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Holiday sweaters, Kristi Yamaguchi and Hallmark—oh, fly! See how Alaska Airlines surprised guests this week

Some might think palm trees and ice rinks don’t go together—but the same can be said when an ugly sweater turns out to be trendy. They grow on you, like a Hallmark Christmas classic this time of year, which is why we’re thrilled to team up with Olympic Figure Skater Kristi Yamaguchi and her Always Dream Foundation and San Jose Public Library to give South Bay Students a memorable holiday ice skating party at San Jose’s downtown ice rink.  

And, of course, in true figure skating form, we upped our fashion game. 

  • San Jose’s downtown ice rink is named after Kristi Yamaguchi & it’s the only rink in the world surrounded by 32 palm trees.

On Friday, elementary school students took to the ice with Yamaguchi, Snoopy and Woodstock for a skating clinic donning our latest holiday apparel. Followed by a tour of the San Jose Public Library’s MakerSpace Ship, an innovative mobile workshop & STEAM lab, and received books from Always Dream. 

  • Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream is celebrating its 25th anniversary! Its mission ensures children from low-income families have access to high-quality books in the home environment and extensive family engagement support. 
  • Always Dream believes that providing children with 21st-century technology and high-quality books will help foster a love of reading and will teach and empower families to build consistent reading habits together.

Our long-standing partnership with Alaska Airlines is invaluable, from volunteering at local schools to sponsoring today’s holiday party for low-income students,” says Kristi Yamaguchi, Founder of Always Dream and Olympic gold medalist. “It’s about the power of one, working together for a common cause! Together, we level the playing field, ensuring that all students have access to 21st-century technology and quality books. Being able to read proficiently is the foundation for success in school and in life.”  

  • Kristi Yamaguchi’s Always Dream is also hosting a book drive at Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice in San Jose until January 9, 2022.
  • Guests are encouraged to drop off donations of new children’s books appropriate for babies to young adults in any language.

Like Yamaguchi’s Always Dream Foundation, we value the power an education can bring to a child and look to provide pathways for success that include career planning, life skills and mentorships among young people in communities that we serve.  

We’re proud to once again be the official airline of the Kristi Yamaguchi Downtown Ice Rink, while also supporting the Always Dream and San Jose Public Library Foundations,” said Franco Finn, Alaska’s Bay Area external relations & community manager. “At Alaska, we’re always looking for ways to give back to our communities and creating opportunities and pathways for youth to reach their goals. What a great way to give back to the community, support our youth and celebrate the holidays!” 

Share your holiday sweater spirit by tagging your photos and videos using the hashtags #iFlyAlaska and #UglySweaterDay. 

YOU SWEATER BELIEVE IT 

In honor of National Ugly Sweater Day on 12/7, Alaska gifted each child with their very own holiday sweater! Plus, today only, all guests wearing ANY holiday sweater to the airport will land priority boarding on any of our flights where we fly. 

And the fun doesn’t stop there, all month long, you can get a day pass to any Alaska Lounge for just $25 when you are wearing a holiday sweater. 

Cozy up, up, and away with us by booking your next flight on alaskaair.com!  

COAST TO COAST SURPRISES & DELIGHTS  

Today, from coast to coast, we celebrated National Ugly Sweater Day from New York City to San Francisco on a special surprise & delight flight, decked (for the hauls) in sweaters! 

Guests were treated to gate celebrations, our holiday sweaters (of course) and our friends at Hallmark Channel helped put the trip over the top with amazing gift bags!  

To keep your travels merry and bright, now through 12/25, you can enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi access to Hallmark Movies Now to stream hundreds of Hallmark Channel original movies.*  

Plus, if you’re not already a Hallmark Movies Now subscriber, you can sign up for a FREE 7-day trial to get access to all your Hallmark Channel favorites wherever you are! 

Alaska guests can also connect with friends and family from 30,000 feet in the air with our free chat feature during the flight. Just connect to our inflight Wi-Fi and select “free texting.” 

From our team to you, we wish you all a very happy holiday & New Year!  

* Hallmark Movie App Offer is limited to satellite Wi-Fi equipped aircraft. On most other flights, guests can stream Hallmark Channel titles via our inflight entertainment system. And, if you’d like to skate at San Jose’s downtown ice, the rink is open until Jan. 9, 2022. Tickets are available online, and proof of vaccination is required. A portion of ticket sales will benefit Kristi Yamaguchi’s “Always Dream” organization. 

You ‘Sweater Believe’ Alaska Airlines makes the holidays a priority

In honor of National Ugly Sweater Day, we’re spreading holiday cheer by offering guests wearing ANY kind of holiday sweater priority boarding on Dec. 17. The one-day promotion will be celebrated by guests and employees alike and includes all Alaska and Horizon Air flights.

Alaska is celebrating the holidays throughout December, with festive décor, lounge promotions, as well as free holiday movies to help flyers have a merry flight.

COZY UP IN OUR LOUNGES

And the fun doesn’t stop there, all month long, you can get a day pass to any Alaska Lounge for just $25 when you are wearing a holiday sweater. 

WATCH & BE MERRY WITH HALLMARK CHANNEL CLASSICS  

To keep your travels merry and bright, now through 12/25, you can enjoy free inflight Wi-Fi access to Hallmark Movies Now to stream hundreds of Hallmark Channel original movies.* Plus, if you’re not already a Hallmark Movies Now subscriber, you can sign up for a FREE 7-day trial to get access to all your Hallmark Channel favorites wherever you are! 

Alaska guests can also connect with friends and family from 30,000 feet in the air with our free chat feature during the flight. Just connect to our inflight Wi-Fi and select “free texting.” 

Cozy up, up, and away with us by booking your next flight on alaskaair.com!  

From our team to you, we wish you all a very happy holiday & New Year!  

* Hallmark Movie App Offer is limited to satellite Wi-Fi equipped aircraft. On most other flights, guests can stream Hallmark Channel holiday titles via our inflight entertainment system. 

