Top Fall Menu & Movie Pairings to Elevate Your In-Flight Holiday Experience

Summary

Enjoy these perfect menu and movie pairings for a memorable in-flight experience this holiday season!

With over 800 free movies and TV shows—from hot new releases to holiday classics—we’ve got your ticket to entertainment!

Food is available for purchase on most flights over 1,100 miles. Guests can pre-order hot and fresh meals up to 20 hours before your flight via our mobile app or alaskaair.com.

As the holiday season approaches, we’re excited to elevate your travel experience with festive fall flavors and flicks, bringing joy to every bite and blockbuster on your journey.

Starting Nov. 6, guests can enjoy our freshly curated fall menu and movie combos to make holiday travel cozier & more delightful. Whether you’re in the mood for savory Maple Chicken paired with a feel-good comedy or craving a flavorful Mediterranean Falafel Bowl alongside a laugh-out-loud holiday classic, we’ve got the perfect dish and movie for you!

Meal-and-Movie Pairings:

Spice is Right Salad

The Holiday

This light yet flavorful salad pairs well with a feel-good, romantic comedy that brings warmth and charm, just like the bright chimichurri and spicy tahini dressing.

Ingredients: Designed in partnership with Evergreens™: Romaine and mixed mesclun greens, ancient grain mix, jalapenos, roasted sweet potato and sweet bell pepper, topped with roasted sunflower seeds and feta cheese, along with a bright chimichurri sauce and a savory spicy tahini dressing.

Available in: Main Cabin

Cubano Sliders

Fred Claus

Enjoy these hearty sliders with this classic holiday comedy, perfect for kicking back and indulging in some laughs and flavors.

Ingredients: Tender pork loin and Black Forest ham with pickle, mustard and Swiss cheese served on King’s Hawaiian® sweet slider buns. Served cold.

Available in: Main Cabin

Fruit & Cheese Platter

Last Christmas

Light and snackable, the platter complements this romantic drama, ideal for savoring without distractions.

Ingredients: Cheese the day with this signature crowd pleaser. Featuring: Beecher’s® Flagship cheese, Tillamook® sharp cheddar, brie, Partners® crackers, Seattle Chocolate truffle.

Available in: Main Cabin

Maple Chicken

Elf

The warm, comforting maple flavors match the joyful, feel-good vibes of Elf, creating an all-around cozy experience.

Ingredients: Maple & herb marinated seared chicken breast, topped with a black pepper & thyme jus sauce, served with a creamy potato gratin, and roasted Brussel sprouts. (Made without Gluten Ingredients)

Available in: First Class – Lunch/Dinner | Elf arriving in December

Birria Bowl

Polar Express

The rich, warm flavors of the Birria bowl pair well with this magical holiday movie, creating a journey within a journey.

Ingredients: Tender braised, boneless adobo beef served with Spanish-style rice, plantains, green salsa, and cotija cheese. Topped with fresh pico-de-gallo. (Made without Gluten Ingredients)

Available in: First Class – Lunch/Dinner

Cranberry Balsamic Braised Beef

Four Christmases

With festive flavors of cranberry and balsamic, this hearty dish is perfect alongside a movie about the ups and downs of family gatherings.

Ingredients: Slow braised steak topped with a cranberry balsamic jus sauce, served alongside creamy red potato mash and roasted baby carrots. (Made without Gluten Ingredients)

Available in: First Class – Lunch/Dinner

Autumn Squash Frittata

Kung Fu Panda Holiday

The frittata’s warm flavors complement this fun, light-hearted holiday special, perfect for a cozy brunch vibe on board.

Ingredients: Baked squash & cheese frittata made with cage-free eggs, served with pan-seared chicken breakfast sausage, herb roasted potatoes and a red pepper sauce. Hot sauce available upon request. (Made without Gluten Ingredients)

Available in: First Class – Breakfast

Autumn Apple Pancakes

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation

The comforting, spiced apple flavors make this an ideal breakfast to enjoy with a nostalgic holiday classic.

Ingredients: Buttermilk & spiced-apple pancakes, served with a salted caramel sauce, seared chicken-apple sausage, and cage-free creamy scrambled eggs. Syrup served upon request.

Available in: First Class – Breakfast

Mediterranean Falafel Bowl

Shrek the Halls

This vibrant, veggie-packed bowl and quirky holiday special are a perfect pair—serving up unexpected flavors and festive fun with a twist!

Ingredients: Fried chickpea falafel patties, served on top of a cauliflower mash, roasted baby carrots, and black garlic, topped with a spicy romesco sauce. (Made without Gluten Ingredients & Vegan. Pre-order only)

Available in: First Class – Lunch/Dinner

Northwest Deli

Deadpool & Wolverine

This selection of the Northwest’s finest snacks is the perfect match for the bold, cheeky energy of Deadpool & Wolverine. 

Ingredients: A selection of the best snacks in the Northwest. Featuring: Boulder Canyon classic sea salt potato chips, Old Wisconsin® beef salami Stick, Madi K’s whole natural sea salt roasted almonds, Glacier Ridge Farms™ smoked gouda gourmet cheese spread, La Panzanella multigrain Croccantini, Brown & Haley Almond Roca®. Purchase onboard/pre-order.

Available in: Main Cabin | Deadpool & Wolverine arriving in December

Kids’ Choice

Inside Out 2

A fun snack pack for kids to enjoy with a feel-good animated movie that’s engaging and heartwarming.

Ingredients: Fun, flavorful fuel for young flyers. Featuring: Pirate’s Booty white cheddar puffs, Old Wisconsin® honey brown sugar turkey snack stick, Tree Top® strawberry applesauce, KIND® Kids chewy chocolate chip granola bar, Albanese® Ultimate gummi bears, and a Wikki Stix Play Pack. Purchase onboard/pre-order.

Available in: Main Cabin

This fall, we’re thrilled to welcome back the beloved “Beets So Fly” salad, designed in partnership with Evergreens ™ to our Main Cabin! Just in time for the holiday season, this vibrant dish is sure to brighten your flight.

Picture this: Crisp romaine and mixed greens tossed with pickled beets, zesty pickled red onions, refreshing cucumbers, crunchy walnuts, and creamy feta, all topped off with a sprinkle of black pepper and a drizzle of Dijon balsamic dressing. Plus, it’s served with delicious roasted chicken!

With Alaska Airlines, you can purchase food on most flights over 1,100 miles. You can pre-order hot and fresh meals via the Alaska App or alaskaair.com. Just place your order two weeks to 20 hours before your flight.

Pro tip: Get 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® or Visa® Business card.

ALOHA Collection and Hawaiian Airlines Commemorate 95 Years of Hawaiʻi Air Travel with Heritage Design Collaboration

HONOLULU – The storied history of Hawaiian Airlines, Hawaiʻi’s longest-serving carrier that introduced commercial air travel to the Islands in 1929, is being commemorated through an exclusive retail partnership with ALOHA Collection, the original splash-proof accessories brand. Starting today, in collaboration with luxury retailer DFS Hawaiʻi, a special edition Hawaiian Airlines 95th Anniversary Collection is available at the ALOHA Collection’s store in Honolulu’s Ala Moana Center, DFS Waikīkī, DFS Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and at www.Aloha-Collection.com.

