Editorial: The importance of sticking together during a crisis

May 21, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

Gary Locke, Former Governor of Washington:

As the first Chinese American to be elected governor in United States history and the first Asian American governor on the mainland, U.S. Secretary of Commerce, Gary Locke has been a leader in the areas of education, employment, human rights and more. As an avid traveler (Alaska MVP Gold) who celebrates diversity and enjoys experiencing different cultures, Locke was troubled to hear stories of COVID-19 triggering bias and harassment of Asian-Americans.

Locke: Over my many trips in and out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, I’ve always been greeted by the warm and friendly faces of travelers and Alaska Airlines employees. Now, more than ever, I realize how valuable and meaningful a smile is in creating human connection. Today, many things remain uncertain, but I know when the time is right, we will be seeking travel and human connection like never before and Alaska Airlines will be there to get us there safely and with the upmost care and welcoming service.

This month, we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage month – honoring cultures and traditions as varied as those from Tonga to Indonesia to China and Japan. As U.S. Secretary of Commerce, I have had the great privilege of traveling around the country and firmly believe the strength and essence of America is our diversity of people, cultures, customs, and perspectives of every shape and color. That diversity has been the fuel of our nation’s dynamism. And generations after generations of Asian American Pacific Islanders have contributed mightily to the progress and defense of America and have much to be proud of.

I thus find it troubling to hear many Asian-Americans have been targets of harassment and bias amid the COVID-19 crisis. We can and must do better. Now more than ever, it’s imperative we all come together to overcome this pandemic. During Asian Pacific American Heritage month, I hope all of us can take the time to recognize and reaffirm to a friend, colleague, neighbor—whether in person or virtually—that they are cared for, respected and play an integral part of our country’s ability to rise up from this crisis. As a former diplomat, I’ve learned that we can build lasting bridges by starting with a simple act of kindness to our fellow individuals. I am heartened to learn that Alaska Airlines has always been an advocate for diversity and inclusion and is taking additional steps to spread awareness of this topic and is equipping their employees with the tools to support each other and Alaska’s guests. Keep up the great work!

Annabel Chang, Alaska Airlines Bay Area vice president and executive sponsor of the Air Group Pan-Asian (AGPA) business resource group:

Chang: Alaska has always strived to cultivate a workplace where different points of view are welcomed, where employees feel empowered to discuss tough issues and where successful—and unsuccessful— practices can be shared across organizations.

Last month, we virtually brought our employees together to have an open conversation about COVID-19 and the impact it has had on the Asian American community. By talking about the topic openly and discussing best practices, our hope is to empower our employees to do the right thing, lead with kindheartedness and support each other and the communities where we fly. Our Alaska Airlines Foundation is also supporting free virtual training that is being jointly provided by Asian Americans Advancing Justice and Hollaback. The virtual training shares practical tools and tips to respond to discriminatory situations.

This year’s Asian Pacific American Heritage Month is more important than ever – it provides us the opportunity to share our stories and highlight the contributions of Asian Americans. And as we begin to travel again, I look forward to the sheer joy of experiencing new places, catching up with old friends, and simply smiling at each other.

Alaska Airlines employees at 35 airports accept #MillionMealsChallenge & deliver 100,000 meals to 20 states

May 20, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
6 min read

Last month, in partnership with the Alaska Airlines Foundation, Alaska Airlines donated more than one million meals to help local food banks across the country. To help double our impact, we launched the “Million Meals Challenge” to invite our guests and employees to join us in supporting the most vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19.

When our Food & Beverage team approved another round of donations earlier this month, more than 250 Alaska employees banded together to deliver a total of nearly 90,000 pounds of food throughout 35 communities in 20 states, providing an additional 100,000 meals to help feed those in need.

In Alaska, even flooding won’t stop our employees from doing the right thing

nome-alaska-CSA — Customer Service Agent David delivers donations in Nome, Alaska.

