From up top to the tap: Alaska Airlines pulls off ultimate beer run in multiple states

October 7, 2022
Community
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

This fall, Alaska Air Cargo delivered the industry’s first and biggest fresh hops run to breweries in Maui and Anchorage within 24 hours of harvest—this was a huge logistical hop-eration that brought a favorite seasonal beer beyond the Pacific Northwest.

Made from fresh-plucked, undried hops that are typically rushed straight from the fields to the breweries—Alaska went further than any U.S. Commercial airline has before by delivering more than 1,200 pounds of fresh hops to Maui Brewing Co. in Hawaii and 49th State Brewing in Alaska.

This is a potential game-changer for the craft beer industry,” says Adam Drouhard, Alaska Air Cargo managing director, noting that Washington state grows almost three-quarters of the U.S. hop crop. “This puts a Northwest agricultural product in places that don’t normally get it. With the size and scope we have in Seattle, we are really positioned to own this.”

How we made fresh hops fly.

It all started with a deep appreciation of fresh hops beer and connecting the dots that Alaska Airlines could be the key to sharing it with the world.

Jake Spotts, postal affairs manager on our cargo team, has tried beers all over the world during his 20-year Air Force career—but says there’s nothing better than the taste of fresh hops during harvest. Packed with unique floral flavor, fresh hop beers are usually made during the late-summer harvest by breweries located near farms in Washington, Oregon and other places in the Northwest.

Spotts thought that because of our decades of expertise shipping perishable products like fresh Alaska salmon, we could find a way to ship fresh hops to breweries outside the Northwest. Something that hadn’t been done by a U.S. airline on a commercial scale—until now.

Farm-to-glass collaboration.

Craft brewers thrive on collaboration, and when the opportunity came to ship a large volume of fresh hops out of state, Yakima-based Bale Breaker Brewing Company helped us get the idea off the vine.

The brewers at Bale Breaker, Maui Brewing Co. and 49th State worked together on beer recipes to highlight the hops’ fresh flavor, and coordinated logistics with the Alaska Air Cargo team and Yakima Chief Hops, a grower-owned organization that distributes hops for more than 50 farms across the Northwest.

“Scalability of shipping fresh hops has really been the challenge to overcome because you only have about 24 hours from harvest before the hops start to degrade.”
– Bryan Pierce, Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Yakima Chief Hops.

To keep the hops fresh throughout their journey, the harvest was timed perfectly so that the just-picked hops could be bagged onsite at Loftus Ranches, one of Yakima’s longest running family-owned hop farms and the site of Bale Breaker Brewing.

From there, they were loaded into refrigerated trucks and driven to the Alaska Air Cargo offices at Sea-Tac International Airport just in time to load onto the aircraft. More than 1,200 pounds of hops were shipped nonstop to the brewers.

On Maui and in Anchorage, the brewers were ready to add the fresh hops to the “boil” – the first stage in beer – as soon as they arrived.

“When we added the fresh hops, it smelled amazing!” said Kim Brisson-Lutz, Maui Brewing Co.’s Vice President of Operations. “Making beer is a culinary art, and we’re all about making these ingredients really shine.”

“Using Alaska Air Cargo, we can guarantee the supply chain all the way from field to the kettle,” said David McCarthy, co-founder of 49th State Brewing. “Aficionados of beer are really looking for this flavor, and we’re excited we can now make the freshest beer in Anchorage and the whole Alaska market.”

Raise a glass of liquid gold.

This month, Alaska Lounge members and guests will have the chance to sip and savor fresh hop beers from the three breweries in this collaboration at our Lounges in Seattle, Portland and Anchorage airports.

Try them while you can; these unique brews will only be available in our lounges until they run out. ICYMO, all three breweries are located where we fly.

Bale Breaker Brewing Company Yakima, WA

The beers: Homegrown Fresh Hop IPA and Citra Slicker Wet Hop IPA

Where to try them:

• On draft at Alaska Lounges in Sea-Tac International Airport in North Satellite and Concourse C. And at our Lounge in Portland International Airport.

• On draft and in 16-ounce can 4-packs at Bale Breaker Brewery in Yakima on Loftus Ranches, the Smith family-owned hop farm is also celebrating its 90th anniversary this year – just like us!

• On draft and in 16-ounce can 4-packs in Seattle’s Ballard Brewing District, as well as throughout Bale Breaker’s distribution footprint in Washington, Oregon and Idaho. Use the beer finder on their website to locate their fresh hops near you.

49th State Brewing Anchorage, AK

The beer: Freshial Delivery Hazy Fresh Hop IPA

Where to try it:

• On draft at the Alaska Lounge in Anchorage International Airport.

• On draft and in 16-ounce can 4-packs at 49^th State Brewing downtown in Anchorage and at select liquor stores and restaurants across the state of Alaska.

Hops flown: 454 pounds

Kegs brewed: Equivalent of 60 kegs (split between different sizes of kegs and cans)

Maui Brewing Co. Kihei, Maui

The beer: Hop Cargo Fresh Hop IPA

Where to try it:

• Coming soon on draft to Alaska’s North Satellite Lounge in Sea-Tac International Airport.

• Coming soon on draft to Maui Brewing Co. in Kihei, Maui.

Hops flown: 833 pounds

Kegs brewed: Equivalent of 140 kegs

Links to B-Roll video and still images.

Denise Clifton contributed to this story. Photos and video by Ingrid Barrentine.

Alaska Airlines’ newest partner, Air Tahiti Nui, launches new service to islands of Tahiti

October 5, 2022
Global Travel
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

South Pacific airline now flies nonstop between Seattle and French Polynesia; Alaska Mileage Plan members can earn and redeem miles for flights and purchase tickets online.

