Alaska Airlines welcomes STARLUX Airlines to Seattle, our hometown airport 

Seattle becomes STARLUX’s third nonstop U.S. destination from Taipei with its world-class service and amenities; premier carrier is one of our newest global airline partners 

One of Alaska Airlines’ newest global partners, STARLUX Airlines, announced today it will begin new nonstop service this summer between our hometown airport in Seattle and Taipei. STARLUX’s inaugural flight from Seattle is scheduled for Aug. 16. The airline will initially offer three flights weekly with connections to destinations across Asia. As an added convenience for our guests, STARLUX flights from the West Coast to Taipei can now be purchased directly at alaskaair.com, including the new Seattle flight. 

STARLUX launched its inaugural transpacific service between Taipei and Los Angeles in April 2023. Then in December, STARLUX began service between Taipei and San Francisco. Los Angeles, San Francisco and Seattle are gateway airports for Alaska, allowing our guests to have convenient connectivity with STARLUX flights. Another big bonus: Our Mileage Plan members can earn and redeem miles on STARLUX. 

We’re proud to be STARLUX’s first airline partner and excited about the possibilities for our guests with this premier international airline beginning service at our main hub in Seattle,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. “STARLUX delivers an exceptional experience in all classes of service, but if you’re fortunate enough to fly in first or business class, prepare to be pampered.” 

“STARLUX’s broadened transpacific routes reaffirm our dedication to expanding our U.S. network and to elevating the travel experience for our fast-growing customer base,” said Glenn Chai, STARLUX CEO. “As a key economic and technological hub, Seattle is also steeped in diverse cultural influences and home to a thriving Asian community. Moreover, we have finally arrived at the hub of our partner Alaska Airlines. We believe STARLUX and Alaska Airlines will provide seamless service to travelers seeking to reach Asia. STARLUX looks forward to strengthening our connections between these major West Coast cities with Taipei and larger Asia, and to building bridges between these dynamic and vibrant regions.” 

STARLUX will operate the transpacific route with its new-generation Airbus A350-900 aircraft configured in a four-class layout: First, business, premium economy and economy. Travelers in first and business classes enjoy a private space with a sliding door and seats with full-flat and Zero G mode for full relaxation. The extra-legroom premium economy section features a 40-inch Recaro seat with a leg rest and footrest bar. Economy class seats are equipped with leather headrests and a wide seat pitch.   

Business Class on Starlux Airlines

Inflight service on STARLUX includes Taiwanese signature dishes and amenities prepared for passengers in all classes. STARLUX will be offering first and business guests a selection of the best top chef’s creations and local Taiwanese delicacies. The popular STARLUX signature dish yakiniku donburi is served on board. And to bring greater individuality to their air travel experience, all passengers can pre-order meals online so they can enjoy the meal they want. 

Alaska is a member of the oneworld global alliance. With oneworld and our additional airline partners, our guests can earn and redeem miles all over the world through our highly acclaimed Mileage Plan program. Elite status on Alaska automatically matches tier status in oneworld so members can enjoy all the benefits that come with it right away. 

Alaska Airlines brings West Coast flair to premium food and beverage menu this spring 

We’re springing into the season with a fresh and chef-curated inflight menu carefully crafted to join our premium food and beverage line-up—launching this month! As the premier West Coast airline, we’re giving our dishes a West Coast flair with strong influences from Asian and Latin American cuisines. 

As always, the inspiration for creating our menu is based on our guests’ feedback and that’s exactly what we did when developing our spring offerings,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, managing director of guest products at Alaska Airlines. “This is a just a precursor to an exciting year ahead. We can’t wait to share what’s to come on our a premium food and beverage line-up.” 

In First Class, we’re offering meals inspired by dishes from around the world, while adding a West Coast flair, including Birria Beef and Ube Island Pancakes. In Premium Class and Main Cabin, we’re serving fresh salads including the Caul Me Maybe, which is a Mediterranean inspired Salad created in partnership with Seattle-based Evergreens.

Our newest menu is available now, complimentary in First Class on most flights 670 miles and above, and for purchase in Main Cabin on most flights 775 miles or more. 

Check out some of our newest dishes that are inspired by the West Coast:

BBQ Beef & Kimchi Rice  

Smoked BBQ beef burnt ends, served on a kimchi fried rice and topped with fresh green onions. 

Birria Beef  

Tender braised, boneless beef in consommé, marinated black beans and long grain rice, rich in cumin, tomato, and lime flavors. Topped with a fresh pico de gallo salsa.   

