We’ve been fielding questions from guests and employees alike about air quality onboard our aircraft. While Dr. John Lynch, one of our University of Washington medical experts, has advised coronavirus is not thought to be airborne, our planes are equipped with systems that contain HEPA, or High Efficiency Particulate Air filters. They are the same kind of filters found in hospital operating rooms.
It’s not a self-contained tube with the same air for a six-hour flight,” said Constance von Muehlen, senior vice president of maintenance & engineering. “The air in a cabin comes from the top and flows out from your feet. In fact, there’s a large portion of air that comes directly from outside. Within a six-minute period you get completely new air in the entire cabin.”
If guests want more filtered air, they can simply open the vent above them. It’s important to note that the flight deck, galley areas, and lavatories get air directly from outside the aircraft. That air also gets directly exhausted outside.
Alaska Airlines has one of the newest fleets in the country which ensures our planes have the latest filtration technology in use. Our filters are changed according to manufacturer guidelines.
Studies have shown due to the frequency of cabin air recirculation, that the air onboard planes can be better than the air found in many office buildings.
Estas son las acciones que estamos tomando para proteger a nuestros pasajeros y empleados
Día a día hay nuevas noticias relacionadas con el coronavirus y la incertidumbre alrededor de esta enfermedad es preocupante. Continuamos trabajando directamente con las autoridades de sanidad y con los líderes de nuestra industria, recibiendo actualizaciones y poniendo en práctica las mejores resoluciones, para asegurar la salud y el bienestar de nuestros pasajeros y empleados.
Avisos regionales
Viajes a Costa Rica
A partir de las 11:59 pm (hora local) /10:59 pm (PT) del 18 de marzo de 2020 hasta el 12 de abril de 2020, únicamente los ciudadanos costarricenses y los residentes podrán ingresar a Costa Rica. Dichas personas serán sometidas a una cuarentena obligatoria de 14 días cuando ingresen al país.
En cumplimiento de las órdenes del gobierno, los demás pasajeros no abordarán.
Se recomienda a los pasajeros que se comuniquen con la Embajada de Costa Rica para obtener más información antes del viaje. Aprende más.
En el avión
Estamos mejorando nuestra limpieza entre vuelos y continuaremos evaluando nuestros procedimientos de limpieza. Esto es adicional a la limpieza regular que efectuamos entre vuelos.
Estamos reduciendo temporalmente el servicio de alimentos y bebidas a bordo. Aprende más.
Temporalmente no volveremos a llenar un vaso que ya se ha utilizado, incluida nuestra primera clase. Alentamos a nuestros pasajeros a #FillBeforeYouFly (llene su botella antes de volar). Esto nos ayudará a reducir nuestros desechos a bordo.
Nuestros sobrecargos posiblemente usen guantes durante nuestro servicio de alimentos y bebidas.
Estamos suspendiendo nuestro servicio de toallas húmedas en Primera Clase.
Estaremos descontinuando la selección de objetos reciclables a bordo, para reducir el contacto con artículos que han sido tocados por los pasajeros. Continuaremos recolectando y reciclando materiales de servicio simple de bebidas (agua y jugo de naranja) en nuestros aviones de Horizon Air.
En algunos vuelos, estaremos removiendo nuestras tabletas de entretenimiento a bordo, excepto en vuelos de y hacia Hawaii y Florida (donde tenemos la demanda más alta), para crear espacio adicional y tener más carritos colectores de basura.
Exhortamos a nuestros pasajeros a viajar con gel desinfectante o toallitas anti-bacteriales, como medida de precaución.
Toallas anti-bacteriales pueden ser usadas para limpiar el descansabrazo y la mesita de servicio.
Nota: El uso de toallas limpiadoras de origen comercial en nuestros asientos de piel pueden deteriorar la capa superficial del asiento. La toalla parecerá estar sucia después de limpiar, pero en realidad es el tinte del color de la piel que se ha desprendido.
En el aeropuerto, nuestras salas VIP y nuestras oficinas corporativas
Estamos abasteciendo gel antibacterial a todos los aeropuertos y oficinas corporativas para ser usado en nuestros salones de descanso, comedores, mostradores de boletos y salas de espera.
En nuestras salas VIP, estamos poniendo pausa inmediatamente al uso de escaneo biométrico de huellas digitales. También hemos removido sillas en áreas de alta densidad y hemos colocado aviso para encauzar la distancia social. Estamos limitando cada localidad a un 50% de su capacidad regular. La capacidad estará anunciada cerca de la entrada a la sala VIP. Read more. (Lea más).
Estamos en constante comunicación con los aeropuertos de las localidades a las que volamos para asegurar la limpieza apropiada de lugares públicos.
Cuidando a nuestros pasajeros.
Estamos ofreciendo opciones de viajes flexibles para nuestros pasajeros que decidan no viajar debido a la preocupación causada por el virus. Vea detalles completos en alaskaair.com.
Basado en recomendaciones de expertos médicos en enfermedades infecciosas, instamos a nuestros pasajeros a no viajar si padecen de algún tipo de enfermedad respiratoria aguda.
No está de más lavarse las manos. El centro de control de enfermedades (CDC) recomienda lavarse las manos por lo menos durante 20 segundos con jabón y agua corriente limpia. Más información en cdc.gov/coronavirus/.
Preguntas y respuestas con expertos en industria de aviación y salud.
Preguntas y respuestas con expertos en industria de aviación:
¿Qué parte de los aviones de Alaska Airlines se limpian después de cada vuelo? Siempre hemos tenido un proceso de limpieza vigoroso en nuestras aeronaves y continuaremos usando desinfectantes que son efectivos para combatir virus y garantizar la seguridad de nuestros pasajeros y empleados. Como una precaución extra, hemos implementado un proceso de limpieza mejorado enhanced aircraft cleaning process entre nuestros vuelos que permanecen en tierra por más de una hora en nuestros centros de operaciones. Estamos enfocando más atención en las áreas de la cabina que son tocadas con más frecuencia como los descansabrazos, cinturones de seguridad, mesitas de servicio, los controles superiores que incluyen las rejillas de ventilación, botones de luz, botones para asistencia y el exterior e interior de las manijas de los baños. Todas las aeronaves que permanecen en tierra toda la noche son limpiadas completamente. Adicionalmente, nuestros equipos están también limpiando el frente y el revés de cada asiento, la pantalla bloqueadora de luz y las manijas de compartimentos de equipaje de mano.– Celley Buchanan, Director of Operations Support Services
¿Alaska Airlines utiliza filtros HEPA en sus rejillas de ventilación de sus aviones? Si es así, ¿Que tan efectivos son y cuantos aviones lo tienen? Si, Todos los aviones de Alaska Airlines usan filtros de Alta Eficiencia de Partículas Aéreas (HEPA, por sus siglas en inglés) como parte de sus sistemas de recirculación de aire. Se cree que los filtros HEPA son efectivos 99.95% o más para remover partículas contaminantes en el aire. A través de una combinación de aire exterior y aire reciclado, el aire en la cabina es completamente reemplazado por nuestro sistema circular de aire aproximadamente cada 2 a 3 minutos. – Constance von Muehlen, Senior Vice President of Maintenance and Engineering
¿Qué medidas está tomando Alaska Airlines para desinfectar sus salas de espera y centros de operaciones? En todos los aeropuertos que servimos, estamos exhortando a nuestros empleados a desinfectar sus areas de trabajo antes y después de laborar, incluyendo las salas de espera, mostradores de registro de vuelos, quioscos, medidores de equipaje y barras. La seguridad de nuestros pasajeros y empleados es nuestra máxima prioridad. Estamos también trabajando en conjunto con nuestros socios a cargo de la limpieza y grupos en los aeropuertos en los que servimos para establecer rondas adicionales para desinfectar las superficies de trabajo. – Wayne Newton, Vice President of Airport Operations & Customer Service
Dentro del brote deCOVID-19 , El aeropuerto internacional Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) anuncio sus medidas adicionales taking extra measures para salvaguardar la salud de sus empleados y pasajeros en sus instalaciones. Estas acciones incluyen el incremento en la frecuencia de la limpieza en las áreas de alto contacto, incluyendo los pasamanos de escaleras eléctricas, los botones de elevadores y los quioscos expedidores de pases de abordar e instalando mas gel desinfectante en los puntos de chequeo de seguridad, puentes de embarque, áreas de abordaje y centros de transportación terrestre.
