A seamless security solution – coming to an Alaska Airlines hub near you

Summary

Following launches in Atlanta (ATL) and Washington D.C. (DCA) earlier this year, Alaska is bringing the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program to our guests departing select hub airports, starting with Seattle on June 26, followed by Los Angeles on July 8 and Portland on July 10.

Building on our work to streamline the airport experience, Touchless ID can help guests speed through the TSA line. 

Whether you’re enjoying the beautiful terminal at Portland International Airport with our cutting-edge technology or waiting patiently for Seattle Tacoma International Airport’s new lobby to arrive, it’s no secret that Alaska Airlines is making your airport experience quicker, more seamless and just plain better.

The latest development in our digital identity journey is about to land at our hub airports thanks to our advocacy with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). Following launches in Atlanta (ATL) and Washington D.C. (DCA) earlier this year, Alaska is bringing the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program to our guests departing select hub airports, starting with Seattle on June 26, followed by Los Angeles on July 8 and Portland on July 10.

Using Touchless ID is going to be a gamechanger for our guests as they navigate our hub airports. No longer needing to juggle a boarding pass and physical ID means our guests can breeze through security with just their face.”

– Charu Jain

Senior Vice President of Innovation and Merchandising, Alaska Airlines

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Streamlining the guest experience

At Alaska, we want our guests’ travel experience to be as seamless as possible, from the time they book a ticket to when they touch down at their destination. It’s why we are reimagining airport lobbies with innovative technologies like electronic bag tags and automated bag drops, and why we partnered with TSA to bring Touchless ID to Seattle, Portland and Los Angeles.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID and how do I use it?

Touchless ID is a program operated by the TSA in partnership with select airlines that allows guests to verify their identity with just their face – no physical ID needed. This technology can be used to get through airport security more easily; it will also be available at our automated bag drop for a faster lobby experience later this year.

Who is eligible?

Participation is optional, but we encourage everyone who qualifies to consider trying it out. It could add a few precious minutes to enjoy a Lounge before boarding. To be eligible, you must have a valid Known Traveler Number (KTN) from, for example, TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry – and an eligible passport saved to your profile.

How do I opt in?

Participation is optional and requires an explicit opt-in to use biometric data for identity verification. Guests who are eligible and want to opt-in must sign up using their Mileage Plan account. Once your passport number and KTN are listed in the travel documents section of your profile, you can opt-in to the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID program.

Once you have opted in, an updated Touchless Identity icon will be added to your electronic boarding pass whenever you are traveling through an eligible airport. Airport security line monitors will look for this icon to allow you to enter the dedicated Touchless ID line. Look for the signage to the TSA PreCheck Touchless ID® security checkpoint at participating airports. 

Guests may opt out at any time. 

How does this work with REAL ID?

Touchless ID users still need to have REAL ID compliant identification on hand, in case a digital ID cannot be verified at the TSA security checkpoint, but it can remain in your pocket or bag unless you are asked to provide it.

What about the security of my information?

The safety and security of our guests is our foundational value, and it informs all our digital identity efforts. Touchless ID is a program run through the TSA, and they manage all data related to its usage. For more information about the safety of your data when participating in this program, click here.

Aviation Day: where future aviators learn how to take wing

Summary

This weekend, Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air wrapped up their annual Aviation Day events in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco.

With nearly 4000 participants and over 600 volunteers in attendance across the three cities, Aviation Day provides local youth with the opportunity to learn about careers in aviation, interact with our employees across the business, and get hands-on experience with aircraft.

This weekend marked the conclusion of our 17th year hosting Aviation Day events, including a strong second year in San Francisco. Each year, Aviation Day draws thousands of children and teens in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco to explore careers at Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and our many partners. The events provide the chance to see our aircraft up close and meet both our amazing employees and representatives from places like the FAA, local fire departments, fuel companies, and airports. Including the pilots, flight attendants, air traffic controllers, and so many others, we are grateful to the hundreds of volunteers who helped make these events possible.

“You never know how a single moment of exposure could change the trajectory of someone’s life. At its core, Aviation Day is about inspiring the next generation; whether we are helping attendees see themselves in aviators who look like them, sparking curiosity with hands-on, interactive experiences, or teaching them about the wide variety of careers in aviation. For many students, this is a transformational moment and a glimpse into careers they may not have known existed.”