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The 11-piece collection features vintage takes on ALOHA Collection fan-favorite accessories. A new, aviation-inspired style called the Flight Bag honors the 1970s era of the Hawaiian Airlines’ brand, which in 1973 introduced a montage of warm, sunrise-hues and the first iteration of Hawaiian’s iconic Pualani, a distinct symbol of the carrier’s history and one of the few feminine figures to front an airline. Made from ALOHA’s signature KEEP IT LIGHT® Nylon, Flight Bag is lightweight and packable, making it a perfect stowaway you won’t want to leave home without. 

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“This colorful collaboration is the perfect opportunity for our guests and ALOHA Collection fans to join our anniversary celebration with beautiful accessories that show their love for our brand no matter where they go, from island hopping at 25,000 feet to beach-front shopping in Waikīkī,” said Alisa Onishi, senior director of brand and community at Hawaiian Airlines.

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Items in the Hawaiian Airlines 95th Anniversary Collection retail between $20-74, and include:

Cutie in Vintage Pualani ($20)

This cute little clip-on pouch keeps small essentials close at hand while adding a pop of Splash-Proof fun on the fly! Attach it to your keys or favorite your bag while running errands, hitting the gym, or hanging at the beach.

Small Pouch in Puakolu and Vintage Hawaiian ($36)

This versatile pouch will keep your belongings safe from spills and splashes at the beach or pool and organize your everyday essentials. It’s perfectly “suited” for use as a wet bikini bag, or carry one as a cute clutch for a night on the town!

Mid Pouch in Lei Pualani ($46)

Meet your new favorite travel companion. Stow toiletries inflight to prevent luggage leaks, pack tech and travel gear to keep your carry-on organized, or keep beach day essentials like sunscreen, sunnies, and cover-ups in one easy-to-find place!

Le Tour in Scenic Route and Puakolu ($54)

The Le Tour crossbody bag combines fashion and function. With its compact design and interchangeable strap, it’s the perfect accessory for any occasion. Dress it up or dress it down–it’s your style, your way!

Day Tripper in Lei Pualani ($74)

This do-anything, go-anywhere bag will keep your stuff protected against splashes, spills, and weather while you go from point A to point B. Carry it on a flight, take it to the beach, or use it as your diaper bag.

Hip Pack in Scenic Route ($50)

Stay organized and stylish on the go with the Keep It Light Nylon Hip Pack. This spacious pack features secure pockets and two-way wear (hip or crossbody) for ultimate comfort and versatility. Catch flights, explore cities, or hit the trails – it's your everyday essential, elevated.

Backpack in Scenic Route ($66)

Ultra lightweight, durable, and effortlessly organized, this backpack is your perfect on-the-go companion. With a padded laptop sleeve, quick-access pockets, and comfortable straps, it offers all-day comfort and convenience. Its trolley sleeve securely attaches to your rolling suitcase, making travel days a breeze.

EXCLUSIVE Flight Bag in Vintage Hawaiian ($70)

Made from ALOHA’s signature KEEP IT LIGHT® Nylon, the special edition Hawaiian Airlines Flight Bag is a must-have for your collection of ALOHA, adding a touch of nostalgia to your adventures.

Weekender in Vintage Hawaiian ($74)

This sleek, lightweight, and durable duffle, crafted from ripstop nylon, seamlessly blends style with functionality. Become a carry-on pro with the built-in trolley sleeve that lets you secure the duffle to your luggage for effortless airport navigation. Keep essentials organized with pockets and carry them comfortably with padded handles.

To view the full 95th Anniversary Collection, visit Aloha-Collection.com/collections/Hawaiian-Airlines.


About ALOHA Collection

ALOHA Collection was born out of a love for travel, adventure, and the ocean. Founded by surfer/flight attendant Rachael Leinaʻala, and Kauaʻi native Heather Aiu, in the summer of 2014 with a single bag, a shared dream, and a Kickstarter campaign. Their initial launch was a success and soon after the brand took off. Retailers in Hawaiʻi were quick to embrace the line as these bags were unlike anything else on the market. As more doors opened, ALOHA Collection’s popularity grew. Today you can find ALOHA Collection fans all over the world. This California-based brand with Hawaiian roots has grown into a true lifestyle brand. When not at home, you will now find Heather and Rachael running through international airports, cruising cafes in Europe, working from taxis in NYC, or on the beaches of Hawaiʻi dreaming up their latest inspiration. WEBSITE || INSTAGRAM #travellightwithus

 

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 95th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 16 U.S. gateway cities, as well as service connecting Honolulu and American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti.

Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi. The carrier was named Hawaiʻi's best employer by Forbes in 2024 and has topped Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list as the No. 1 U.S. airline for the past two years. Hawaiian has also led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for 18 consecutive years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The airline is committed to connecting people with aloha by offering complimentary meals for all guests on transpacific routes and the convenience of no change fees on Main Cabin and Premium Cabin seats. HawaiianMiles members also enjoy flexibility with miles that never expire. As Hawai‘i’s hometown airline, Hawaiian encourages guests to Travel Pono and experience the islands safely and respectfully.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group. (NYSE: ALK). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow Hawaiian’s Twitter updates (@HawaiianAir), become a fan on Facebook  (Hawaiian Airlines), and follow us on Instagram (hawaiianairlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian’s LinkedIn page.

For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines’ online newsroom.

Choose a sustainability-aligned way to skip those year-end mileage runs: Alaska Airlines once again enables guests to support Sustainable Aviation Fuel while earning Elite-Qualifying Miles

Summary

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn Elite-Qualifying Miles by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits, providing an eco-conscious alternative to mileage runs through December 31, 2024.

Mileage Plan members can take action on their travel-related emissions and earn up to 5,000 EQMs per year.

Through partnerships with companies like Microsoft, and groundbreaking efforts with E-Jet® fuel, Alaska is advancing SAF development as part of its “EverGreen journey” to decarbonize aviation.

After a successful test year in 2023, Alaska Airlines has brought back the opportunity for loyal guests to earn their elite status by supporting sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). The program provides guests with the ability to take action on their travel-related carbon emissions by purchasing SAF credits while also earning Elite-Qualifying Miles (EQMs).

Software partner Chooose enables this online offering. Through December 31, 2024, Alaska Mileage Plan members will earn 500 EQMs per $100 of SAF credits purchased (with a 5,000 EQM limit) when purchasing SAF credits via a booking on alaskaair.com. Or by visiting alaskaair.chooose.today/eqm.

 

These funds will contribute to the purchase and use of SAF while providing a sustainability-aligned way to reach that year-end mileage target and earn elite status for the year ahead. Last year, the airlines launched a similar program with great success, supporting over 500,000 gallons of SAF with 8.6% of participating Mileage Plan members maximizing their contribution of $1,000.

This offering is linked to the feature Alaska launched in May of 2024, which gives guests the choice to voluntarily support SAF by purchasing SAF credits during the booking process. Guests can choose to support SAF in an amount based on a percentage of the estimated emissions footprint associated with their flying when they book a ticket on alaskaair.com.

While SAF is a critical part of the journey to decarbonize aviation, it will take all of us to grow supply and make it commercially viable for widespread use. Alaska has an all-in approach to advance SAF, including engaging our guests in the journey while helping them meet their elite status goals.”