¿Y qué hay acerca de las salas VIP? Estamos operando con tanta seguridad como nos es posible. Tomando todas las precauciones posibles para reducir la propagación de gérmenes. En las áreas de recepción, hemos puesto en pausa el uso de verificación por medio de huellas digitales y agregamos múltiples envases de gel desinfectante en el mostrador de registro. También le recomendamos que solo muestre su pase de abordar en lugar de darlo a nuestro personal, lo mismo pedimos con los pases que están en los teléfonos inteligentes. En nuestra área de buffet, continuarán viendo a los miembros de nuestro equipo usar guantes. También hemos incrementado la frecuencia con la que limpiamos las superficies con soluciones y toallas desinfectantes. En el buffet, Estamos constantemente reemplazando los utensilios de servicio (especialmente pinzas y cucharas servidoras) y en el bar, solo estamos sirviendo en vasos nuevos. También estamos exhortando a nuestros pasajeros a llenar su botella antes de volar #FillBeforeYouFly. Hemos reducido las torres de agua para prevenir que las botellas personales toquen la parte que dispensa el agua. Como alternativa, les pedimos que usen una de nuestras estaciones de reabastecimiento de agua o dirigirse al bar y llenaremos la botella por usted. – Alex Judson, Lounge Product Manager
Preguntas y respuestas de los expertos en salud:
Sabemos que los filtros HEPA utilizados en los aviones de Alaska Airlines son fuertes y efectivos para filtrar muchos de los patógenos en el aire. ¿El coronavirus flota en el aire? En este momento, no hay evidencia de que el virus flote en el aire y que pueda extender la infección más allá. La información con la que contamos actualmente sobre cómo se propaga el virus que causa la enfermedad por coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19), se basa en gran parte en lo que sabemos sobre coronavirus similares. Se cree que el virus se propaga principalmente de persona a persona.
Entre personas que están en contacto cercano entre sí, (a una distancia de unos 6 pies o 2 metros aproximadamente).
A través de las pequeñas gotas producidas cuando una persona infectada tose o estornuda.
Es posible que una persona pueda contraer el coronavirus al tocar una superficie u objeto que tenga el virus y después se toque la boca, la nariz y posiblemente los ojos, aunque no se cree que esta sea la forma principal de transmisión. Este virus es frágil y no sobrevive mucho tiempo en las superficies.
Si viajo, ¿qué puedo hacer para evitar contagiarme? ¡Esa es una excelente pregunta! Probablemente lo más importante que puede hacer para evitar el contagio mientras viaja, es lavarse bien las manos con frecuencia. Esto es, lavarse las manos no solo antes de comer y después de usar el baño, sino también varias veces durante el día. Otra recomendación muy importante es asegurarse de limpiar todas las superficies que contactamos frecuentemente, como las mesitas de servicio y los descansabrazos.
¿En comparación con el resto de la población, los niños y los adultos mayores son más susceptibles al virus que causa el COVID-19? Todavía tenemos mucho que aprender sobre este virus, pero hasta ahora parece no ser muy perjudicial para los niños. En la mayoría de los adultos sanos, esta infección puede ser muy similar a la gripe. Al mismo tiempo, parece ser mucho más peligroso para los adultos mayores y también para las personas que tienen problemas médicos del corazón, los pulmones y los riñones, así como para quienes sufran de alguna deficiencia inmunológica.
¿Qué tan efectivo es usar máscaras o guantes? El centro de control de enfermedades (CDC), que asesora al país en materia de salud pública, no recomienda el uso de máscaras entre las personas sanas para protegerse de enfermedades respiratorias, incluyendo COVID-19. Solo las personas que están enfermas o presenten síntomas de haber contraído el virus deberán usar las máscaras. Esto con el fin de proteger a otros del riesgo de infectarse. Al igual que las máscaras, no se recomienda el uso de los guantes si la persona no está en contacto directo con sangre o fluidos corporales. Es bien sabido que las personas que a menudo usan guantes no se lavan las manos con la frecuencia debida, que es lo más importante para evitar el contagio del COVID-19, la influenza y muchas otras infecciones.
John Lynch, M.D., M.P.H.,John Lynch, M.D., M.P.H., es un médico certificado y es director de los programas de Control de Infecciones de la Administración de Antibióticos y Salud del Centro Médico Harborview. El Doctor Lynch es también profesor asociado en Medicina, Alergias y Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Universidad de Washington. Obtuvo su M.D. y M.P.H. de la Universidad de Washington y realiza investigaciones sobre infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria.
Chloe Bryson-Cahn, MD tiene una maestría de la Facultad de Salud Pública de la Universidad de Washington y es graduada de la Facultad de Medicina Lewis Katz de la Universidad Temple. Ella completo su residencia en el Centro Médico de la UCLA y actualmente ejerce en el Centro Médico Harborview en Seattle, WA.
Preguntas más frecuentes acerca de cambios a su viaje:
Para su tranquilidad, ahora le ofrecemos opciones más flexibles para su viaje flexible travel options. Estas incluyen: No hay cargos por cambios o cancelaciones para:
Boletos adquiridos el o antes del 26 de febrero, 2020 con fecha de viaje hasta el 30 de abril, 2020.
Boletos nuevos con fecha de compra entre el 27 de febrero y el 31 de marzo, 2020.
Continuamos trabajando con expertos médicos y con las agencias federales como el centro de control y prevención de enfermedades (CDC) para evaluar nuestros procesos de prevención. También continuamos rastreando y respondiendo todas las preguntas mas frecuentes de la mejor forma posible.
