Share
While many of you are sheltering in place at home, we’ve got just the thing to give school kids and the “kids at heart” something to do while idling in quarantine. Here are a few of our favorite coloring pages that you can print at home or download on devices.
Share
Share
We are navigating in uncharted waters.
During this crisis, each of us is making the best decisions we can for ourselves, our families and our businesses.
Over the past several weeks, as more of our guests shelter in place at home, demand for air travel has plummeted. In recent days, some of our flights have had only several passengers onboard.
But it remains essential that we keep flying. Some of you have a critical need for us to get you somewhere, and it’s crucial we keep cargo moving, which includes transporting mail, food, medicine, medical supplies and an increasing amount of goods that are being ordered online.
These are unprecedented times that call for unprecedented measures.
We’ve therefore made the difficult decision to implement significant capacity reductions for April and May throughout our network. We’re decreasing our flying by approximately 80% systemwide for each month.
We normally average 1,300 daily flights, so that’s about 950 fewer flights a day.
Some regions we serve will see an even greater reduction of service, such as Hawaii, where the governor has issued a mandatory, 14-day self-isolation quarantine for all travelers entering the state. The state of Alaska has also initiated a similar quarantine process.
Outside of Alaska and Hawaii, we’re still maintaining our basic network footprint but with significantly reduced frequencies of service and the elimination of nearly all red-eye flights. For the capacity reductions, we also selected routes with lower load factors. This allows us to more easily accommodate guests who are traveling to get to their destinations in a timely manner.
Additional reductions are possible as we learn more about demand in the weeks ahead.
This is a time with a lot of uncertainty for many, and we’re thinking about all our guests and the communities we serve.
We’re also grateful to our tremendous employees – from the frontline to maintenance crews to those helping you make changes to your travel plans – who’ve kept our airline operating safely, and to our guests who have expressed their appreciation.
We are realistic about the challenges we’re facing, and those ahead. But we’re also eager to resume service and get back to flying our full schedule.
We look forward to seeing you soon.
This story was originally published on March 25, stating our flying was reduced to 70% systemwide for April and May. For additional information about our flexible travel policies and travel restrictions, please visit our travel advisory page.
Share
Yes! Your current Mileage Plan status will be extended through December 31, 2021. That status will unlock even more benefits as we inch closer to our oneworld® launch in summer 2021.
All companion certificates set to expire in 2020 will be extended. You’ll now have until December 31, 2020 to purchase new travel through November 26, 2021.
All status benefits will apply, with the exception of the 50,000 bonus miles associated with earned 75K status. Look for more details in a few weeks with info on how 75K members can earn additional bonus miles for travel this year.
Tier qualification requirements are not being adjusted at this time, but look for more information over the coming weeks on ways you can earn additional elite-qualifying miles this year.
Members who enrolled in a status match challenge between December 1, 2019 and March 31, 2020 will have their trial status extended through the end of 2021.
We encourage you to take advantage of our online change/cancellation options and to reach out to our Reservations team only if you need assistance with a reservation that can’t be serviced online. Learn more.
If you used miles to purchase your ticket for travel through May 31, you can make changes with no change fee, or if you cancel, we’ll re-deposit the miles in your Mileage Plan account (and even refund the taxes you were charged).
Your miles will be back in your account in 24-48 hours.
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.
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.
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.
If you purchased your tickets through a third party, such as Expedia, another travel agency or another airline, contact them directly for assistance.
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.
We are making the difficult decision to implement significant capacity reductions for April and May throughout our network. We’re decreasing our flying by approximately 80% systemwide for each month. We normally average 1,300 daily flights, so that’s about 950 fewer flights a day.
It’s not happening all at once, rather a bit at a time. The vast majority of the changes will be made by early April and will continue.
If a booking is made now and a guest’s flight is canceled, they will be rebooked on another flight. We will take care of our guests.
Some states have enacted travel restrictions, which have resulted in temporary market closures that impact service to Maui, Kona, Lihue and Costa Rica (view all regional advisories). We plan on continuing service to all U.S. cities that we currently serve.
