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.
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.
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."
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.
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.
‘I Am Whole’: Alaska Flight Attendant Shares Her Journey to Finding Confidence and Her Wings
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.”
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!
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.
“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.
Related Multimedia
M2 Hangar
M2 Livery
“A Beautiful Moment To Come Together”: Alaska and Hawaiian 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+ / MVPFAFFcommunities across the Hawaiian Islands, promoting the spirit of equality for all people of Hawaiʻi.
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.”
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.
“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.”
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 Munroand 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.
“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.”
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.”
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 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.
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
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.
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.”
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.”
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.”
Alaska Airlines is revealing unique trends that are shaping our bookings across its network this fall, including a rise in bookings to smaller, off-the-beaten path markets driven by guests seeking exclusive experiences.
We’re excited & prepared to welcome guests this season, which includes the busiest travel period of the year, with increased staffing, expanded flight options and enhanced service for an elevated and seamless travel experience.
Thanksgiving: The Peak Travel Period
Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel period of the fall with flights projected to be nearly full. We estimate nearly a half million guests will fly between Friday and Sunday with Dec. 1 expected to be the single busiest day of the entire year.
Across our major West Coast hubs, we expect to fly more passengers than last year. In San Francisco, passenger numbers are anticipated to increase by 15%. In Seattle, we expect to serve 230,000 guests, a 6% increase from last year. Portland is expected to see the largest surge in passenger volume with a 35% increase — or 85,000 passengers during the holiday weekend.
Hawaiʻi Leads Fall Travel Surge
This fall, we’re seeing strong year-over-year bookings to Hawaiʻi with guests eager to support the local economy amid continued recovery efforts from last year’s wildfires.
Through the combined network of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, we offer 66 daily flights to the Islands from the continental United States.
Travel at Major Hubs on the Rise
A rebound in business travel is driving an increase in bookings across California. In response to the demand, we’ve added capacity to our hubs this fall, including San Francisco and San Diego.
Latin America is also becoming a popular fall and winter getaway as guests look for an escape from the cold. In response to this trend, we’re thrilled to offer several routes to exciting Latin America destinations for the first time during the fall season, including Guatemala, Nassau, expanded service to Mexico destinations from Las Vegas and our new route to La Paz from Los Angeles.
Rising Popularity of Smaller Destinations
More and more guests are seeking unique and authentic experiences that stand apart from well-known tourist destinations. This fall, we’re seeing strong bookings to small destinations, such as Bellingham, Missoula and Santa Rosa. To respond to the rising trend to these hidden gems, we’ve increased capacity between Bellingham and Seattle by 40%, adding one additional flight each way compared to last year.
We’re also now flying mainline aircraft to increase our capacity by up to 40% between Seattle and Missoula. Starting Oct. 1, we launched our seventh nonstop from Santa Rosa, now connecting to Las Vegas, making it easier for guests to reach California’s wine country.
Special Events Driving Travel Demand
November continues to be a popular time for travel with Veterans Day weekend driving bookings for guests seeking a long-weekend getaway.
Special events like Austin City Limits and the F1 Grand Prix are also contributing to increased demand in Austin, Texas throughout October. Meanwhile, the fall foliage is drawing guests to Boston, making it a popular destination for leaf peeping.
Emerging Travel Trends: Swifties on the Move
A unique travel trend this fall is the influence of Taylor Swift’s concert tour, which is drawing travelers to destinations like New Orleans, Toronto, Indianapolis and Vancouver. These markets are seeing strong demand from Swifties following the pop star’s performances.
An Elevated Travel Experience
As guests travel this fall and winter, we’re committed to providing an elevated travel experience. Guests across our expanding network can take advantage of our award-winning service on their next Alaska flight, including:
The most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class
No change fees
Multiple fare offerings
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan—the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status
30 Global Partners
West Coast food and beverage on board
We’re also making it easier for our guests to buy tickets with our domestic and Global Partners directly at alaskaair.com.
* Out of any U.S. airline excluding lie-flat seats
Alaska Air Group, Inc. is hosting an Investor Day in New York City on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024.
The event will include presentations and a Q&A with the Alaska Airlines executive team. They’ll be sharing updates on their business plan and future with Hawaiian Airlines, including increased acquisition synergies.
Following the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, the combined organization will shed light on future plans
Alaska Air Group, Inc. will hold an Investor Day presentation in New York City on Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2024. The event will feature presentations and a question-and-answer session with members of the Alaska Airlines executive leadership team. The company looks forward to sharing more information about its business plan and shared future with Hawaiian Airlines—including higher estimated acquisition synergies.
The event will be broadcast live on Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. EST and can be viewed here. A replay will be available following the conclusion of the event.
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.”
This second design features the team logo, coordinates of Climate Pledge Arena, and a tail number (#N933AK) honoring Seattle’s 93.3 KJR FM, the home of the Kraken.
Also, get ready for Getaway Goals! When the Kraken scores 5 goals at home, fans get 32% off flights to a mystery destination. Plus, now through the end of hockey season, if you’re flying out the Seattle area and wear a Seattle Kraken jersey, you get priority boarding!