¿Qué opción tengo si utilice millas? Si utilizo millas para comprar su boleto y este se encuentra dentro de nuestra política de viaje flexible one of our flexible travel policies depositaremos las millas en su cuenta de Mileage Plan.
¿Cuánto tarda el depositar las millas de vuelta a mi cuenta? Sus millas estarán disponibles en su cuenta entre 24-48 horas.
¿Qué pasa si use un cupón de acompañante? Si cancela su reservación por completo y esta incluye un cupón de acompañante, le restableceremos su certificado con la fecha de vencimiento original o junio 30, 2020, lo que ocurra mas tarde. Sírvase llamar a nuestro Departamento de Reservaciones para que uno de nuestros agentes le asista con la cancelación de boletos utilizando cupones de acompañante.
¿Qué pasa si compre un boleto no reembolsable en Primera Clase, cabina principal o boleto de premio con millas? Si usted compro un boleto no reembolsable de Primera Clase, Cabina principal o boleto de premio que este dentro de nuestra política de viaje flexible, usted podrá cambiar sin cargochange without fee o cancelar su viaje cancel your trip y depositar el valor de su boleto en la cartera electrónica de su cuenta My Account o recibir un certificado de crédito por la misma cantidad vía email.
¿Qué pasa si compre un boleto con tarifa Saver? Si usted compro una tarifa Saver que este dentro de nuestra política de viaje flexible, usted podrá cancelar su viaje cancel your trip y depositar el valor de su boleto en la cartera electrónica en su cuenta My Account o recibir un certificado de crédito por la misma cantidad via email.
¿Qué hago si ya pagué el cargo por cambio? Si por alguna razón se le cobro el cargo por cambio o cancelación a un viaje que ahora esta dentro de una de nuestras políticas flexibles, sírvase contactar a nuestro Departamento de Reservaciones. Nos encargaremos de que el cargo se envié de vuelta a la forma original de pago.
¿Qué pasa si estoy viajando después del 30 de abril? Para boletos adquiridos el o antes del 26 de febrero, 2020, nuestra política de viaje flexible solo aplica para viajes hasta el día 30 de abril, 2020. Por lo pronto, continuaremos evaluando la situación y haremos los ajustes que sean necesarios.
¿Qué opciones tengo si compre mi boleto con Expedia? ¿O si lo compre con otra agencia de viajes o aerolínea? Si compro su boleto a traves de terceros como Expedia, otra agencia de viajes o con otra aerolínea, contáctelos directamente para que le asistan.
We’ve always had robust cleaning processes on our aircraft and will continue using disinfectants that are effective against viruses. 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:
Arm rests
Seat belts
Tray tables
Overhead controls: air vent, light button, call button
Exterior and interior door handles to lavatories
All of our aircraft that remain on the ground overnight get a thorough cleaning. In addition to what’s mentioned above, our crews also add these areas:
Front and back of seats
Window shades
Handles to carry-on compartments
Celebrating one year of West Coast flying at Paine Field – Seattle’s newest airport terminal
Time flies when you’re having fun, especially when you’ve been busy flying hundreds of thousands of guests from the nation’s newest commercial air terminal to destinations up and down the West Coast.
March 4 marks our one-year anniversary since we launched our first flight at Paine Field in Everett – the Seattle-area’s latest, much-welcomed additional commercial airport option.
Over the past year, Paine Field has exceeded our expectations. Flyers appreciate the convenience of catching a flight north of the city instead of potentially grappling with a long commute to Sea-Tac. (Bonus: the terminal is beautiful, and it’s easy to navigate.)
With any new airport operation, you learn a lot. We’ve made some schedule changes as we listened to our guests, analyzed traffic trends and optimized better connection times for flights.
As we move ahead, the future looks bright.
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What’s next? We’ll work to further spread the word further that Paine Field is a terrific option for flying into the Puget Sound region between our 10 West Coast destinations and Everett.
Our goal: Let’s get more guests flying into Snohomish County to visit, have fun or do business.
“There are a lot of people outside of Washington state who don’t realize Paine Field is a great way to access Seattle,” said Brett Catlin, managing director of capacity planning and alliances. “We’re going to increase that awareness. We want our guests to know they have options on where to fly to and from in the Seattle area.”
Possibilities at Paine Field:
We’ve flown more than 740,000 guests to and from Everett over the past year
From Everett, we currently fly to Las Vegas; Los Angeles; Orange County, California; Palm Springs; Phoenix; Portland; San Diego; San Francisco; San Jose, California; and Spokane
Sun seekers are making Las Vegas, Palm Springs and Phoenix the most popular routes from Paine Field, especially this winter
On June 18, we’ll add our 11th destination from Everett: Hello, Boise!
Flights between Everett and Spokane have been a big hit since we added that service in early November
All Alaska flights at Paine Field are operated by Horizon Air flying the Embraer 175 jet with its three-class cabin
How to access Alaska Airlines movies and TV shows on your own device
You’ve made it. You’re settled into your flight. Now, how about a good movie?
Whether technology comes second nature to you or it’s not always your friend, we’re here to make your travel experience ease-y breezy. Alaska Beyond Entertainment™ offers 600+ free movies and TV shows at your fingertips usinga smartphone, tablet or laptop. Follow the information below to stream, meditate or play games on your next flight.
Our contact centers are experiencing longer than normal call wait times. To save yourself from the hold music, 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 scheduled in the next 72 hours.
A few helpful tips:
If you booked through an online travel agency such as Expedia or Travelocity, etc., please contact them for assistance.
If you’d like to cancel your reservation, visit alaskaair.com, our mobile site or the Alaska Airlines app.
If you want tochangeyour reservation, you must use the full desktop site.
Saver fares cannot be changed, only canceled. Don’t worry, you’ll receive a credit for the value of your ticket in your e-wallet to use towards a future flight.
Avoid waiting on hold:
You can change or cancel your trip online using the guide below.
If your travel plans are NOT within the next 72 hours, please hold off calling our Reservations team. Thank you!
Step 1 – Look up your reservation, select “cancel.”
You’ll need the confirmation code & last name.
Desktop / Mobile
Step 2 – If you purchased a nonrefundable fare, choose how you want to receive the travel credit.
If you have a My Account profile at alaskaair.com, sign into your account and choose “send the credit to My Wallet.”
If you don’t have a My Account profile or prefer to get your travel credit via email for later use, choose “send the travel credit to my email.”
Step 3 – Confirm cancellation.
If you choose “send the credit to My Wallet”, the funds will appear in your My Account profile. This can take up to 7 days, but usually happens almost immediately. When you’re ready to book your next flight, the credit will be available to use, as long as you’re signed into your account.
If you choose to “send the travel credit to my email”, you’ll receive 2 emails.One with the certificate code, and one with the PIN.You’ll need both of these when you’re ready to book your next flight.
A confirmation email will be waiting for you in your inbox.
How to change your reservation online
Step 1 – Pull up your reservation.
You’ll need the confirmation code, and your last name.
Step 2 – Choose the flight you’d like to change.