Alaska Airlines joined Air Tahiti Nui, our newest global airline partner, to celebrate the inaugural nonstop flight today between our hometown airport in Seattle and Papeete – the capital of French Polynesia located on Tahiti, its main island. From the heart of the islands of Tahiti, the possibilities are endless for escapes to additional amazing nearby destinations, including Bora Bora and Moorea.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan members earn miles on Air Tahiti Nui flights, and can redeem miles or purchase tickets for Air Tahiti Nui flights directly on alaskaair.com. A codeshare partnership between the two airlines allows passengers to travel from nearly 100 cities across Alaska’s network through Seattle and onward to Tahiti. Air Tahiti Nui is operating the seasonal flights twice a week between Seattle and Papeete. It’s the only nonstop connecting the Pacific Northwest to the South Pacific.

“Just as the weather begins to turn in the Pacific Northwest, our guests can now chase the warm sun all the way to Tahiti with a convenient nonstop flight from Seattle on Air Tahiti Nui,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances.

“Air Tahiti Nui is a terrific new global airline partner for us, further connecting the West Coast to the South Pacific with world-class service and amenities on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner planes,” says Pieper. “With so much beauty, Tahiti is truly an aspirational destination.”

New Air Tahiti Nui service:

Starts	City Pair	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Oct. 4, 2022	Papeete – Seattle	10:00 p.m.	10:25 a.m. +1 day	Tues, Sat	787-9
Oct. 5, 2022	Seattle – Papeete	12:40 p.m.	7:10 p.m.	Wed, Sun	787-9

SCROLL RIGHT FOR DETAILS >> All times local

Our guests have additional terrific flight options with our newest partner. They can also redeem miles and purchase tickets on alaskaair.com for Air Tahiti Nui’s daily nonstop service between Papeete and Los Angeles – another key hub for Alaska. Plus, there’s continuing service between Tahiti and Auckland, New Zealand on Air Tahiti Nui. There’s another flight for our guests to get excited about: nonstop service between Los Angeles and Paris provided by Air Tahiti Nui.

“With this new service, Air Tahiti Nui becomes the first and only carrier offering direct flights connecting the South Pacific and the Pacific Northwest,” said Michel Monvoisin, CEO of Air Tahiti Nui. “It’s a chance for North American travelers to discover the beauty of the 118 Islands of Tahiti, including Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea and Rangiroa, which serve as the background to the many wonders to discover, landscapes to explore and memories to create.”

Learn more

It’s Customer Service Week: Get to know some of our legendary employees who set the bar when it comes to care

October 3, 2022
Company
Alaska Airlines
12 min read

We’re celebrating Customer Service Week and the tremendous care our employees show our guests, communities and each other every single day. Whether you’re planning, landing, taking off or touching down, we’re here to take care of you and keep you safe—every mile of the way.

From reservations to customer service agents, ground service to flight crews, and everyone in between and behind the scenes, Alaska and Horizon Air reserve an award for employees who take customer service to the next level.

The Customer Service Legend Award is the highest honor at Alaska Airlines. This year, 18 employees were named Customer Service Legends. Together, this group has a combined 500 years of experience with our airline. To date, 368 employees have been inducted into this hall of fame since it began in 1991.

The real strength of Alaska Airlines is the people who work here, and we celebrated 18 of our very best people at our annual Legends award ceremony. This is my favorite day of the year because we get to recognize the people who care so much for our guests and do so much for our company,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines’ president and CEO.

Bill Shivers

 “A three-day trip with Bill is always a pleasure and a lot of fun. His number one trait, number one company value that comes to mind is his kindheartedness. He’s extremely nice to everybody he meets whether it’s the ramp agent—who I used to be a long time ago—all the way up to the top. It’s so well-deserved, over 30 years of tremendous service, I have a lot of respect for him and hopefully we can fly again before he retires.”
Scott Day, managing director chief pilot

Blake Gibson

 “Alaska takes care of its people better than anyone in the industry. I became a Checkairman in the training department, so that I could give back to new pilots what I have learned from my predecessors. Being able to encourage younger people to strive for those goals in which they desire.”
Blake Gibson

Debbie Cahill

 “It means so much to me to be honored with the 2022 Legend award. The fact that my co-workers chose me is the best compliment I could ever get. Day in and day out, we all want to do our job well, but by receiving this award it gives me great satisfaction knowing someone has seen my effort. I call the Lounge my Alaska family and I truly mean it.”
Debbie Cahill

Designated lead ramp trainer in Anchorage.

Eric Henry

 “I can’t think of any higher honor than being recognized by your peers and coworkers for the effort you put in at work. I moved into the lead and training roles because I wanted to play a more active part in the changes that affect the ramp and my station. If you are doing a job that makes you happy, your work will reflect that.
Eric Henry

Senior line maintenance daily planner router.

Gordy Grob

 “From the beginning of my career until now, Alaska Airlines culture has taught me to get the job done. Always consider safety and kindness in our response to the need of others. That kindness should extend to others outside the company as we can find ways to love and serve others.”
Gordy Grob

Joe Ellis

 “It is an absolute honor to be awarded the Legend Award for doing what I love to do: fly and take care of people/passengers. There are so many things about being a flight attendant that I love. I really enjoy taking care of people. It gives me pleasure to bring a little joy into someone’s life.”
Joe Ellis

Recently retired Phoenix reservations agent.