– Captain Kim Gabrelcik

Director, Base Chief Pilot at San Francisco International Airport, Alaska Airlines

Here are some visual highlights from this year’s events:

Nick Vanni (second from left) credits Aviation Day as a pivotal inspiration in his path to becoming a pilot. Today, Nick works as a customer service agent for Horizon Air and is enrolled in our Ascend Pilot Development Program.

Horizon Air Captain Allen Guttormson started the airline’s flight operations virtual reality program. In addition to his work at Aviation Day, Allen is instrumental in bringing in youth groups to experience VR pilot training throughout the year.

John Beadle (pictured left), a longtime captain at Horizon Air, has been flying a helicopter to our Aviation Day in Portland for 6 years. His son, Jake, (pictured right), is currently enrolled in our Pilot Development Program, and has joined his father in helping inspire the next generation of aviators.

Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ helps hero donor reach his 50th state

Summary

Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel’ and a partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i, Vinton Smith was able to complete his 50-state blood donation journey on World Blood Donor Day.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with 60 employees, also rolled up their sleeves to donate blood — joining the lifesaving effort at a time of year when donations typically run low.

On June 14, World Blood Donor Day, Vinton Smith completed his nearly two decade mission of donating blood in all 50 states.

Through Alaska Airlines ‘Gift of Travel,’ the Pennsylvania resident and his family flew to Hawai‘i for his final donation. Alaska provided roundtrip flights and hotel accommodations for Vinton, his wife, and their two children from Baltimore to Honolulu — turning his final stop into a meaningful family journey and a powerful reminder that one selfless act can touch an entire community.

Last summer, Alaska flew Vinton to Anchorage, where he donated blood in the 49th state at the Blood Bank of Alaska. In recognition of the critical need for blood donations, the airline also contributed $10,000 to support the organization’s vital work across the state.

Photos by Kane Andrade

Alaska also provided a hotel stay for Vinton’s mother, who first inspired him to become a blood donor as a young boy, so she could witness her son complete his extraordinary mission. On World Blood Donor Day, Vinton was proudly joined by his mother, his wife, and their two children — who also stepped forward to donate blood. It was a powerful moment of compassion and legacy, as three generations came together in support of a lifesaving cause.

 

“As a young boy, I vividly remember both of my parents donating blood. At 17, I became a donor myself, and since then, I’ve donated blood 139 times and platelets 45 times for a total of 239 units of whole blood, platelets or plasma,” said Vinton. “I’m incredibly grateful to Alaska for offering my family and me the ‘Gift of Travel,’ but also for providing me with a platform to share the powerful message of this life-saving act of kindness. Donating blood doesn’t just save lives — it brings hope and comfort to those in need and their families, reminding us of the incredible difference we can make in each other’s lives.”

“Over the past year, we’ve had the privilege of joining Vinton on this heartwarming journey and witnessing the impact he’s made—not just through his blood donations, but through the way he shares his story to inspire others to give. It’s an honor to help him reach this milestone and celebrate the generosity that defines both his mission and our values.”

– Daniel Chun

Regional Vice President of Hawai‘i, Alaska Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague, along with approximately 60 employees, took part in the crucial cause by giving blood. On June 12, the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i sent a donor vehicle to the Hawaiian Airlines headquarters in Honolulu. Hawaiian Airlines has a longstanding partnership with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i a HawaiianMiles charity organization to ensure the timely and regular transport of blood supply across the islands.

“We are grateful for the vital role Hawaiian Airlines plays in Hawai‘i’s healthcare infrastructure, ensuring that neighbor island residents can both contribute to and rely on a stable, statewide blood supply. No other airline enables the consistent interisland transport of blood the way Hawaiian Airlines Cargo does. Mahalo to both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines for their partnership in helping save lives across our state,” said Dr. Kim-Anh Nguyen, CEO of Blood Bank of Hawai‘i.

The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i thanked donors on World Blood Donor Day with a free t-shirt and gift card for joining Vinton on his lifesaving mission.

To help drive participation leading up to June 14, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines partnered with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i to offer a special incentive: anyone who donated blood at any of BBH’s fixed locations through June 8 was entered into a sweepstakes to win one of two pairs of roundtrip tickets to any Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines destination in North America or Hawai‘i. The winners were announced on World Blood Donor Day.