Elves, toys, and a holiday-themed plane: How Alaska delivered an unforgettable North Pole adventure for kids this year

Alaska Airlines flew an unusual and truly magical 40-minute charter flight Saturday afternoon from Spokane International Airport to the “North Pole.” For many, it was their first time on a plane—and for all, it was extraordinary.

Inside the festive “Merrier Together” Starbucks-themed aircraft, 58 beyond-excited kids, ages 4 to 10, came together from the region’s homeless and at-risk youth populations to celebrate the holidays in a big way. Their seatmates were special elves sent to escort them specially to the North Pole for a visit. I jumped at the chance to tag along to report on the adventure as an embedded elf, nicknamed “Notes.”  

The day of the flight, I tried my best to blend in with the experienced band of pointy-toed, glittered, and jingle-belled elves with names like Ember, Sugarplum, Sprinkles, Seesaw, McJingles and Ginger Beans. Together, we waited for five school busloads of kids to arrive at the Spokane airport.

I was a bonus elf for Lucian, a 6-year-old child, who was paired with “Snowflake,” also known as Mary Shea-Ferger, one of the many Alaska and Horizon Air employees who volunteer for the event each year.

“Just remember you’re an elf,” she told me, “Try to have fun. Remember what being a child was like. And focus on making this an unforgettable, wonderful memory for a kid who may not otherwise have a great Christmas.”  

Ready, set, jet!

When the kids arrived at the airport lobby, they were met with a sea of elves and live holiday music courtesy of the Inland Northwest’s Rainbow Fiddle Kids. Some children were understandably nervous and wary at first, but Lucian greeted Snowflake with a big hug.

Once he was fitted for an “I Believe” t-shirt, and filled his North Pole passport with elf autographs, he was ready to fly! Lucian had never flown on a plane before or visited the North Pole before—but said he looked forward to both.  

  • Elves and kids alike went through airport security.
  • Each child was given a special passport to fill with Elf’s signatures.
  • The enthusiastic TSA at the Spokane Airport had a dedicated lane for Fantasy Flight guests.

Elves put their magic pouches and jingle-bell encrusted hats, belts, and necklaces into bins to go through the x-ray machines; a very tall TSA officer wearing antlers warmly welcomed each kid with a sticker; and everyone got their hands swabbed for “magic.”

Snowflake, Lucian and I breezed through security and headed up the escalator to a decorated gate area where games, snacks and backpacks filled with school supplies, socks, hats, flashlights and small toys were waiting for everyone.

Anticipation for the flight was palpable.

Saturday’s flight marked the 25th year the nonprofit Northwest Pole Adventures and its hundreds of volunteers, sponsors and donors organized Fantasy Flight — and Alaska’s 14th year as the event’s flying sponsor.

Kids oo-ed and ahh-ed when they spotted Alaska’s latest snowflake adorned Starbucks plane through the concourse windows.

This is my one of my favorite things,” said Carole Scallon, a senior Alaska flight attendant who has been on every Alaska-hosted Fantasy Flight, “I love being able to help make the event special for these kids.”

 

During the flight, everyone’s window shades remained closed (to keep the North Pole route a secret). Before we knew it, Santa’s Pilot (Captain Hrivnak) came back on the intercom to tell us Santa’s sleigh has been spotted on radar and we’d be going very fast, at “ludicrous speed,” to catch up to him so they could guide us to the North Pole.

It feels so weird like I’m in a dream,” said Lucian as the plane touched the clouds.

The “North Pole”

When the plane’s front door finally opened, we were greeted by a horde of elves lining the stairway and walkway to a private hangar, which magically transformed into the “North Pole” for the night. Lucian, beamed with joy as he stepped off the plane, high fiving the elves as they welcomed us ‘home’ to the North Pole. He raced around the whimsical new world, checking out every corner as soon as the doors opened.

Santa and Mrs. Claus welcomed guests, followed by lots of fun at craft tables, activity stations and an all-you-can-eat ice-cream bar. Mrs. Claus’s Kitchen was also there, with shelves stocked with decorated cookies, chocolate, cotton candy and other treats.

Best of all, Santa surprised the kids with a giant bag of gifts they wished for, from pink Barbie Dream Campers and guitars to Robot Batman, Legos, Slime studios and more. Lucian was given a pair of radio control laser tag cars in his bag and said they’d be great for his brother, and declared the evening “the best night ever.”

Noah Stiles, the 29-year-old North Pole DJ, named “Jamz,” recognized the excitement Lucien and the other kids were experiencing. He went to the North Pole on a Fantasy Flight when he was about 10 years old.

I was convinced we’d landed at the North Pole,” he says, “And meeting Santa was exactly as I imagined.” Getting gifts of everything from Lincoln Logs to socks was a real treat, but so was the giant bag he was given to take away all his loot.

“As a foster kid, you’re often given trash bags to move your stuff,” says Stiles. “The really well-made green bag I got became very special to me. I used it to move my belongings from placement to placement until I aged out of the foster program, and I still have it.”

  • Each child received a special bag full of gifts from Santa.
  • The North Pole also gave them boots, pajamas of their choice and more!
  • The kids also got a pillow, blanket and stocking stuffed with goodies.

When the evening winded down, Mrs. Claus gathered the children and the elves to read aloud her favorite storybook, The Polar Express, by Chris Van Allsburg, which tells the story of a boy who travels to the North Pole by train and learns the importance of believing. As one final gift (to nod to the story), each child received a large silver jingle bell from their elf.

When the evening wrapped, and it was time for the kids to make their way back, the elves escorted their new little friends to the “Magic Transporter,” a decoratively foggy room made to look like a portal back to reality.

Lucian exited the portal, bound for the awaiting bus. And just when we thought he wouldn’t look back, he ran up to the bus window as quick as he could to wave goodbye to Snowflake and me one more time.