Karen Maietta

 “Take baby steps. Especially when you’re starting out, you’re going to be overwhelmed and you’re not always going to have the answers — because nobody does. Every day is a new day, and things change so frequently that you can’t become overwhelmed with quoting all the rules and regulations. It’s just about, ‘what do you need? And what can I do to help you?’ And I want to make sure that you’re feeling that Alaska Airlines is taking good care of you and that they’ve enabled me to do so. And I have no problem doing it.”
Karen Maietta

Kevin Kruse

 “I learned long ago that if you don’t ask the question, the answer is always no. I got involved in the Fallen Soldier Program in its infancy and we knew, as an airline, we could make a difference in a big way. The program has grown bigger than we ever imagined, and the gratitude we are given from families and military escorts is deeply heartfelt. If you have a passion for something and a vision for it, present a case to your leadership. You never know where it may go.”
Kevin Kruse

Kim Gabrelcik

 “It is truly an honor to receive the Legend Award and humbling to be in the company of such inspiring people! I believe that if you can see it, you can be it, so I take every opportunity to mentor aspiring aviators. Whether it is representing Alaska Airlines by going to schools, speaking events, or Women in Aviation, I try to use this platform to inspire young girls to pursue their dreams. If we continue to support and build each other up, the opportunities for growth within Alaska are endless.”
Kim Gabrelcik

Leslie Marr Pierce

 “Working in the International Arrivals Terminal, I get to meet guests arriving from all over the world. Most are flying Alaska for the first time and I have the opportunity to make a great first impression. I have always liked the excitement of working in the airport and enjoy helping our guests have a good experience.”
Leslie Marr Pierce

Contract services lead in Santa Barbara.

Lisa Porteous

 “I never in a million years would have thought I would win this award. It means that someone noticed the hard work and dedication that I have given to Alaska Airlines for the past 34 years. I am still shocked that I was given such an honor. I take great pride in my company and love to tell people where I work. There is nothing better than someone asking you where you work and you say Alaska Airlines and they say ‘I love Alaska’ and they tell you some story about amazing customer service.”
Lisa Porteous

Maria Ricketts

 “My goal has always been to make someone else’s day – be the reason someone smiles. And so I’ve always come to work wholeheartedly, to give it my all. To be the best that I can be. So, when those people get off that airplane, they’ve had a good experience. At least I’ve given them one and I’ve given them my all to do that. There’s always something to learn and there’s always something to do and be a team player.”
Maria Ricketts

Mimi Tinajero

 “This is such an honor because it doesn’t represent just me, it represents all the people that helped me along the way – all the flight crew who helped me along the way to be here. I just felt like this was for the team. I felt like Alaska recognized kindness. It really means a lot for me to be kind. It’s so important. That’s my core is to be kind, be generous. And I felt like I was getting this award for that. And I want it to be an example for other people. I want it to be contagious so that other people can be kind. So that way, we can have this beautiful airline.”
Mimi Tinajero

Miros Frias

 “I just celebrated my 15th anniversary, and when I started in Customer Care, they needed a Spanish agent. That’s probably one of my favorite things—that I am able to help people who want to be part of Alaska Airlines but have a language barrier. And I love helping people. When our values are part of you, you don’t think about them. I live my life that way—you know, showing kindness, showing that we care, validating people’s feelings. My life is that way. Alaska just happened to put the names on what I’ve always done.”
Miros Frias

Managing director of operations in San Diego.

Rick Hines

 “From the beginning, I was always driven to learn as much as I could, look for new opportunities and experiences that help me grow as a leader. My most favorite work, most rewarding, is giving my time, lessons I’ve learned and mentorship to others. There’s no greater sense of accomplishment than to see others grow, learn and realize their dreams.”
Rick Hines

Robin Blahous

 “Working for Alaska has allowed me the opportunity and flexibility to grow personally and volunteer in my community. From teaching CPR to teachers in the elementary school, to chaperoning field trips, volunteering at vaccination clinics and working at the Edmonds Food Bank, Alaska has allowed me to be very involved in my community.”
Robin Blahous

Sheri Rochel

 “I love going to work, I love flying, the people I work with—you get to fly with your friends. I’ve been doing the same route (Boston) for over 20 years, and I have a lot of regulars and people I’ve learned to love. I never thought I would be a Legend, but happy that they did.”
Sheri Rochel

Teresa Jean-Baptiste

 “Honestly, there are no words to describe how humbled I am by this award. It’s the people that I love most about our work. I am able to come to work and help our passengers and also my co-workers every day. And those same people help me! You couldn’t ask for anything better! I have learned that you can make a difference in people’s lives by just taking time to help, listen, and do what is right.”
Teresa Jean-Baptiste

Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional airline partner, has a similar recognition program called the Pathfinder Award. The Pathfinder Award celebrates employees who are highly respected among their peers and leadership for building an outstanding career of commitment and contributions to our airline’s success. 

This year, eight remarkable individuals were recognized for their dedication to carrying out Horizon’s mission of connecting small communities to the rest of the world, and ensuring guests’ journeys are safe, efficient and enjoyable.  

This year’s recipients are from several different workgroups and represent four cities – Boise, Portland, Seattle and Victoria – and have a combined total of more than 175 years of loyal service to Horizon and our guests.  

Since the award was created in 2007, 138 employees have been recognized with this honor.

Our Pathfinders personify our values while inspiring others to treasure and protect our unique Horizon culture. They embody everything that has made the airline great for 41 years — a blend of Horizon Heart, resourcefulness, integrity, professionalism and care,” says Horizon President Joe Sprague.