Longs Hawaii also rallied behind the lifesaving mission by honoring the first 100 donors at the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i’s two fixed locations with $5 gift cards. 7-Eleven Hawai‘i proudly joined the celebration, offering Slurpee® coupons, Li Hing Mango snacks and refreshing 7-Eleven Hawai‘i Green Tea and Coffee. These generous contributions reflect the spirit of aloha and the community’s united commitment to supporting those who step up to give the gift of life.

How to donate

Blood levels continue to be at critically low levels. Healthy individuals are encourage to schedule an appointment at their local blood bank. In Honolulu, you may schedule an appointment at bbh.org or by calling (808) 848-4745. The Blood Bank of Hawai‘i has several mobile locations as well as the following fixed locations:

Young Street Donor Center: 1907 Young Street Honolulu; (808) 848-4770; Open 6:30 a.m. -4:30 p.m.
Waikele Center: 94-849 Lumiaina St, Waipahu; (808) 848-4770;  Open 7 am – 3 pm

Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawaii Festival

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HONOLULU, HI Hawaiian Airlines and the Made in Hawai‘i Festival together bring you the state’s most-loved showcase of made in Hawai‘i products. This dynamic partnership promises a festival experience like never before, with one-of-a-kind shopping, entertainment, fashion, culture and community. 

“The Made in Hawai‘i Festival is more than a celebration—it’s a powerful economic engine for our local businesses and a vibrant expression of Hawai‘i’s creativity, resilience, and aloha spirit. With over 700 vendor booths and performances by numerous Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musicians, this year’s festival will be our most exciting yet. We’re proud to partner with Hawaiian Airlines to elevate the experience while supporting and sustaining our local businesses and ‘ohana.” said Lauren Zirbel, President, Hawai‘i Food Industry Association

MIHF 2024-MEDIA IMAGES-PHOTO BY ANTHONY CONSILLIO-AC-97

“At Hawaiian Airlines, we are honored to continue our support of the Made in Hawai‘i Festival — a cherished celebration of our islands’ creativity, craftsmanship, and community,” said Jennifer Gee, partnerships and experiential marketing senior manager at Hawaiian Airlines. “This partnership allows us to uplift local artisans and entrepreneurs while sharing the vibrant spirit of Hawai‘i with attendees from near and far. We’re proud to help showcase the incredible talent and innovation that make our home so special.”

Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai’i Festival will showcase Hawai‘i’s creativity and cultural heritage, offering attendees an opportunity to explore an impressive array of made-in-Hawai‘i products while enjoying live entertainment, chef demos, fashion shows, tastings and more. The highly anticipated three-day festival will be held once again at the Hawai‘i Convention Center, Aug. 15-17, 2025.

The Made in Hawai‘i Festival will feature hundreds of vendors showcasing thousands of products, spotlighting the state’s most talented local artisans and entrepreneurs. The festival will offer an impressive showcase of Hawaiiana, clothing, food, unique gifts, exquisite jewelry, intricate arts and crafts, and much more reflecting the diversity and creativity of the islands.

Local celebrity chefs will present cooking demonstrations, providing insight into the art of Hawai‘i’s diverse cuisine. Adding to the festive ambiance, Nā Hōkū Hanohano award-winning musicians will take the stage to entertain attendees with traditional and contemporary music of the islands. 

New This Year: Hawaiian Airlines presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival is proud to incorporate some enhancements to this year’s event, following a record-breaking year in 2024.

  1. The festival, which bolsters millions of dollars into the economy via Hawai‘i small business revenue, is excited to partner with two worthy non-profits this year to assist with their mission of ending hunger in Hawai‘i. Donations can be made to both the Hawaii Foodbank and The FoodBasket DA BUX, when ticket purchasers complete the donation transaction at checkout. Last year attendees raised over $7,000 for charity and the HFIA opted to match those funds totaling $15,000 for the Hawaii Foodbank.
  2. We are proud to showcase makers from the Molokai Alliance of Native Artisans this year for the very first time. Molokai made artisans, crafters and small businesses from the Friendly Isle will converge at the festival in August bringing more diversity and impacting our reach statewide.
  3. We are pleased to introduce a new line configuration allowing attendees a more seamless entry into the festival which will run along the Ala Wai Promenade on the Waikiki side of the Hawaii Convention Center, instead of weaving through the residential area of Atkinson Drive.
  4. Our priority has always been to welcome our kupuna and allow them easy access to the festival. Once doors are open, anyone who needs assistance can always go straight to the main entrance for entry and we will always allow those with special needs advance access. In addition, we are happy to offer a brand new Kupuna Rest Station Sponsored by Humana, onsite for our guests at the Hawaii Convention Center to find respite for senior adults, persons with disabilities and caregivers seeking a resting spot.
  5. Hawaiian Airlines will showcase its collaboration with Mana Up at this year’s festival, featuring a special 95th anniversary collection created in partnership with 100% Hawai‘i-based brands. The Hawaiian Airlines booth will spotlight these locally made products. Mana Up will also debut an exclusive Hawaiian Airlines collab available only at the Made in Hawai‘i Festival.