The state of Alaska is known for its mesmerizing glaciers, rich culture and breath-taking landscapes, but also communities that never give up. That’s why employees throughout the state didn’t hesitate to participate in the #millionmealschallenge — even during inclement weather.

Together, employees delivered a total of 7,328 pounds of food across four small Alaskan communities, which included donated onboard items such as picnic packs, crackers, nuts, shelf-stable creamer and granola bars.

The donated items were delivered to a local food bank in Barrow, a soup kitchen and women’s shelter in Kotzebue, and homeless shelters in Nome and Bethel, who are preparing to serve Alaskan villages displaced by possible evacuations due to spring flooding.

Rondi, Tracy and I delivered snack packs to the local homeless shelter just in time as the Kuskokwim River was reaching the banks,” said Michael, Bethel station manager. “Fortunately, the ice broke with minimal flooding on just a few roads in town.”

Bay Area surprises & delights children

Last month, employees donated close to 40,000 repurposed onboard kids snack packs to the San Francisco Mayor’s office for the purposes of feeding youth in-need during the COVID-19 global pandemic. The snack packs were delivered to Ella Hill Hutch Community Center, where the food was distributed to community partners including the Latino Task Force, Code Tenderloin and Hope SF.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has hit underrepresented communities, particularly Hispanic and Black, the hardest, and I am so thankful to be a part of a company that is constantly looking for ways to give back,” said Oriana Branon, who co-leads the Latin Culture Resource group at Alaska Airlines and is the director of Community and Public Relations in the Bay Area.

New York never stops

Team JFK made three rounds around New York, delivering food provided in partnership from our catering partner LSG, restaurants Bean Post Pub in Brooklyn, Leo’s in Bay Ridge and Love Conquers Cancer’s ‘Feed Them First’ campaign.

The group of employees delivered the donations to the New York Fire Department Engine 247 in Brooklyn who supports the community of Borough Park, one of the hardest hit neighborhoods with over 6,000 residents infected with COVID-19.

Employees made their second stop at Staten Island University Hospital to help feed health care workers. Lastly, team JFK visited the New York-Presbyterian Brooklyn Methodist Hospital in the neighborhood of Park Slope.

Alaska spreads the ‘aloha spirit’ during an overwhelming time

With one of the highest unemployment rates in the nation, many families in Hawaii have been hit hard by the economic impact of COVID-19. Following the reduction of our flight schedule to the Hawaiian Islands, we donated over 26,000 pounds of food to help support several organizations across four islands.

On Kauai, we joined Mayor Derek Kawakami and the Hawaii Food Bank, Kauai Branch and the Kauai Independent Food Bank in the County of Kauai’s first food distribution, which has been providing 500 food boxes to Kauai families every Saturday this month.

The need has been overwhelming, but we are humbled by the outpouring of support,” said Mayor Kawakami. “Mahalo to Alaska Airlines for their generous donation of 14 pallets of food for the cause.”

Similarly, on Maui, our donations have supported Mayor Michael Victorino’s weekly food distribution, which has handed out over 5,000 bags of food and produce to residents across Maui County.

Bon appétits et coeurs in Las Vegas

Alaska employees in Las Vegas are used to organizing monthly volunteer events, but as the current pandemic has affected the ability to volunteer at local food banks, they had to get creative. That’s when Las Vegas’ ‘swag team’ came up with a brilliant idea to give back while supporting a small business.

Employees reached out to a local French bistro called Rosallie Le French Café, who was more than willing to support the cause. With the help and support of other employees, the LAS team managed to fundraise enough money to pay the bistro to prepare and box food for people in need. Employees then delivered the food to Desert Springs Hospital’s Emergency Room department as an act of appreciation.

Snack packs were also donated by Alaska to 150 nurses between the ER department and ICU at the Sunrise Children’s Hospital and Sunrise Hospital & Medical Center. The remainder of the snack pack donations, totaling 1,250 pounds, were gifted to the local Three Squares Foodbank in Las Vegas.