Select “make changes to this trip” if you are only changing part of your trip, or purchased your original ticket using a discount code.
Otherwise choose “Use the value of this trip to purchase a new trip.”
Step 3 – Select your new flight.
Any difference in fare or credit due will be displayed on the right. Once you have selected your new itinerary, proceed to checkout to finish.
Yay! You’re on your way!
Flights of Fashion: Seattle designer Luly Yang undertakes a first-class redesign of Alaska Airlines’ fleet of uniforms
After more than four years, dozens of focus groups and countless hours of anticipation, fashion designer Luly Yang’s airline uniform project is finally taking flight—literally as well as figuratively. Known for her formal red-carpet couture and bespoke suiting for men and women, Seattle-based Yang was chosen by Alaska Air Group in 2016 to revamp the uniforms for its more than 20,000 employees. This month, airport runways from Seattle to Los Angeles and New York will double as catwalks as everyone from flight attendants and customer service agents to ground crews and baggage handlers dons long-awaited new uniforms—the airline’s first major sartorial upgrade in nine years.
“I am super excited,” Yang says, beaming about the rollout. We’re sitting in the tranquil, light-filled private studio in downtown Seattle that she uses when she needs a quiet space to hold meetings or to work on her designs. Her eponymous boutique, located at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel, is just a short walk away; its windows are known to showcase a rotating selection of Yang’s whimsical, eye-catching creations. Rich velvet and satin tuxedos and gowns in deeply saturated hues, fabrics boasting bold patterns and unique details—strategic draping, jewel-like beading, ruffles and feathers placed just so—have been a signature at the corner of Fourth Avenue and University Street for nearly two decades.
“This is one of the most special collections I’ve ever worked on,” she says, “and I plan to be at the airport when the uniforms debut. The emotions will be high, and I want to celebrate that energy and excitement with Alaska. This is a very special, one-of-a-kind experience for any fashion designer. The magic moment is when the employees wear the uniforms, and the garments come alive.”
At first thought, the choice of a designer who specializes in one-of-a-kind couture creations for individual clients seems at odds with the scope of a project that requires the design and production of one cohesive uniform collection that needs to fit a plethora of body shapes and sizes, as well as serve each individual for the numerous tasks of his or her job. But Alaska takes pride in partnering with local businesses on everything from its inflight food-and-beverage program to the design of its airport lounges, so picking a locally based designer for the overhaul was a top priority.
“We knew Luly’s background, talent and timeless design solutions would be the perfect fit for Alaska,” says Sangita Woerner, Alaska Airlines’ Senior Vice President of Marketing & Guest Experience. “Her style perfectly captures our fresh West Coast vibe—and of course we love that Seattle is her home base, too.”
As Yang tells me about her approach to design projects, it’s clear that the task isn’t as incongruous as it might seem. “My process is always the same,” she says. “It starts with conversation and listening to really understand, to the core, who I am designing for.”
Yang spent months holding focus groups with employees from around the country, distributing surveys, collecting feedback, and observing everyone from pilots to baggage handlers in order to see how their uniforms needed to stand up to the rigors of their jobs. This meant lots of flying, and lots of time at airports.
The things that stood out to me were the little details,” Yang says. “Paying attention to where the pockets are, or how deep they are. Many of the team members need their hands free to do things. They have to carry around mobile devices and be able to store them quickly. Flight attendants asked to have longer shirts so that the garment doesn’t slip up when they are putting luggage in the overhead bins. These little things were important, and every decision was intentional.”
Fit and function for all 13 work groups were essential to Luly Yang’s design strategy.
Additionally, Yang had to take durability and climate into consideration. The most durable fabrics aren’t always the most comfortable, and a ground crew member in Alaska can’t wear the same thing as someone based in Southern California. These puzzlelike constraints presented Yang and her team with the ultimate design challenge—one that she ended up enjoying so much, she has expanded her uniform business as a result, with end-to-end uniform solutions that include design, product development and production.
“Through this process, I discovered my love and passion for custom uniform programs,” she notes.
The resulting collection, which features more than 90 garments and accessories, for 13 work groups, debuted at an employee fashion show at the airline’s Seattle-Tacoma International Airport hangar in January 2018. In keeping with Alaska Airlines’ 2016 overall brand refresh, which included a bold color palette featuring Tropical Green and Breeze Blue, the new uniforms are contemporary but not costumey or too formal. During the design process Yang had access to vintage employee handbooks and uniforms that date back to the 1960s, ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, and she was inspired by the brand’s strong 88-year heritage and employee pride.
“Fashion has changed a lot over the years, and you can see the trends reflected in flight attendants’ uniforms,” she says. “What we’ve done is a modern interpretation of the brand. Our design strategy focuses on a West Coast–modern vibe that embraces comfort, experience and approachability.”
From two-toned, blue-color-block dresses to crisp gray vests, custom neck scarves and sleek trench coats, the uniforms were a hit—something that would make the Alaska team identifiable on the airport concourse and also present a professional look.
The approval from employees was strong, but aesthetics wouldn’t matter if the uniforms couldn’t hold up to wear or hindered crew members from doing their jobs, so Alaska selected 175 employees to participate in 60-day “wear tests” and give feedback about the performance of the garments. Refinements were made, and then a second, shorter, wear test took place before the uniforms were declared finished. The official rollout started at the beginning of 2020 with Horizon Air team members and Alaska Lounge concierges, and it continues through the course of this month.
In January, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air were the first U.S. airlines to receive “Standard 100 by Oeko-Tex®” certification, meaning that garments meet global safety standards. Items have been tested to ensure they are free from harmful levels of more than 100 substances known to be damaging to human health. Each component of the uniforms—materials, threads and dyes—meets certification, and Yang and Alaska worked with Unisync Group Limited of Toronto to develop custom fabrics, buttons and signature accessories.
“All of the employees I spoke with can’t wait to have a new uniform,” Yang says. “Some of them have even been with the airline for decades. There’s strong pride there, and they want to represent the company with what they wear.”
Luly Yang offers a new look for flight attendants, as well as a stylish look for mechanics, above.
If anyone knows about having pride in their company, it’s Yang. While she’s best known as a fashion designer, she has also been recognized multiple times over the past two decades for her business acumen and strong leadership. She has steadily grown her company, both in employee numbers and in goods and services offered. She’s worked with local entities including Pacific Northwest Ballet and Teatro ZinZanni, and embraced philanthropic efforts benefiting Swedish Medical Center, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital, among others. Yang has not only become a pillar in the Seattle business community, but also an inspiration to women looking to start their own ventures.
“Everything I do goes back to our company’s mission,” she says. “We’re here because we want to elevate the human experience through thoughtful, innovative designs. We always stay true to our values and keep that mission top of mind. Our team is diverse in design discipline and backgrounds, but all of us share the same values, goals and passion for what we do.”