– Diana Birkett Rakow

Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Sustainability at Alaska

Closing the SAF gap: Our commitment to expanding sustainable, low-emission fuel alternatives

SAF is currently 2 to 7 times more expensive than jet fuel and there isn’t enough SAF to meet demand, with less than 1% of current demand being produced globally. Alaska has been a leader in advancing the market for SAF and since 2010, has worked with a coalition of partners to advance SAF – which can produce up to 80% lower carbon emissions than traditional jet fuel on a life cycle basis – on multiple fronts including:

Partnerships with companies like Microsoft and others, to work towards reducing emissions from business travel;

Being the first U.S. carrier to fly several routes using SAF in 2011;

Working with the Department of Energy and Wells Fargo to convene a daylong conversation on the opportunities and challenges in scaling SAF with stakeholders across multiple industries, finance, SAF production, policy, infrastructure, research and academia;

An agreement with E-Jet® company Twelve to collaborate on and execute the first commercial flight powered by E-Jet® fuel – produced using recaptured carbon. Alaska recently participated in the company’s Series C funding round;

Generated $318 million in operating cash flow for the third

Held $2.5 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of September 30, 2024.

And an agreement with Shell Aviation to expand the SAF market while working together to deepen the understanding of the technology, infrastructure, carbon accounting systems and public policy support needed to scale supply;

Alaska’s collaboration with Chooose

This program is part of Alaska’s continued sustainability strategy, the company’s “EverGreen journey,” and includes immediate actions and long-term investments to reduce the carbon emissions of our operations, minimizing waste, and protecting local ecosystems.

Alaska Air Group reports third quarter 2024 results

Summary

Alaska Air Group led the industry with a 13% pretax margin.

The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines was completed and integration work is underway.

We’re on track to finish the year strong and expect to be among the top 3 pre-tax margin producers in the industry for the full year.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024.

Air Group closed out a strong third quarter, generating GAAP pretax margins of 10.7% and earnings per share (EPS) of $1.84. On an adjusted basis, our pretax margin of 13.0% will lead the industry. Given Air Group’s completed acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines on September 18, 2024, quarterly financial statements include approximately 13 days of Hawaiian Airlines results.

There has been no better time to be part of Alaska Air Group. By bringing together Alaska and Hawaiian’s remarkable service, expansive networks, distinct cultures, and shared values, we are creating a resilient airline that can meet the challenge of competing in a rapidly shifting industry. We have the resources and flexibility to navigate challenges, embrace new opportunities, and write the next chapter for our company. Our industry leading margins and strong operational performance are proof points that we are making the right investments to differentiate ourselves from our domestic-focused peers. Today’s results reinforce we are on the right path for the future.”

– Ben Minicucci

President & CEO of Alaska Air Group

Quarter in Review

We are excited to host our Investor Day on December 10th, where we will share more detail about our vision as a combined company, including higher synergy estimates driven by the combination, discuss our strategy to expand margins and generate free cash flow, and provide 2025 guidance. Given the proximity of third quarter earnings to our Investor Day, we announced on October 21st that we would not hold an earnings conference call this quarter. While we expect to resume regular quarterly earnings calls again in January 2025, this quarter we are providing additional narrative on our third quarter performance, including discussion of Air Group trends excluding Hawaiian Airlines within our earnings release today.

Air Group’s consolidated results reported in the third quarter of 2024 include 13 days of Hawaiian Airlines results, while prior comparable periods exclude any Hawaiian results. Except where noted below, the following discussion of Air Group’s third quarter performance reflect legacy-Alaska performance, excluding Hawaiian for the 13 days it was part of the combined company.   

Income and EPS

Today we reported GAAP net income of $236 million, or $1.84 earnings per share for the third quarter of 2024. Excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, we reported net income of $289 million, or $2.25 earnings per share, significantly exceeding our original guidance for the quarter of $1.40 to $1.60 and coming in at the high end of our revised guidance published on September 12th. Our adjusted pretax margin of 13.0% led industry peers for the 2nd consecutive quarter and continues to demonstrate the strength of our business model. We have built a solid foundation of robust earnings and operating cash flow generation that we’re excited to continue building on through the combination of both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, as we realize substantial synergies amidst a strong demand environment and constructive industry backdrop.

Revenue

During the quarter, Alaska saw unit revenues inflect positive in August, with strength in booking trends continuing into the fourth quarter. We’ve seen improvement across the Alaska network, in particular in the Pacific Northwest and Latin America regions. Corporate demand showed renewed strength in September and into October, which drove meaningful yield improvements on close-in bookings. Managed corporate revenue grew 9% year-over-year in the third quarter with double digit growth from the technology and professional services industries. Premium revenue performance also remained strong this quarter, continuing to outperform main cabin, with first and premium class revenue up 10% and 8% year-over-year respectively on 5% year-over-year growth in premium seat capacity. Unit revenues are expected to continue their positive trajectory, from up low-single digits in the third quarter to up mid-single digits in the fourth quarter.

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The opportunities for this newly combined global airline are clear, and we are poised to be the airline that connects the West Coast to the world with an experience rooted in care and performance. We are investing in our commercial engine to compete more effectively with the larger carriers, increase loyalty among our guests and realize synergies from both our commercial and cargo businesses. These investments include re-imagined lounge and onboard offerings designed to meet the needs of our most loyal guests, optimized route networks that get people to more places in less time, a seamless booking to boarding experience, and more.”

– Andrew Harrison

Chief Commercial Officer, Alaska Airlines

Operationally, Alaska delivered a reliable performance for our guests during their peak summer travel plans, not only flying our largest ever summer schedule, but doing so with a 99.2% completion rate. Growth this year has been impacted by delayed aircraft deliveries, which we expect to continue due to the ongoing strike at Boeing. Further aircraft delivery delays are expected to limit capacity growth in the final quarter of 2024 relative to our prior resource planning expectations earlier in the year.

Costs

Costs performed as expected and were in line with our prior guidance, although unit costs remain pressured from lower capacity due to delivery delays. We remain resourced for higher capacity and are experiencing the lowest attrition rates across the company since 2019. One-third of our second half 2024 unit cost increases on a year-over-year basis are directly related to relative overstaffing given originally higher planned flying volumes, as well as the natural pressure that lower capacity puts on our fixed cost base which is about half of total costs. We expect this pressure to be transitory and to return to optimized resource levels relative to our capacity throughout 2025. Despite this, productivity for the quarter improved 4.6% year-over-year. 

Our expected profit sharing payouts increased materially in the quarter, primarily driven by lower fuel prices and improving revenue trends, offset by a reduction in expected wage expense from our tentative agreement with our flight attendants which did not ratify during the quarter.

Balance Sheet and Capex

Turning to our balance sheet, we ended the quarter with total liquidity of $3.4 billion, inclusive of approximately $850 million in undrawn lines of credit which were upsized following the closing of the Hawaiian acquisition. Subsequent to quarter end, we raised $2.0 billion in Term Loan B and Bond debt collateralized by Alaska’s Mileage Plan program. The bond offering garnered investor interest of greater than 7x our issued amount, and we achieved the tightest spreads seen on similar debt within the industry outside of the pandemic, a testament to the strength of our loyalty collateral and our balance sheet. Approximately $1.4 billion was used to repay higher-yielding debt assumed in the merger, which we expect to result in annual interest cost savings of approximately $30 million over the next twelve months. Following the loyalty financing and debt repayments in October, our debt to capitalization and net leverage sit today at 58% and 2.4x respectively, still among the strongest balance sheets in the industry.

For capital expenditures, we continue to plan to incur approximately $1.2 to $1.3 billion in 2024. This amount assumes we pay for 18 737 Max aircraft this year, subject to Boeing delivery ability.

