Enhanced benefit: $99 Companion Fare now boarding on Hawaiian Airlines’ North America flights

Summary

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business cardholders can now use their Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America, including Hawaiʻi.

The enhanced benefit is another addition to our upcoming new, combined single loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.

You asked, we listened!

 

A benefit Alaska Airlines cardholders have been asking for is now available. Starting today, Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and Alaska Airlines Visa® Business1 cardholders can use their Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America, including the state of Hawaiʻi.

Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ is a cardholder benefit we introduced in the 1990s, which allows current cardholders to book a companion flight from just $122 ($99 base fare plus taxes and fees from $23) when purchased with their Alaska Visa Signature® or Alaska Visa® Business card. With the ability to use the Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America, there’s no better time than now to explore our expanded combined network with your favorite travel partner.

The companion fare is available annually at the cardholder’s card anniversary after a spend requirement, if applicable, and is valid on flights booked on alaskaair.com2 . For more information on the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card benefits, terms and conditions, visit this page.

This offering is just another step in our upcoming new, combined single loyalty program for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, which will continue to deliver the most generous benefits in the industry.

 

Here’s a recap of additions we’ve made to our loyalty program in the last year:

1 These credit card programs are issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Signature are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

2 Valid on Alaska Airlines and flights operated on behalf of Alaska Airlines by Horizon Air and SkyWest, and Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America. Not valid on codeshare flights.

Alaska Air Group announces webcast of second-quarter 2025 financial results

Summary

Join us on July 24, 2025 at 8:30 a.m. PT/11:30 a.m. ET for Alaska Air Group’s Q2 2025 analyst conference call.

Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc., Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2025 second quarter financial results at 11:30 a.m. EDT/ 8:30 a.m. PDT, Thursday, July 24, 2025. A webcast of the call will be available to the public at www.alaskaair.com/investors. An archive of the call will be posted on the website later that morning.

The company will file its second-quarter results and outlook after market close on Wednesday, July 23, 2025.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Alaska Airlines kicks off partnership with Seattle Reign FC

Summary

Alaska Airlines is the official and exclusive airline of Seattle Reign FC.

Alaska will partner with Reign FC to launch a new community program, donating miles to Reign FC’s RISE Purpose Platform community partners for each goal the team scores at home.

Fans can look forward to surprise experiences during Reign FC home matches throughout the remainder of the season, including exclusive seat upgrades, giveaways and chances to win travel rewards to explore Alaska’s list of growing global destinations.

Seattle Reign FC and Alaska Airlines announced today a new partnership, naming Seattle’s hometown airline the Official and Exclusive Airline of the club. This homegrown collaboration unites two iconic Seattle organizations with a shared commitment to community, equity and growing the global game.

We are thrilled to bring our two Seattle-based brands together in this partnership between Seattle Reign FC and Alaska Airlines, especially at a time when both organizations are entering exciting new eras. Alaska Airlines and its employees across Washington state have a long-standing commitment to making a positive impact in our communities, from environmental stewardship to advancing opportunities for women in aviation. Together, our shared dedication to serving our community, supporting our team and players, and growing women’s sports creates an incredible opportunity to build something truly special here in Seattle.”

– Maya Mendoza-Exstrom

Seattle Reign FC Chief Business Officer

Alaska Airlines will serve as the presenting sponsor of international call-ups, highlighting Reign players representing their countries on the world stage. The partnership will launch with storytelling and content campaigns celebrating these international achievements.

Fans can also look forward to surprise experiences during Reign FC home matches throughout the remainder of the season, including exclusive seat upgrades, giveaways and chances to win travel rewards to explore Alaska’s list of growing global destinations. Additionally, new programs launched by Alaska Airlines later this season will offer exciting ways for supporters to get rewarded.

As part of the partnership, Reign FC’s home match against San Diego Wave FC on August 29 will be presented by Alaska Airlines, showcasing the collaboration to fans and celebrating the shared commitment to growing the game and engaging the Seattle community.

Photos provided by Seattle Reign FC

Reflecting both organizations’ commitment to community impact, Reign FC and Alaska Airlines will also launch a new community program when Reign FC returns to league play in August. For every Reign goal scored at home through the rest of the season, Alaska Airlines will donate miles to benefit Reign FC’s RISE Purpose Platform community partners.