There’s still time to join the #MillionMealsChallenge

Every day, we hear more stories like these, all because people like you and our employees recognize that even in times of uncertainty, there’s a need to keep going for each other, for our guests and for our communities, and we can’t thank you enough.

Between now and the end of May, you can support your local food bank through our Million Meals Challenge Virtual Food Drive. If you’re in a position to help, please give what you can to the following food banks below:

Actions we’re taking to keep our guests & employees safe

May 20, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

We know this can be an uncertain time to travel. As always, the safety of our guests and our employees is our number one priority. We are working directly with health officials as well as industry leaders for updates and best practices to do everything possible to keep our guests and employees safe.

On the plane

New: We’ve blocked all middle seats, except for families, to give our guests more space and the flexibility they need to achieve social distancing on large aircraft and aisle seats on smaller aircraft at the time of purchase through June 30. Learn more
We’re temporarily reducing food and drink service onboard. Learn more.
We’ll have limited upgrades available as we implement seat restrictions to help with social distancing onboard the aircraft.
Flight attendants are required to wear masks and gloves during service.
We’re enhancing aircraft cleaning between flights and will continue to evaluate our cleaning procedures. This is in addition to the regular cleanings between flights.
We will temporarily not be refilling used cups, including in First Class. We’re encouraging our guests to #FillBeforeYouFly to help us reduce our onboard waste.
We’re suspending warm towel and blanket service in First Class.
We’re discontinuing onboard sorting of recycling items on Alaska and Horizon flights to reduce touching passenger-handled materials.
On some flights, we’re removing inflight entertainment tablets except those to Hawaii and Florida (where we have the highest usage of tablets) to make room for additional trash carts.
We’re encouraging guests to travel with hand sanitizer or anti-bacterial wipes out of an abundance of caution.
- Wipes can be used to clean armrests and tray tables. 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.

At the airport, in our lounges & our company offices

New: We’re installing social distancing decals to remind people to ‘Mind Your Wingspan,’ at each one of our airports where we fly. The stickers, spanning 6 feet apart, can be found at our ticketing counters, baggage drops, customer service centers and gate areas. The Alaska branded stickers will be deployed systemwide over the coming weeks.
New: Guests and employees will be expected to wear a face covering throughout any Alaska Airlines touchpoints and during the flight experience until further notice. Additional masks will be available, as supplies allow, for those who forget to bring one. Learn more
We’ve made the difficult decision to temporarily close all of our lounges, except our location at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in the D Concourse. Read more actions we’re taking in our lounges.
We’re deploying hand sanitizer to all airports and company offices for use in our crew and break rooms, lounges, ticket counters and gates.
We’re in communication with airports at locations we fly to ensure appropriate cleaning for public spaces.

Looking after our guests

Children traveling alone will only be accepted on nonstop flights through April 30, 2020. Learn more.
Entry restrictions are in place for travel to Canada and Costa Rica. Learn more.
We’re offering flexible travel options for our guests who decide not to travel because of concerns related to the virus. View full details at alaskaair.com.
Based on advice from medical experts in infectious diseases, we’re urging guests not to travel if they’re sick with an acute respiratory illness.
It never hurts to wash your hands. The CDC recommends washing your hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and clean running water. Learn more at cdc.gov/coronavirus/.

First Copper River salmon arrives safely in Seattle

May 15, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

Alaska Airlines Captain Brent Carricaburu presenting the first Copper River salmon, which weighed in at 33 pounds.

One taste is all it takes to fall in love with Copper River salmon. Known for its bright orange or red color and mouthwatering taste, anyone lucky enough to enjoy a fresh filet of this wild, not farmed, fish won’t be disappointed by its flavor and freshness.

The salmon made its way from the state of Alaska to Seattle this morning by Alaska Air Cargo – the first of many shipments expected this season, which runs now through September.