Yes! All active members as of April 1, 2020 will be extended by six (6) months.
All membership expiration dates will be updated by May 1, 2020.
By May 1, 2020, your digital membership card will be updated. To access, open the Alaska Airlines mobile app, go to “Account,” then click “Alaska Lounge card.” We no longer send out physical membership cards, except upon request. To request a physical card, please email Alaska.Lounge@alaskaair.com with your Mileage Plan number.
We’ve made the difficult decision to temporarily close all of our lounges, except our location at Seattle-Tacoma Airport in the D Concourse. Our current hours are available on our locations and hours page.
We’re operating as safely as possible.
– We paused the use of the fingerprint biometric scanner.
– We removed seats at high-density areas.
– We added signage to encourage social distancing.
– We are limiting each location to 50% capacity.
Learn more.
Safety is our top priority for both our guests and our employees. Below are some of the actions we’re taking to help keep our guests & employees safe. Learn more.
We’ve always had robust cleaning processes on our aircraft and will continue using disinfectants that are effective against viruses to ensure the safety of our guests and employees. As an extra level of precaution, we’ve implemented an enhanced aircraft cleaning process between our flights that are on the ground longer than an hour at our hubs. We’re focusing more attention on the areas of the cabin which are touched most frequently such as arm rests, seat belts, tray tables, overhead controls including air vents, light buttons, call buttons and exterior and interior door handles to lavatories.
All our aircraft that remain on the ground overnight get a thorough cleaning. In addition, our crews are also cleaning front and back of seats, window shades and handles to carry-on compartments.
Yes. Every Alaska Airlines aircraft uses High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) filters as part of our recirculation air systems. HEPA filters are believed to be effective to 99.95% or greater in removing particulate contaminants in the air. Through a combination of outside air and recirculated air, the air in the cabin is completely replaced by our air flow system approximately every 2 to 3 minutes.
The safety of our guests and employees is our top priority. We’re encouraging our employees to sanitize work areas before and after they perform tasks, including gate and check-in counters, kiosks, bag sizers and stanchions. We’re also working with our airport partners and cleaning teams to set up additional cleaning runs to sanitize work surfaces.
Have more questions? For additional information, please visit our travel advisory page for all the details about our flexible travel policies and travel restrictions.
Share
Photos by Ingrid Barrentine | Video by Ken Boyer
Healthcare workers around the country are in need of masks, gloves and other protective equipment now more than ever.
On Wednesday, Alaska Airlines transported materials that will be used to create 210,000 hospital-grade masks for caregivers at Providence’s 51 hospitals across the western United States.
Alaska’s flights carrying this cargo originated in Seattle and landed in Dallas, Phoenix and Los Angeles, where the masks will be assembled. They will then be distributed to Providence hospitals throughout Alaska, California, New Mexico, Montana, Oregon, Texas and Washington state.
The masks will be created by skilled craftspeople from Kaas Tailored, a furniture manufacturer in Mukilteo, Washington, which stepped in to produce the much-needed supplies. They also developed PPE design specifications to share with other manufacturers.
“For years, Alaska Airlines has helped us fly doctors, nurses and other medical personnel up and down the West Coast. Now more than ever, it’s mission critical to get protective equipment to caregivers, who are caring for millions of people in the communities we serve,” said Dr. Amy Compton-Phillips, chief clinical officer for Providence. “We are heartened by all the great companies stepping up to the 100 Million Mask Challenge and hope more will join our efforts to protect our country’s caregivers.”
During this time of uncertainty, air travel continues to be an essential service. Alaska Airlines remains committed to helping medical professionals and lifesaving supplies get to the places where they are needed most.
“Every day, we carry essentials such as food, mail and lifesaving items, including crucial medication and medical equipment,” said Rick Bendix, Alaska Air Cargo spokesperson. “Across our network we’re packing our freighters and maximizing cargo in the belly of passenger aircraft to deliver essential goods to our customers throughout our expansive network.”