Additional partnership highlights include:

The 85ers™ at The Queen’s Match – Alaska Airlines will fly members of the 1985 U.S. Women’s National Team to Seattle for a historic celebration at Lumen Field on Monday, August 18 during The Queen’s Match.

Player Arrivals – Alaska Airlines will be the presenting partner for player arrivals on Reign FC matchdays, tapping into social content to reinforce the connection between world-class players and the hometown airline.

Expanded Visibility – Alaska Airlines will receive exclusive use of Reign FC’s club marks, along with extensive in-stadium, digital and broadcast visibility throughout the partnership and during the remaining home matches at Lumen Field.

Photos provided by Seattle Reign FC

“As Seattle’s hometown airline, we are thrilled to partner with Reign FC, a beloved local team and one of the most storied franchises in the NWSL. This partnership offers new opportunities to provide exciting new experiences to the Seattle community, while highlighting the importance of women’s sports.”

– Eric Edge

Vice President of Brand and Marketing, Alaska Airlines

As the No. 1 airline in Seattle with the most daily flights, Alaska offers over 100 nonstop destinations and more than 370 peak-day departures, including new flights to Tokyo and upcoming service to Seoul and Rome. This is in addition to Alaska’s combination with Hawaiian Airlines that is enabling an expanded network with optimal connections on 150 daily flights.

Seattle Reign FC and Alaska Airlines look forward to launching this partnership and delivering unforgettable experiences to fans across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

About Seattle Reign FC 

Seattle Reign FC was established in 2012 as a founding member of the National Women’s Soccer League. The fourteen-team NWSL is widely considered to be the most competitive women’s professional soccer league in the world. Over its first 11 seasons, the club captured the NWSL Shield three times, while making three appearances in the NWSL Championship and seven appearances in the NWSL postseason. Reign FC plays its home matches at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington and trains at Starfire Sports Complex in Tukwila, Washington. The club can be found on the web at www.reignfc.com and on social platforms @ReignFC.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines statement on the passage of the reconciliation bill

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines thank Congress for authorizing $12.5 billion to invest in crucial air traffic control infrastructure. This down payment recognizes the decades-long need for investment and is a first step in modernizing how we use U.S. air space for aviation safety, reliability, and efficiency. We look forward to working with Secretary Duffy, FAA leadership, and Congress on the next steps to fully transform to a system that keeps safety at the core while meeting the needs of travelers, cargo, and communities who rely on critical air service.

Alaska Airlines introduces fresh summer menu, perfect for your next adventure

Summary

Alaska Airlines is rolling out a fresh, locally sourced summer menu in First Class and Main Cabin, featuring vibrant West Coast flavors like Sweet Potato Hash Benedict, Lemon Pesto Gnocchi and a new Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap.

Alaska’s industry-leading pre-order program offers guests up to five fresh, chef-curated meal choices – including vegan and gluten-friendly options – in First Class flights as short as 670 miles.

Alaska Airlines is introducing a fresh, locally sourced seasonal menu this summer, bringing vibrant West Coast flavors to your tray table with complimentary First Class offerings and new for-purchase Main Cabin options. As guests take off on their summer adventures across Alaska’s expanded network, including new nonstop routes from San Diego to Phoenix and Portland to Houston, they can enjoy an inflight dining experience designed to match the premium care Alaska is known for.

In First Class, guests can now preorder our Sweet Potato Hash Benedict topped with Sriracha Hollandaise Sauce or try our Green Tea Pancakes served with a side of juicy chicken apple sausage. For lunch and dinner, we’re offering new options like Lemon Pesto Gnocchi and a Strawberry Burrata Salad. Each dish is crafted to bring the bright, fresh flavors of summer to your journey.

Alaska’s industry-leading pre-order program makes it easy for guests to reserve chef-curated meals up to two weeks before departure. We offer freshly prepared First Class meals on flights as short as 670 miles – well before other major airlines. As the U.S. airline with the most inflight dining options, guests can select from up to five fresh dishes, including at least one meal that is vegan and made without gluten ingredients, like our Coconut Chia Overnight Oats.

Our for-purchase Main Cabin menu is also ready for summer. Guests can now pre-order our new Sweet Chili Chicken Wrap available on select flights over 1,100 miles starting July 16, bringing a sweet-and-spicy kick to your journey. It joins our gluten friendly and vegan Best Laid Plants grain bowl, which debuted in May, in partnership with Evergreens™. We also just added our guest-favorite Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter to even more flights, now available on most routes 670 miles and longer. As a thank you to our MVP Gold 100k and Million Miler elites, meals are complimentary.