“Alaska Air Cargo has long been a partner of the Alaska seafood industry,” said Torque Zubeck, managing director of cargo for Alaska Airlines. “Now more than ever, we provide a critical service that directly impacts the economic vitality of the region. In Cordova alone, more than half of its 2,200 residents are directly involved in the fishery or related business and industry.”

Photos:

More than 200 health care workers at Swedish Medical Center – Ballard will be among the first to enjoy the season’s first catch of prized Copper River salmon in appreciation for their efforts to help stop the coronavirus.

Alaska Airlines, Trident Seafoods, Ocean Beauty Seafoods, and Copper River Seafoods – the region’s largest seafood processors, Copper River Marketing Association and famed Seattle chef Tom Douglas are partnering to provide a delicious meal to health care workers, as well as feed the community while raising money for Food Lifeline.

Safety from first catch to delivery

With guidance from government and medical professionals, Trident Seafoods CEO Joe Bundrant, along with others in the fishing industry, put extraordinary workforce and community protection measures in place, with the goal of ensuring a safe and successful season this year.

“Our No. 1 priority at Trident Seafoods is keeping our communities, our employees and our fishermen safe,” said Bundrant. “We are doing everything in our power to deliver seafood safely and in record time to allow our customers to enjoy our Alaska salmon products fresh and ready to serve thanks to Alaska Air Cargo.”

To keep our employees safe and to align with Centers for Disease Control recommendation, Alaska Air Cargo employees who cannot maintain six feet of social distance during interaction with co-workers have also started to wear face coverings.

Alaska Air Cargo employees begin to unload Copper River salmon, part of the first shipment to arrive in Seattle.

Where you can find salmon to purchase:

Make some room in your fridge, the following stores will be stocked with Copper River salmon to purchase. Note: curbside pickup is available at some locations, please call ahead to confirm.

QFC
Whole Foods Market
Haggen’s
Town & Country
Thriftway
Metropolitan Market

You can also purchase a gourmet dish from Tom Douglas’ website for a limited time. On Sunday, May 17, Chef Tom Douglas will be “Grilling for Good,” he and his team will prepare six-ounce grilled Copper River sockeye salmon entrees with sides and make the meal available for purchase on Tom Douglas’ website, with all proceeds donated to Food Lifeline. Order while supplies last!

Cooking at home: Try Tom’s sake steamed Sockeye salmon with sake butter recipe

“I like to use sockeye salmon for this dish – its firm flesh and rich flavors are perfect for steaming. You could, of course, use other types of salmon and this is a good technique for other firm-fleshed fish such as ling cod or halibut. Chinese bamboo steamers work well and they are not very expensive, though any steamer set up is fine. I love the aromatic steam you get in this method of cooking: the water really does have a beautiful aroma and it permeates the salmon.” – Tom Douglas, Seattle chef & restaurateur

What you’ll need

1 Stalk lemongrass, split lengthwise
2 cups water
2 cups sake
10 Ginger coins, sliced 1/8” thick
2 Star Anise pods
Peel of 1 orange
1 ½ pounds salmon fillet, cut into 4 portions

Directions – Serves 4

Bruise the lemongrass with the back of your knife to help release the aromatics.

Set up your steamer (we use a large saucepan or a wok with a Chinese bamboo steamer set over it). Place the lemon grass, water, sake, ginger, star anise, and orange peel in the bottom of your steamer (ie. the saucepan or wok). Bring to a boil. Lay the salmon fillets in the steamer basket and cover with the steamer lid. Steam until the salmon is just done, about 4 to 5 minutes.

Place a salmon fillet on each plate. Spoon some of the sake butter over each portion of fish. Garnish with a lime wedge. Serve with Crispy Sesame Rice Cake or Aromatic Steamed Rice and steamed baby bok choy. Pair it with some sake or a glass of classic Oregon Pinot Gris.

Bon appetit!