Share
If you’re dreaming of transporting yourself to your favorite destination during a Zoom meeting, we’ve got you covered!
Below, you’ll find some amazing photos to download and use as a background for your next video call. If you don’t use Zoom, feel free to just save your favorites as travel inspiration.
If you’re still having issues uploading a background, please visit the Zoom Help Center.
Share
Like you, we feel that getting where you need to go should be hassle-free and enjoyable. And yet, in these uncertain times, travel changes and cancellations have become the norm. But there is one thing you can absolutely count on: we care about you 24/7.
Alaska Airlines reservation agents are a constant and dependable source of reassurance and help when we need it most. Our employees have been working around the clock, many working overtime, handling an unprecedented amount of phone calls and social-media messages – the volume of guest outreach has been 200% higher than normal.
“Although we are happy to talk with you, the online service is there to help save you time during the highest call volumes ever seen,” says Reservation Agent Amanda.
To avoid longer wait times, please contact us only if you have travel in the next 72 hours. Pro tip: you can always change or cancel your travel online.
Learn more about our flexible travel options.
Glicel is a Seattle-based reservation agent and has worked for Alaska Airlines for 2 years.
She moved to Washington state from the Philippines in 2005. She loves to travel (her favorite destination is of course the Philippines). When she’s not working, she likes to spend time with family and friends, playing with make up and volunteering at her son’s school.
How do you begin your work day? “I always have a quote in front of me, ‘Start a day with a grateful heart’. I say it out loud before the start of every shift.” She says her day is also filled with black coffee and matcha green tea (only from Japan).
What your favorite part about your job? “Being kind. It goes a long way. You can brighten up someone else’s’ day with just one act of kindness.”
Tylor is a reservation agent based in Boise and has been with Alaska Airlines for 1.5 years.
How has work been for you lately & what advice do you have for our guests? “The increase in calls has been tough, but we are committed to helping each and every guest with their concerns,” he says. “My advice for guests who want to change their travel is the website is your best friend!” Tylor says changing your travel online is much easier, quicker these days due to larger call volumes.
What has been getting your through the busy days? “I really lean on my colleagues at a time like this. Even though we all work remotely, the communication and encouragement we get each and every day helps.”
Amanda is based in Seattle and has been a reservation agent at Alaska Airlines for 2 years 8 months, 1 week, and 2 days – she’s been counting 😉
Amanda is a single mom who loves working for Alaska Airlines. She enjoys being able to work from home and take her dogs for a walk on her breaks to breathe, and get some fresh air.
Her advice: “Try online first,” she says if you’re looking to change or cancel your travel plans. “The online system works well and if you want to change or cancel the reservation the system is correct in telling you what it can offer.” She says it also saves your time waiting for an agent and can be done in minutes.
How she keeps her wits: “I drink a lot of coffee and water and try to get enough sleep,” she says. “I also lean on a couple of group agents I went to training with as we help support each other when we need to vent. We truly celebrate our successes and struggles, and even our failures together.”
Sara is a reservation agent based in Phoenix and has been with Alaska Airlines for 3.5 years.
Do you have a mantra? “I believe that sharing smiles and laughter with our guests, definitely sets the tone for good calls. We are all real people and not robots, which our guests really appreciate.” 
What keeps you going? “I drink water and snack on popcorn most days,” she says. “I’ve also been going on hikes, listening to tunes, and chasing sunsets after work.”
—
From all of us at Alaska, we hope you and your loved ones are staying safe, healthy and happy during this unprecedented time.
Share
This Q&A originally published March 20 – The question related to wearing a mask was updated June 17.
At this time, there is no evidence that the virus floats in the air leading to infection farther away. Current understanding about how the virus that causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) spreads is largely based on what is known about similar coronaviruses. The virus is thought to spread mainly from person-to-person.
It may be possible that a person can get COVID-19 by touching a surface or object that has the virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes, but this is not thought to be the main way the virus spreads. The virus is fragile and does not live long on surfaces.