Remember to download the Alaska Airlines mobile app to pre-order your meal today. For Alaska’s summer menu available in First Class, Premium Class and Main Cabin, click here.

San Diego

Unlock Seattle to Seoul: A dream journey to remember

Summary

Bid now for a once-in-a-lifetime Seattle-to-Seoul experience, including an exclusive itinerary wrapped in luxury, culture and convenience.

Whether it’s VIP concerts, thrilling sports moments, gourmet getaways, or immersive cultural journeys, Mileage Plan™ Unlocked opens the door to unforgettable experiences.

Ready to turn your miles into memories? Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are taking your travel game to the next level with Mileage Plan™ Unlocked — a way for Mileage Plan™ and HawaiianMiles members to access unforgettable experiences that go far beyond the gate.

From exclusive concerts and sporting events to culinary adventures and cultural deep-dives, Mileage Plan™ Unlocked is your passport to the extraordinary. Whether you’re bidding on once-in-a-lifetime events or redeeming miles for curated experiences, this is travel – reimagined.

First stop: Seoul — in style

Here’s your chance to take part in a once-in-a-lifetime trip: the inaugural flight from Seattle (SEA) to Seoul (ICN) aboard Hawaiian Airlines’ brand-new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

The moment they step onboard Hawaiian’s 787-9, guests are immersed in an island-inspired design. The 34 Leihōkū (garland of stars) Suites feature lie-flat seating, an 18-inch in-flight entertainment screen, personal power outlets, wireless cell phone charging and direct aisle access. Set in a 1-2-1 configuration with doors, the suites offer privacy or a shared experience with combinable double suites, allowing couples to fall asleep while gazing at a starlit ceiling.

We’ve recently shared why autumn is the best time to visit Seoul — the mild temperatures and stunning fall foliage make it ideal for exploring the city’s famous parks and gardens.

“Mileage Plan™ Unlocked represents a new chapter in how we connect our members to the world. This program is about more than travel — it’s about creating meaningful, emotionally resonant experiences. Whether it’s the serenity of a traditional tea ceremony in Seoul or the refined comfort of a Dreamliner suite, every detail is designed to inspire and elevate.”

– Brett Catlin

Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances & Sales at Alaska Airlines

What’s included in this unmissable auction:

Round-trip Business Class flights from SEA to ICN (departing Sept. 12, returning Sept. 18)
A luxury city-view hotel stay
Private tea ceremony, guided city tours, art experiences and gourmet meals
Luxury transportation throughout your stay

This is more than a trip — it’s a cultural immersion wrapped in luxury and powered by your miles.

How to join the adventure:

The Alaska Lounge Membership program offers two options for guests to choose from:

Mileage Plan™ members: Start bidding now using your miles!
HawaiianMiles members: Simply transfer your miles to Mileage Plan™ to participate.

Auction closes July 20, 2025, at 11:50 p.m. PST — don’t miss your chance to unlock Seoul in style.

Experience more with Mileage Plan™ Unlocked

This is just the beginning. With Mileage Plan™ Unlocked, your miles can take you to the front row, backstage or behind the scenes of the world’s most exciting events. Learn more about the program and start dreaming bigger.

Together we soar: Celebrating Pride with communities across our network

Summary

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has kicked off Pride celebrations alongside communities across our network, featuring dance parties with live DJs and special appearances by Paju Munro and Jada Slayy.

Want to join the fun? Our Pride festivities will continue throughout the year, with more vibrant opportunities to support this global celebration of unity.

At Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, care comes in all colors! We see every interaction with our guests and the communities we serve as an opportunity to reaffirm our dedication to safety, inclusion and authenticity — and we believe that when we are together, we soar.

These shared values take on even more significance during Pride Month. As longtime supporters of Pride events across our network, our support for the LGBTQ+ community is unwavering. At this year’s Seattle and San Francisco Pride parades, hundreds of our employees sang, danced and waved flags and fans alongside our aviation-inspired floats, which featured a live DJ and drag performers Paju Munro (in San Francisco) and Jada Slayy (in Seattle).

Our employees also joined hands and showed off their colors at Pride festivities in Guadalajara (June 14) and Anchorage (June 28), inviting others to join a global celebration of unity.