Hawaiian Airlines Trends

Although we only recently completed the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we are encouraged by the continued improvement in the Hawaiian network. Following significant losses incurred in the fourth quarter of 2023, Hawaiian’s EBITDAR turned positive in the second quarter and pretax results are expected to approach break even in the fourth quarter. The improvement is expected to be driven by both revenues and costs. North America PRASM inflected positive during the third quarter and we expect will be up mid-single digits year-over-year in the fourth quarter, while International PRASM is gradually improving from down double digits toward flat year-over-year in the fourth quarter of 2024. Neighbor Island results are also showing material year-over-year improvements. Several temporary cost headwinds that have challenged Hawaiian’s performance have mostly passed, with the impact of the A321 GTF engine-driven groundings fully resolved and the majority of the A330 Amazon freighter and 787 new fleet startup related costs completed.

Integration

With a proven playbook from our integration of Virgin America, we are prepared and excited to begin in earnest to bring the operating platforms of Alaska and Hawaiian together, while we maintain the legacy and value of both brands, each of which have been built over 90 years respectively. We plan to achieve three significant integration milestones in the next 18 months – the launch of a single loyalty platform, receipt of a single operating certificate, and integration of our passenger service system. We will also soon begin working with our labor-represented workgroups to start the joint collective bargain process.

We are on track to finish the year strong and expect to be among the top 3 pretax margin producers in the industry for the full year, inclusive of Hawaiian’s results from the date of acquisition closing. There is much to be excited about for our airlines as we move ahead and begin unlocking the multiples of potential we can accomplish as a combined company. 

Fourth Quarter 2024 Guidance

For the fourth quarter, we expect the following results, inclusive of Hawaiian. Expectations for the fourth quarter are compared to pro forma historical results, as if the acquisition had occurred on January 1, 2023. Pro forma historical results were included with this Form 8-K. Full year 2024 EPS is expected finish above the midpoint of our previous guidance of $3.50 to $4.50 per share, inclusive of Hawaiian’s results.

(a) Earnings per share guidance assumes non-operating expense of approximately $50 million and a tax rate of approximately 28%.

Financial Results and Updates

Reported net income for the third quarter of 2024 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (“GAAP”) of $236 million, or $1.84 per share, compared to net income of $139 million, or $1.08 per share, for the third quarter of 2023.

Reported net income for the third quarter of 2024, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $289 million, or $2.25 per share, compared to net income of $237 million, or $1.83 per share, for the third quarter of 2023

Subsequent to quarter end, Air Group completed $2 billion in financing, backed by the Company’s Mileage Plan program. Approximately $1.4 billion was used in October to refinance certain debt acquired with Hawaiian Airlines, which is expected to result in interest cost savings of approximately $30 million over the next twelve months.

Repurchased 367,705 shares of common stock for approximately $14 million in the third quarter, bringing total repurchases to $63 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2024.

Generated $318 million in operating cash flow for the third

Held $2.5 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of September 30, 2024.

Consolidated and upsized the Company’s existing revolving credit facilities to $850 million in support of our overall liquidity target.

Operational Updates

Alaska received two 737-9 aircraft and one 737-8 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the totals within the airline’s fleet to 72 737-9s and five 737-8s. Hawaiian received its fourth A330-300 freighter from Amazon.

Completed Starlink installation on Hawaiian’s 24 A330 aircraft, offering high-speed Wi-Fi free of charge to guests onboard.

Partnered with Portland International Airport for the opening of its renovated terminal, leveraging new technology to help guests travel through the lobby quickly.

Launched Stays by Alaska Vacations with Expedia Group, a new platform offering exclusive deals on over 900,000 hotels and vacation rental properties, providing Mileage Plan members the ability to earn and redeem miles on reservations.

Announced partnership with James Beard award-winning chef Brandon Jew to offer an exclusive First Class dining experience for guests on flights between San Francisco and New York JFK.

Sustainability Updates

Announced investment in JetZero, a company developing a blended-wing body aircraft designed to provide up to 50% less fuel burn, reflecting Alaska’s commitment to its goal of net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

In collaboration with UP.Labs, launched Odysee, an innovative startup that leverages AI and computing power to optimize Air Group’s scheduling and management of operational logistics.

Q&A

In lieu of an analyst call this quarter, we have compiled questions and answers that will help you make sense of our performance and forecast.

Additional Details

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.”

Hawaiian Airlines Celebrates 40 Years of Connecting Hawaiʻi and American Samoa

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Tālofa lava! Hawaiian Airlines is celebrating 40 years of flying between Hawaiʻi and American Samoa!

On Oct. 24, 1984, Hawaiian inaugurated flights between Honolulu and Pago Pago International Airport in American Samoa with Douglas DC-8 aircraft, starting its long relationship with the U.S. territory. The route also marked an important milestone in Hawaiian Airlines history as it became the company’s first regularly scheduled, nonstop transpacific passenger service – preceding its flights between Honolulu and Los Angeles that launched the following year.

American Samoa

 

Today, Hawaiian is the only major airline connecting American Samoa's people with Hawaiʻi and the continental United States via its Honolulu service, which operates twice weekly with widebody Airbus A330 aircraft.

"It is fitting that our service to American Samoa, our Pacific Island neighbor, would be a precursor to Hawaiian’s expansion to dozens of destinations across Oceania and Asia, in addition to the U.S. continent,” Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague told guests and employees celebrating the milestone before last Thursday's departure of flight HA465 from Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. 

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Drawing parallels between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines' distinct but common 90-plus year histories connecting remote communities, Sprague added, "Both companies appreciate and understand very well how vital it is to have reliable air service between America Samoa, the state of Hawaiʻi and destinations like Seattle, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City and now many others. That’s one of the reasons we are so excited about our combination with Alaska Airlines – because it significantly expands the number of U.S cities and beyond that our guests can access, including places like Washington D.C, Florida and Nashville, Costa Rica, Mexico and many others."

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Sprague later joined the carrier's community and cultural relations team on HA465 to visit American Samoa, connect with local employees, nonprofit leaders, community members, government officials and small businesses, and listen to feedback about the carrier's essential role in the community.

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While on the ground, forty Team Kōkua employee volunteers from throughout the Pacific also came together on the shores of Pago Pago's Lion's Park for a morning of giving. The gathering supported American Samoa Community Colleges' Land Grant programs and Finafinau, a nonprofit organization engaging youth in environmental advocacy and climate action. Hawaiian worked alongside local students to plant dozens of native trees and pick up rubbish and marine debris along the shoreline.

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‘I Am Whole’: Alaska Flight Attendant Shares Her Journey to Finding Confidence and Her Wings 

Summary

Rosie’s career as a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines, which began in 2015, has led her to embrace new challenges and opportunities, including solo travel, special projects, and even starting a popular Instagram account, “@kaleintheclouds.”

Her favorite part of her job is the people she meets, from guests to colleagues who become friends. She finds fulfillment in small acts of kindness that make a big impact, like helping a mother or encouraging new flight attendants.

Rosie’s journey has brought her confidence and a sense of wholeness. She’s grateful for her adventures with Alaska, which have shaped her into who she is today.

Rosie Tran became a flight attendant with Alaska Airlines in February 2015, and it’s been an incredible journey ever since. Over the years, she’s embraced various roles, including joining the hiring team and working on special projects like Travel2Change on O‘ahu in 2022. Each experience has enriched her career in ways she never imagined.

