Alaska Airlines Honored by Reader’s Digest Magazine for Online Check-In

Alaska Airlines was named one of the "100 Best of America" in Reader’s Digest Magazine’s annual compilation of the 100 best people, places, ideas and innovations in America.

Alaska Airlines won "Best Airline Innovation" for being the pioneer of online check-in. Reader’s Digest noted, "Alaska Airlines, based in Seattle, Washington, was the first to use online check-in; today many other airlines offer it." With online check-in, passengers can check in, get a seat, print a boarding pass and go straight to the gate, if they aren’t checking luggage.

"We’ve raised the bar on using technology to make the booking, check-in and airport experience more streamlined and customer-friendly, " said Steve Jarvis, Alaska’s staff vice president of e-commerce and distribution. "And it’s truly an honor to be recognized by Reader’s Digest for our efforts."

Jarvis noted that Alaska Airlines became the first North American carrier to sell tickets online in 1995, and in 1999 was the first airline in the world to allow customers to check in for flights via the Internet. Today, more than 50 percent of Alaska’s customers check in electronically via the Web or on more than 370 Instant Travel Machines located at 71 airports.

The editorial team of Reader’s Digest scoured the country speaking to experts and ordinary folk alike to compile the second annual "America’s 100 Best" issue.

"Our aim with this issue is to spotlight hidden treasures, great products, cool trends and inspiring stories that show what’s extraordinary about this country," said Reader’s Digest Editor-in-Chief Jackie Leo. "Last year was the first time we attempted such an ambitious undertaking and we clearly struck a chord with readers, making this one of our bestsellers."

The list is published in the May Issue of Reader’s Digest, or readers can view it online at rd.com/best. The magazine boasts 100 million readers each month and is published in 19 languages and 48 editions worldwide.

Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier, Horizon Air, together serve more than 80 cities in Alaska, the Lower 48, Canada and Mexico. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines Newsroom on the Internet at http://newsroom.alaskaair.com/.

SOURCE: Alaska Airlines