Both exhausted and filled with gratitude, we will forever be grateful knowing we helped deliver a memorable holiday for him—one he and the other children may never forget. 

“Notes” sure won’t forget the magic! ✨

—

Fantasy Flight requires juggling thousands of details each year. This year, with COVID-19 top of mind, Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air and Northwest North Pole Adventures ensured all safety-protocols and precautions were met to ensure the safety of attendees.

Prepare to ooh and ahh in Alaska’s reimagined space at Portland International Airport

We have some new digs at Concourse B at Portland International Airport (PDX) – and it’s B for beautiful. We’re thrilled to report the brand-new Concourse B is now open for business and think you’re gonna love it when traveling to, from or through PDX.  

The completely redeveloped space is bigger, brighter and bolder with Pacific Northwest flair. Our guests arrive and depart at 10 gate locations for Alaska Airlines. Most flights at Concourse B are regional flights operated by our sister carrier Horizon Air.  

PDX is a crucial part of Alaska’s future, especially as one of our key West Coast hubs,” said Shane Jones, vice president of real estate and airport development at Alaska Airlines. “Our partnership and joint investment with the Port of Portland highlights our commitment to provide our guests with an excellent travel experience by making improvements that will make their journeys more enjoyable.” 

Here’s what you can expect at Concourse B:  

  • Let there be (lots more) light! More sunshine now streams in through massive floor-to-ceiling windows that offer great exposure to southern light. Even on the gloomiest of Northwest days, the concourse feels more open and brighter.
  • With better sightlines and improved visibility to what’s going on outside, plane watching just got a major upgrade. You can take in the action happening down on the tarmac and enjoy a front-row seat to endless takeoffs and landings. There’s upgraded technology throughout the concourse, including hundreds of power outlets in the gate areas so you can plug in and charge your devices without going on a treasure hunt. There’s also faster Wi-Fi to get you connected.  
  • The concourse is a short, easy walk from the security checkpoint. 
  • A new guest service counter is in place to help you with travel plans. 
  • A pair of well-known Portland eateries will call Concourse B home in the spring: Good Coffee (acclaimed specialty roaster) and Screen Door (acclaimed for its fried chicken and waffles). 

The unveiling of Concourse B is an early holiday present for our flyers and employees – many of them call PDX one of their favorite airports,” said Michael Pastrick, airport affairs director at Alaska Airlines. “After a tremendous amount of hard work, we’re very happy to have created an enhanced travel experience for our guests and a more comfortable, collaborative workplace for our employees.”  

In 2019, PDX said farewell to Concourse A with its dim lighting, low ceilings and crowded seating areas that greeted Horizon passengers. A new Concourse B is part of its replacement with a project cost of $115 million. See more of the ongoing transformation of PDX at pdxnext.com. 

For those of you who remember the dark, cramped Concourse A basement, you’re in for a treat in this new space that serves important regional flights, said Curtis Robinhold, executive director of the Port of Portland. “Concourse B will provide a quintessential Pacific Northwest welcome and an experience with food and art that passengers and employees of Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air deserve.” 

Prior to the pandemic greatly disrupting air travel, our bigger and smaller jets flew about 133 daily departures at PDX in 2019. Speaking of departures, we all love a nonstop flight! This month, we’ll fly to 44 destinations nonstop from PDX. Recent additions include new nonstop service to Cancun, Denver, New Orleans, San Luis Obispo and Tampa. 

Book your next trip to or from Portland on alaskaair.com.

Alaska Airlines adds Clorox to disinfect 90 airports & lounges

We love having good, clean fun—while keeping your safety at the forefront of everything we do.  

And with holiday travel making our airports busier than we’ve seen in 20 months (we love to see it 😍) and new variants of the coronavirus (😐), we’re excited to team up with Clorox to take our cleaning and disinfection procedures to the next level.  

Since the pandemic hit, we’ve implemented 100 different ways to help support a healthier and safer return to travel for our guests and employees. Travelers can now expect to see Clorox products (sanitizer stands and wipes) land at our most popular airports & Lounges where we fly and on our aircraft. 

Wipes can be used to clean arm rests and tray tables. Please note: The use of commercially available cleaning wipes on our leather seats can deteriorate the top coat of the leather. The cloth might look dirty afterward, but it’s actually the leather dye color that’s coming off.

We’re excited to be working with Alaska Airlines to help make your travel experience cleaner, safer and more fun,” said Tony Matta, Executive Vice President and Chief Growth Officer at The Clorox Company. “Travelers like you can be even more confident in knowing Alaska is taking yet another important step to help safeguard your health and make your trips something to remember.” 

A HIGHER STANDARD OF CLEAN 

We’re leveraging the disinfecting expertise and suite of products from Clorox, the #1 trusted brand for powerful cleaning, to deliver an industry-leading standard of cleanliness. And have developed and validated enhanced aircraft cleaning procedures in partnership with the University of Washington Medical Directors, specializing in Infectious Diseases. 

AWARD-WINNING CARE 

Thanks to the 100+ ways we’ve implemented as part of Next-Level Care, we were among the five largest U.S. carriers to be awarded Diamond status by APEX Health Safety powered by SimpliFlying for our cleanliness and sanitization efforts.  

“Alaska Airlines has raised the bar for health safety standards in the industry by initiatives such as mandatory mask requirements, social distancing at baggage belts and hospital-grade aircraft cleaning efforts. These steps in ensuring health safety go a long way in bolstering trust among travelers,” said Shashank Nigam, CEO of SimpliFlying. 

Diamond ratings indicate that an airline has put in place hospital-grade health safety measures, processes and training, along with an end-to-end focus on wellness.

BOOK WITH PEACE OF MIND

The safety of our guests and employees always comes first, and we want you to feel great about booking a flight with us. Here’s what you need to know before you fly Alaska. 

You must wear a mask to fly. 

We take a layered approach to safety, which starts with the requirement that all employees and guests wear a face mask or covering through the airport and on board. This requirement applies even if you are fully vaccinated. 