Photos & video by Ingrid Barrentine

Finding Her Wings

Rosie never planned on joining the aviation world. In fact, she didn’t know much about it until a friend who was training to be a flight attendant suggested it might be a great fit for her. Initially, she hesitated because of her social anxiety. The thought of being away from home and navigating the world solo was intimidating. But after receiving a job offer, she decided to challenge herself by booking a solo trip to Europe.

That three-week adventure across Europe before training started was life changing. It gave Rosie the confidence and sense of self that she needed, and by the time she completed her training, she knew this was where she was meant to be.

It’s been nearly 10 years as a flight attendant now and I can truly say that it’s the best and I can’t imagine myself doing anything else. Upon reflecting, I can’t help but share that I am so incredibly grateful. Not only for this career and what it’s given me, but for getting to connect with so many lovely people!”

– Rosie Tran

Alaska Airlines Flight Attendant

Moments That Make It All Worthwhile

That three-week adventure across Europe before training started was life changing. It gave Rosie the confidence and sense of self that she needed, and by the time she completed her training, she knew this was where she was meant to be.

“It’s wild to think that if I hadn’t met her on that quick flight, I may have never created my platform and have this incredible online community that I connect with every day,” she said. “On top of that, I met someone really incredible in such a random way and we are great friends.”

Why She Loves Working for Alaska

There are so many things Rosie loves about working for Alaska. Her absolute favorite part is the people she meets — some have become close friends and mentors. Plus, she gets to bring her mom and husband along on work trips, especially during the holidays. “It makes having to work holidays so fun, spontaneous, and special,” said Rosie.

But beyond the friendships and memories, it’s the small acts of kindness that mean the most to Rosie.

Whether it’s offering to hold a baby so a mom can take a quick break, writing notes of encouragement to passengers, or treating a new flight attendant to a coffee, I’ve learned that being a flight attendant can kind of be like being a superhero in disguise. It’s nice to know that I have the power to make someone’s day a little brighter and more at ease with a simple act of kindness.”

– Rosie Tran

Rosie’s Top Packing Tips:

Roll your clothes — You’ll save so much space!
Empty Stasher bags — These reusable silicone bags are perfect in case of leaks.
Reusable water bottle — There are filling stations at every airport, so this is a must.
Carry-on essentials — Keep a pen, tide-to-go stick, wet wipes, hand sanitizer, hand lotion, face mist, peppermint or lavender oil, a sweater, lip balm, headphones, charging cord, and something to keep you entertained (book, journal, downloaded podcasts) handy.
Snacks — Always have some on hand!

“I Am Whole”

When Rosie hears the phrase “I am…”, what comes to mind is: whole. For a long time, she feared doing things alone and relied heavily on others she says. But over the years, she’s realized that everything she needs is within herself. Rosie is constantly working on trusting her intuition, trying new things, and creating what she calls “brave little toaster” moments.

Reflecting on her journey with Alaska, Rosie can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude. This career has given her so much, from unforgettable memories to connections with amazing people. She’s grateful for every adventure and looks forward to many more!

Hawaiian Airlines Welcomes Guests on an Exciting New Voyage with Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2”

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines today celebrated the upcoming epic animated musical, Walt Disney Animation Studios’ “Moana 2,” coming to theaters Nov. 27, by unveiling the first of three “Moana 2” aircraft designs. Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 aircraft features the courageous wayfinder Moana; the shape-shifting demigod, Maui, the small-but-menacing Kakamora, as well as a “Welcome Voyagers” message for all guests embarking on their next adventure onboard Hawaiʻi’s hometown airline.

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“As modern-day voyagers, we pride ourselves in sharing our host culture and ensuring our guests are immersed in unparalleled comfort and breathtaking discovery as they travel with us across the Pacific Ocean,” said Alisa Onishi, director of brand and culture at Hawaiian Airlines. “Following the success of our first collaboration with ‘Moana,’ we are honored to reintroduce Moana, Maui, and their friends to our guests traveling between Hawaiʻi and Asia, Oceania, the U.S. continent and within the Hawaiian Islands.”

Next month, Hawaiian will reveal two additional custom character decals adorning an Airbus A321neo, which serves select U.S. markets and the Cook Islands, and a Boeing 717 aircraft, which operates between the Hawaiian Islands. The overhead luggage bins on all three “Moana 2”-themed aircraft are also being decorated with characters and artwork from the film. Guests can continue the exploration with a bespoke “Moana 2” AR experience, which will debut with the second livery reveal. The planes will fly on Hawaiian’s regularly scheduled U.S. domestic routes as well as to international destinations including American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti through March 2025.

 

 

“As ‘Moana 2’ sails into theaters this Thanksgiving, we’re thrilled to team up once again with our friends at Hawaiian Airlines on such an exciting promotion that will bring Moana, Maui and their crew to new heights,” said Lylle Breier, EVP, Partnerships, Promotions, Synergy & Events at Walt Disney Studios.

To celebrate the collaboration, Hawaiian will surprise and delight guests on the first A330, A321 and Boeing B717 flights with special gifts. The airline today also announced its Navigate Your Own Adventure sweepstakes*, which kicks off today and runs through Nov. 30 for residents in the United States, Australia, Japan, New Zealand and South Korea. Five winners – one from each market – will receive 500,000 HawaiianMiles.

Hawaiian honors traditional celestial navigational practices used by early Polynesian voyagers by naming its aircraft after local birds, stars and native plants and forests. Each “Moana 2” aircraft was specially chosen based on its name:

Hōkūleʻa / Airbus A330: Hawaiian name for Hawaiʻi’s zenith star Arcturus, as well as the famed Hawaiian voyaging canoe.

Koa / Airbus A321neo: Acacia koa is the preferred wood for building Polynesian voyaging canoes.

ʻElepaio / Boeing 717: Native Hawaiian bird considered to be the guardian of canoe builders.
A full list of Hawaiian’s aircraft names can be found here. Follow us at @HawaiianAirlines as we reveal more exciting details about this collaboration.


About Moana 2

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ epic animated musical “Moana 2” reunites Moana (voice of Auli‘i Cravalho) and Maui (voice of Dwayne Johnson) three years later for an expansive new voyage alongside a crew of unlikely seafarers. After receiving an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors, Moana must journey to the far seas of Oceania and into dangerous, long-lost waters for an adventure unlike anything she’s ever faced. The voice cast also includes Rachel House, Temuera Morrison, Nicole Scherzinger, Hualālai Chung, David Fane, Rose Matafeo, Awhimai Fraser, Gerald Ramsey, and Khaleesi Lambert-Tsuda, who lends her voice to Moana’s adoring and adorable little sister, Simea. Directed by David Derrick Jr., Jason Hand and Dana Ledoux Miller, and produced by Christina Chen and Yvett Merino, “Moana 2” features music by Grammy® winners Abigail Barlow and Emily Bear, Grammy nominee Opetaia Foa‘i, and three-time Grammy winner Mark Mancina. Jared Bush and Miller are writing the film, which is executive produced by Jennifer Lee, Bush and Johnson. “Moana 2” opens in theaters on Nov. 27, 2024.Tickets are now available for purchase at Fandango, Atom Tickets, and all theater websites.

About Hawaiian Airlines

Now in its 95th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi's largest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 16 U.S. gateway cities,as well as service connecting Honolulu and American Samoa, Australia, Cook Islands, Japan, New Zealand, South Korea and Tahiti.

Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawaiʻi. The carrier was named Hawaiʻi's best employer by Forbes in 2024 and has topped Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best list as the No. 1 U.S. airline for the past two years. Hawaiian has also led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for 18 consecutive years (2004-2021) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The airline is committed to connecting people with aloha by offering complimentary meals for all guests on transpacific routes and the convenience of no change fees on Main Cabin and Premium Cabin seats. HawaiianMiles members also enjoy flexibility with miles that never expire. As Hawai‘i’s hometown airline, Hawaiian encourages guests to Travel Pono and experience the islands safely and respectfully.

Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group. (NYSE: ALK). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow Hawaiian’s Twitter updates (@HawaiianAir), become a fan on Facebook  (Hawaiian Airlines), and follow us on Instagram (hawaiianairlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian’s LinkedIn page.

For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines’ online newsroom.

* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Open to legal residents residing in the 50 US/DC and select countries who are at least 18+ & age of maj. as of date of entry. Prize: 500,000 HawaiianMiles (Approximate Retail Value: USD $12,500). Promotion Period: Begins 7:00 a.m. HST on 28 October 2024; ends 11:59 p.m. HST on 30 November 2024. For Official Rules/Eligibility, visit HawaiianAirlines.com/OfficialRules. Void where prohibited.

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“A Beautiful Moment To Come Together”: Alaska and Hawaiian Celebrate Honolulu Pride

Celebrate Honolulu Pride

Waikīkī came alive this past weekend with a harmony of vibrant music, color and aloha as thousands gathered to celebrate Honolulu Pride. Held annually in October, the weekend-long celebration is a festive mainstay for LGBTQIA+ / MVPFAFF communities across the Hawaiian Islands, promoting the spirit of equality for all people of Hawaiʻi.

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For years, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines have sponsored the Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival separately. Each festival season, both carriers have gathered hundreds of their employees to spread aloha and inclusivity in the heart of Hawaiʻi’s most popular destination while supporting the local nonprofit that organizes Honolulu Pride: the Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation.

However, the 2024 Honolulu Pride Parade and Festival set a new precedent, marking the first-ever large-scale community showing for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines as a combined company.

 

“I feel really privileged that in our shared history, it’s going to go down that the first thing we ever did together was Honolulu Pride,” said Manakō Tanaka, community and cultural relations manager at Hawaiian Airlines and a Hawaiʻi LGBT Legacy Foundation board member. “Pride is about the love that we have for each other and advocating for safety for everybody in all spaces.”

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When the two companies officially combined last month, employees from the Pride Crew, Alaska’s LGBTQ+ business resource group, and Haʻaheo, Hawaiian’s employee resource group, sprung to action in planning a celebration that demonstrated lōkahi (unity) between the two brands.

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“Supporting Honolulu Pride gives us the chance to show the same warmth and welcome to the LGBTQ+ community that Honolulu consistently extends to all guests that visit,” said Jeremy Naz, co-chair of the Pride Crew. “We’ve always marched next to Hawaiian Airlines and have admired how they celebrated Pride with an extra level of care and culture unique to the islands.”

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From glitter bars and face painting to dance parties and live performances, the combined companies’ brilliant display of aloha did not disappoint. The Alaska Airlines x Hawaiian Airlines Rainbow Runway float, awash with tropical flowers and colorful clouds, was flanked by over 230 employees across both brands. The float showcased hula and music by the Hawaiian Airlines Serenaders, along with appearances by Queens Paju Munro and Hawaiʻi’s own Jada Slayy, both of whom are also airline employees—Munro as a flight attendant for Alaska Airlines and Slayy as a guest service agent for Hawaiian Airlines.

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“There was a sense of serendipity in the fact that this was our first major event unified as two distinct brands,” said Christopher Ayres, executive creative director for Alaska and Hawaiian and a member of Ha‘aheo. “It felt like a natural time to celebrate in a bold and colorful way, because Pride is about coming together as one, regardless of our differences, to celebrate love and inclusion. What a beautiful moment to do so as a combined organization.”

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For J’Keren Sears, a Pride Crew member who has participated in Honolulu Pride for five years, the 2024 events were also a time to celebrate diversity.

“Pride is ultimately an expression of love, so this felt like the perfect spot to show love to our community and employees as one company,” Sears shared. “I hope people see that Hawaiian Airlines is here to stay, and we are partnering together to be even stronger. While we share a ton, our differences make us stronger and are what I’m most excited about.”

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Beyond October’s festivities, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines support the Hawai‘i LGBT Legacy Foundation’s Pride365 initiative, which plans year-round programming and awareness initiatives. Both Haʻaheo and the Pride Crew are deeply involved in community partnerships to create positive impacts and foster a world where everyone is free to love, live and fly with pride.

Sears added, “It’s not always easy to be an out queer person, just look at social media. By showing up and celebrating diversity, we are fulfilling our responsibility to ensure that everyone who sees us, flies with us and works for us feels safe.”

Alaska Airlines tests reusable r.Cups on flight from Seattle to Minneapolis 

Alaska Airlines tests reusable r.Cups on flight from Seattle to Minneapolis

Summary

Alaska Airlines offered guests the chance to be among the first to try reusable r.Cups in the air.

This feasibility study with r.Cups will help us explore new ways to reduce onboard waste, aiming to bring sustainable innovations to our fleet and the broader travel industry.

On National Reuse Day, Oct. 20, Alaska Airlines partnered with r.World to take sustainability efforts to the next level with reusable cups. Over the weekend, we flew our first roundtrip feasibility study from Seattle to Minneapolis, home to r.World, giving our guests the chance to be among the first to try out their reusable r.Cups in the air.

Designed to be durable and fully reusable, r.Cups are a huge hit among concertgoers and sports fans, and we hope they’ll soon find a place in the hearts of travelers too! These cups reduce waste because they’re designed to be reused instead of tossed aside – helping to eliminate single-use waste. After use, the cups are collected, cleaned and sanitized and made ready for their next journey.

We’re excited to team up with Alaska Airlines to take reuse to new heights on National Reuse Day. Together we’re showing that reuse is an easy way to eliminate single-use waste on flights. Alaska Airlines is leading efforts to bring sustainable innovations to their fleet and overall travel industry.”

– Michael Martin

r.World founder and CEO

Commitment to Care & Reducing Waste

We’re committed to caring for our employees and guests, the communities in which we live and work, and the planet we share. From immediate actions to long-term investments, we’re focused on cutting carbon emissions, reducing waste and protecting local ecosystems. Part of this process is trying new things, to understand what works and what doesn’t in the unique operating environment of aviation, with emphasis on safety, service, and care. Our recent feasibility study with r.World is one example. Learn more about our continued journey here.

This feasibility study will help us better understand additional ways we can cut onboard waste. While we are only running a limited test at this point, we hope to gain valuable lessons and learnings that we can bring forward.”

– Ryan Spies

Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Sustainability

Some ways we’ve reduced single-use plastics & waste:

In Jan. 2023, we became the first airline to deliver a plastic-free beverage service to guests onboard, swapping out plastic cups with responsibly sourced Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI)-certified paper cups, or in First class, reusable glassware. This transition eliminates 55 million plastic cups annually.
In 2021, we replaced plastic water bottles with Boxed Water™ and continue working to assess and test additional alternative items. Previously, we switched from serving water from plastic water bottles to using Boxed Water™, which is served from 92% plant-based cartons.
Through a national partnership with the Surfrider Foundation, we conduct a series of West Coast beach cleanups and worked to raise awareness about the impact of plastic waste.
Allowing guests to pre-order meals has resulted in a 61% reduction in our food waste in 2023 compared to 2019, equivalent to 460,000 meals.
In 2018, we became the first U.S. airline to ditch plastic straws and stir sticks on board.