Fly with peace of mind: Flexible travel options

May 14, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

We’re offering more flexible travel options to give our guests peace of mind. These include:

- No change/cancellation fees for travel through May 31, 2020. View the details.
- Travel restrictions are in effect for multiple regions. View regional advisories.
- Please contact us only if you’re unable to change or cancel your trip online.

We’re continuously working with medical experts and federal agencies such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to evaluate our preventative processes. We’re also tracking & answering frequently asked questions as best we can.

FAQs about changing your trip:

What if I used miles? If you used miles to purchase your ticket for a ticket that falls within one of our flexible travel policies we’ll re-deposit the miles in your Mileage Plan account.

How long does it take to retrieve the miles back into My Account? Your miles will be back in your account in 24-48 hours.

What if I used a companion fare? If you cancel your reservations entirely, and if it included a companion certificate, we will reinstate your certificate with original expiration date or June 30, 2020, whichever comes later. Please call Reservations for assistance with canceling tickets using companion certificates

What if I purchased a nonrefundable First Class, main, or award ticket? If you purchased a nonrefundable First Class, main, or award ticket for travel that falls within one of our flexible travel policies, you may change without fee or, cancel your trip and deposit the funds into your My Account wallet or credit certificate via email.

What if I purchased a Saver fare? If you purchased a Saver fare that falls within our flexible travel policy, you may cancel your trip and deposit the funds into your My Account wallet or credit certificate via email.

What do I do if I’ve already paid the change fee? If you were recently charged a fee for a change or cancellation made to a trip that now falls under one of our flexible travel policies, please contact Reservations. We’ll take care of the change fee to your original form of payment.

What if I’m traveling after May 31st? For tickets purchased on/before February 26, 2020, our flexible travel policy only applies to travel through May 31, 2020. We will continue to evaluate the situation and may make adjustments as warranted.

What if I purchased my ticket through Expedia? Or another third-party website? If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency, or another airline, contact them directly for assistance.

Visit alaskaair.com for more details.

Strava challenge: Walk, hike, climb or bike for a chance to win miles

May 14, 2020
Stories
Ali Garbino
2 min read

While you’re not flying through the skies, you might be flying through your workouts! We’ve partnered with Strava, the #1 fitness app for runners and cyclists, to give away 250,000 miles to guests with our Miles on the Ground challenge.

One lucky person who joins the challenge will win 100,000 miles, two people will win 50,000 miles and five people will win 10,000 miles––for a total award of 250,000 miles!

Alaska employees, including Airlines President and cycling-enthusiast, Ben Minicucci, are also rising to the challenge––and want you to join in!

“Most of you aren’t able to fly and earn miles right now, so we wanted to start a friendly competition to reward some of our Mileage Plan members for the miles they’re putting in at home,” said Minicucci. “Strava is a great way to connect with friends, family and other athletes and stay healthy during this stressful time. Be safe and have fun!”

How to join:

If you track at least 360 minutes of physical activity on the Strava app between May 16 and May 30, 2020, you’ll be qualified for a chance to win up to 100,000 miles!

Whether you get there by exercising 45 minutes per day, four days a week or 30 minutes per day, six days a week—however you reach 360 minutes is up to you! Here’s a list of applicable activities you can record using the app.

Those who complete the challenge by May 30 will receive a completion badge and congratulations from Strava with a link to a page on alaskaair.com to register for the drawing. Participants must register by June 7 to be entered to win the miles.

We’ll be able to travel to faraway places soon. Until then, lace up your sneakers, dream up your next destination and download the app for a chance to win.

For complete terms and conditions of the challenge, visit https://www.alaskaair.com/content/legal/terms-conditions/contest-rules

Video: Our care is never canceled

May 13, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
1 min read

Your travel plans might be on hold for now, but our care is never canceled.

When you’re ready to fly with us, we’re ready to give you the safest, cleanest and most enjoyable travel experience from start to finish. With the best employees around, we’re continuing to transport critical cargo and medical supplies, enhance our cleaning processes and support the communities where we fly, our guests and employees.