Experts agree—it’s safe to fly due to exceptional air quality. 

Travelers wearing a mask have a .003% or NEAR-ZERO CHANCE of being exposed to the virus, even on a full aircraft (according to a Department of Defense study). Air travel is safer than eating out or shopping at a grocery store thanks to:  

We don’t charge change fees. 

Your peace of mind is always top of mind, which is why we’ve permanently eliminated change fees for Main and First Class fares* purchased on or after May 1, 2021. Fare differences may apply. Learn more. 

Learn more about our Next-Level Care and what to expect while traveling on alaskaair.com. 

Gift ideas for the travel lover in your life

Whether you’re spending the holidays at home this year or flying Alaska to somewhere special, we have gift ideas for all your wander-lusting needs!

Visit our company store Monday through Friday, 9:30am – 5:00pm. Located in our new office building, “The Hub” at 19235 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98198.

Give the gift of travel for 2022, along with some of the most unique airline swag available online or at our company store, located in SeaTac, Wash. 

Give the gift of travel

Treat yourself with miles or share miles with someone else. You can buy Alaska Mileage Plan miles for friends and loved ones or top off your account to jet off onto your next great adventure.

Model Planes 

Our shop is full of model airplanes in various designs & sizes, including Alaska’s new Pride plane, Our Commitment aircraft and more! Each plane has spinning engines and rubber tires that roll and turn. Collect them all!

Cozy all the way with our holiday Sweater!

We’re continuing one of our coziest traditions & celebrating the holiday season in the merriest way with our 2021 Holiday sweater. Due to high demand, the best way to get your hands on our threads this year is to pre-order them in-person at our Company Store. We’re expecting more sweaters to arrive soon, please stay tuned!

Enjoy the little things

Sometimes it’s the little things that make our day (like our holiday sweater, but fun size!). Give something small & great to someone this season! See more.

#FillBeforeYouFly

Did you know every time you use the hashtag #fillbeforeyoufly, Alaska helps plant a tree with the National Forest Foundation? Since 2019, our initiative has encouraged guests and employees to bring their own water bottles and become active partners in our goal to reduce single-use plastics. BYO-Alaska-bottle & other drinkware.

Bags that have your back

Well equipped for the person on the go, Alaska’s Herschel backpacks, fanny packs and more are perfectly designed with a versatile range of storage pockets for all your travel essentials — you’re less likely to forget packing that must-have with these bags! Buy now.

Fan out with Alaska apparel

Show your airline pride with apparel that looks great & will keep you comfortable and warm on your next adventure. Shop all our new beanies, tees, puffers & more!

For little av-geeks in training 😉

Our adorable airplane backpacks & bomber jackets are just the ticket to bring smiles this holiday season! Or keep the little one’s toesies nice and cozy with our baby socks! Check out more gift ideas for the kiddos.

Buy something for the co-pilots in your life 

Treat your co-pilot pupper with an Alaska placemat, bowl and more. And, for those sweet moments to have a picnic, indulge yourselves! Last but certainly not least, give the gift of accessories for the traveler (or golfer) in your life!

Check out Alaska’s company store in-person or online for more gift ideas.

Happy holidays to all our guests, community partners & employees!

Merrier together: Starbucks & Alaska take coffee to new heights with a holiday plane and delights

This holiday season we linked up with our hometown friends at Starbucks to spread joy through craft and travel. Because, like coffee, travel is better together. 

On Dec. 7, we unveiled our newest brew-tiful aircraft. It will fly throughout our network all season long. To top it off, Alaska guests had the chance to buy one ticket and get one for just the taxes & fees* using promo code STARBUCKS. The offer has expired, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still get a great deal on flights. Find our lowest fares with flight deals.

Jet setting & offsetting + RED CUPS

And because you can’t have too much cheer – Starbucks and Alaska will provide passengers on 50 flights with reusable holiday cups and treats through December 12th! We’re also offsetting the carbon impacts of these flights through The Good Traveler program, as part of our commitment to be carbon net-zero by 2040. 

Enjoy flights to sunny destinations like Belize, Hawaii and Palm Springs or chill out in Jackson Hole, Anchorage or Boston and more. And if you’re flying from our hometown, you can now fly to over 100 destinations from Seattle, see more reasons to fly Alaska, below!

Reasons to fly Alaska —

First, you can sip Starbucks coffee at 30,000 feet on every Alaska flight.

Guests enjoy streaming the most movies and TV shows in the sky* for free on their own device(s)––plus, Wi-Fi, free texting, and in-seat power to keep your devices charged. Learn more. You can also preorder meals 20 hours before your travel on Alaska’s mobile app or online.

As the newest member of the oneworldⓇ Alliance, Alaska and its Global Partners are proud to help you safely reach more than 1,000 destinations worldwide, including amazing places like the Maldives, London and beyond! Book your next global getaway and redeem miles today!

Alaska has a 20-min bag guarantee. If you don’t get your bags in under 20 minutes, you’re eligible for a discount on future travel.

Alaska is also committed to Next-Level Care, which provides a higher level of cleanliness and safety throughout your entire journey, including enhanced onboarding cleaning, mask requirements, health agreements, contactless touchpoints. Learn more at alaskaair.com/NextLevelCare.

Alaska’s loyalty program is for anyone who loves to travel. Earn miles for EVERY mile flown on Alaska, even on the lowest fare. Plus, earn when you shop, dine, rent a car, stay in a hotel and more. Membership is free, and it’s easy to sign up!

Alaska cares about people, places and the planet. We’re also known for our on-time performance, low fares and award-winning customer service. You’ll get that and more when you fly with us!

For the latest travel updates and destination inspo, follow @AlaskaAir on social. Our Social Care team is here for you 24/7.

Book now, mask up, let’s go!

*For complete terms and conditions, visit alaskaair.com//starbucks-bogo

Ultimate guide to Belize: Calling all thrill-seekers & beachgoers, this Caribbean oasis is for you!