Check out these colorful highlights from the 2025 Seattle Pride Parade:

Don’t miss these fabulous moments from the 2025 San Francisco Pride Parade:

We’re invested in being an airline our guests and employees love — and that begins with celebrating our values and connecting with the communities we serve. Want to join the fun? Our Pride celebrations will continue in San Diego (July 19), Portland (July 20), Boise (Sept. 7), Las Vegas (Oct. 10), Honolulu (Oct. 18), Phoenix (Oct. 19) and Palm Springs (Nov. 9).

 

See you there!

Alaska Airlines announces two new vice presidents in key workforce roles

Summary

Joe Wonderly has been elected vice president of labor relations.

Allen Thieman has been promoted to vice president of inflight.

The Alaska Airlines board of directors has placed two leaders in vice president roles to oversee critical employee groups. These appointments place trusted leaders at the helm during a dynamic time in the integration between the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines workforces.

The leaders and their new roles, effective July 7, are:

  • Joe Wonderly, who has been elected vice president of labor relations;
  • Allen Thieman, who will be promoted to vice president of inflight.

Joe Wonderly – Vice President of Labor Relations

As Alaska Airlines’ vice president of labor relations, Wonderly will lead the company’s labor strategy and engagement across all represented workgroups. 85% of Alaska’s employees are represented by five labor unions. 

As Alaska Airlines combines with Hawaiian Airlines, Wonderly will play a key role in ensuring that the company’s approach to labor relations remains thoughtful, transparent, and grounded in shared values. Wonderly will help oversee the joint collective bargaining process as the unions for both airlines negotiate new, shared contracts.

This appointment underscores Alaska’s commitment to investing in people and partnerships as it grows into a global carrier. Alaska’s labor relations team prioritizes conducting fair negotiations, timely implementation of collectively bargained agreements, and building trust through authentic communication and respectful collaboration.

Wonderly brings more than a decade of experience in labor and employment law, including four years at Alaska Airlines. From 2019 to 2023, he served as Senior Corporate Counsel supporting both Alaska and Horizon Air on labor and employment matters. Most recently, he was a partner at Seyfarth Shaw in Seattle, where he advised clients on collective bargaining and labor strategy. Wonderly holds a J.D. from Boston University School of Law and a B.A. in History from Seattle University.

Joe’s thoughtful approach to labor relations aligns with Alaska’s longstanding philosophy: that strong, respectful relationships with labor partners are essential to delivering a safe, caring, and reliable experience for both our people and our guests.

– Constance von Muehlen

Chief Operating Officer

Allen Thieman – Vice President of Inflight

As Alaska Airlines’ vice president of inflight and once we reach a single operating certificate (SOC), Thieman will lead strategy and operations for our combined Inflight team and Flight Attendants for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. Thieman will oversee a team of nearly 10,000 flight attendants – the airline’s largest workgroup – ensuring the safety, care and service guests have come to know from Alaska and Hawaiian remains industry-leading. Thieman will succeed Matt Prainito who is taking a leadership role supporting the integration of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.

With 20 years of airline experience, Thieman previously served as the Managing Director of Inflight Crew Scheduling and Operations in California and most recently has been leading the Hawaiian Airlines Crew Scheduling team in Honolulu.

Thieman received a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Business Administration from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and a Master of Science in Management from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining Alaska, Allen held leadership roles of increasing responsibility, including director of inflight services and director of inflight planning & administration – eventually becoming the vice president of flight crew planning and administration at another carrier. There he worked closely with the flight attendant union to successfully implement the airline’s first collective bargaining agreement. Allen started his career as a gate agent and subsequently spent six years as a flight attendant prior to his time in leadership.

Allen is a career long inflight professional and has been instrumental in our on-going integration with Hawaiian Airlines. He consistently embodies the mindset of ‘See it. Own it. Change it.’ and is a trusted leader among his peers and the teams he supports. We’re excited for Allen to continue his leadership as we transform into a global carrier.

– Constance von Muehlen

Chief Operating Officer

Stress-proof your family vacation with these premium travel tips

Family looking out window at Alaska Airlines aircraft

Summary

Planning your family vacation? Begin your journey with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, where streamlined services and add-ons help you spend less time managing logistics and more on making memories.

Families traveling with us enjoy premium upgrades, family-friendly services and thoughtful planning tools to ensure smooth, low-stress travel experiences for every summer vacation.