Watch our resilient spirit in action and know that we can’t wait for you to pack your bags and fly with us again soon.

Couch Getaways: New York City

May 12, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
1 min read

We ❤️ NYC—from the tantalizing skyline to cobblestone streets in Brooklyn and walks in the park. Explore a virtual tour of the city below!

Central Park

Take a virtual walk in the park

The Lot Radio: Live stream radio 24/7

Watch & listen to live performances

NYC Street Mural Art Tour

Check out NYC’s best street art

Sauce Restaurant Spaghetti Cacio e Pepe

Mamma Maura’s recipe ⁣

Dumbo’s cobblestone streets

Explore Brooklyn

New York Philharmonic

Listen now

Met Opera Live

Enjoy the show every night

Frequently asked questions about face masks & social distancing

May 10, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

Our commitment to Next-Level Care means we’ve implemented 100+ ways to maintain the highest standard of safety throughout your travels. The safety of our guests and employees always comes first, and we want you to feel great about booking a flight with us. Here are some answers to questions related to masks & social distancing:

FAQ:

Who is required to wear a mask?

All Alaska and Horizon guests (and our employees) are required to wear a mask over their nose and mouth at all times during travel, including throughout the flight, during boarding and deplaning, and while traveling through an airport. To keep our guests and employees safe and align with Federal guidelines, masks are required even if you are fully vaccinated.

Can someone be exempt from wearing a mask?

Exceptions will be made for children under the age of 2 years old; passengers with breathing difficulties unrelated to COVID-19.

Where are guests required to wear face coverings?

Guests will be required to wear a mask or face covering at all times when they are near an Alaska Airlines touchpoint, including the check-in lobby, Lounges, boarding gates, jet bridges, loading ramps and stairs, on the aircraft, during the flight and at baggage claim. Usage is also highly encouraged in high traffic areas such as security lines, restrooms and other areas throughout the airport.

What happens if someone does not comply with Alaska’s mask policy?

Refusing to wear a mask is a violation of federal law and may result in denial of boarding, removal from the aircraft, and/or penalties under federal law.

Are guests allowed to take their masks off to eat or drink on a flight?

While guests are allowed to temporarily remove their masks when briefly drinking or eating or when taking medication, masks must otherwise be worn at all times, including between sips of beverages or bites of food.

What types of face covering are considered acceptable?

Face coverings should cover a guest’s nose and mouth in alignment with best practice guidelines from the CDC and must meet the following requirements:

A properly worn mask completely covers your nose and mouth.
Cloth masks should be made with two or more layers of a breathable fabric that is tightly woven (i.e., fabrics that do not let light pass through when held up to a light source).
If gaiters are worn, they should have two layers of fabric or be folded to make two layers.
Masks should be secured to the head with ties, ear loops, or elastic bands that go behind the head.
A mask should fit snugly but comfortably against the side of the face.
Masks should be a solid piece of material without slits, exhalation valves, or punctures.

When does this policy go into effect?

This policy goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. May 11, 2020. And will be in place until further notice.

Will Alaska Airlines be supplying face coverings for guests?

Guests should bring their own face coverings, but we will have face coverings available, as supplies allow, in the check-in lobby and boarding gates for guests who forgot their mask at home.

Will Alaska’s employees also be wearing masks?

Yes, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air employees, and our business partners, who cannot maintain six feet of social distance during interactions with guests or co-workers, started wearing face coverings May 4. This includes pilots, flight attendants and customer service agents.

What if a guest refuses to wear a face covering at the airport?

If a guest arrives at the airport and refuses to wear a face covering, they will be denied boarding. If a guest is denied boarding while at the airport, they can rebook their travel with one of our agents at the airport or update their travel online at alaskaair.com or contact our Reservations team at 1 (800) 252-7522.

Has Alaska Airlines installed social distancing stickers at airports they serve?