Great question! Probably the most important thing you can do to prevent getting sick while traveling is to wash your hands frequently. This means washing your hands not only before eating and after using the bathroom, but also multiple times throughout the day. Another helpful recommendation is to wipe down high touch surfaces, like tray tables and arm rests.
There is a lot more to learn about this virus but so far it looks like it doesn’t peer to be very harmful for children. For most healthy adults this infection may be more like the flu. At the same time, it does seem to be much more dangerous for older adults and people who have medical issues with their hearts, lungs and kidneys or who may be immunosuppressed.
The CDC, who advise the country on public health, recommends wearing cloth face coverings in public settings where other social distancing measures are difficult to maintain, such as grocery stores, pharmacies, and gas stations. Read more
John Lynch, M.D., M.P.H., is a board-certified physician and medical director of Harborview’s Infection Control, Antibiotic Stewardship and Employee Health programs. Dr. Lynch is also a UW associate professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He earned his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Washington. He conducts research on healthcare-associated infections. At the UW School of is a board-certified physician and medical director of Harborview’s Infection Control, Antibiotic Stewardship and Employee Health programs. Dr. Lynch is also a UW associate professor of Medicine and Allergy and Infectious Diseases. He earned his M.D. and M.P.H. from the University of Washington. He conducts research on healthcare-associated infections. At the UW School of Medicine.
Chloe Bryson-Cahn, MD has a master’s degree from the University of Washington School of Public Health and graduated from Temple University Lewis Katz School of Medicine. She completed a residency at UCLA Medical Center and currently practices at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA.
Share
Over these recent tumultuous weeks, tens of thousands of guests have reached out to Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air for help with travel. Whether guests needed to reschedule long-awaited trips or were looking for guidance on how Alaska is keeping guests and employees safe from the novel coronavirus as they travel, our teams have worked hard to give their support. We’re in it together and are here for you.
Most guests are simply trying to find the best way home.
Our employees have been working around the clock, handling an unprecedented amount of phone calls and social-media queries. “It’s taken an all ‘hands-on-deck’ approach to deal with the increased volumes,” says Michael Roy, Alaska’s social-care program manager. He says the volume of requests has been 200% higher than normal. “Many of our agents have worked until midnight, only to wake up early the next morning to assist our guests.”
Our @AlaskaAir social care team is here for you 24/7. We love hearing from our guests when our team members get them where they need to go, especially when it’s home sweet home. Today, we’re sharing a few stories of instances where our remarkable teams helped people on their journeys.
San Francisco to Portland: “Going above and beyond: Our trainer, Maivan, deserves kudos for making sure a passenger who was traveling from overseas got back home to his family in Portland. She did her best to help him out and he was very happy. Total definition of the service framework. Go Maivan!”
Shared by Mary Ruth A., Alaska Airlines customer service agent, San Francisco, on March 16
Anchorage to Vancouver, B.C.: “Johnny from the Boise reservations team made it possible for a Croatian guest and two German guests on Canadian work visas to return from Anchorage to Vancouver, B.C., before emergency travel restrictions took effect in Canada. They had been dealing with weather delays on their journey among some other reservation snafus. Johnny’s work helped them get to Vancouver on time, and the guests were very appreciative. They would have had no way to get back to their jobs and homes in Canada had it not been fixed.”
Shared by Matt W., Alaska Airlines customer service agent, Anchorage, on March 16
Help during a crisis: “Alaska guest Vera sent an email sharing the amazing customer service she received from Daralyn L. in our reservations department. In Vera’s words: Daralyn was pleasant, knowledgeable and very helpful – and makes me want to support and use Alaska Airlines for my travel needs. I want to thank Daralyn and Alaska Air for taking care of me during a crisis situation.”
Shared by Karen U., Alaska Airlines customer care representative, Seattle, on March 19
San Francisco to Portland, Oregon: “My niece and I flew from SFO to PDX yesterday. Our flight attendant was Jose Antonio Ortiz. He was amazing! He’s such a treasure. He had us laughing and joking with him. It’s been a stressful few weeks for everyone and he made us forget that for a bit.”
