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Alaska is the most fuel-efficient airline for 7th year, also lands on Dow Jones Sustainability Index

Alaska Airlines ranks No. 1 in fuel efficiency for U.S. airlines for the 7th consecutive year.

Alaska led all 13 major U.S. carriers as the most fuel-efficient airline operating in the United States in 2015 and 2016, according to a report released today by the International Council on Clean Transportation, an independent, nonprofit research organization based in Washington, D.C.

“Alaska burns about 13 percent less fuel (per passenger mile) than the industry average, it’s a profitable airline, and it’s done this for seven years running,” said Naya Olmer, lead author of the study.

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Weekend trip: Los Angeles to Liberia, Costa Rica

By Jess Dale (instagram.com/jess.wandering)
and Quin Schrock (instagram.com/everchanginghorizon)

The hike to the Oropendola waterfall is short, fun, and photogenic. It’s one of the only waterfalls we visited that allowed swimming, so don’t forget your suit!

When I was 6 years old I was obsessed with bugs. I picked up this interest from my friend’s dad. He was an entomologist, and would travel all over the world collecting insects. After one trip in particular he came back with tales of lush forests, neon blue waterfalls, white sand beaches, and a stunning array of biodiversity. And thus, a new obsession started – Costa Rica. I checked out every book in the library, cut out pictures from my parents’ magazines, and put it at the top of my list of places I would visit when I grew up.

But it wasn’t until Quin contacted me about doing the Weekend Wanderer program with him in Costa Rica, that my childhood dream became a reality. We left from Los Angeles and took Alaska Airlines’ new direct flight to Liberia, picked up our car, and hit the road! Flying into Liberia put us near Costa Rica’s vibrant rain forests, numerous National Parks, and beautiful waterfalls.

Our goal was to see as many as possible during our stay!

Shop: Flights to Costa Rica

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Local Wanderer: Raleigh, North Carolina

By Chana Lynn, RaleighWhatsUp 

Raleigh is an incredible city to live, work and play – and also to visit!

Raleigh is a creative and closely connected city. Like many other cities, Raleigh and the surrounding Triangle area are currently experiencing a lot of growth these last few years, and it’s exciting to be a part of it.

Raleigh is home to many world-class technology companies and universities, NHL and elite college athletics, several incredible museums, a fast rising destination food scene with award-winning chefs, fantastic coffee shops and plenty of amazing local breweries. I’d say we are pretty lucky to live here!

On my blog, RaleighWhatsUp, I enjoy sharing and highlighting lots of amazing local places in Raleigh and beyond to dine, drink, listen, shop and explore. I’ve put together a few of my favorite destinations in Raleigh but plan a visit and decide for yourself! Shop for flights to Raleigh.

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Alaska Airlines to put limits on ‘smart bags’ starting Jan. 15

Alaska Airlines will put limits on “smart bags” starting early next year.

As of Jan. 15, any bag powered with a lithium battery or lithium battery power bank will need to follow these requirements:

  • Smart bags will be allowed as carry-on baggage, if they meet carry-on size limits and if it’s possible to remove the battery from the bag if needed.
  • If the bag will fly as a checked bag, the battery must be removed and the battery must be carried in the cabin.
  • If it’s not possible to remove the battery from the bag, the bag won’t be allowed on the plane.

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A note to our guests about sexual misconduct

By Andrea “Andy” Schneider
Alaska Airlines vice president of People

I am writing today to address a recent situation involving an alleged sexual harassment incident on board one of our aircraft.

This report is very disturbing. We take it extremely seriously and have launched a thorough investigation. The safety and well-being of our guests and employees is our number one priority. We want our guests to feel safe. As a company, we have zero tolerance for any type of misconduct that creates an unsafe environment for our guests and our employees.

Our aim is to create an environment where guests and employees alike feel protected and empowered, and where our guests have a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

As a company with strong values and a deep commitment to our guests and our employees, we will do our part to find solutions to a pervasive societal problem. We are driven to learn continuously, to lead, and to do the right thing.