2022 Pathfinder Award recipients

“We want customers to come back. We want repeat customers. So customer service to me is very important. We do what we have to do, what we can do. We do what we choose to do for our guests.”
Roxi Olson

“Whether employees are working with our customers or employees are working with other employees. It doesn’t matter. All the employees here are just fantastic.”
John Beach

“We all love our jobs – we really do. We love our customers. We love our coworkers. We love everybody and it shows every day when we’re at work. It shows how much passion we have for our careers.“
Madge Hsu

“What I love most about my job is the people. Of course. I’m sure everyone says that. But it’s true. I like learning from people. I like teaching people things. I like talking with people. I like celebrating the wins with people.“
Dawn Rees

“Team. Is what this job’s all about. Teamwork. We can’t do it alone. None of us can do it alone. I come to work every day. I enjoy working with the people I work with and we all make this job what it is.”
Kimberley Ellis

“The people I work with are very personal and caring. I think that is the great thing about working for Horizon. They care about other people, not only coworkers, but the passengers.“
Keiko Murakawa

“When we’re driving across the airport to drop off paperwork or whatever we need to do, we wave at everybody. I feel that respecting others is a big thing in everybody’s life. Be friends with everyone and it all works out.“
Gary Hale

“Don, through his very nature, his soul, was to give back. He always gave more than he received. And with the new pilots, he would just take them under his wing; whether it was buying them a meal, getting a crew bag, being a mentor or loaning a headset, whatever it was, Don would just find a way.“
Perry Solmonson, Q400 Captain

13 places in America + Canada you should fly to this fall on Alaska Airlines

September 28, 2022
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

September 26, 2022
Community
Maria Cid
3 min read

Kim, also a 2022 Customer Service Legend, one of our company’s highest honors.

San Francisco Base Chief Pilot Kim was a young girl when she learned about flying.

“I was surrounded by neighbors and family friends, all of whom were pilots; I used to think how lucky those guys were to get to fly for a living,” Kim recently told a crowd attending the Silicon Valley Business Journal Women of Influencer Awards. “I was fascinated with anything having to do with flying and airplanes.”

But it wasn’t until years later, when she met a woman who was a commercial airline pilot, that she realized becoming a captain was actually in her reach.

“It was my ‘ah-ha’ moment that changed the trajectory of my life and ultimately brought me to Alaska Airlines,” she said.

Kim not only became a pilot – she’s made sure to teach young girls that the sky is the limit for them in the aviation industry.

“When I see a young child, I recognize the importance of stopping and taking the time and putting forth the effort to answer their questions and talk to them,” she says. “I feel like you never know when their ‘aha moment’ will happen like mine did.”

For the last 30 years, Kim has flown the Boeing 727, 737 and Airbus 320. Before her recent promotion to Base Chief Pilot, Kim was a captain and check pilot. She trained new pilots and helped with captain upgrades and proficiency checks for existing captains.

Kim makes Alaska proud as a skilled pilot but also because of her commitment to giving back.

She volunteers for the non-profit organization Pilots for Kids in San Francisco, which aims to bring a smile to young cancer patients at John Muir Medical Center by simulating “first flight” experiences.

From the comfort of their beds, the patients pretend they’re pilots taking off and landing their first flight as Kim and her colleagues act as the first officer and air traffic controller.

“I remember a young boy who was having a very difficult time, and you could hear him going, ‘Mom, this is the best hospital ever,’” Kim said. “You’re wiping the tears off your eyes because it’s pretty profound.”

Kim was among a group of volunteers who also painted a smiling airplane over a plain, white wall in the room where children receive chemotherapy at John Muir Health.

It may be no surprise to many that Kim was recently named a recipient of Alaska Airlines’ Legends Award, one of the company’s highest honors, for her accomplishments in the sky and on the ground.

It feels profoundly humbling to be in the company of people I admire and respect,” Kim said. “I feel like it’s a recognition of what all of us try to do every day in taking care of each other and our guests. It’s pretty special.”

From the classroom to the big stage: Alaska surprises HBCU students with trip to legacy Monterey Jazz Festival

September 21, 2022
Community
Maria Cid
5 min read

When Texas Southern University Student Braylon Walker is performing his bass instrument on stage, his eyes are locked on the audience—making sure they’re connecting with his music and that it’s bringing them joy.

“I’ve wanted to be not just a musician but an entertainer,” said Braylon. “I love getting up there, letting people have a good time and understand the story I’m trying to tell.”

This weekend, Braylon will tell a story through his music at the Monterey Jazz Festival, the longest-running jazz festival in the world.

Braylon, a Texas Southern University (TSU) jazz performance major, is not going alone. Alaska surprised Braylon and about 40 HBCU choir and jazz students from TSU and Morgan State University with an all-expenses paid trip to the festival where they’ve been invited to perform.

For a lot of us, this is the first time going to a big jazz festival,” Braylon said. “Some people have never been on a plane or could never have afforded it. I’m one of those people. I’m super grateful.”

During their flight from Washington D.C. to San Francisco, Alaska Customer Service Agent and recording artist Lauren “Ruby Woo” Brown suddenly broke out in song mid-flight. Moments later, the MSU choir and jazz ensemble students joined Lauren and serenaded guests with the song “I Know I’ve Been Changed.” [Download video]

When we learned how much it would cost to fly students to the Monterey Jazz Festival, there was no doubt in our minds that we wanted to ensure there were no barriers to attending one of the best music festivals on the West Coast,” said David Tucker, Managing Director of Public Affairs in California. “We want this experience to be the beginning of many firsts, with stories that will be shared for years to come.”

Customer Service Agent Lauren singing onboard with Morgan State University’s choir & jazz ensemble students.

And, look out ’cause here’s Texas Southern:

Meanwhile, guests boarding their flight from Houston to Monterey also enjoyed an unexpected live performance by TSU students. [Download video]

https://vimeo.com/752329828

Texas Southern University students singing at Alaska Gate C16E in Houston on their way to The Monterey Jazz Festival.

