center’s medical and infectious disease experts, Next-Level Care is our commitment to keeping you healthy and safe.

Here are some key things we’re doing to bring you Next-Level Care:

We’ve got you covered.

When you have to face the world, we want to make sure we’re all doing it safely—and with each other in mind.

PRE-TRAVEL & WELLNESS AGREEMENT

Before your flight, you can make your trip as smooth and contact-less as possible with the Alaska mobile app, where you can check-in for your flight, check the flight status and generate a mobile boarding pass. You can also print your bag tags (touchfree) using the app at airport kiosks.

Starting June 30 guests will be required to take a health agreement during check-in to verify that they haven’t exhibited COVID symptoms in the past 72 hours, didn’t travel with someone who is symptomatic and agree to bring and wear a mask.

MASKS + SANITIZER

Studies show wearing a mask on board can significantly reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. If you forgot your mask at home, we have them available upon request. Effective August 7, all Alaska guests will be required to wear a cloth mask or face covering over their nose and mouth (except for children under the age of two). Cloth masks or face coverings will be required on all flights, at ticket counters, throughout gate areas and in any other location where Alaska conducts business. Masks with valves, mesh material or holes of any kind will not be allowed. Guests who repeatedly refuse to wear a mask or face covering will be given a final warning—in the form of a yellow card—and may be suspended from flying with us for a period of time. If a passenger is unable to wear a mask or face covering for any reason, Alaska regretfully will be unable to provide them with travel. If you forgot yours, we have them available upon request.

We partnered with EO products to provide hand sanitizing wipes that are 99.9% effective at killing germs. At our airports, we’re rolling out additional hand-sanitizing stations in check-in lobbies and gate areas. 

HEPA FILTERS

We have one of the newest fleets in the country which means our planes have the latest air filtration technology. Our planes are equipped with two hospital-grade HEPA filters that remove 99.95% of airborne particulates. Our air filtration system cycles outside air on board every 2-3 minutes. Studies have shown due to the frequency of air recirculation, cabin air filtration is comparable to what’s found in hospitals. Be sure to open your personal air vent after you’re seated.

Personal safety

EXCEEDING CDC CLEANING GUIDELINES

Cleanliness has always been important to us, but the next level involves techniques that reduce the already low risk of onboard transmission.

Our cleaning team uses high-grade EPA disinfectant and electrostatic sprayers to clean critical areas of the plane. Learn more

GIVING YOU SPACE

At the airport, we’ve installed social distancing decals to remind people to ‘Mind Your Wingspan.’ The stickers, spanning 6 feet apart, help minimize crowding and promote distancing at ticketing counters, baggage drops, customer service centers and gate areas.

LIMITED ONBOARD SERVICE

Our food and beverage service on board has been reduced to limit interaction. We encourage you to bring your own food and your own water bottle to fill before you fly #FillBeforeYouFly. You’ll also notice we have removed all seatback contents, except for the safety card, to limit the spread of germs.

Our care is always there.

Besides keeping our planes clean, we’ve rolled out a host of “Peace of Mind” policies to give our guests flexibility and more options.


We’re offering change/cancellation fee waivers for travel and are extending travel credit expiration dates, lounge memberships and extending elite status into 2021, visit alaskaair.com for more details.

SUPPORTING OUR COMMUNITY

Employees in Lihue handle donations with care & nonstop gratitude

In partnership with the Alaska Airlines Foundation, Alaska Airlines continues to support the most vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19 and help local food banks across the country with our #MillionMealsChallenge.

We’re also partnering with organizations such as the Seattle Foundation and other local businesses to help our most economically vulnerable communities and deliver critical medical supplies. Learn more about how to get involved.

Learn more at alaskaair.com/NextLevelCare.

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

Related:

Loading...