Stay tuned as there are numerous other new items to take note of this year!

What: Hawaiian Airlines Presents the 31st Annual Made in Hawai‘i Festival

When:
Aug. 15-17, 2025
Friday, Aug. 15| 8 a.m. – 10 a.m. Buyers Hours; 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Public Hours
Saturday, Aug. 16| 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. 
Sunday, Aug. 17| 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Where:            
Hawai‘i Convention Center 
Exhibit Halls I, II & III
1801 Kalākaua Ave.
Honolulu, HI 96815     

Tickets:           
$8 for all-day access to the festival. Ticket sales for the general public launch Aug. 1, 2025, at Home – Made in Hawaii Festival

Like father, like son: Airline roots run in the family

Summary

For employees Cody and Malachi, every day feels like Father’s Day as they work alongside their dads at Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, sharing a deep passion for safety, excellence and family.

From military service to airline careers, these father-son duos prove that the love of aviation — and putting family first — is a legacy worth carrying forward.

For some, Father’s Day means finding the perfect greeting card or firing up the grill with family. But for Cody, a line maintenance inspector in Seattle, and Malachi, a cargo agent in Honolulu, every day is Father’s Day as they work alongside their dads and share a deep love of aviation.

Meet Cody and Jeremy in Seattle

Growing up with a father who is a brigadier general in the U.S. Air Force can be intimidating, but Cody, a line maintenance inspector at Alaska Airlines’ Seattle maintenance hangar, takes it in stride. In just three years at Alaska Airlines, he has already won two SOAR Awards — a celebrated companywide safety honor — and been named employee of the quarter. Those achievements make his father, Jeremy, managing director of safety at Horizon Air, especially proud.

Jeremy served nearly 35 years in the U.S. Air Force in various roles, including fighter pilot, flight instructor and commander of operations, before retiring and joining Alaska Airlines in 2019 as director of security. He was promoted to lead Horizon’s safety program in 2021.

Cody is often called “Jeremy’s kid” at work, but he doesn’t mind. “I know my dad is cool,” he said. “It’s fun to hear it from my coworkers as well.”

Cody first followed in his father’s footsteps by joining the U.S. Air Force, where he completed four years of service. He later earned his airframe and powerplant license and moved to Illinois, where he serviced aircraft for a private firm with celebrity clientele. During a trip to Seattle to visit his father, he toured Alaska Airlines’ maintenance hangar and saw firsthand how happy his dad was in his career. Cody had long admired the company and its reputation for safety and excellence, so he applied for a job and was soon welcomed into its Maintenance and Engineering division.

A couple of months into the job, Cody was recognized with his first SOAR Award after he stopped a tow vehicle from entering an unsafe situation — even though he knew it would cause a delay. His father presented him with the award.

“It’s great to see him succeed at Alaska and even more rewarding to see him become a huge safety advocate,” Jeremy said.

Cody, who is a father himself with a young son and daughter, agrees he’s lucky to have his dad as a role model who puts family first. “Having served with my dad in the Air Force and now at Alaska is pretty much as good as it gets,” he said.

Meet Malachi and Sione in Honolulu

For Malachi, a Hawaiian Air Cargo agent on Oʻahu, working with his dad is all about sticking together as a family. After attending college in Utah and working for an airport ramp contractor in Maui, he welcomed any chance to be closer to home. With encouragement from his father, Sione, also a cargo agent, he applied to work for Hawaiian Airlines and was hired as a Honolulu ramp agent in 2018. A few years later, he transferred to Hawaiian Air Cargo.

“Working with my son is a true blessing for me,” said Sione, who has worked with Hawaiian for 18 years, nine of which have been with the Cargo division.

The father and son both work at Hawaiian’s Honolulu cargo facility, often sharing the early morning shift. They agree that their unique but complementary skills make them a strong team on the job.