Shared by Andre R., Alaska Airlines customer care representative, Seattle, on March 20
Share
As the nation confronts the coronavirus outbreak, it’s those on the front lines who need help the most: workers without health insurance, healthcare’s first responders, residents in our region’s most vulnerable communities.
Leaders across the country are working hard to respond to the pandemic and will be for some time. We admire the creative leadership and partnership of public and private sector entities to support food and nutrition, shelter, education and other basic needs of the neighbors within our communities.
We are humbled by this collective effort. While simply one step, Alaska Airlines is grateful to join other businesses headquartered in the Seattle region – including Amazon, Costco, Microsoft and Starbucks – to support the Seattle Foundation’s COVID-19 Response Fund. The joint effort by philanthropic, government and corporate partners has raised more than $12 million since it was announced March 9, with donations from businesses and individuals continuing to come in.
Donations will be used to support organizations with deep roots in affected communities, and funds are expected to start reaching front-line community groups within the next few weeks. Learn more about how businesses can donate.
“Our region has faced many challenges over the years, and this coronavirus is no exception,” said Brad Tilden, Alaska Airlines chairman and CEO. “All 23,000 of us at Alaska are focused on keeping employees and guests safe every day, and we are optimistic about our future. We’re proud to join the city, county and partners across our region to support this fund for those with the greatest needs.”
The grants will focus on needs in these hard-hit communities within the Puget Sound region:
“Alaska Airlines and the Alaska Airlines Foundation are dedicated to supporting our communities and continuing our work to enable opportunities for young people,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, vice president for external relations. “Right now, these are our most urgent needs: to protect and support our community’s most vulnerable – and to get through this crisis together.”
The following immediate needs in the community will be the first priority for the grants:
“COVID-19 represents a battle on two fronts – a public health crisis and a threat to the economic stability of so many in our region,” said Seattle Foundation President and CEO Tony Mestres. “While we are all dealing with the effects of this outbreak, some of our neighbors face disproportionate challenges around time off work, the cost of care, and reliable access to information. Through this Fund and thanks to the generous support of our partners, we want to make sure everyone in our community has the support they need, regardless of race, place, income, or identity.”
To inquire about the grants or be considered, email the Seattle Foundation at covid19@seattlefoundation.org. Funds will be awarded to community organizations, and individuals in need of support should inquire about help from organizations working within their communities.
Visit Seattle Foundation’s website to stay up to date on the status of the COVID-19 Fund’s fundraising and grants.
Share
Posted: 7 p.m. on March 18, 2019
Starting March 13, guests flying on RavnAir Alaska between Dutch Harbor and Anchorage can now earn or use Alaska Airlines miles. Guests will have the options to select either RavnAir’s FlyAway Awards or Alaska Airlines miles when booking flights between Unalaska and Anchorage. In order to collect or use Alaska Airlines miles, travelers will need an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number. For travel on Alaska Airlines miles, bookings must be made at Alaskaair.com.
Posted: 3:00 p.m. on Nov. 15, 2019
Nearly one month ago, PenAir Flight 3296 was involved in an incident when the aircraft overran the runway at Dutch Harbor, Alaska, which resulted in a loss of life and injuries to others onboard. Our thoughts remain with the those affected by this incident.
We also understand it has deeply impacted the community in Unalaska with the sudden loss of scheduled air service. Everyone at Alaska Airlines appreciates the community’s collaborative efforts, patience and resilience as we look for ways to support.
Ravn Air Group has decided to halt service of the Saab 2000 aircraft pending a full investigation into the circumstances of the incident. We respect and support that decision and are presently conducting our own assessment. It could be several months before that process is complete. Accordingly, all flights marketed by Alaska Airlines to and from Dutch Harbor through May 31, 2020 have been canceled.
Ravn Alaska has begun scheduled air service from Dutch Harbor to Anchorage with the Dash-8 aircraft. We are pleased that Unalaskans will again have access to scheduled air service.