In the weeks ahead, we will be working with guests, employees, union partners, and other leaders to review and strengthen our approach to preventing, identifying, and addressing these important issues.

Weekend trip: Albuquerque

By Katie Dillon, La Jolla Mom

If Albuquerque isn’t on your sightseeing to-do list, it should be.

The largest city in New Mexico is a neat fusion of multiple cultures and influences from Native American pueblos to Route 66 to computers and rocketry. As a result of this and its location, Albuquerque is home to a very unique and mouthwatering food culture. It also has, in addition to some surprisingly-excellent museums, a lot of outdoor activities beyond hot air ballooning.

Alaska Airlines flies direct to Albuquerque from San Francisco, San Diego, Orange County, Seattle and Portland.

Ready to go? Shop for flights to Albuquerque.

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Alaska Airlines partners with WSU to add flights between Seattle and Pullman during key dates

Alaska Airlines is excited to announce additional flights between Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for those times when Cougars want them most.

In partnership with Washington State University, Alaska is adding flights during the school’s start to the spring semester in early January, and during dates around WSU’s spring break in March.

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How to maximize your Alaska Airlines companion fare

Among the most popular benefits of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card is the annual companion fare. This is a discounted fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22) that can be used on just about any Alaska Airlines or Virgin America itinerary. Cardholders also enjoy a free checked bag for themselves and up to six other passengers (so a total of seven) in their reservation, triple miles on Alaska purchases, and one mile for every dollar spent on everyday purchases.

There are many ways to maximize the value of the companion fare and potentially save hundreds of dollars on air travel each year.
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CEOs of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines fly 1929 plane that has historical ties to both companies

Two aviation geeks met up last week to fly an old plane.

That usually wouldn’t be noteworthy, except the pilots just happened to be Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden and Hawaiian Airlines CEO Mark Dunkerley.

And this exact aircraft – a 1929 Bellanca CH-300 Pacemaker, tail number NC251M – has historical ties to both airlines.

Nearly 90 years ago, this was the first aircraft in Hawaiian’s fleet. A few years after that, the plane was brought to the state of Alaska and served in the fleet that would become Alaska Airlines.

It’s a special connection between two pioneering airlines named for states that are uniquely reliant on air travel. And it made for a fun flight for a couple of guys who are crazy about airplanes.

“This was the first airplane that Hawaiian carried customers in, and one of the first airplanes that Alaska carried customers in,” Tilden said. “I could not have been more honored to fly the airplane alongside Mark.”

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With $100,000 donation, Alaska Airlines supports 10 Hawaii nonprofits

To celebrate 10 years of flying to the Islands, Alaska Airlines has given $100,000 to 10 nonprofits in Hawaii – $10,000 each.

“Hawaii has a special relationship with Alaska Airlines. During the Great Recession, the airline provided a U.S. West Coast connection and a much-needed boost to our economy,” said Hawaii Gov. David Ige. “Ten years later, it’s the number one carrier from that market, and its passengers contribute over $2 billion to the state’s economy each year. But the bond goes beyond the economic impact. Alaska Airlines is part of our ohana and our shared values. We look forward to a long and productive future together.”

The Alaska Airlines Foundation provided the $10,000 grants to the 10 organizations during a community reception Monday at The Royal Hawaiian in Waikiki. See the list of nonprofits below.

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The magic of mezcal: 7 cocktails to try in Mexico City

Ah, mezcal – tequila’s smoky sister.

Mezcal is derived from various types of agave and is known for its smoky flavor. It’s just something you must drink when you visit Mexico City.

You’ll find extensive mezcal collections and incredible mezcal cocktails throughout the bars here, and I enjoyed drinking my way through as many of them as I could on a recent visit. You dont want to miss these mezcal cocktails when you’re in Mexico City!

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Travel Alert: Winter weather expected to impact some flights in Seattle on Sunday

Wintry weather is expected to continue with forecasts showing snow beginning early Sunday morning and continuing through midday.

In anticipation of this weather event, Alaska Airlines has canceled 25 flights in and out of Seattle between 6 a.m. and noon Sunday, Nov. 5.

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