Summer is in full swing, and those long-anticipated family getaways you’ve been planning are approaching faster than expected. Whether you’re jetting off to explore Hawaiʻi’s national parks and rich culture, reconnect with friends and relatives across the country, or finally take that dream trip to Disney, traveling with little ones can feel daunting — but it doesn’t have to.

Rest assured that Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have you covered, no matter where you’re jetting off to this summer. Parents can set their future selves up for success by taking advantage of our premium upgrades, add-ons and exclusive offerings — ensuring a hassle-free experience that lets them focus on what truly matters: creating lifelong memories with family.

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Book smart for smoother skies ahead

A well-organized schedule and added flexibility are every busy parent’s best friend. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ combined network was built to offer well-timed flight options to help every kind of traveler – even our youngest ones – enjoy more seamless connectivity.

Flying from the Bay Area to the beautiful beaches of Kīhei, Maui? There’s a direct flight for that.Heading to Orlando via Honolulu to see Mickey and Minnie? A one-stop itinerary can get you there.

Worried about seating? Children under 13 are always seated with at least one parent or adult booked on the same reservation, regardless of class of service and at no extra cost.

Need to change plans due to illness? No problem — we don’t have change fees, giving families the flexibility they need.

Embrace pre-boarding peace at our Lounges

Airport lounges can be a sanctuary amidst the hustle and bustle of the airport rush. Our Lounges offer a calm, family-inclusive environment where every kind of traveler can unwind before boarding.

Skip the airport meltdown and opt for pre-boarding peace with food and beverage bars, complimentary Wi-Fi, quiet zones and comfortable furniture – perfect for reading and coloring.

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Give the family more room to roam

The time will come when you can sit back, take a deep breath and stretch out your legs as you thank yourself for upgrading to our more legroom. Extra space, early boarding* and priority access to overhead bins are offered to those who opt for Hawaiian Airlines’ Extra Comfort and Alaska Airlines’ Premium Class – the best option for families who want an upgrade to their inflight experience while staying on budget.

If you’re ready for a more premium experience, consider First Class, where priority boarding, free checked bags and chef-driven menus give you a head start on any holiday.

* Families with children under two can board early, regardless of their seat location, giving parents extra time to get their family settled and ready for their flight.

Sidestep snack-time stress and pre-order meals

Did you know that on Alaska Airlines, you can preorder meals for the whole family before your flight? Meals can be reserved ahead of time via the Alaska Airlines app or website up to 20 hours before takeoff. Consider the Kid’s Choice Picnic Pack or the fan-favorite Jetsetter’s Jam. (Imagine smooth cashew butter and tart strawberry jam sandwiched between flaky croissant bread, paired with fresh fruit and a slice of Tillamook cheddar cheese. Yum!)

Families flying Hawaiian Airlines can contact reservations to request a kids’ meal at least 48 hours before departure. Complimentary meals are also offered on all transpacific flights.

If bellies are still rumbling, island-inspired treats are available for purchase on Hawaiian Airlines’ Pau Hana Snack Cart, as well as signature picnic packs on Alaska Airlines.

Sidestep snack-time stress and pre-order meals
Keep the kids happy and entertained

Keep the kids happy and entertained

Plug in and unwind with complimentary coloring books and inflight entertainment, featuring more than 1,000 movies and TV episodes. Enjoy over 110 titles suitable for all ages, including “Spidey and His Amazing Friends,” “CoComelon” and “Baby Shark” for little ones, and “Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai” and “Gravity Falls” for older kids.

We also offer internet across the majority of our combined fleet – including free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi, available on most Hawaiian Airlines flights – so your family can stream their favorite content. Just bring each family member’s smartphone or tablet and let the kids dive in while you sit back and relax.

T-Mobile customers also enjoy free Wi-Fi on Alaska Airlines flights, depending on your plan.

Pack your bags like a pro

If packing isn’t your finest skill, we’ve got you covered. Consider packing advice from a Hawaiian Airlines employee and practical tips on how to pack a carry-on like a pro.

Traveling with a stroller or car seat? Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will check them free of charge.

Booked your vacation with your Alaska Airlines Visa® Signature credit card? Enjoy peace of mind before you check in with one free checked bag for you and up to six guests on your reservation.

Pack your bags like a pro

A seamless security solution – coming to an Alaska Airlines hub near you

Summary

Following launches in Atlanta (ATL) and Washington D.C. (DCA) earlier this year, Alaska is bringing the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program to our guests departing select hub airports, starting with Seattle on June 26, followed by Los Angeles on July 8 and Portland on July 10.