It’s a laudable foundation for any company, and one that Yang has applied throughout her career trajectory, even before she landed in fashion. Born in Taiwan, Yang moved to the Puget Sound–area city of Bellevue with her family when she was 10. She was interested in fashion at a very young age and recalls her grandmother designing and sewing her own clothes. “I grew up watching her,” Yang says, “and my mom was an artist who also designed and made our clothes for formal events. For part of my life, I thought that this was normal, that everyone created their own clothing!”
After high school, Yang enrolled at the University of Washington, where she pursued a degree in graphic design. Outside of the classroom, she was a fitness instructor at the university’s Intramural Activities Building. “Fitness and the human form became a passion of mine,” she says. “It helps me understand the human body and a garment’s interaction with it. I have ergonomic charts of the body on the walls in my studio. It’s important to be able to see how the articulation of an elbow, hip or knee works. Good design solutions are a perfect balance of form and function. Clothing needs to look good and move well with the body.”
It was during her time as a graphic designer for a Seattle-based architecture firm that Yang made her first serious foray into fashion. In 1999, she participated in a charity fashion show that paired designers with paper companies, asking them to create runway-ready looks to raise money for the Seattle-based Art with Heart organization. Yang’s creation, her signature Monarch Butterfly Gown, awed the crowd and reawakened her passion for fashion design. Shortly after the event, she decided to pursue fashion as a career.
“Obviously it was a risk to quit a job that I really enjoyed and to jump into something that was completely different from what I had ever done before,” she says with a small laugh. “But I was fulfilling a dream I had had since I was a young child.”
In 2000, Yang opened her first studio at Fourth Avenue and Pike Street with a collection of 12 gowns. Three years later, after a successful start, she moved to her current atelier at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel. Over the years, Yang has designed numerous high-concept collections inspired by everything from oceanic life (an aquatic-themed “Ocean” collection was presented at the Seattle Aquarium) to sight (her “20/20” collection was inspired by vision and the human eye).
I always start with a big-picture concept, and that becomes the soul of the collection,” she says. “It’s usually highly conceptual at the beginning. I’ll start by developing a visual story for the feeling I want people to experience, then I move to designing the collection.”
In a maintenance hangar or on the tarmac, the new uniforms bring a renewed sense of pride at Alaska and Horizon.
Beyond the conceptual, Yang runs a tight business. As the head of her company, she’s faced with tough decisions daily. Hard work and intense passion are the foundation.
“I face the difficult things head-on,” she says. “With every decision, we’re always asking, ‘Is what we’re doing making the human experience better?’ If the answer is no, then we’re not going to do it.”
When invited to give her advice for other women running their own businesses (or those thinking of making the leap), she keeps it short and straightforward: “Follow your passion, make all decisions intentional and strategic, and learn to do this quickly, with confidence. It’s important to move through the decision process and commit to it.”
The business community has appreciated her business focus. In 2007, she was honored with the Nellie Cashman Women Business Owners of the Year Award, and recognized in the Puget Sound Business Journal’s list of 2010 Women of Influence. In 2019, Yang was inducted to the Asian Hall of Fame.
When the Alaska Airlines uniform project came across Yang’s desk in 2016, it was an easy decision for her and her team. “I grew up here; I went to school here; I love the West Coast,” she says, “Alaska has always been my favorite airline, so I was very excited when I got that call.”
Yang has made the custom uniform business an integral part of her company, with corporate clients ranging in scale from boutique companies to global businesses in North America and Europe. She has recently taken on two additional landmark Pacific Northwest clients who are refreshing their brands, the Space Needle and the Fairmont Olympic Hotel.
In her own studio, Yang will release at the end of this year a ready-to-wear travel collection featuring easy-to-layer pieces and accessories designed for travelers on the go to feel comfortable and chic—the ultimate combination.
“I can pack enough for two to three weeks in one carry-on,” Yang says about her own travels, adding that it’s all about the layering. She travels frequently for work, to Europe and to Asia, and has the art of travel dressing down to a science.
“It’s all about what I like to call my ‘transformative items,’ ” she says. “Multifunctional pieces that I can wear from a morning meeting to a cocktail party, and maybe just throw on a jacket or switch shoes. It’s all about keeping things very versatile.”
One item that she always travels with is her signature Luly cashmere shawl that serves triple duty as an attractive accessory, a wrap during the evenings, and a neck roll or blanket while inflight. In her purse, she makes sure to bring a pair of sunglasses, a mid-layer sweater and a vial of pure lemon essential oil. “It helps energize me,” she says.
Within the next year, Yang plans to hold a 20th-anniversary fashion show that will feature highlights of her portfolio. Serving as reminder of the evolution of her brand and her creativity, the show will be a vivid chapter in a story that’s still being told.
“I have a curiosity about everything, and I like asking questions,” Yang says. “Staying curious keeps you innovative and keeps your mind open, whether you’ve been in your career for one year, 20 years or 50 years.” She pauses and smiles as if thinking of the decades ahead—an idea taking flight is a beautiful thing to watch.
Rachel Gallaher is a Seattle-based freelance writer and the deputy editor at Gray Magazine. This story originally appeared in ALASKA BEYOND MAGAZINE—MARCH 2020.
Spring break is just around the corner and, for most of us, you might be ready to lounge by the pool or enjoy some nightlife or a cozy knitted blanket with that book you’ve been meaning to read.
Your family might be looking for more structured bonding time with a guide, water activities and kid-friendly adventures, while single travelers and couples could be looking for culture and a little adventure. Whichever venture speaks to you, Alaska Airlines can get you there.
Here are six places to have fun in the sun:
SAN DIEGO
Photo by Ingrid Barrentine
Looking to spend long, lazy days in perfect year-round weather? Look no further than San Diego.
The “finest” city, perched on the Pacific Ocean, is an ideal locale for tourists of all ages, culture seekers, beach bums and surfers alike. Its food and bar scenes are bursting with trendy eats and drinks, including some of the best Mexican cuisine north of Baja. It’s also one of the only places in the U.S. you can find desert, surf and snow all in a day.
Escape to the dry heat for serene desert gardens, art museums, natural wonders and more.
@sierraalysha at Sweeties Candy of Arizona via instagram
What to do: Camelback Mountain, Papago Park, Phoenix Zoo, Desert Botanical Garden, Grand Canyon Day Tour.
Get a sweet selfie: Sweeties Candy of Arizona in Chandler has endless aisles of candy you can enjoy & capture for the gram. From nostalgic treats to today’s sweets, this 13,000-square-foot shop has your sweet tooth covered.
Bring the pup: Spoil your fur baby at pet-friendly places in Phoenix, including, Gilbert’s 17-acre Cosmo Dog Park, with agility structures and a swimming lake with a dock.
Pro-tip: Shake out your shoes. Arizona has a ton of little critters that love to bite and sting, like the scorpion. But don’t let that stop you from fun in the sun just be sure to check your shoes!
If you seek adventure, the islands of Hawaii are perfect for you. From the volcanoes to the sea and everything in between, there’s something for everyone!