Tucked between Mexico and the Caribbean sits Belize, a tropical marvel whose unique attractions and off-the-radar experiences lure in thousands of travelers every year.

A country that’s part of Central America and the Caribbean, Belize continues to be an anomaly attracting thrill-seekers and beach bummers alike. Lush jungles grace most of its landscape, coupled with hundreds of offshore islands in the world’s second-largest barrier reef.

Check out all the things to see and do unlike any other Caribbean destination below.

Things to do

Swim with sharks in Shark Ray Alley

What’s more adrenaline-pumping than swimming with sharks? Yep, it’s a thing. You can swim with sharks at Shark Ray Alley, located in a marine reserve, just a short boat ride away from the renowned island of Ambergris Caye.

This popular adventure has become the go-to site for snorkeling with sharks – the harmless ones, of course! Back in the day, fisherfolk cleaned their fish near this area, attracting nurse sharks and stingrays. Now, the area is a prime hang-out spot with these marine spectacles for travelers to experience and photograph. So you can don your fins and snorkeling mask, jump right in and swim alongside gentle creatures as they curiously circle the boat. Don’t worry, there’s no Jaws moment here! 

Master your top of the world selfie at the Mayan City of Xunantunich

Unbeknownst to many, Belize was home to one of the world’s most mysterious civilizations: the ancient Maya. Bewilderingly enough, the Maya culture is still alive and well in Belize, though its numbers are nowhere near the colossal amount it once was a millennia ago. Still, the country is peppered with archaeological Maya sites from north to south.

One of the best ancient sites to wander is Xunantunich, a Maya city that once thrived during the Classic Period. Its name, which translates to “Maiden of the Rock” or “Stone Lady,” came from an old legend where in the 1800s, a hunter from the village of San Jose Succotz said he saw the apparition of a woman at the base of the largest temple. The temple, “El Castillo,” towers at 130 feet and offers sweeping panoramic views of the meandering river below and the jungle canopies surrounding the site. Unlike other Maya cities in Mexico, you can climb these temples to the top, meaning your selfies will be out of this world! 

Explore fascinating grounds below in the ATM Cave

Belize boasts vast underground cave systems, many of which are still unexplored. Some are so world-renowned, visitors come from across the world to venture into the dark, damp mysteries. The Actun Tunichil Muknal (ATM) cave is one of Belize’s most difficult caves yet most captivating. National Geographic even named it one of the Top 10 Sacred Caves in the world back in 2018! But what makes it so special? Dare to enter the tight-creviced cave and you’ll be greeted by not only Mayan pottery and artifacts but an actual Mayan skeleton purely intact. Known as the Crystal Maiden due to its crystallized form, the skeletal remains are believed to be the victim of a sacrificial ritual by the ancient Maya. Archaeologists and historians believe the Mayas may have used caves for such affairs, whereas the culture believed caves to be entrances to the underworld. 

Sites to See

Spring break year-round in Ambergris Caye

Everyone may know the island’s only town as the inspiration for Madonna’s hit song “La Isla Bonita,” but there’s more to Ambergris Caye. The party island is Belize’s most visited destination, and for good reason. Its silk-sand beaches and swaying palm trees are the epitome of a dream vacation in the tropics.

An all-year-round Spring Break destination, Ambergris Caye is beaming with stellar nightlife and straight-up island vibes. You can opt to lounge the day away planted on a beach chaise at a beachfront resort or explore the island via its ubiquitous golf carts. Either way, the food, people, and the ever-present Caribbean breeze will make it a challenge to leave. 

Enjoy the welcoming mecca of San Ignacio Town 

At the heart of Belize’s Cayo District sits San Ignacio, a historic town with its own set of Maya sites and dense rainforests a stone’s throw away. About two hours away from the international airport, San Ignacio is a cultural Mecca with the warmest welcoming around. Stroll the Farmer’s Market downtown and exchange stories with the local fruit vendors.

You can also visit the Green Iguana Conservation Project at San Ignacio Resort Hotel and befriend the cute, green iguanas. Looking for a quick to-do? Make your way to the nearby Cahal Pech Maya site for a short, one-hour morning tour! The possibilities are endless. 

Hopkins Village

On the southeast side of Belize lies the up-and-coming coastal village of Hopkins. This sleepy fishing village is a cultural hot spot and home to the Garifuna people of Belize. Hopkins is a great central hub, close to both the reef and rainforests and offers visitors the best of both worlds.

A perfect day in Hopkins includes a half-day snorkeling  trip to a nearby offshore island and bookending it with drumming lessons at Warasa Garifuna School. If you’re searching for something a little more steeped in nature, a half-hour drive away is Maya King Waterfall, easily accessible and a welcome respite from the tropical heat. 

Know before you go 

Best time to visit

With Belize having only two seasons — wet and dry — any time is a great time to visit. However, the months of November to March are ideal as the weather is considerably cooler. This also coincides with the country’s dry season. 

Book your travel to Belize

You can now fly to Belize City with Alaska Airlines from Los Angeles and Seattle!

Starting today, Alaska’s service to Belize operates four times a week between Los Angeles and Belize City (BZE) and twice weekly between Seattle and Belize City, just in time for the holiday season! You can purchase tickets here.

Photos courtesy of Belize Tourism Board.

Flying soon? Here are some holiday travel tips to keep spirits bright

Holiday season is here — and it’s a busy one!  

While the thought of traveling for the first time in over a year for some may seem daunting, studies have shown flying is minimal risk while wearing a mask and that cabin air may be cleaner than most homes, hospital rooms and supermarkets. 

To make the travel process as smooth as possible, we have some helpful tips to relieve some stress. 

Arrive early.  

Please plan for additional time to get to and through the airport. We recommend arriving at least two hours before your flight and three hours before international departures. 

Airports are busier than usual this time of year, which means lines could be longer and slower, congested traffic, and parking is at a premium. On top of that, many of us are traveling for the first time since the pandemic and our savviness might be a little rusty. 