Building on our work to streamline the airport experience, Touchless ID can help guests speed through the TSA line. 

Whether you’re enjoying the beautiful terminal at Portland International Airport with our cutting-edge technology or waiting patiently for Seattle Tacoma International Airport’s new lobby to arrive, it’s no secret that Alaska Airlines is making your airport experience quicker, more seamless and just plain better.

The latest development in our digital identity journey is about to land at our hub airports thanks to our advocacy with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Following launches in Atlanta (ATL) and Washington D.C. (DCA) earlier this year, Alaska is bringing the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program to our guests departing select hub airports, starting with Seattle on June 26, followed by Los Angeles on July 8 and Portland on July 10.

Using Touchless ID is going to be a gamechanger for our guests as they navigate our hub airports. No longer needing to juggle a boarding pass and physical ID means our guests can breeze through security with just their face.”

– Charu Jain

Senior Vice President of Innovation and Merchandising, Alaska Airlines

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Streamlining the guest experience

At Alaska, we want our guests’ travel experience to be as seamless as possible, from the time they book a ticket to when they touch down at their destination. It’s why we are reimagining airport lobbies with innovative technologies like electronic bag tags and automated bag drops, and why we partnered with TSA to bring Touchless ID to Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID and how do I use it?

Touchless ID is a program operated by the TSA in partnership with select airlines that allows guests to verify their identity with just their face – no physical ID needed. This technology can be used to get through airport security more easily; it will also be available at our automated bag drop for a faster lobby experience later this year.

Who is eligible?

Participation is optional, but we encourage everyone who qualifies to consider trying it out. It could add a few precious minutes to enjoy a Lounge before boarding. To be eligible, you must have a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN) from, for example, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry – and an eligible passport saved to your profile.

How do I opt in?

Participation is optional and requires an explicit opt-in to use biometric data for identity verification. Guests who are eligible and want to opt-in must sign up using their Mileage Plan account. Once your passport number and KTN are listed in the travel documents section of your profile, you can opt-in to the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program.

Once you have opted in, an updated Touchless Identity icon will be added to your electronic boarding pass whenever you are traveling through an eligible airport. Airport security line monitors will look for this icon to allow you to enter the dedicated Touchless ID line. Look for the signage to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID® security checkpoint at participating airports. 

Guests may opt out at any time. 

How does this work with REAL ID?

Touchless ID users still need to have REAL ID compliant identification on hand, in case a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, but it can remain in your pocket or bag unless you are asked to provide it.

What about the security of my information?

The safety and security of our guests is our foundational value, and it informs all our digital identity efforts. Touchless ID is a program run through the TSA, and they manage all data related to its usage. For more information about the safety of your data when participating in this program, click here.

Aviation Day: where future aviators learn how to take wing

Summary

This weekend, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air wrapped up their annual Aviation Day events in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.

With nearly 4000 participants and over 600 volunteers in attendance across the three cities, Aviation Day provides local youth with the opportunity to learn about careers in aviation, interact with our employees across the business, and get hands-on experience with aircraft.

This weekend marked the conclusion of our 17th year hosting Aviation Day events, including a strong second year in San Francisco. Each year, Aviation Day draws thousands of children and teens in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco to explore careers at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and our many partners. The events provide the chance to see our aircraft up close and meet both our amazing employees and representatives from places like the FAA, local fire departments, fuel companies, and airports. Including the pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and so many others, we are grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make these events possible.

“You never know how a single moment of exposure could change the trajectory of someone’s life. At its core, Aviation Day is about inspiring the next generation; whether we are helping attendees see themselves in aviators who look like them, sparking curiosity with hands-on, interactive experiences, or teaching them about the wide variety of careers in aviation. For many students, this is a transformational moment and a glimpse into careers they may not have known existed.”

– Captain Kim Gabrelcik

Director, Base Chief Pilot at San Francisco International Airport, Alaska Airlines

Here are some visual highlights from this year’s events:

Nick Vanni (second from left) credits Aviation Day as a pivotal inspiration in his path to becoming a pilot. Today, Nick works as a customer service agent for Horizon Air and is enrolled in our Ascend Pilot Development Program.

Horizon Air Captain Allen Guttormson started the airline’s flight operations virtual reality program. In addition to his work at Aviation Day, Allen is instrumental in bringing in youth groups to experience VR pilot training throughout the year.