Where to stay: Resorts like the Kauai Beach Resort in Lihue offer great rates, with waterfront views, earth tone decor and white crisp sheets ready for you to fall into vacation-mode. Also, if you have a drone, the view above the pool is a must-see!
Looking for a charming, romantic, instagrammable hotel to stay?Paia Inn, located on Maui just steps away from the stunning North Shore, is worth it. From its thoughtful aesthetic touches, decadent food & service to all the sprays and necessities one needs to wash the worries away in the onsite shop.
Fly home gold: You can bring home a box of pineapples for FREE on Alaska Airlines. But leave the lava rocks where you found them. Trust us on this one.
The beaches are pristine, the weather is hot and spring break draws many partygoers, families and jet setters.
What to do: Snorkel with tropical fish, try your hand at deep-sea fishing, eat delicious seafood or take a guided camel tour. Dive Cabo also offers whale shark swimming – with the world’s biggest fish – a sighting happens nearly 100 percent of the time from September through May.
Did you even go to Cabo if you didn’t take a picture with El Arco? The Arch of Cabo San Lucas is a beautiful rock formation that can be seen by boat from the water – keep an eye out for sea lions at its base. Two beaches also lie nearby called Lovers’ Beach and Divorce Beach – take your pick!
Take a hike: See where the desert and the ocean meet at the top of Mount Solmar – time it at sunset & you won’t be disappointed.
Pack up your inflatable swan and head to southern California for the best pools, stylish hotels, golf courses and more.
@andreabochoa visiting the Cabazon Dinosaurs via instagram
What to do: Admire midcentury modern homes, explore a national park where all trees are named Joshua, take a mountaintop tram ride, shop at vintage boutiques, interior design shops and restaurants.
Coachella (other than the music festival): Coachella Valley offers hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. Take a classic canyon-hugging gondola ride that showcases the entirety of the Coachella Valley below.
A waterfall in the middle of the desert: It’s true. See for yourself, on a two-mile loop to a 50-foot waterfall tucked into Tahquitz Canyon. The falls require a $12.50 admission fee, which goes toward keeping the trail looking nice, as its part of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians reservation. Guided hikes are also available.
Have a T-riffic time with dinosaurs: Stand next to a 100-ton Brontosaurus and T. Rex sculpture that guard the entrance to a Creationist-themed dino museum and check out the gift shop inside the belly of “Dinny” the Dinosaur.
From walking along the renowned Golden Gate Bridge to spotting sea lions at Pier 39, San Francisco is a city full of amazing places to visit and tons of cool things to do.
What to do: Lose yourself in Magowan’s Mirror Maze, take in the fresh air of Golden Gate Park, escape from Alcatraz Prison, or hit the colorful town to see fortune cookies being made.
Get into the swing of things: Grab a friend to give you a push and snap a photo of you swinging in front of an awe-inspiring view of the San Francisco Bay and downtown San Francisco. There are about 7 famous swings around the city – triple check they’re not down, if so, don’t worry the ropes go back up again soon after!
Eat cookie dough (without the risk of salmonella): Sugar addicts rejoice! Doughp (pronounced “dope”) serves eggless scoops of batter in fun flavors, flavored waffle cones, and hundreds of different toppings at Pier 39.
Where to fly: Alaska Airlines offers seven nonstop daily flights to San Francisco (SFO). Want to see more of the Bay? Fly to Oakland or San Jose.
+ GLOBAL DESTINATIONS
Lempuyang Temple. Bali, Indonesia. (Alaska Airlines photo)
Bonus tip: Alaska Airlines is offering more ways to venture around the world with our 16 Global Partners and relationship with American Airlines and joining oneworld – giving our guests seamless access to 1,200 destinations around the world. Learn more.
When Peter Tizzard defines the top requirements for providing good service, he has a lengthy list: “Being genuine and sincere is important,” says the 32-year commercial-aviation professional who has worked for more than 12 years combined at Alaska Airlines and Virgin America. “Paying attention to details, being humble, listening and making positive connections with our guests are crucial, too.”
All of these goals come down to one thing, Tizzard says: “Bringing joy to people. It’s just the right thing to do.”
Tizzard, a San Francisco–based flight attendant who lives in Las Vegas, has, in multiple roles, provided great service to flyers over the years. He started out in ground operations in 1987 at a regional airline in Florida. Eventually, he became a flight attendant, and he was one of the original teammates at Virgin America in 2007. A multitalented employee, he has helped hire and train flight attendants over the years, and has worked as a catering operations analyst, an inflight service instructor and an air transportation supervisor.
Being a flight attendant was his original dream, Tizzard says, explaining that, since childhood, he’s had a passion for travel and learning about other cultures.
His parents instilled this, says Tizzard, whose father worked for 38 years for British Airways, and whose mother worked as a travel-agent manager. Born and raised in Fort Lauderdale, Tizzard feels fortunate and blessed to have traveled “all over” while growing up.
According to co-workers, Tizzard brings great positivity to his work and is respected for being encouraging and uplifting with other flight attendants, as well as with airline guests.
“I try to lead and make others feel comfortable,” Tizzard says. “This work is my passion, and there’s no greater thing you can do with life and work than to follow your passion in a way that serves you and the world.”
Questions & Answers
What do you like most about your job?
There are never two flights alike. And the connections I make with guests can change my perspective—and theirs.
What are your interests outside work? I’m very outdoorsy. I like hiking and biking, at home and when I travel.
Where do you most like traveling? Throughout Asia and Europe, for the food and culture and history. Places I’ve returned to include Osaka and Kyoto, Japan; Krabi, Thailand; and Madrid, Spain. And anywhere with a beach equals sun and fun.
Do you have any travel tips? At least once a year, pack “one way” and donate clothes, shoes and jackets at your destination. Take it as a chance to refresh your wardrobe. There are great places to shop for new clothes while you’re traveling.
What advice do you have for new hires? It’s never about the destination. It’s about the journey.
Kudos from Peter’s Co-Workers
“Peter welcomes guests and starts a conversation, and he captivates them for the entire flight. And even after the flight. It’s a gift that only some people have.” —Ludi S., Flight Attendant, San Francisco
“He just makes you feel good. He makes you feel smart; he makes you feel comfortable; he makes you feel welcome. He makes you feel like you’re the only person in a room when he’s talking to you, because he’s so intentional, and so present. There aren’t a lot of people like him.” —Molly C., Flight Attendant, San Francisco
“He is really level about how he treats everyone. Everyone’s treated really, really well.” —Elmer T., Customer Service Agent Trainer, San Francisco
“Guests are always ecstatic with Peter’s personalized service. Everybody loves Peter when they walk off the aircraft.” —Michael G., Captain, San Francisco
Alaska Airlines employees such as Peter Tizzard are the reason for our excellence. Join us in creating an airline people love. Visit alaskaair.jobs.
Make your getaway to Fiji even sweeter with these 6 surprises
There’s more to Fiji that meets the eye than just powdery beaches and crystal-clear reefs. Here are six things that will sweeten your travel experience to the South Pacific island nation:
1. Clap once for Kava, then, three more times
Sheltered from the outside world until just two centuries ago, Fiji’s rich cultural traditions – including community-wide meke “spirit dances” reenacting ancient stories – remain a large part of daily life.