Changes to service between Anchorage and Dutch Harbor:
Posted: 9 p.m. on Nov. 4, 2019
We are extending the cancellation of flights between Anchorage and Dutch Harbor marketed by Alaska Airlines through Nov. 15. This extra time will allow our guests to make any necessary changes to their travel arrangements.
Posted: 8:45 a.m. on Oct. 24, 2019
One week ago, PenAir Flight 3296 was involved in an incident when the aircraft overran the runway at Dutch Harbor, Alaska. We continue to keep those impacted in our thoughts, realizing what a difficult time this is for so many.
In the interest of safety, Ravn Air Group has paused the use of the Saab 2000 aircraft into Dutch Harbor in the wake of the incident on Oct. 17. Alaska Airlines will not market scheduled service to or from Dutch Harbor with a Saab 2000 until the preliminary findings of the NTSB and Saab have been reviewed. We understand this is a difficult time for the Unalaska community and seafood industry with the limited air service available.
At this time, flights marketed by Alaska Airlines through Nov. 8 have been canceled. Customers holding a ticket for travel through Nov. 8 will receive a full refund. Please call 1-888-885-0155 with any questions about your reservation.
We continue to work closely with PenAir, who is leading the response. This page will be updated as we learn more information.
Posted: 4:30 p.m. on Oct. 21, 2019
In the interest of safety, Alaska Airlines and PenAir have temporarily suspended ANC-DUT-ANC operations following the PenAir Flight 3296 incident. Alaska and PenAir are working together to determine a timeline for resuming service to Unalaska, Alaska.
Guests with tickets to or from Dutch Harbor purchased on or before Oct.17 for travel through Oct.28, may call Alaska Airlines at 1-888-885-0155 to request a full refund.
Posted: 11:20 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2019
PenAir has provided an updated statement on Flight 3296.
It is with deep sorrow that we have confirmed that one of our critically injured passengers from PenAir Flight 3296 passed away last night.
“On behalf of PenAir, Ravn Air Group and all our employees throughout the company, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies and condolences to the family and loved ones of our passenger who passed away,” said Dave Pflieger, President RavnAir Group.
Our entire team is devastated by this tragic incident. The thoughts of all 1,300 of our employees are with those who were hurt or affected.
Updates will be provided on an ongoing basis, as soon as more information becomes available.
For more information, visit this page.
Posted: 2:45 a.m. on Oct. 18, 2019
On Thursday at 5:40 p.m. local time, PenAir Flight 3296 was involved in an incident while landing at Dutch Harbor, Alaska.
Right now, our highest priority is the safety and care of everyone who was onboard the flight. Our hearts are with them, their families and employees at PenAir.
While the aircraft is operated by PenAir and the crew are PenAir employees, this flight was marketed by Alaska Airlines and the passengers are our guests. At this point, we understand 39 passengers and three crew members were onboard. We’re still gathering information about the welfare of those on the flight and the incident itself.
We have established a toll-free hotline for anyone who believes they may have a family member or friend onboard. The telephone number, accessible from the United States and Canada, is 1-888-283-2153. A telephone number that’s accessible from Mexico is 001-877-542-6973.
We will continue to work closely with PenAir, who is leading the response. This page will be updated as we learn more information.
Posted: 10:15 p.m. on Oct.17, 2019
We have established a toll-free hotline for anyone who believes they may have a family member or friend onboard. The telephone number, accessible from the United States and Canada, is 1-888-283-2153. A telephone number that’s accessible from Mexico is 001-877-542-6973.
Posted: 9:30 p.m. on Oct. 17, 2019
PenAir Flight 3296 marketed by Alaska Airlines from Anchorage to Dutch Harbor, Alaska was involved in an incident during landing at 5:40 p.m. local time today.
There are 39 passengers and three crew members onboard. We’re still gathering information about the welfare of those onboard and the incident itself.
PenAir operates the Anchorage-Dutch Harbor service for Alaska with a Saab 2000 aircraft.
Flight 3296 departed Anchorage at 3:15 p.m. local time.
Share