Yes. We’re installing social distancing decals to remind people to ‘Mind Your Wingspan,’ at each one of our airports where we fly. The stickers, spanning 6 feet apart, can be found at our ticketing counters, baggage drops, customer service centers and gate areas. The Alaska branded stickers will be deployed systemwide over the coming weeks.

For every #GoingTheExtraMile mom-ent shared we’ll donate 500 miles to those in need

May 8, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

Take a mom-ent to give a shout out to the moms out there this Mother’s Day, and we’ll donate to people in need. Use both #GoingTheExtraMile and #iFlyAlaska in your social post (on Facebook & Instagram) to share a moment when your mom went the extra mile. For every post, we’ll donate 500 miles to our LIFT Miles Program for disaster relief, up to 500,000 miles.

From all of us at Alaska, we wish you a very happy Mother’s Day. Here are some of our favorite employee mom-ents:

Alaska Mom Juanita from D.C.

Alaska gate lead Juanita has worked for Alaska for almost five years. She is a mother of three & “glam mom” of one. Her son, Bobbie says she brings high energy to her team and cupcakes on a weekly basis or things she’s cooked to keep everyone’s spirits up and show her support for everything everyone is doing during this tough time.

“My favorite thing about my mom is while I am working and in between her working she was still bringing in meals, and I’d be on conference calls and she walks in and says hi to everyone on the call. It just shows her support for me when I was alone during this time period. Because social distancing can be hard for people who are extroverts so it was comforting knowing that I could come up to my mom’s house and have that good time with her so we got to workout, we ran the trail every week, we tried to do some TikTok videos and she’s a way better dancer than I am. So it was just fun, just bonding with her.”

Alaska Mom Katokula from Anchorage

Katokula or “Kato” has worked for Alaska Airlines for 11 years at Anchorage’s Cargo facility. Her daughter Maata says her mom is proud to work for Alaska Airlines and that she never hesitates to pick up shifts, especially during COVID-19. She says her mom always goes the extra mile every day she goes to work and loves it.

“She wears so many hats there at the warehouse and has been recognized numerous times for her hard work. My mom is very caring, genuine and supportive. She supports everybody, family, friends, churches, even though she’s as busy as she is she still goes above and beyond for everybody, it’s amazing!”

My mom is employee of the month almost every month and has had perfect attendance since she started working for AK Airlines.. cheers to the most hardworking person I know 🥂you deserve this award, I love you Queen 👸🏾🏆@AlaskaAir pic.twitter.com/Kgh2LrpOLW

— 🌻 (@Maata_____) March 24, 2020

Alaska Mom Rachael from Everett, Wash.

Rachael making masks to donate to people in need.

Rachael is a Horizon Air passenger service agent at Paine Field. She’s worked for Horizon for nearly two years and has twin boys who are now in college.

Recently, Rachael organized a group of Horizon employees to create and donate nearly 800 masks for people in need, including students at Central Washington University.

“I’ve always liked the saying ‘see a need, fill a need,’ so seeing what was happening and noticing a lot of people were needing masks, I thought, ‘you know I have a sewing machine, I know the basics of sewing. I know there are a lot of people out there that have donations, that can’t sew, but they could donate supplies.’ I ran it by my manager and she loved the idea, so that’s how it was born.”

She says her family is quite lucky. “I honestly don’t know of anyone close to me who has been sick or affected personally by the virus. I feel like things could be a lot worse, but I’ve got it good.”

Horizon Air employees volunteering to create masks.

Ben Minicucci: Our safety commitment to you when you’re ready to fly

May 7, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
1 min read

While we cannot predict the future, there are two things we know for certain. First, we can’t wait to fly with you again when the time is right. And second, when you and your family or business are ready, our incredible employees will be there to offer you the care you know and love––at the next level.

Our president, Ben Minicucci, shares how we’ve prepared for our guests to join us when you’re ready to fly. A special thanks to the employees featured in this video who are working nonstop to keep things moving. From all of us at Alaska, thank you & stay safe.