Check out airport guides for recommended airport arrival times, ticket counter hours and cut-off times for check-in and boarding. 

Learn more: alaskaair.com/airports

Speed through security. 

You can avoid long airport lines with a trusted traveler program like TSA Pre✓®, Clear or Global Entry. Membership in these programs gives you access to dedicated TSA Pre✓® lanes at more than 200 airports nationwide. 

Departing from Seattle? Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle are offering a new way to get you through the general screening security checkpoint faster called SEA Spot Saver. A similar program is also launching in Newark (EWR), called VirtuaLine. Travelers can start reserving their spot(s) in line starting on Nov. 20, for flights departing on or after November 23rd. 

If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you can still take advantage of these reservations, but you won’t receive the benefits of those trusted traveler programs, such as not having to remove your shoes and electronics. You’ll need to choose which program you want to use. 

Ensure you have proper ID. Before heading to the airport, travelers should make sure they have acceptable identification. Identity verification is an important step in the security screening process.

Pack smarter not harder. 

Prep for security when packing and ensure that there are no prohibited items in your bag(s)! Know which foods should go into a checked bag — gravy, cranberry sauce, wine, jam, and preserves should all go into a checked bag, because they are not solids.

If you can spill it, spray it, spread it, pump it or pour it, then it’s not a solid and should be packed in a checked bag. As always, passengers can bring solid foods such as cakes and other baked goods through the checkpoints.

Pro-tip: Wait to wrap your gifts—those won’t fly through security! 

It’s okay to bring hand sanitizer. TSA is currently allowing travelers to bring one liquid hand sanitizer container up to 12 ounces per passenger in carry-on bags until further notice. Passengers can expect all containers larger 3.4 ounces will need to be screened separately, which will add some time to their checkpoint experience. Travelers can also bring alcohol wipes or anti-bacterial wipes in carry-on, checked luggage, or both.

Check in, print bag tags at home. 

You can check in for your flight and print your bag tags in advance online or on our mobile app up to 24 hours before departure. For international flights, you can enter your passport information online. This way, you just drop your bag and go!  

Learn more: alaskaair.com/selftag 

Watch, text and be merry. 

Snuggle into your seat and grab some snacks – we’re bringing you the most movies in the sky*- and TV shows, too – all for free! Choose from over 1000 free movies and TV episodes in our entertainment library. Simply connect to our onboard Wi-Fi network during your flight and visit AlaskaWiFi.com to browse our extensive library. 

Most aircraft feature our streaming entertainment system, letting you watch free movies and TV shows on your own device.  

Last-minute holiday to-dos? Texting doesn’t stop when you fly with us. Just connect to our inflight Wi-Fi and select “free texting.” 

Learn more: alaskaair.com/inflight-entertainment 

Pre-order meals onboard. 

More food and beverage options are now available on board! Snack on favorites like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter or try our new menu items via pre-order on most flights over two hours. For guests in First Class, delicious hot meals are back on coast-to-coast and Hawaiʻi flights, plus Boxed Water to quench any thirst.   

Don’t forget to pre-order your meal (if applicable) 20 hours before your flight! 

Learn more: alaskaair.com/preorder 

Junior jetsetters flying solo? We’ll take great care of them!

If you have kids who will be flying by themselves this holiday season, visit alaskaair.com to book their flights and discover the different types of care we offer kids of all ages. 

Pro-tip: Print this travel checklist to ensure the smoothest process for your child passenger.

Book now. Mask up. Let’s go!  

Our commitment to Next-Level Care means we’ve implemented 100+ ways to maintain the highest standard of safety throughout your travels.  

Masks are still federally required during travel. All employees and guests must wear a face mask or covering through the airport and on board. This requirement applies even if you are fully vaccinated. 

Travelers wearing a mask have a .003% or NEAR-ZERO CHANCE of being exposed to the virus, even on a full aircraft (according to a Department of Defense study). 

Learn more: alaskaair.com/next-level-care 

Spread joy & kindness 

Remember that everyone is doing their best to make travel as safe, hassle-free and accessible as possible. The holidays are a busy time, and the airports will be filled with many people who fly just once or twice a year. It may seem like a small thing, but a little kindness goes a long way. 

Book your holiday travel today on alaskaair.com.

Get your questions answered: 

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Reservations / Pre-flight questions: 1-800-252-7522 (1-800-ALASKAAIR)

Guest Care / Post-flight concerns: 1-800-654-5669

Baggage

Report any baggage issues in person before you leave the airport—you’ll need to do it within 24 hours. Baggage recovery and reimbursement steps

Lounge: 1-800-654-5669

Hearing and speech impaired (TTY) help is available. Dial 711 for relay services.

Questions about Mileage Plan? Reach out to us at 1-800-654-5669 or online.

TSA questions? Travelers can get assistance in real time by submitting their questions and comments to @AskTSA on Twitter or Facebook Messenger. Travelers can also reach the TSA Contact Center at 866-289-9673. Staff is available from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends/holidays; and an automated service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Alaska Airlines flight attendant honors USS Indianapolis with special tribute to survivors & crew lost at sea  

When Alaska Flight Attendant Kim Roller met retired U.S. Navy Capt. John Woolston on a layover in Honolulu, she had no idea the impact he and other USS Indianapolis survivors would have on her life. 

The USS Indianapolis warship sinking remains the largest loss of life at sea in the history of the U.S. Navy. Of the 1,196 crew on board, 316 were rescued from the water, and only four survivors remain alive today. 

Retired U.S. Navy Capt. John Woolston (left) and Alaska Flight Attendant Kim Roller (right) met in 2012 and made a lasting connection. He eventually came around to the idea of attending a USS Indianapolis reunion. He never missed one after that.

Like many survivors, Woolston didn’t speak about his haunting ordeal for a long time. He told Roller, “I may be a survivor, but I don’t want that to define me.”  