“I really enjoy working with my dad,” Malachi said. “It makes the work environment even more comfortable, and if I need help with something or have questions, he’s there for me.”

Malachi and Sione take pride in Hawaiian Air Cargo’s role in serving Hawaiʻi’s local communities, transporting essential goods, such as fresh foods, dry goods, pets and medical supplies, throughout the islands, while also supporting large overseas customers. “We have a proud group of coworkers, leaders and customers. That collective energy makes every day, even the busiest ones, more enjoyable for everyone,” Sione said.

With so much time spent together, one might think Malachi and Sione would go their separate ways at the end of the workday — but that’s not the case. “Our family loves spending time together, whether it’s going out to eat or taking trips to Molokaʻi or Maui to visit more family and friends,” Sione shared.

When asked about plans for Father’s Day, Malachi shared that he has wisely surrendered the restaurant choice to his dad. “Wherever my dad wants to eat, we’ll go,” he said, knowing full well his dad would want to go to his favorite spot, Side Street Inn, which is located just outside Waikīkī.

“If you go, try the short ribs and signature fried rice,” Sione recommended without hesitation. “And arrive hungry; Side Street is known for its portions!”

5 updates to spot when you step on board Alaska Airlines refreshed 737 fleet

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Summary

We’re adding more First and Premium Class seats to our 737 fleet – offering even more guests the opportunity to elevate their travel experience.

Guest favorites like device holders and in-seat power are getting an upgrade across the fleet.

You’ve planned the vacation, put your out-of-office autoreply on, gotten through security and now you’re finally able to sit back and enjoy the ride to your well-earned vacation. As you walk down the aisle and settle into your seat on an Alaska 737, you’ll notice some thoughtful enhancements we’re making across our fleet. Our guests are looking for a travel experience that’s simply better, and we’re here to deliver. By the end of 2025, our fleet will feature several exciting changes that give you the premium experience you deserve. Here are five updates to spot on your next flight:

More First Class seats: Guests love our relaxing First Class cabin with a remarkable food and beverage program and all the room you need to stretch out. We’re making it possible for even more guests to enjoy the First Class cabin by increasing the number of First Class seats from 12 to 16 on our737-800 and 737-8 MAX aircraft. These seats offer industry-leading legroom, a new leg rest, seatback device holders, and USB-C ports for charging your devices. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy the flight.

More Premium Class seats: If you’re looking for a little more legroom, an adult beverage on us and early boarding, you’ll be thrilled to know that our Premium Class is expanding too. The number of Premium Class seats will increase from 24 to 30 on our 737-900ER and 737-9 MAX aircraft.

New seats with device holders and USB-C: Never again will your arm fall asleep because you’ve been holding your tablet up for hours. We’re bringing convenient device holders to every seat ensuring your devices are always right where you need them and hands free. Many of our aircraft will also be getting USB-C ports to ensure your batteries can last through the whole flight. As a bonus, we’re moving the power outlet from the seatback to provide even more leg room.

Reserved overhead bin placards: We’ve introduced reserved overhead bin placards above our Premium Class seats, so guests seated in that cabin have designated space for carry-on luggage. This means a smoother boarding experience and less hassle finding a spot for your bag. Just another reason to find yourself in the expanded Premium Class cabin!

Consistent look and feel: Get ready for déjà vu. By the end of 2025, nearly all our 737 fleet will have a consistent look and feel, featuring updated bulkheads, cabin divider, new seat leather and carpets. This refresh will ensure a modern and cohesive experience across all our aircraft.

These updates are part of our broader vision to connect guests to the world with a remarkable travel experience rooted in safety, care, and performance. While these updates are coming to our 737s, we are committed to investing in our entire narrow and widebody fleet. Next year, we’ll share updates coming to the A330 widebody fleet operated by Hawaiian Airlines as we continue to elevate your travel experience.

Introducing our 2024 Corporate Impact Report

Summary

Today, Alaska Air Group released its 2024 Corporate Impact Report, showcasing how the collective efforts of our more than 30,000 employees are advancing our commitment to creating a sustainable and positive impact on the world.

This important report outlines our progress and key learnings as we continue to steward our corporate impact responsibly — ensuring that, as we grow, we remain a positive force in the communities we serve.

Each year, Alaska Air Group publicly shares our progress toward meeting and advancing our corporate impact goals. Today, we’re proud to release our 2024 Corporate Impact Report, which highlights how the collective efforts of our 30,000-plus employees across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Horizon Air and McGee Air Services are helping us build a more sustainable and positive future for the communities we serve.