We had one more surprise for the students. The musically gifted group learned they would fly on the specially designed Our Commitment plane from Washington D.C. to Monterey. In 2021, the livery was created with UNCF to show Alaska Airlines’ joint commitment to education and advancing racial equity.

Photos courtesy of Texas Southern University

I’m excited that we can use the gift of flight to bring students to Monterey for this legendary event,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, who also serves on the UNCF Board of Directors. “Our ongoing support for Historically Black Colleges and Universities is one of the ways that we are living our commitment to advancing education and inclusion. We want our airline to be a place where everyone belongs, and we know we’re stronger when everyone has equal opportunity and a seat at the table.”

Q&A WITH TSU STUDENT BRAYLON WALKER

BRAYLON WALKER
Texas Southern University
Senior, Jazz Ensemble Major, Bass player

What does it mean to you and your classmates to go to a festival like this? Not just to attend, but to perform? It’s super meaningful. It means a lot to see what we can become by looking at the people who’ve gone before us and for them to talk to us and reassure us that it can (sic) happen. It makes me feel like the path I’m choosing, the path I’ve spent seven years of my life trying to do, is coming to fruition. It’s happening.

How do you feel about the fact that we are supporting not just students, this next generation, but HBCUs? We’re more than thankful and feel very blessed to have that kind of relationship with many people who want to help us out or open the door to go to these types of venues. I’m blessed you guys are allowing it to happen to us.

What’s the sentiment with the rest of the choir and jazz ensemble students? The art form we want to be in can’t be done to heart inside a classroom. You have to live in the music to be able to make the music. You’ve got to feel it, you’ve got to live inside it, you got to know where this stuff is coming from, and there’s no better way to do it than going to where it’s at – living in the streets of it and hearing it every day when you wake up.

What are you hoping to get out of the festival? First and foremost, I want to put on a good show. I want to show people that we got the stuff for it. And, my favorite singer Kurt Elling is there, and I want to give him a high five.

After this, what are you hoping for in your musical career? I finally got this urge, maybe a year ago, to dedicate myself to music, so I want to do that. I want to start going to the studio, to create, to collaborate with people. I want to do a podcast. I want all of it. I’m finally reassured that this is something I want to live in.

Alaska Mileage Plan Members can give miles to support great causes

September 16, 2022
Community
Alaska Airlines
2 min read

Recently our team had a ball at Alaska’s hangar—cheering, dodging, ducking, dipping and diving—for the annual OnBlast Dodgeball Tournament benefiting childhood cancer research at Seattle Children’s Hospital.

Seattle Children’s is one of Alaska’s Care Miles partners and uses the donated miles to fly in young patients and their families for much needed treatments.

Children handmade thank you notes for Alaska’s Maintenance team at the hangar.

Our CARE Miles program (formerly known as LIFT Miles) offers Mileage Plan™ members a unique and meaningful way to support important causes. Miles donated to this program support charities with business travel, accommodation of special organization requests and achievement of the organization’s mission.

Throughout the year, our Care Miles program helps us give back to the places we fly, make wishes come true for children, to honor our nation’s heroes with travel to see the war memorials in Washington D.C., and to make all feel welcome flying with us—and much more.

Mileage Plan members with at least a 1,000 miles credit in their account can donate Care Miles at alaskaair.com/donatemiles. Bonus: Donating will help keep your account active if you haven’t been flying or redeeming as frequently.

Last year, more than 93,700,000 miles were donated by Alaska Mileage Plan members, valued at around $2.6 million to support the following organizations:

Alaska CARE Miles support charities with business travel, accommodation of special organization requests and achievement of the organization’s mission.

Learn more about donating Care Miles.

10 travel tips to soak up the last of summer

August 31, 2022
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
7 min read

Summer may be quickly turning into fall, but that doesn’t mean traveling is over. Whether you’re looking for one last summer trip or an early fall getaway, here are 10 travel tips to make your experience care-free as possible:

1. Download Alaska’s mobile app.

Our app is the perfect travel companion from the day you start shopping for flights, all the way through to the moment you arrive at your destination. You can use it to plan your trip, skip the lines and get your digital boarding pass right at your finger tips.

Download the Alaska Airlines app for iPhone or Android before your next flight (you’ll be glad you did!). ✈️

2. Check in and pre-order your favorite meal.

Check in for your flight online or with the Alaska Airlines app to save time waiting in ticket counter lines. You can also pre-order your favorite snacks to freshly prepared meals ahead your flight. Meal orders are open 14 days before departure.

Pro tip: Mileage Plan members can store a method of payment in their Mileage Plan account for touch-free inflight purchases, including food and beverages. Join/Sign in Mileage Plan

Learn how pre-order works

3. Give yourself time.

Get to the airport at least two hours before your domestic flight departs, and three hours before your international flight. This should give you plenty of time to park, see one of our agents, check your bags and make your way through security.

Visit our airport guides before your trip for recommended arrival times, ticket counter hours, airport services and more. Remember: We begin boarding flights 30 minutes before takeoff.

4. Enroll in a Trusted Traveler program.

Save time through security with SEA Spot Saver, a reservation program to get you through the security process quicker in Seattle. Similar spot saver programs are also at CHS, EWR, MCO, PHX, YYC.

You can also enroll in a trusted traveler program like TSA Pre✓^®, Global Entry, Nexus, or SENTRI. Membership in these programs gives you access to dedicated TSA Pre✓^®lanes at more than 200 airports nationwide.

5. Save time by checking your bags

You’ll likely make it through the security line quicker by checking your bags. You can pay for your bags in the mobile app, and print bag tags by simply scanning your boarding pass at an airport kiosk—if you’re flying out of San Jose, look for our tablets in the lobby.