Alaska Airlines statement on service to Washington’s Reagan National Airport 

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October 16, 2024:

Today, the U.S. Department of Transportation announced that it has tentatively granted Alaska Airlines slot exemptions at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to introduce nonstop daily round trip service to San Diego (SAN). This brings us one step closer to offering the only nonstop service between these two major markets. Alaska urges DOT to finalize the selection of our application to serve San Diego as soon as possible. Alaska is proud to connect these two critical markets and looks forward to providing our premium service to guests in San Diego, Washington, D.C. and across the West Coast.

“Leadership from all industry sectors and communities across the San Diego region have spoken up in support of nonstop air service between DCA and SAN. We appreciate that DOT’s thoughtful analysis supports restoring service between the nation’s largest unserved aviation market. We look forward to the final order to cement the service that both San Diego and Alaska Airlines have been advocating for more than ten years,” said Kimberly J. Becker, President and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority.

July 9, 2024:

Alaska Airlines has formally submitted our application to the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate a new roundtrip flight between San Diego International Airport (SAN) and Reagan National Airport in Washington, D.C. (DCA). The service would be a daily nonstop between the two cities. If approved by the U.S. DOT, our flight would be the only nonstop connecting San Diego and Reagan National.

Learn more about our application to the U.S. DOT here.

May 15, 2024:

Through the passage of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act of 2024, five new flights were opened to increase direct service to our nation’s capital. Alaska Airlines intends to apply to the U.S. Department of Transportation for one of the new slot pairs to initiate service from San Diego, CA (SAN) to Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport (DCA).

Alaska Airlines already connects the West Coast to DCA with nonstop service from Seattle, Portland, San Francisco and Los Angeles. San Diego currently has no nonstop service to DCA.

 “San Diego is the largest market without nonstop service to Reagan National Airport,” said Andrew Harrison, Alaska Airlines Chief Commercial Officer. “This new route would not only connect southern Californians to our nation’s capital, but it would also provide seamless connectivity on Alaska Airlines’ diverse routes allowing guests to connect through San Diego. We’ve proudly served the Washington, D.C. region for decades and look forward to the opportunity to broaden access to our guests along the West Coast.”

“The San Diego region has waited for a very long time for an opportunity to restore nonstop air service to Reagan National Airport,” said Kim Becker, President and CEO of San Diego International Airport (SAN). “We look forward to continue working with Alaska Airlines, San Diego’s Congressional delegation, and Mayor Todd Gloria to secure this vital nonstop service between the Nation’s Capital and San Diego for the benefit of our region’s defense, technology, and tourism industries.”

Alaska Airlines supercharges Mileage Plan for 2025 with enhanced benefits and choices including new ways to earn elite status faster than ever 

Summary

Members are rewarded sooner at new milestones and can choose from various perks.

Members can rack up elite-qualifying miles to reach milestones and status when they redeem award travel, make credit card purchases and more.

We’ll offer new options for earning and redeeming worldwide with our global partners.

As Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines combine, a new single loyalty program is on the horizon.

The most generous loyalty program in the industry is about to reward our members with even more. Beginning in January, Alaska Airlines’ award-winning Mileage Plan is launching elevated benefits, choices and enhancements that make it faster than ever to secure elite status. As members rack up elite-qualifying miles next year in new ways, they can choose the perks they care about the most when reaching new milestones, along with new options to earn and redeem miles for traveling the globe.

“We’re on a multi-year journey to make the industry’s most generous loyalty program even more rewarding. In 2025, Mileage Plan members will have access to all-new, more frequent perks along with expanded ways to earn elite status, including on award travel. As we invest in a single loyalty platform with Hawaiian Airlines, there is even more to come later in the year.”

– Brett Catlin

Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances and Sales at Alaska Airlines

In September, Hawaiian Airlines officially joined Alaska Airlines, beginning our journey of maintaining both beloved brands — a first for a U.S. airline. We’re working on enhancements as Alaska and Hawaiian combine, including a new single loyalty program. Even now, our guests can take advantage of benefits: Miles can be transferred between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts at a 1:1 ratio for no charge, and flights on both airlines can be purchased on both websites. In November, Hawaii residents can start signing up for a new travel program with exclusive discounts and benefits.

All Mileage Plan members can hit milestone moments

As our members earn elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in 2025, they can choose from a selection of perks when they hit various EQM milestones between elite status levels. With milestones starting at just 10,000 EQMs, these perks are accessible to a broader range of Mileage Plan members – not just those who have elite status.

At each milestone, members choose the reward that means the most to them – perks that include bonus miles, lounge access, trying an elevated status for a trip, rollover EQMs, and access to exclusive events and unique experiences. Additional milestones happen at 30,000; 55,000; 85,000; 150,000; 200,000 and 250,000 elite-qualifying miles on the journey to MVP (20,000 EQMs); MVP Gold (40,000 EQMs); MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K status levels.

Soar to elite status with even more ways to earn EQMs

Mileage Plan members achieve elite status quicker than on any other airline. Now we’re introducing even more ways to secure perks and status by earning valuable EQMs – in the air and on the ground. Don’t forget: With Alaska, Hawaiian and our global partners, members receive at least 100% of their miles flown when flights are purchased at alaskaair.com or on our app, and those miles are counted as EQMs*. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, here are the new ways our guests can earn EQMs:

Award travel redemptions:

Traveling the world is getting more rewarding. When members fly on an award trip with us or our global partners, they’ll earn elite-qualifying miles based on the distance flown. All award trips flown on or after Jan. 1, 2025, will earn EQMs. We’ll begin posting those EQMs to members’ accounts starting this spring.

For example, a guest redeems a roundtrip award ticket between Seattle and Tokyo-Narita which covers 9,538 miles. That translates to earning 9,538 EQMs – a sizable leap toward attaining elite status or the next milestone.

The Alaska Airlines Visa® card:

In 2025, cardholders will earn one elite-qualifying mile for every $3 spent on qualified purchases (up to 30,000 EQMs). No sign-up is needed – we’ll take care of it.

Earn more with our eligible, everyday travel partners:

Members can earn 1,000 EQMs for every 3,000 miles earned with our growing number of eligible non-airline partners. Just think: All those Mileage Plan miles earned taking Lyft rides can get you to elite status quicker.

Rollover EQMs as a milestone choice:

When hitting the 85,000 elite-qualifying miles milestone, a new perk is the ability to roll over 10,000 EQMs to the following year – offering a head start to keeping status.

Go global with new options for earning and redeeming

We proudly partner with 30 domestic and international airlines, including our fellow oneworld Alliance members. We can take our guests to more than 1,200 destinations around the world. In 2025, we’re streamlining how miles are earned and redeemed with our partners:

We’ve simplified how to earn miles with our global partners:

When a flight is booked with one of our 23 book direct partners at alaskaair.com – flights for other airlines that can be purchased directly on our website or through our app – members always earn 100% of the miles they fly*. For travel in a premium cabin on any of our partners, the earning of miles gets even greater starting next year: 150% mileage bonus of the distance flown in Premium Economy, 250% in Business Class and up to 350% in International First Class. That’s a mountain of miles. Get more details here.