 

Click here or the image below to explore the full report.

 

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

From sea to sky, new conservation film debuts on Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines for World Oceans Month

Summary

Seaweed Stories, a short film highlighting the role of marine plants in addressing plastic pollution, is now streaming on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ inflight entertainment.

Both airlines have longstanding commitments to environmental sustainability, from eliminating single-use plastics onboard to launching campaigns that encourage responsible travel and waste reduction.

In celebration of World Oceans Month, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are deepening their commitment to environmental stewardship by partnering with Lonely Whale to feature the short film Seaweed Stories across inflight entertainment platforms starting this month.

Narrated by Forest Whitaker and directed by Jake Sumner, Seaweed Stories explores the potential of marine plants to address plastic pollution and restore and preserve ocean ecosystems. As our guests embark on summer travel and enjoy the growing list of destinations in our joint network, we invite them to engage with the film’s message, reflecting on the impact of plastic pollution and exploring actionable steps toward a more sustainable future.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have a longstanding history of environmental sustainability, including Alaska’s  #StrawlessSkies initiative in 2018, where it became the first U.S. airline to eliminate single-use plastic stir straws and citrus picks onboard. This effort, in collaboration with Lonely Whale, set a new standard in the industry for reducing plastic waste. Building on this momentum, in 2019, Alaska once again partnered with Lonely Whale to launch the #FillBeforeYouFly campaign, encouraging passengers to bring pre-filled reusable water bottles onboard to reduce single-use plastics.

Furthering their dedication to sustainability, Alaska Airlines recently partnered with Ridwell, a Seattle-based startup specializing in waste reduction, to recycle more than 17 pounds of hard-to-process items from flights, demonstrating innovative approaches to minimizing inflight waste.

Hawaiian Airlines shares the same commitment and responsibility to prevent and reduce waste. The airline, which is phasing out single-use plastics from onboard service, recently launched the first certified carbon-neutral amenity kit using recycled and recyclable materials. Hawaiian Airlines’ Travel Pono (Responsibly) inflight video series is at the forefront of promoting sustainable and responsible tourism, equipping millions of travelers with information on how they can enjoy the islands while caring for natural resources, cultures and communities.

Alaska Airlines expands fresh meal options on more flights, featuring fan favorites

Summary

Alaska expands fresh meal options for guests seated in the Main Cabin, adding the fan-favorite Fruit & Cheese Platter and Jetsetter’s Jam to more flights — now available on routes as short as 670 miles.

Leading the way in inflight dining, Alaska boosts variety with new chef-designed First Class menus and more pre-order choices than any U.S. airline.

Alaska Airlines is excited to offer guests more of what they love onboard: fresh, flavorful meals available on more flights. Starting today, Main Cabin guests on short-haul routes between 670 and 774 miles can pre-order Alaska’s Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter — our most popular and most ordered meal.

Joining this fan favorite on the Main Cabin short-haul menu is the beloved Jetsetter’s Jam: smooth cashew butter and tart strawberry jam sandwiched between flaky croissant bread, paired with fresh fruit and a slice of Tillamook cheddar cheese.

 

With these fresh food favorites now more widely available, Alaska continues to elevate the onboard experience just in time for National Cheese Day on June 4.

“For over a decade, our Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter has been the most requested and beloved offering on board. We’re thrilled to continue delivering what our guests love and what Alaska is known for. No matter the destination, we want every guest to enjoy a taste of home and hospitality that makes their journey memorable.”

– Mark Krolick

Managing Director of Inflight Guest Products, Alaska Airlines

Nearly 40% of all fresh food sales are of the popular platter.

 

Since 2010, Alaska’s Food & Beverage team has fine-tuned the perfect Fruit & Cheese platter. Today, the signature dish features five pieces of Washington- and Oregon-made cheese, including a wedge of brie, two slices of Tillamook’s Sharp Cheddar and two slices of Beecher’s Flagship Handmade Cheese – naturally aged with no preservatives. It’s accompanied by five large crackers, up to four apple slices and a handful of green/purple grapes then topped off by a chocolate truffle by Maeve, a local Pacific Northwest-based chocolatier.

It’s no surprise that 38% of all fresh food sales are of the Fruit & Cheese platter.