The Indy’s legacy and service came to a tragic end on July 30, 1945. In just 12 minutes, the sleek heavy cruiser, spanning the size of two football fields, was sent to the bottom of the Philippine Sea after being struck by enemy torpedoes in the middle of the night.  

  • Woolston, 20 years old courtesy of the U.S. Navy Memorial 
  • Woolston in 2018, 93 years old.

Woolston, was an engineer assigned to the Indianapolis when it sank. For five nights and four days, he and other service men were left drifting in the ocean to battle dehydration, shark attacks and extreme conditions until they were spotted by a pilot flying low enough to see them. After his rescue, he went on to serve a total of 31 years on active duty, sharing his story with hundreds of service men and women throughout Hawaii. 

Kim (left) dressed in traditional era attire for her presentation at the 2016 USS Indianapolis Reunion.

Some members from the Indy crew still gather for a reunion in downtown Indianapolis to reconnect and remember. Roller attends every year and has dedicated her time paying tribute to the survivors with a multimedia presentation. She also visits as many crew members as she can when she travels. 

I owe these men everything. We all do. We’re free today because of what they did so long ago,” said Roller, who was named an honorary survivor in 2013 for her dedication to the men rescued. “I’ve done this presentation for almost 20 years and it still brings me to my knees, emotionally.” 

Roller developed an interest in World War II from her grandfather, a photographer in the Navy who took pictures of the Nagasaki atomic bomb. Her father also served in Vietnam. She learned about the Indy from the book, “In Harm’s Way: The Sinking of the USS Indianapolis and the Extraordinary Story of Its Survivors,” by Doug Stanton, which chronicles the sinking of the Indianapolis during World War II and the events that followed. It serves as the inspiration for Roller’s multimedia tribute to surviving members. 

Since 2004, Roller has conducted multimedia presentations for universities and military functions. She dresses in full 1945 vintage attire and tells the story of Indianapolis survivors. The sessions also include some of the remaining survivor(s) and rescue crew members. 

After eluding discovery for nearly 72 years, the wreckage of the heavy cruiser was finally located on the floor of the Philippine Sea in 2017 by a research expedition funded by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen. Woolston is featured in the film, which Roller says brought him a lot of peace. 

It’s fantastic, there’s no doubt about it. Of course, I never dreamt I’d be able to see it,” Woolston said in The USS Indianapolis: The Final Chapter documentary directed by Kirk Wolfinger. “This is an eyeopener for sure. Beautiful.” 

A bittersweet ending to an honorable life

For years, Alaska has honored veterans with trips to see the monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C. — and even has three military-themed aircraft for the occasion.

In 2018, Roller convinced Woolston he needed to experience an Honor Flight to D.C. to visit the national monuments named in his and other veterans’ honor.  

Kim with John & his escort to the Honor Flight in 2018.

Together with the Puget Sound Honor Flight program, Roller and other Alaska employees accompanied Woolston and 50+ other veterans of the Korean War, the Vietnam War and World War II to the nation’s capital aboard our “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft, which is dedicated to all the brave men and women of America’s military and armed forces, along with their families.

 

“He went into the Honor Flight and he cried. And that man did not cry,” she said. “He was so touched by that trip and how Alaska treated everybody, he was just so amazed. And, to top it off, when he landed back in Seattle after the flight, he was met at the gate by one of his shipmate’s grandsons in his uniform saluting him. He was blown away.” 

A month after his memorable trip to D.C., Woolston passed away. He was 93. 

  • Before the Honor Flight from Seattle to D.C. Roller flew Woolston up early to get acclimated to the time change & organized a boat ride together around Commencement Bay.
  • “When Evan (her friend) handed the wheel over to John, it was an unexpected, emotionally-charged moment. John was very touched,” she said.

In 2013 Roller was honored with a special honorary survivor title.

We nominated and voted you in as an honorary survivor,” Woolston told her when he came out of the meeting room. “You’re one of us now.”

Honoring Those Who Serve 

At Alaska and Horizon, we are grateful for the service of active-duty military and veterans, and we appreciate the personal sacrifices they and their families make for us all.  

Between Alaska and Horizon, our combined fleet has three special aircraft to honor those who serve. The designs — adorned on two Alaska Boeing aircraft and a Horizon E175 — feature an Alaska Airlines Salutes medallion and a fallen soldier badge, with the Battlefield Cross to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. The planes also feature five rings surrounding the engines, representative of the five branches of the U.S. military, and American flag winglets.  

We’re also proud of our “Fallen Soldier Program,” which pays proper tribute to soldiers on the way home to their final resting places. Alaska’s aircraft technicians were the thoughtful catalysts behind the program’s creation, ensuring military protocols are followed when handling the remains of fallen servicemen and women being flown to their final resting place.  

Learn how Alaska and Horizon support all service members, past and present. 

 

 

Book your dream volunteer vacation in Hawaii — “It’ll make you proud” says Alaska employee & Hawaiian

Imagine you and your loved ones are excitedly planning a future trip to Hawaii. You’re looking forward to sandy beaches and that fresh, cool breeze brushing through your hair, for sure, but this pre-trip eagerness feels more special than any other vacation. More meaningful. Because on this trip, you will be prioritizing time to build a deeper connection with Hawaii through purposeful activities curated by travel2change. 

Starting now, Alaska guests can book volunteer experiences in Hawaii with the help of travel2change, a Hawaii-based social and environmental impact organization designed to connect travelers to fun, enriching activities that create a positive benefit for communities across the Hawaiian Islands.  

Here’s how it works:  

  1. After you’ve booked your trip on alaskaair.com to one of the Hawaiian Islands, you can find volunteer experiences to do during your visit. 

  1. Select the island you’ll be visiting.  

  1. Choose a category (currently, there are nine options, ranging from beach activities to culture-based experiences).   

  1. Select and confirm dates for the activity.  

  1. Sleep easy knowing you will be engaging with local organizations and improving your travel experience by deepening your cultural awareness.  