We’re adding multi-carrier redemptions:

Rolling out this winter, members can mix and match from our global partners to travel around the world. For example, a journey can combine an American Airlines flight and a British Airways flight for a dream trip to Rome. We’ll begin multi-carrier redemptions on flights between the U.S. and Europe, and then expand to other regions and partners throughout next year.

Use miles for exclusive events:

Coming in 2025, we’ll offer members access to Unlocked – an opportunity to redeem miles on exclusive experiences and events.

Travel the globe with fewer miles:

We’ll offer additional Global Getaways in 2025 to international destinations. These seasonal discounts on award redemptions can take you farther for less. Since last April, we’ve helped our members save nearly 50 million miles with Global Getaways.

Upgrades for loyalty

We’re making upgrades better for our members and their travel companions. Later in 2025, we’ll prioritize our upgrade waitlist based on a member’s recent and long-term loyalty:

Million Milers will receive the highest priority within their tier. After Million Milers, guests will be prioritized by how many elite-qualifying miles they’ve earned – not by how much they paid for their ticket.

With these changes, a guest with an MVP member will now be eligible for complimentary, space-available upgrades when traveling on the same reservation.

Members with upgrade certificates will also be the first to know when confirmable upgrade space opens for their flight. We’ll send them an alert so they won’t miss out.

Additional Details

Learn more about the new enhancements to our Mileage Plan program here.

*Saver or basic economy tickets are excluded.

The Alaska Airlines credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa is a registered trademark of Visa International Service Association and is used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

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.”

Unmatched Loyalty: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Member Sets Record with 3 Million Miles and Counting

Summary

With over 3 million miles — and 182,000 this year alone — Routh encourages new travelers to try Alaska Airlines and join its Mileage Plan, calling it the best mileage club in the world.

Million Milers receive elite perks, including complimentary inflight food and beverages and lifetime MVP Gold status, which they can share with a companion. Of course, you can still earn MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K status but they’ll receive MVP Gold membership automatically each year.

2 Million Milers lock in 75K status for life and 3 Million Milers receive lifetime MVP Gold 100K status — plus, a limited edition luggage tag!

Stephen Routh is taking our Mileage Plan program to stratospheric heights. This summer, the Anchorage resident became our first guest in our 92-year history to reach 3 Million Miler status — flying enough miles on Alaska Airlines to go to the moon and back six times!

Routh reached his mega-milestone after more than 35 years as an Alaska Mileage Plan member, often flying two to three days a week to support his title-insurance company’s growth throughout the West and in Hawaii. To mark his 3 millionth mile — reached on a flight to Seattle from Orlando, where he’d traveled to visit his sister — the flight crew was ready to celebrate him with balloons, cake and a personalized “Golden Nugget Service” luggage tag crafted from a vintage Convair CV-240 aircraft.

Routh was tipped off about his milestone flight, and he was ready with a thank you of his own. “I got Amazon gift cards for the crew,” he said, noting that two of the flight attendants recognized him from his decades of flying. “They gave me a good sendoff, and I gave them a gift for taking care of me all these years.”

This was just one of the many ways our most frequent flier likes to give back. Routh regularly asks for inflight crew members’ names so he can praise them by name in his notes to the company. “I am a big believer in catching folks doing things right and letting everybody know about it,” he said.

Stephen Routh’s special 3 Million Miler luggage tag and a photo of veterans enjoying a “Warrior Weekend” at his Judd Lake lodge in Alaska.

Routh also makes good use of his “seemingly limitless” Alaska Airlines miles. For the past 15 years, he’s brought veterans recovering from trauma to his homes in Alaska and Oklahoma for “Warrior Weekends” — restorative getaways where his guests can fish, hunt and feel cared for. He’s hosted about 1,200 veterans so far, using thousands of his accumulated miles to fly them across the country to thank them for their service. “It’s just been a blessing to me to help them,” he said.

Limited Edition Luggage Tag for 2 Million Milers and Above

For our most frequent fliers, we dip back into history for a thank you. Our 2 Million Milers and above receive a special, limited edition luggage tag from Alaska Airlines. The tags are hand-cut from the fuselage of a vintage “Golden Nugget Service” jet to create a unique (and useful) piece of art.

The aircraft — a Convair CV-240 — was delivered to American Airlines in June 1948. It then spent a short time with TOA Airways before being delivered to Cordova Airlines in May 1965. During the merger between Alaska and Cordova in 1967, the plane became part of our historic “Golden Nugget Service.” Paying tribute to the 1890s gold rush in Alaska, the Nugget Service ushered in the ‘jet age’ for Alaska and started the legacy that has been cemented today.

As Routh’s miles have grown over the years, he’s enjoyed the benefits of his very elite status — including complimentary inflight food and beverages, which are offered to the thousands of guests who make up our Million Milers. Million Milers also get lifetime MVP Gold status, which they can share with a companion.

Routh especially appreciates his lifetime Lounge+ membership, a bonus available to our guests who have reached 2 Million Miles. Our 2 Million Milers also receive lifetime MVP Gold 75K status. Now that Routh is a 3 Million Miler, he will have MVP Gold 100K status for life.

"Best Mileage Club in the World"

Routh said larger airlines have tried to woo him away with their perks over the years, but he has never been tempted. “Alaska takes really good care of me,” he said. “I walk in the Boardroom [Alaska’s Lounge] and I know those people. I get on the airplane, and I see the flight attendants I’ve known over the years. I helped them put their kids through college, and they helped me put my kids through college by taking me where I needed to go to do business. Why would I leave?”

Routh is a pilot and even has his own small jet, but says he prefers to fly Alaska for most of his travels because it’s better for the climate — and more fun. “Frankly, sitting by myself for three or four hours is nice, but boring,” he said. “I’d rather be sitting with folks in the front of an Alaska flight, having my beer up there.”

3 million miles & counting

Now at 3 million miles and still soaring, Routh isn’t slowing down. This year, he’s already flown more than 182,000 miles.

And when he crosses paths with travelers who’ve never flown on Alaska, “I say ‘Give ‘em a test drive,’” he said. “And join the Mileage Plan right away. It’s the best mileage club in the world.”

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Reaching 3 million miles is impressive on its own, but what really makes Stephen stand out is how he connects with so many people along the way. His generosity and kindness have touched our team and countless others. We’re incredibly grateful he’s made Alaska Airlines part of his journey.”

- Derrick Cunningham

Alaska's Million Miler Program Manager

Pro Travel Tips from a 3 Million Miler:

Pack light: “I try to avoid checking luggage whenever I can.”
Bring spare documents: “If my wallet disappears, I still have at least one credit card and at least one government-issued I.D.”
Buy good headphones: “I’m a big believer in ear protection. With a good headset, you can enjoy movies if you want, but I have it on for noise reduction, which protects your hearing and helps you rest.”
Keep it clean: “I have a little Ziploc bag in my briefcase, which is always with me, and I have a toothbrush and toothpaste, and four or five packs of hand wipes in there. So, no matter the situation, I can always get my hands clean before I touch food … like eating one of those delightful little Tillamook cheeseburgers.”
Get TSA PreCheck + Clear: “I can’t imagine not having PreCheck. And then add Clear to get right to the head of the PreCheck line. That combination is just amazing, and you stop wasting your life standing there waiting.”
Make the most of inflight time: Routh usually spends his flights working, using the Alaska Airlines Wi-Fi network to respond to emails or research. “That time is time that nobody can call you, nobody’s going to walk through the door and ask you anything. So, ask yourself, ‘What would I do if I get three hours to myself?’ I view it as a time windfall.”

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