Fueled by our industry leading pre-order program, Alaska continues to offer more inflight dining choices than any other U.S. carrier. For guests on flights over 1,100* miles, Alaska provides up to five chef-curated dishes, including the new 100% plant-based and gluten-free The Best Laid Plants grain bowl created in collaboration with the culinary team at Seattle-based Evergreens™.

Alaska also just announced an exciting program that is transforming the inflight dining experience for guests seated in First Class. The airline is bringing innovative West Coast flavors to the sky with the Chef’s (tray) Table: a First Class menu on specific routes to and from the West Coast designed by celebrated chefs up and down the region.

Don’t forget to download the Alaska Airlines mobile app — it’s your ticket to all of Alaska’s freshly prepared selections, available exclusively through pre-order from two weeks up to 20 hours before your flight.

Ciao Italia! Alaska Airlines announces new nonstop service between Seattle and Rome

Summary

Rome remains one of the most-requested destinations for Mileage Plan members and it’s the largest European destination not currently served nonstop from Seattle.

Flights will begin in April 2026 and can be purchased at alaskaair.com starting in fall 2025.

Alaska Airlines is continuing the celebration of our new global gateway in Seattle by adding Rome, Italy, to our international destination lineup. This is the first time in history that the “Emerald City” will be connected to the “Eternal City” via a nonstop flight. Flights to Rome will be available at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com when fares go on sale this fall, so start planning your Italian vacation now.

Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true. As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network. Rome has been at the top of the list ever since we announced our new global gateway out of Seattle. Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years, and we’re thrilled to provide it to people in the Northwest and beyond. Andiamo – let’s go!

– Ben Minicucci

Alaska Airlines CEO

City pairStartEndDepartureArrivalFrequency
Seattle – RomeApril 28, 2026October5:30 p.m.1:15 p.m. +1Daily
Rome – SeattleApril 29, 2026October3:25 p.m.5:45 p.m.Daily

 

All times are local; schedule subject to change

Rome is the most popular European destination not currently served nonstop from Seattle. It is consistently among the most-requested destinations for Mileage Plan members. This new nonstop option for Seattle guests will also provide improved one-stop connectivity for guests all along the West Coast and Hawaiʻi.

With the expected single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) this fall, the new route will be served on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operated by Alaska Airlines, featuring a new global experience.

Guests interested in the new route can join an early-access list to be notified when flights can be purchased this fall. Register your amore at alaskaair.com/rome to be the first to know more.

As we advance “Alaska Accelerate,” our three-year strategic plan to deliver $1 billion in incremental profit following the combination with Hawaiian Airlines, we’re transforming Seattle into the West Coast’s new premier global gateway. Rome will become the third widebody, international route served out of Alaska’s global gateway in Seattle after Tokyo Narita, which  launched on May 12, and Seoul Incheon, which  begins service on Sept. 12. Our hub at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is already the largest airline hub on the West Coast, serving 104 nonstop destinations across North America, and now the world.

Exploring the ‘Eternal City’ and beyond

Centrally located in Italy, Rome is positioned as a leading gateway for Central and Southern Europe, as well as the entire Mediterranean region. Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO) offers convenient accessibility to the main Italian cities such as Milan, Venice, Florence, Naples, Catania, Palermo and more. Rome Civitavecchia is also the second-largest cruise port in Europe – offering a gateway to the Mediterranean. FCO also provides more than 230 nonstop destinations across 80 countries.

If you want to stay local, the “Eternal City” has millennia of history to immerse yourself in. From the Colosseum to St. Peter’s Square and every trattoria serving carbonara in between, there is something for every traveler. Rome has recently completed a citywide renovation in anticipation of 2025’s Jubilee Year – a holy year in the Catholic Church. Many tourist attractions and historical sites have been refreshed and are ready to welcome visitors. Jubilee pilgrims will have good company among the millions of visitors expected to visit Rome this year.

A premium airport experience

Many of those millions of tourists will transit through FCO, which offers a premium experience that stands out from other major airports in Europe. The airport is undergoing a significant expansion and modernization effort, fueled by an investment of 9 billion euros. As one of only a dozen SkyTrax 5-Star hub airports worldwide, FCO keeps investing and innovating to ensure a continuous improvement of the services offered to its customers. The airport’s industry-leading guest experience begins as you arrive: upon landing in Rome, U.S. and Canadian nationals are eligible for electronic passport controls through the e-gates,  allowing an expedited arrival process – putting that Aperol spritz or scoop of gelato in your hand that much sooner.