Me with my new friend, Mondy Jamshidi Kent of travel2change. 

By giving back to Hawaii, not only will you get that tingly, feel-good warmth, but you get to understand this special place in a much more satisfying way than just beachside hangouts and tropical hikes. With travel2change, you will walk away with a deeper, more meaningful connection to Hawaii. And when you think about it, isn’t that what travel is all about? Expand your adventures in a purposeful way, leaving things better than you found them, sharing your mindful encounters with others to do the same. With travel2change, you’re not just on vacation – you’re part of a fulfilling cultural educational experience.  

As someone born in Hawaii with cultural and ohana (family) connections, I often get asked what to do while visiting the islands — and honestly, what comes to mind is “visit thoughtfully,” which is why I’m excited about this partnership with travel2change. Last weekend, I was able to try the collaboration out myself. I booked travel to Oahu and signed up to get down-and-dirty in the loi kalo, or taro farm, with my peers and other community partners.  

I grew up hearing stories about how my family, including my mom and her six siblings, spent their weekends in the loi kalo, sludging their way through the mud patties just as I did (but with much better practice and skill). So, I was humbled to experience something similar.  

Alongside my peers from Alaska and volunteers with travel2change, all of us rolled up our sleeves. We sloshed knee-deep through a mud pond, pulling weeds and breaking up mounds of dirt to engage in the traditional and sustainable Hawaiian practice of readying the loi (irrigated terrace) so that a healthy patch of kalo (taro plant) could grow and thrive.

Aloha spirits cultivate large heart-shaped plants 

What’s special about taro plants? A large heart-shaped plant, taro is an edible starchy root vegetable most commonly used in Hawaii to make poi, a paste-like pudding made from pounding the taro plant with water. Poi is a staple in the islands, known to Hawaiians as “the staff of life” because of its history of sustenance, feeding kaiaulu, or communities, for generations as a primary food source. Out of deep respect and gratitude, Hawaiians continue to look after the taro plant in a similar relationship as you would an elder sibling who carries the responsibility of providing for their ohana. 

Many of us didn’t know each other’s names just hours prior – and there we were, gleefully slathered in wet dirt, mud-stomping side-by-side in the warm sun with joyful taro-shaped hearts. 

And that’s what makes me so proud of Alaska’s partnership with travel2change, the opportunity for visitors near and far to experience that same feeling I felt of positive impact – on the aina (land), kaiaulu, and in the heart of Hawaii.  

After being given permission, many of us ventured together to a nearby stream to wash off, plunging into the chilly water following a morning of hard work. Yet, despite the belly-deep laughter and boisterous debriefing from the group as our feet touched the fuzzy rocks five feet below, there was a feeling of stillness.   

Fulfillment. If I had listened close enough, I would’ve hoped to hear the echoes of my kupuna (ancestors), making them proud of a job well done. Not just as a Hawaiian, but as someone giving back in thanks for all that Hawaii has given me.  

Watch me & other volunteers in action (until :40) on KHON’s Living808

Malama Hawaii  

Since the pandemic, local residents and state officials have encouraged visitors to discover ways to malama, or take care of, the Hawaiian Islands.  

As an Alaska employee and Native Hawaiian, I’m proud we came together to find a way to make it easier for guests to book rewarding travel experiences through travel2change. 

5 ways to malama (care for) Hawaii

After a tumultuous year, it was refreshing to finally be together again and to give back.   

Book your next trip to Hawaii today at alaskaair.com. 

A new Alaska program aims to bring careers into reach for aspiring BIPOC pilots

Over the past year, a group of Black Alaska pilots got together to find creative ways to make aviation careers more attainable for aspiring pilots.

Led by Ron Limes, an Alaska captain since 1999, the group worked in partnership with their colleagues, peers and leaders from across our company, and today we are excited to launch a new program called True North.

Alaska’s True North program helps students gain the confidence and skills required to fly for a commercial airline once they graduate and offers financial assistance along the way, while also looking to increase the diversity of our industry.

I have always dreamed of becoming a pilot. While I chose the military route before joining Alaska, I know what a financial burden flight school can be on students and their families,” said Alaska Capt. Ron Limes. “When I became a pilot, I realized how few pilots looked like me. I am excited by this program because it will remove so many barriers – whether that be financial or otherwise – for BIPOC pilots to have full and rewarding careers in aviation.”

Limes shortly after flying Our Commitment plane — a special aircraft meant to spread the word about UNCF and spark conversation around the importance of education, equity and representation.

The program will start with students from two historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs) – Delaware State University and University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. We hope to expand the program to other schools in the future, as well as broader career opportunities within Alaska.  

What’s included in the program:

  • True North is a persistent pilot development program to source, train and place candidates in entry level aviation roles. 
  • For now, True North will fund four selected students’ flight lab fees from post-instrument rating through R-ATP. 
  • Students enrolled in True North are offered guaranteed first officer positions at Horizon Air – post college graduation, and a confirmed path to  Alaska 
  • Internship and mentorship opportunities with Alaska pilots will be part of the program.

True North will also help us create an inclusive culture at Alaska and Horizon where everyone feels like they belong and can have long rewarding careers. Earlier this year, we committed to increasing our company’s racial diversity at all levels to 30% by 2025.

Captain JP Wilson. Students enrolled in True North are offered guaranteed first officer positions at Horizon Air for two years post college graduation, and Alaska for three years.

The development of True North supports our recent commitment to the HBCU Partnership Challenge, which encourages private companies to partner with historically Black colleges and universities. 

Education and opportunity transform the lives of talented young people. I am excited Alaska will help bring brilliant minds and the next generation into aviation,” said Constance von Muehlen, COO of Alaska Airlines. “We look forward to meeting the future of our company through this program.”

Interested in flying for Alaska or Horizon, learn more and apply today at https://lnkd.in/gyd_3P6.

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