Before you go, brush up on our checked baggage policy to save time at the airport. To make your vacation even more fun, you can bring most sports equipment for the cost of a checked bag. (Be sure to check the approved list of equipment.)

As a reminder, Alaska has a 20-minute baggage claim guarantee.

6. Follow the carry-on guidelines.

To ensure your carry-on bag will be accepted aboard all flights on your journey, we’ve changed our carry-on size limit to 22″ x 14″ x 9”. When measuring your bag, be sure to include the wheels, handle and expandable pockets in the total measurement.

You are allowed one carry-on bag, plus one smaller personal item. TSA allows you to carry on one quart-sized bag of liquids – aerosols, gels, creams and pastes that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. Keep the liquids bag easily accessible, so that it’s simple for you to drop it into the security bin without digging through your carry-on bag at the checkpoint.

More questions? Read our guidelines for carry-on baggage. Also, don’t pack your carry-on bag too full, as densely packed, cluttered bags take longer to scan and screen at the security checkpoint.

7. Simplify going through security.

To breeze through the security line try this:

Have your boarding pass and ID ready to hand to screening agents.
Remove any outerwear, belts with metal buckles, larger metal jewelry and accessories, and the contents of your pockets. Secure these items in your carry-on bag before putting them through the X-ray tunnel or find a small bin to place them into.
In general screening lanes, remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone—including laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles—and place in a bin for screening. Cell phones can stay secured in your carry-on bag.
In general screening lanes, place the one quart-sized bag of liquids, gels and aerosols in a bin by itself for x-ray screening. Doing this will allow the TSA officer to get a clear view of the items to ensure they don’t pose a security risk.
Wear shoes that are easily removable or untie/loosen shoelaces if you can.
Once your bags and bin have gone through the X-ray, be sure to retrieve all of your personal property. Take your items to a nearby bench or chair. You’ll have more time to gather/repack your items, while allowing those behind you to do the same.

8. Know what to leave behind.

As you pack, reference the prohibited and restricted items checklist, and make sure you know what’s in your suitcase. You can also use the “Can I bring?” feature on TSA’s app, MyTSA, to learn whether an item is allowed in carry-on baggage, checked luggage or if it should be left at home.

If you’re heading on an outdoor adventure, certain items are prohibited from checked and carry-on bags because they are considered dangerous goods. Don’t pack camping stoves with the residue of flammable liquid, bear repellant, fuel (white gas, propane, sterno, etc.), lighters, matches or wet ice.

Be especially aware of restrictions regarding lithium ion batteries, and devices that use them, including phones, cameras, e-cigarettes, drones, hoverboards and smart luggage/e-bags. If you plan to check a smart bag, the lithium battery must be removed and carried on the plane.

9. Kiddos can travel solo.

If you have kids who will be flying by themselves, visit our site to learn about how to book their flights, download the required forms, and discover the different types of care we offer kids of all ages.

To expedite the process, fill out the Guardian Contact Form before arriving at the airport. This will ensure the safety of your child.

Be sure to allow extra time for check-in and plan on staying in the boarding area until the flight departs.

10. Plan ahead for pet travel.

Be sure to familiarize yourself with our pet travel policies well before you fly. An important note: pets cannot travel in the baggage compartment or in the First Class cabin on Airbus aircraft, which are flight numbers 1000-1999.

Feeling the summer heat? For the welfare of your pet, we may have to deny transportation of any animal when extreme temperatures are evident on the day of departure. To be safe, choose flights that depart and arrive during cooler hours of the day, avoiding midday flights if possible.

If you’re traveling with a service animal, be aware that only service animal permitted on Alaska Airlines is a service dog. Read through our updated policy on support animals for all the documents and timelines you’ll need.

Now, time to relax.

You just fought traffic all the way to the airport, parked like a pro and got through security with all your belongings. Reward yourself with a drink, snack and comfortable spot in airports with Alaska Lounges.

Trailblazing trans pilot Jessica helps ensure transgender pilots soar

August 30, 2022
Community
Serina Hall
4 min read

Not many pilots can say they’ve worked to pave the way for an entire generation of trans pilots, but Alaska First Officer Jessica can, and she continues to pave the way for trans aviators to soar.

Jessica transitioned to presenting as a female in 2012, three years after obtaining her airline pilot certification. For Jessica, the decision was about honesty and truth—to herself and others. Complying with additional and lengthy Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical and psychological clearances was another barrier she was ready to break down for herself and other trans pilots. In some cases, the extensive clearances resulted in trans pilots being grounded for up to two years to review their cases.

“When I transitioned from male to female in 2014, the FAA saw this [being trans] as a disorder. For many transgender humans, we know this not to be a life-limiting diagnosis, but rather a side effect or gender flaw at birth,” she says. “So, I gathered a team of congressional support and went to work to create meaningful change.”

Jessica and other advocates worked with the FAA to create more inclusive guidelines for trans pilots. She volunteered to serve as a case study to change the term “gender identity disorder” to “gender dysphoria” in the Aviation Medical Examiners guide to match the terminology in the World Professional Association of Transgender Health (WPATH).

“Together, we re-wrote the guidelines of transition so transgender and non-binary pilots did not have to be grounded for up to two years. Since then, I have been involved in helping the FAA maintain those guidelines and help pilots transition, as well as working with companies to improve lives for all transgender humans,” she said.

Like many trailblazers, Jessica’s activism is nonstop. She’s proud to bring her advocacy work into the aviation industry to increase the representation of transgender pilots and has made an incredible impact on the industry, including Alaska.