No tradition weighs more heavily on Fijian consciousness than the art of the kava ceremony, which is typically a mandatory part of being invited to any village. If lucky, you’ll have the opportunity for kava many times during your visit (and not only one set up by a resort).
Many tours and treks arrange visits to villages and kava ceremonies. Any visitors to a town must begin by asking to meet the turaga-ni-koro (village headman), who can make introductions to the ratu (chief). As visitors, you should offer a gift, or sevusevu, to get permission to visit. Unless you happen to have a whale’s tooth (a highly prized and rare, offering), powdered kava root that’s been aged four to seven years is a perfect option.
The chief will invite you into his home or into a community center where males sit cross-legged and women sit with legs to the side, as a headman (usually) mixes the kava powder with water in a wooden turtle-shaped bowl called the tanoa. It’s a slow process, and you should remain quiet (and not take photos) until the first round of drinking has been done.
The drink – which sort of resembles muddy water – is served in a bilo cup made from a coconut shell. Clap once before receiving it, drink it fully, hand the empty cup back, and clap three more times. Kava tastes like grassy water and offers your tongue a slight tingle. It’s not alcohol but is known to be relaxing if you have many rounds.
The ritual is known as wai ni vanua, or “water of the land,” indicating the village and the village welcomes you to visit. Things are casual and social after the first round. Generally, it’s OK to take photos after the first round but always ask.
It’s nice to explain who you are and why you’re visiting – the villagers will be interested to hear! For extra cultural-sensitivity points, keep your head lower than the chief’s, and never turn your back toward him, even when exiting. Visitors should wear a sulu sarong and refrain from wearing anything on ones’ head, like a hat or sunglasses. (But don’t worry if you make a mistake; locals are very easy-going with first-timers.)
2. It takes a village
Any local will tell you; you haven’t visited Fiji until you visited one of Fiji’s nearly 1,200 koro (or villages) — where populations tend to be defined not by individuals but by mataqali (family groups). Visiting one begins by asking permission (and often a kava ceremony, see above). High-end resorts often offer village excursions (including kava, dances, handicrafts demos and a chance to buy local). It’s well worth arranging a trip to more far-flung places less used to seeing daily visitors.
Navala in Vitu Levu’s Nausori Highlands is a village must-see. Reached from Nadi in a few hours via a snaking road that turns to gravel and weaves past sugar cane farms and along mountain ridges that envelop you slowly. Navala is Fiji’s last village made up of traditional bure thatch huts. About 200 of them line across a valley surrounded by green peaks.
For F$25, visitors can visit without prior arrangement, but you’re better off coming with a guide such as Tui from Bulou’s Lodge, a modest accommodation on the Ba River just outside town. Tui is a resident who can help set up a kava ceremony in the chief’s bure and lead you on river walks or to hidden waterfalls fed by natural springs.
Another option to get here is a multi-day trek with village homestays via Talanoa Treks, which includes a visit to Nabutautau.
3. Look for the pink bananas
You don’t have to travel far in Fiji to see a lot. Within the 50-acre Sleeping Giant Garden, just north of Nadi Airport, you’re able to walk past a series of lifelike orchids shaped like antelopes, angel wings and dancing ladies. Near a pond where dozens of frogs sit on lily pads, and shrouded in giant green leaves, loom bunches of pink bananas (or musa velutina), a self-peeling fruit found around the South Pacific.
Fiji may be known for its blue water, but often it is green that stands out. Tussles of trees, brush, shrubs and vines tangle up mountainsides in a seemingly impenetrable canopy of varying greens that sprout from the islands’ volcanic-rich soils.
Amidst the lush landscape are 800-some species of plants found nowhere else, making for rewarding hikes (fortunately, the mongoose population handles most snakes).
Locals use many plants as traditional medicines. Some resorts, including the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Savusavu, offer traditional medicine walks, where you learn many common remedies. Pounded kalabuci damu (copperleaf) mixed with water helps sore throats, chewing mokomoko fern leaves aid healthy skin, while guava leaves can calm digestive issues.
The heart of green Fiji is without a doubt Tauveni Island. Known as the “Garden Island,” it’s rimmed with low-key resorts and crisscrossed with steamy hikes through the immense national park that occupies over three-quarters of the island. The best hike hugs the coast, the 5km Lavena Coastal Walk, which takes in waterfalls, black-sand beaches, mushroom-like coral pedestals, snorkeling spots.
Locals also dream of visiting Tauveni to see Fiji’s elusive national flower, the tagimoucia: a crimson and cream flower that’s inspired pop songs and has been described to “hang down in clusters like a chain of ruby raindrops.”
4. Fall in lovo with the backyard BBQ
The modern cuisine of Fiji is surprising. Meals are refreshingly fresh and healthy. And, diverse. Local homes are happy to incorporate styles from Indo-Fijians, Fiji citizens who are fully or partially of Indian descent, so you’ll find plenty of curries and roti flatbreads as part of the daily diet.
Islands have also concocted their own ceviche, a seafood dish originating in Peru typically made from fresh raw fish cured in citrus juices and spices.The seafood here is legendary – imagine fresh filets of wahoo, marlin or barracuda served in coconut milk, plus giant lobsters and prawns — especially a spicy bowl of kokoda. Sometimes served in an open clamshell, this delicious mix of raw fish is marinated in lime juice and served with coconut cream, onion and chilis.
Another must-try: lovo. A dish, wrapped in foil and banana leaves, then set overheated river stones and left to roast over a pit for a few hours slowly. It’s the South Pacific’s version of an underground BBQ, made with any protein you prefer (fish filets, pork or chicken cutlets, or even rourou taro leaves). Most resorts offer lovo, and it’s still a special banquet-type method used in villages for weddings, birthdays, funerals and other special occasions.
Visiting a Fijian market is a colorful way to see what tropical staples make up a regular part of local farming and local diets. Walkthrough one and see often artfully stacked displays of pineapple, kumula (sweet potato), taro and uto (breadfruit), nama (sea grapes) or powdered kava root sold in small paper bags. You’re sure to find tavioka (or cassava) on your plate, as the starchy root is so common it’s been called “Fiji’s rice.” Meanwhile, coconuts come from the “tree of life” and play a big role as curries, bread, even as cups during kava ceremonies.
5. Get ready to rugby
Fiji’s gorgeous color-coded dollar bills are adorned with tropical animals and traditional details like the intricate designs seen on masi bark-cloth wall hangings. But none compare to the glory of Fiji’s $7 bill, which celebrates the nation’s first (and only) Olympic medal after Fiji took gold in 2016 in seven-on-seven rugby.
Rugby has been big here since the English introduced it in the 1880s. Now, it’s said you can only choose a village site once you have found a field to play rugby. Fun fact: the first televisions appeared here only in 1987, so locals could watch rugby. If a ball’s not around, locals are known to play using empty bottles, lemons or wadded-up shirts.