We are immensely proud that Alaska Airlines has chosen Rome as its first destination in Europe. This decision confirms the strategic relevance of our airport as a global hub for air connectivity. For the first time in history, Italy will be directly connected to Seattle, further strengthening ties with the U.S. West Coast and the broader Pacific region. Today, Fiumicino ranks among the leading European airports in terms of direct flights to North America, consolidating its key role in intercontinental traffic flows.

– Ivan Bassato

Chief Aviation Officer at Aeroporti di Roma

For guests traveling from Italy, Alaska Air Group’s Seattle hub will serve as a powerful and convenient connection point to 104 nonstop destinations across North America – including one of the most direct routes to the Hawaiian Islands.

Taste the World with Alaska Airlines’ Global Getaways 

Summary

Alaska Airlines’ Global Getaways offers Mileage Plan members up to 50% off award tickets to select destinations, allowing travel between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15.

The theme for this quarter is “Taste the World,” encouraging members to explore culinary delights from iconic destinations around the globe.

Featured destinations include Bangkok, Buenos Aires, Lisbon, Monterrey, Naples and Tbilisi with award ticket prices starting at 10,000 miles.

Welcome to this quarter’s Alaska Airlines Global Getaway, where our Mileage Plan members can redeem award tickets at up to 50% off to select destinations with us and our Global Partners! This quarter’s theme – “Taste the World” – invites our members to explore the culinary delights of some of the most iconic destinations and dishes around the globe. To take advantage, Mileage Plan members must book their tickets between June 1 and June 30 for travel between Aug. 1 and Nov. 15 on alaskaair.com for travel in economy and premium economy cabins.

HawaiianMiles members who’ve linked their accounts can transfer their HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan miles to redeem Global Getaway award tickets. Click here to learn how.

Bangkok, Thailand

Now starting at 30,000 miles

Dive into the vibrant street food culture of Bangkok, savoring dishes like pad thai, mango sticky rice and tom yum. This bustling city offers a sensory overload of flavors that will leave you wanting more. 

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Now starting at 20,000 miles

Experience the rich culinary heritage of Buenos Aires, known for its tender steak, savory empanadas and world-renowned Malbec wines. The city’s passionate food scene is a true reflection of its vibrant culture. 

Lisbon, Portugal

Now starting at 22,500 miles

Indulge in the coastal flavors of Lisbon, where seafood reigns supreme. Pair your meals with a refreshing glass of vinho verde as you take in the stunning views and historic charm of this beautiful city. 

Naples, Italy

Now starting at 20,000 miles

Visit the birthplace of pizza and taste the authentic flavors that have made Naples a culinary legend. From traditional Margherita to creative gourmet variations, the pizza here is unparalleled. 

Monterrey, Mexico

Now starting at 10,000 miles

Enjoy the bold and diverse ingredients of Monterrey, with dishes such as tacos, carne asado, and tamales. The city’s culinary scene is a testament to Mexico’s rich food heritage and vibrant flavors. 

Tbilisi, Georgia

Now starting at 25,000 miles

Explore the unique cuisine of Tbilisi, featuring dishes like khinkali and khachapuri, complemented by Georgia’s renowned wines. The city offers a blend of Eastern and Western culinary traditions that is exotic and comforting. 

Redemption Details

Exploring the world with Mileage Plan is just one of the many perks of the industry’s most generous loyalty program. With Mileage Plan, members can earn miles faster when they fly with Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld® Alliance members or our Global Partners to more than 1,000 destinations globally. Over the past year, we’ve streamlined the process of booking awards and buying tickets with our partners on alaskaair.com. Our program now offers enhanced simplicity, value, and access for members looking to use their Mileage Plan miles for partner travel. The updated charts make it easier to see how many miles are required for flights to various regions, with partner award travel starting from just 4,500 miles one-way for short trips, down from 7,500 miles. 

Don’t miss out on this exclusive benefit. Redeem your miles today and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and create unforgettable memories.  

Let your senses guide you through the flavors of these iconic destinations. Bon appétit and happy travels! 

Qantas Frequent Flyers say “aloha” to Hawaiian Airlines

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Qantas Frequent Flyers will be able to use their Qantas Points to book hundreds of thousands of new reward seats with Hawaiian Airlines from Thursday, marking the start of the strategic airline partnership announced by the two national carriers in January.

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