When Jessica joined our team in November 2021, Jessica says she knew she needed to be a part of the flag wavers and help carry the torch forward in building an inclusive culture. So, it was a no-brainer to join Pride Crew, Alaska’s LGBTQ+ employee business resource group.

It has always been my dream to work for an airline (and more specifically Alaska) with an inspiring diversity, equity, and inclusion program that helps build up marginalized communities,” says Jessica. “When I joined the company, I was so happy to see the incredible culture of diversity and how employees reflect the guests and communities we serve.”

Pride at Alaska

Caption: Alaska Pride Crew leaders pose in front of the Pride Plane. From L to R: Alice, Kevin, Jeremy and Chad.

While Pride Month is in the rearview, our Pride Crew celebrates and honors the LGBTQ+ community all year long. And the celebrations aren’t over yet—you can still join two of our 8 sponsored Pride Parade events in Honolulu, and Palm Springs.

The mission of Alaska’s Pride Crew is to provide employees and the company a resource for cultural awareness within the LGBTQ+ community. They also encourage personal growth and professional development by fostering an inclusive atmosphere and provide outreach for LGBTQ+ employees and their allies.

Alaska’s Pride Crew strives to offer events throughout the year that celebrate its diversity and educate allies. The busiest time is June during Pride Month, but they celebrate pride throughout the year and in different cities. Pride Crew also partners with our marketing, community relations and DEI team on various events and educational opportunities.

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New route alert! Alaska Airlines adds nonstop flight between Everett and Anchorage

August 26, 2022
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

Daily, year-round service will link families, friends, businesses and industry in two key regions.

We’re connecting the newest commercial airport in the Seattle area with another one of our main hubs: New daily, nonstop service between Everett, Wash. and Anchorage begins Nov. 30, 2022. Tickets for flights between Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport and the state of Alaska’s largest city are available for purchase now on alaskaair.com.

We listened to our guests who live and work from north of Seattle to the Canadian border. They told us one of their top requests is a nonstop flight between Everett and Anchorage,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances for Alaska Airlines. “There’s a significant need and demand to connect workers and businesses in the two regions —from the fishing industry to aviation—in addition to the desire for leisure travel. We’re ready to welcome our guests on this new route this fall.”

Our guests flying to and from Everett—about 20 miles north of Seattle and 70 miles south of Bellingham—have enjoyed a convenient, stress-free, upscale alternative airport experience with a lounge atmosphere.

Since our regularly scheduled service launched there in March 2019, we’ve flown roughly 1.3 million guests to and from Paine Field-Snohomish County Airport.

Flight schedule:

Start date	Cities	Departs	Arrives	Frequency	Aircraft
Nov. 30	PAE-ANC	11:05 a.m.	2:05 p.m.	Daily	E175
Nov. 30	ANC-PAE	1:40 p.m.	6:10 p.m.	Daily	E175

All times Pacific Standard Time and all flights are year-round.

With the new nonstop from Everett, operated by our sister airline Horizon Air, Anchorage becomes the farthest destination and longest flight we’ll serve from that airport, and it’s also our first route to fly north from it.

On the operations side, Horizon began operating a new 74,000 square foot hangar and maintenance facility on the Paine Field property this year that can accommodate up to four E175 aircraft at a time.

9 destinations from Paine Field in Everett

From Everett this fall and winter, we’ll fly to nine destinations: Anchorage, Boise, Las Vegas, Orange County, Palm Springs, Phoenix, San Diego, San Francisco and Spokane. For the latest flight schedules and to purchase tickets, visit alaskaair.com.

Our sister carrier Horizon Air provides most of our service at Paine Field with the Embraer 175 jet. The E175 features First Class and Premium Class, and only window and aisle seating – there are no middle seats. Guests can enjoy hundreds of free movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices, free texting on most flights and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.

“For Economic Alliance Snohomish County, the City of Everett and Paine Field, we are thankful for the rich history of business and community engagement provided by Alaska Airlines. This announcement is another example of Alaska Airlines’ willingness to be forward thinking, valuing its customers to create desired opportunities for travel and connection. This is extra sweet due to Alaska Airlines’ history: Anchorage served as the first flight location for Alaska Airlines and its founder Linious McGee back in 1932. Snohomish County is grateful for Alaska and its continued efforts at Paine Field.”
— Garry Clark, president and CEO at Economic Alliance Snohomish County.

Travel like a pro: 5 tips to tame your carry-on bag

August 23, 2022
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

Packing for that next trip? Streamline your day of travel with these five tips for wrangling your carry-on.

1. Would it be easier to check the bag? What if it was free?

Before purging every 4-ounce tube from your bag, ask yourself this: “Do I really need a carry on, can I check it?” There are three strong reasons why checking your bag might make more sense when you fly Alaska Airlines.

Your first checked bag is always free with your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card, for you and up to six other people in the same reservation.
Alaska pioneered the 20-minute baggage service guarantee way back in 2010. That means we guarantee we’ll have your luggage back in your hands within 20 minutes of your flight’s arrival at the gate – or we’ll pay up, to the tune of 2,500 Mileage Plan miles or a voucher for $25 off a future flight. (You can also streamline your airport arrival by printing your own luggage tags.)
Lighten your load and relax! When you check a bag, you don’t have to lug it through the airport or worry about whether there will be space in the overhead bin by the time you board.

2. Make sure your bag meets carry-on size limits.

Make sure you’re familiar with our carry-on size limits—what you’re able to fit through a security checkpoint is not necessarily what you’ll be able to fit into an overhead bin.

In June 2018, Alaska’s maximum allowed carry-on dimensions will be slightly smaller to better align with our codeshare partners and other major U.S. carriers, so you can more easily transfer among airlines without running into a snag with your bag.