As the proud official airline sponsor of the Seattle Kraken, we’re excited to unveil another epic, Kraken-themed aircraft to get fans pumped for the NHL season. It’s time to gear up and take flight with your favorite team!
The second iteration of this design features the team logo and coordinates of Climate Pledge Arena. This aircraft will fly across our network during the 2024-2026 seasons. Additionally, the plane’s tail number, #N933AK, is a nod to the radio station 93.3 KJR FM, Seattle’s Sports Leader and Home of the Kraken.
“We are incredibly grateful to our partner, Alaska Airlines, for their continued support of both our team and our fans. Unveiling this new design is the perfect way to celebrate the start of our fourth season.”
– Jeff Webster
Chief Commercial Officer of the Seattle Kraken
“As the official airline of the Seattle Kraken, we’re thrilled to reveal a new design to celebrate our hometown’s NHL team. Whether at 30,000 feet or on the ice, we’ll be cheering the Kraken on this season!”
– Eric Edge
Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising, Alaska Airlines
We’re bringing back some fun programming for Kraken fans:
Get ready for our Kraken Getaway Goals! Whenever the Seattle Kraken scores 5 goals at home, fans everywhere will receive 32% off flights to a mystery destination.
Later this season, we’ll be the presenting partner of the Magnetic Schedule giveaway on October 17, the Buoy Bobblehead on November 27 and the Kraken Lunar New Year Night on January 28.
Don’t forget your team swag the next time you fly! Now through the end of hockey season, if you’re flying out of Seattle (Seattle-Tacoma International Airport/SEA) or Everett (Paine Field/PAE) and wear a Seattle Kraken jersey, you get priority boarding!
Photos by Ingrid Barrentine & Joe Nicholson
Additional Details
Looking for stills or video of our Seattle Kraken aircraft? Click the button below.
With over 30 company-sponsored volunteer events, we logged 1,200 hours of service, making a real difference during our annual Week of Care, a week where our team comes together with communities we serve.
From preparing 3,700 meals in Seattle, to packing 15,500 meals in Phoenix, to sorting 7,000 pounds of food for those in need, our efforts truly took flight to help ensure vital resources reached those who need them most.
Last month, more than 500 remarkable Alaska Airlines employees came together to uplift communities across the country during our annual Week of CARE. With over 30 company-sponsored volunteer events, we logged 1,200 hours of service, making a real difference. From preparing 3,700 meals in Seattle, to packing 15,500 meals in Phoenix, to sorting 7,000 pounds of food for those in need, our efforts truly took flight to help ensure vital resources reached those who need them most.
By the numbers:
30+ company-sponsored volunteer events
15 communities supported
1,200 hours logged
3,700 meals prepared at Lifelong in Seattle
72 boxes packed and 15,522 meals prepared at Feed My Starving Children in Phoenix
7,000 pounds of perishable items sorted at Food Lifeline to be distributed to those suffering from food insecurity.
200 welcome kits created and 150 pounds of food and drinks donated and stocked for the Fisher House in Alaska
100 weekend Meal bags packed with handwritten cards of encouragement for youth at Ada County Boys and Girls Club.
1,200 activity kits and 1,000 well wish cards created for meal trays to support children/families at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital in San Francisco
650 toiletry kits made for USO deployed troops
300 Make-A-Wish (MAW) Folders made for wish families, 100 postcards created to support MAW volunteers, 20 MAW posters created to welcome families at airports and 250 Brave Bracelets made for MAW volunteers in Seattle
Caring for Hawaiʻi
More than 50 volunteers from Alaska Airlines and UniFi business partners came together to support various community-focused projects across Hawaiʻi including:
Restoring the island’s native ecosystem as part of the Mālama ʻĀina initiative at Waikōloa Dry Forest Preserve
Sorting and packing essential food supplies at the Kauaʻi Independent Foodbank to address food insecurity
Rebuilding stone walls, clearing invasive plants and enhancing the ecosystem at the historic Loko Iʻa Pāʻaiau fishpond in Oʻahu to promote the return of native species
Cleaning the beach at Kaʻehu Bay, working to preserve its natural beauty and protect wildlife from harmful debris.
Each of these events not only strengthened community bonds but also highlighted the shared commitment to environmental stewardship, cultural preservation, and supporting the well-being of local residents across the Hawaiian Islands.
Supporting Heroes & Giving Back to Military Families
Alessandra F., Manager of Community Relations and Engagement, searched for meaningful ways to support local military families in the state of Alaska, where over 50,000 active-duty service members and their dependents reside, and where 1 in 10 Alaskans is a veteran. Her search led her to Fisher House Alaska, a long-standing Care Miles partner with Alaska Airlines.
Fisher House provides military families with a “home away from home” at no cost, allowing them to focus on medical care and recovery while finding comfort and community. Alaska Mileage Plan members can support this cause by donating miles here.
More than 30 Alaska Airlines employees spent the day at Fisher House, baking fresh brownies and cookies, organizing closets and pantries, and preparing thoughtful care packages for the families staying there. The day wrapped up with a hearty fall dinner cooked by our team, serving more than 50 guests and creating a warm, welcoming atmosphere for these deserving families.
“Meeting the families and hearing their stories made an impact on our team”, Frichtl said. “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for our Week of CARE in Anchorage.”