The official season for professional teams is from April to September – and the youth competition during April’s Coca Cola Light Games is also popular – but you’ll find rugby played all year, particularly on Saturdays. In towns like Ba on Vitu Levu, an hour’s drive from Nadi, gets busy on Saturdays, when locals line the field with lawn chairs to watch game after game of teams pouring in from the Nausori Highlands.
6. Pick your path with Fiji Airways
Make your getaway to Fiji even more rewarding with Alaska Global Partner, Fiji Airways! Book before the end of Feb., and pick your path: Use Alaska miles to get up to 50% off award travel, OR earn DOUBLE the Alaska miles! Terms apply.
More ways to go global: Alaska Airlines to expand American Airlines relationship and join oneworld
For Alaska Airlines guests, the world is getting closer – and easier to reach.
We’re expanding our relationship with American Airlines and announcing plans to join oneworld, the highly rated global airline network – two moves that open the world for our guests. We see this as an exciting West Coast international alliance, which includes:
the ability to earn and use miles on both Alaska and American
full elite status reciprocity
lounge access to nearly 50 American Admirals Clubs worldwide and seven Alaska Lounges in the U.S. (However, Alaska Lounge members do not currently have access to the Admirals Club in San Francisco International Terminal 2 due to space constraints. Alaska will be opening a new 8,500-square-foot, top-floor lounge in Terminal 2 this fall. Boarding pass and guest restrictions apply.)
continued domestic codeshare and expanded international travel from Los Angeles and Seattle for hassle-free booking and travel between Alaska and American Airlines
In addition, we’re seeking full membership into oneworld, expected in summer 2021. Together, this new alliance and oneworld membership will give guests seamless access to 1,200 destinations around the world.
“This alliance opens the world for Alaska Airlines guests, whether traveling for business or pleasure,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s executive vice president and Chief Commercial Officer. “And importantly for our employees and the communities we serve, this West Coast international alliance enables Alaska’s continued independent growth.”
Once Alaska’s membership is approved by oneworld, guests traveling on Alaska, American or a oneworld partner will feel like they have one connected travel experience – no matter who or where you fly.
At the same time, agreements with our current valued Global Partners will continue uninterrupted.
The reach of our expanded global network means we can give our guests what they want most – access to a huge international portfolio, seamless reciprocal frequent flyer benefits, lounge access and more choices to experience the world.
So, what does this West Coast international alliance mean for Alaska Mileage Plan members?
Our new alliance will let members earn and redeem miles on even more domestic and international destinations. This includes today’s announcement by American Airlines for the first nonstop flight from Seattle to Bangalore, India, starting October 2020, along with new service from Seattle to London, starting in spring 2021.
Effective immediately:
Redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on all American Airlines flights and continue to earn miles on American flights with an Alaska flight number.
Access any of American’s 50 Admirals Club locations worldwide with an Alaska Lounge membership.
Continue to earn and redeem Mileage Plan miles on our current portfolio of 16 Global Partners.
Starting spring 2020:
Earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles on any American Airlines flights, domestically and internationally.
Starting summer 2021:
Earn and redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on all oneworld airlines.
Alaska elites will enjoy privileges, including priority boarding, premium seating, baggage benefits and more when you fly on American Airlines or any oneworld airline.
Access 650 lounges within the oneworld network as an MVP Gold or Gold 75K member.
This is just the beginning. We will share more details with you as these benefits become available.
Today
Redeem Alaska miles on all American Airlines flights.
Alaska Lounge members can access American’s 50 Admirals Club locations.
Earn and redeem miles on our current portfolio of 16 Global Partners.
Spring 2020
Earn Alaska miles on all American Airlines flights, domestically and internationally.
Fall 2020
American Airlines launches nonstop service between Seattle and Bangalore, India.
Spring 2021
American Airlines launches nonstop service between Seattle and London-Heathrow.
Summer 2021
Earn and redeem Alaska miles on all oneworld® airlines.
Alaska elites will enjoy privileges, including priority boarding, premium seating, baggage benefits and more when you fly on American Airlines or any oneworld® airline.
MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75k members can access 650 lounges within the oneworld® airline network.
Q&A:
What is the benefit of this alliance?
Enhancing our relationship with American Airlines by forming a West Coast international alliance and joining oneworld opens the world to our guests. This means traveling on Alaska, American or a oneworld airline will feel like one connected travel experience––no matter who or where you fly.
With this announcement, how many destinations will I be able to connect to?
We’ll be able to connect guests to more than 1,200 destinations worldwide when we are a full member of oneworld.
Does this mean your relationship with American won’t end?
Correct. Alaska and American will continue our domestic codeshare relationship uninterrupted.
What does this mean for your existing unaffiliated Global Partners?
Our 16 Global Partners are very valuable and we’ll keep them as long as they continue to provide a unique value to our guests.
Does this mean I’ll be able to access the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 2 at San Francisco International Airport?
The Admirals Club in Terminal 2 at SFO is closing in March. However, you’ll have access to a new 8,500-square-foot, top-floor lounge at San Francisco International Airport’s Terminal 2 when the new Alaska Lounge opens in 2020.
If guests want more filtered air, they can simply open the vent above them. It’s important to note that the flight deck, galley areas, and lavatories get air directly from outside the aircraft. That air also gets directly exhausted outside.
John Lynch, M.D., M.P.H., John Lynch, M.D., M.P.H., es un médico certificado y es director de los programas de Control de Infecciones de la Administración de Antibióticos y Salud del Centro Médico Harborview. El Doctor Lynch es también profesor asociado en Medicina, Alergias y Enfermedades Infecciosas de la Universidad de Washington. Obtuvo su M.D. y M.P.H. de la Universidad de Washington y realiza investigaciones sobre infecciones asociadas a la asistencia sanitaria.
Chloe Bryson-Cahn, MD tiene una maestría de la Facultad de Salud Pública de la Universidad de Washington y es graduada de la Facultad de Medicina Lewis Katz de la Universidad Temple. Ella completo su residencia en el Centro Médico de la UCLA y actualmente ejerce en el Centro Médico Harborview en Seattle, WA.
Photos by Ingrid Barrentine
Tizzard, a San Francisco–based flight attendant who lives in Las Vegas, has, in multiple roles, provided great service to flyers over the years. He started out in ground operations in 1987 at a regional airline in Florida. Eventually, he became a flight attendant, and he was one of the original teammates at Virgin America in 2007. A multitalented employee, he has helped hire and train flight attendants over the years, and has worked as a catering operations analyst, an inflight service instructor and an air transportation supervisor.
The drink – which sort of resembles muddy water – is served in a bilo cup made from a coconut shell. Clap once before receiving it, drink it fully, hand the empty cup back, and clap three more times. Kava tastes like grassy water and offers your tongue a slight tingle. It’s not alcohol but is known to be relaxing if you have many rounds.
Locals use many plants as traditional medicines. Some resorts, including the 