Be wary of expandable pockets on the front of your suitcase, which can increase the dimensions of your carry-on to the point that it no longer fits into an overhead bin. Minimize use of expandable pockets, and when in doubt, test your bag in the sizer device at the ticket counter or gate before you board.

Before you buy a bag, measure it yourself—include the handle and wheels. Consumer Reports says not all bags are as small as manufacturers claim.

3. Wheels down and facing out – unless it’s a Space Bin.

Most overhead bins will have a sticker with instructions telling you “wheels out.” That’s the easiest, most-efficient way to load your bag in most bins, preventing wheels from getting stuck on the lip of the bin. If you find yourself on a flight with Alaska’s roomier “Boeing Space Bins” you’ll be instructed to do just the opposite. (Don’t worry – our flight attendants will let you know if you’re on a Space Bins flight, and show you how to position your luggage!) In this case, point the wheels toward the back of the bin and then flip your bag up on its side. You’ll want the heaviest part of the bag to be farthest from the aisle, and belongings tend to settle downward as luggage is wheeled through the airport.

4. Are you sure you can lift that? If not, check it.

Minimalist packing can be a challenge for even the savviest of fliers, and even a carry-on-sized suitcase can quickly become too heavy. For safety reasons, flight attendants are not allowed to assist customers in lifting bags, so make sure you’re not packing a suitcase that is heavier than you can safely lift.

Consider lowering your carbon footprint by leaving behind a pair of shoes or bulkier items. If each guest just packed 5 lbs lighter, it would decrease our CO2 emissions by 11,800 metric tons each year. That’s the equivalent of taking 2,543 cars off the road for one year.

5. If you’re buying a battery-powered “smart bag,” know the limits.

While rich with features like GPS tracking, electronic locks and the ability to charge other electronic devices, Alaska Airlines only allows “smart bags” with batteries/power banks that can be removed without the use of a tool (e.g. push button, connected to the bag via USB or similar connection, or removed with a “key”).

Any luggage with charging devices or use a lithium battery powered electric motor must meet these requirements:

Carry-on: The battery/power bank may remain attached to the bag.
Checked/gate-checked bag: The battery/power bank must be removed prior to acceptance. Once removed, the lithium battery/power bank needs to be protected from short circuit (such as placing in a plastic bag to prevent contact with anything metal).
Bags with non-removable lithium batteries, power banks, or batteries that require a tool to be removed (e.g. screwdriver) will not be accepted as checked or carry-on baggage.

While these restrictions may pose a challenge to some of our guests, there have been no incidents to date with smart bags on airplanes and we want to keep it that way.

And don’t forget – your first checked bag is always free with your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card.

Sip sip hooray! Alaska Airlines will fly your case of wine for free

August 17, 2022
Guest Experience
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

We’re giving guests something to wine about 🍷

Alaska Airlines offers the most nonstop flights to the West Coast, making it easier to plan a trip to your favorite wine locale. Alaska Mileage Plan members aged 21 and over can also bring home a case of wine—12 bottles—with no baggage fee, thanks to our *Wine Flies Free offer. Not a Mileage Plan member? Join for free.

Here’s how it works:

1. Book a trip to wine country

Browse flights & raise a glass from our 30+ airports in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.

2. Sip and shop at your favorite winery destinations.

Taste your way around a wine region in California, Washington, Oregon or Idaho until you’ve found your wine (or several) you enjoy enough to take home.  Pro tip: Many wineries in Washington, Oregon and Idaho offer free tastings when you show a recent boarding pass.

3. Pack correctly – don’t seal the box yet.

Let the winery know you’ll be checking your wine at the airport, and they’ll help you pack it safely for travel. This might include a foam-lined box, molded cardboard trays, or other protective packaging. Make sure the box is left unsealed for inspection.

Carrying a case of wine through the airport can be daunting, so we’ve partnered with The Wine Check to offer a lightweight, safe, and convenient method to take your wine investment from vineyard to cellar. Save 20% off Wine Flies Free branded totes by using promo code ALASKAWFF at checkout.

4. Make sure your MP number is in your flight reservation.

Make sure your Alaska Mileage Plan number is in your flight reservation before you head to the airport. You can check using the Alaska Airlines app, or by visiting alaskaair.com and selecting “Manage trip.”

5. Drop your wine with a remarkable agent.

Check your properly packed case of wine with an Alaska Airlines customer service agent at our ticketing counter. They will inspect the case, seal it and ensure that it is labeled with FRAGILE stickers.

6. Fly easy.

Pat yourself on the back – celebrate on board by treating yourself to a full-pour glass of Broken Earth’s El Paso Red Blend or a chardonnay from Canoe Ridge Vineyards. Pro tip: Pair it with our Mediterranean Tapas Picnic Pack.

Or if you’re flying First Class, sip a sauvignon blanc or cabernet sauvignon from Intrinsic from Columbia Valley, Washington.

7. Pick up your case, then enjoy!

When you land, pick up your case and you’re on your way. Don’t see your wine with the rest of the bags? Check the oversize baggage area, as many airports don’t send fragile items to the conveyer belt.

Time to book your next wine-venture! Visit alaskaair.com.

*The Wine Flies Free program applies to U.S. flights only, operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, and SkyWest departing from WA, OR, CA, or ID. Mileage Plan member must be age 21 or older to transport wine. Mileage Plan number must be in the reservation at the time of booking. Wine must include professional packaging including shipper box and insert. Items packaged in a cardboard box are covered in case of loss, but are checked at your own risk for damage. Wine Check purchase not required for participation in the Wine Flies Free program. Guests are responsible for compliance with all governmental regulations and restrictions when traveling with alcohol.