John Beadle (pictured left), a longtime captain at Horizon Air, has been flying a helicopter to our Aviation Day in Portland for 6 years. His son, Jake, (pictured right), is currently enrolled in our Pilot Development Program, and has joined his father in helping inspire the next generation of aviators.

Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ helps hero donor reach his 50th state

Summary

Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ and a partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, Vinton Smith was able to complete his 50-state blood donation journey on World Blood Donor Day.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with 60 employees, also rolled up their sleeves to donate blood — joining the lifesaving effort at a time of year when donations typically run low.

On June 14, World Blood Donor Day, Vinton Smith completed his nearly two decade mission of donating blood in all 50 states.

Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel,’ the Pennsylvania resident and his family flew to Hawai‘i for his final donation. Alaska provided roundtrip flights and hotel accommodations for Vinton, his wife, and their two children from Baltimore to Honolulu — turning his final stop into a meaningful family journey and a powerful reminder that one selfless act can touch an entire community.

Last summer, Alaska flew Vinton to Anchorage, where he donated blood in the 49th state at the Blood Bank of Alaska. In recognition of the critical need for blood donations, the airline also contributed $10,000 to support the organization’s vital work across the state.

Photos by Kane Andrade

Alaska also provided a hotel stay for Vinton’s mother, who first inspired him to become a blood donor as a young boy, so she could witness her son complete his extraordinary mission. On World Blood Donor Day, Vinton was proudly joined by his mother, his wife, and their two children — who also stepped forward to donate blood. It was a powerful moment of compassion and legacy, as three generations came together in support of a lifesaving cause.

 

“As a young boy, I vividly remember both of my parents donating blood. At 17, I became a donor myself, and since then, I’ve donated blood 139 times and platelets 45 times for a total of 239 units of whole blood, platelets or plasma,” said Vinton. “I’m incredibly grateful to Alaska for offering my family and me the ‘Gift of Travel,’ but also for providing me with a platform to share the powerful message of this life-saving act of kindness. Donating blood doesn’t just save lives — it brings hope and comfort to those in need and their families, reminding us of the incredible difference we can make in each other’s lives.”

“Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of joining Vinton on this heartwarming journey and witnessing the impact he’s made—not just through his blood donations, but through the way he shares his story to inspire others to give. It’s an honor to help him reach this milestone and celebrate the generosity that defines both his mission and our values.”

– Daniel Chun

Regional Vice President of Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with approximately 60 employees, took part in the crucial cause by giving blood. On June 12, the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i sent a donor vehicle to the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has a longstanding partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i a HawaiianMiles charity organization to ensure the timely and regular transport of blood supply across the islands.

“We are grateful for the vital role Hawaiian Airlines plays in Hawai‘i’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that neighbor island residents can both contribute to and rely on a stable, statewide blood supply. No other airline enables the consistent interisland transport of blood the way Hawaiian Airlines Cargo does. Mahalo to both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their partnership in helping save lives across our state,” said Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen, CEO of Blood Bank of Hawai‘i.

The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i thanked donors on World Blood Donor Day with a free t-shirt and gift card for joining Vinton on his lifesaving mission.

To help drive participation leading up to June 14, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to offer a special incentive: anyone who donated blood at any of BBH’s fixed locations through June 8 was entered into a sweepstakes to win one of two pairs of roundtrip tickets to any Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines destination in North America or Hawai‘i. The winners were announced on World Blood Donor Day.

Longs Hawaii also rallied behind the lifesaving mission by honoring the first 100 donors at the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i’s two fixed locations with $5 gift cards. 7-Eleven Hawai‘i proudly joined the celebration, offering Slurpee® coupons, Li Hing Mango snacks and refreshing 7-Eleven Hawai‘i Green Tea and Coffee. These generous contributions reflect the spirit of aloha and the community’s united commitment to supporting those who step up to give the gift of life.

How to donate

Blood levels continue to be at critically low levels. Healthy individuals are encourage to schedule an appointment at their local blood bank. In Honolulu, you may schedule an appointment at bbh.org or by calling (808) 848-4745. The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i has several mobile locations as well as the following fixed locations:

Young Street Donor Center: 1907 Young Street Honolulu; (808) 848-4770; Open 6:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Waikele Center: 94-849 Lumiaina St, Waipahu; (808) 848-4770;  Open 7 am – 3 pm

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