Thai Curry
(Vegan/Gluten Free)   

Authentic Thai green curry with coconut milk, ginger, garlic, lemongrass and kaffir lime; with coconut shoots, green papaya, Thai basil, and red chili with vegan meatballs made from heart of palm.  Served over steamed Jasmine rice.  

Tortellini
(to Hawaii only)   

Four-cheese tortellini pasta enrobed in a tangy miso sauce, served with roasted butternut squash, edamame, and fresh arugula.

Banana Bread French Toast    

French-toast style thick banana bread with a tamarind caramel sauce.  Served with creamy scrambled eggs, and pecan candied pork bacon.   

Island Pancakes
(to Hawaii only)    

Ube (purple sweet potato) pancakes with toasted shaved coconut, roasted pineapple, and grilled pork Portuguese sausage. Topped with guava & mint syrup.     

Evergreens™ Caul Me Maybe Salad  

Mediterranean-Inspired Salad with Greek Yogurt Dressing 
Roasted Cauliflower, Roasted Sweet Potato, Feta, Romaine, Spinach, Garbanzo Beans, Golden Raisins, Sunflower Seeds, Cilantro, Chermoula Sauce   

Evergreens™ Change of Greenery Salad   

A Spring Herby Salad with Green Goddess Dressing Chicken, Feta, Watermelon Radish, Jalapeno, Romaine, Mixed Greens, Cucumber, Pickled Red Onion, Sunflower Seeds  

Don’t forget we also just added our first brewed craft beer in a unique can. The ‘Cloud Cruiser’ is our newest IPA, which is brewed by Seattle-based Fremont Brewing® and made with the very best local ingredients. If you’re looking to celebrate happy hour without the  alcohol, check out our non-alcoholic beer made by Best Day Brewing®. 

Alaska Airlines statement on Boeing  

AS-logo-002

For nearly 60 years, Alaska Airlines has flown Boeing airplanes. We share more than a hometown with Boeing; we share a passion for flying and a commitment to safety. We know the people behind the planes, who have dedicated their careers over these decades to make air travel better and safer. Alaska Airlines is committed to Boeing, and we will do everything we can to contribute to the critical work under way to ensure excellence in production quality and safety.  

Alaska Airlines deepens commitment to Bay Area with new nonstop service between Santa Rosa/Sonoma County and Las Vegas

As the largest carrier at Sonoma County Airport since 2007, we’re now offering service to seven nonstop destinations

Alaska Airlines is deepening its commitment to the San Francisco Bay Area with convenient, nonstop service between California’s wine country and Las Vegas beginning this fall. The daily, year-round flight, which starts Oct. 1, is now the seventh nonstop destination from Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport.

We feel a deep connection with Santa Rosa—Alaska became the first carrier to bring commercial service to Sonoma County Airport nearly two decades ago—and we’ve remained the largest airline at STS serving nearly 2 million guests since then,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines. “As the only airline serving all four Bay Area airports, including Santa Rosa, San Francisco, San Jose and Oakland, we can’t wait to connect guests between Santa Rosa and Las Vegas and have them experience our premium, award-winning service.”

“We are thrilled with the addition of service from Alaska Airlines to Las Vegas – this route signifies not only our commitment to providing convenient travel options, but also Alaska’s dedication to enhancing connectivity within our community,” said Jon Stout, airport manager at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport. “With the expansion of Alaska’s options, we are not just opening up routes, we’re opening doors to new opportunities and experiences for our passengers.  We look forward to the success of this venture and the continued growth of our partnership with Alaska Airlines.”

“Las Vegas offers visitors a wide variety of unparalleled experiences and attractions, from world-class restaurants, A-list headliners and a full calendar of sporting events, there is always something new and exciting for travelers from the Northern California’s Wine Country to discover in Las Vegas,” said H. Fletch Brunelle, vice president of marketing for the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority. “We are excited to welcome Alaska Airlines’ newest nonstop service from Sonoma County to Las Vegas this fall.” 

When heading to Sonoma, Alaska’s guests can take advantage of its Wine Flies Free program, which debuted in 2007 to make it easier for travelers to bring home their favorite bottles of wine from Santa Rosa/Sonoma County.

Oftentimes, wineries are unable to ship cases directly or consumers are faced with costly shipping fees to transport wine. Alaska’s Wine Flies Free solves those challenges by offering each Mileage Plan member the ability to check an entire case – up to 12 bottles of wine – for free.

The new route between Santa Rosa/Sonoma and Las Vegas will be served by the Embraer 175 jet, an aircraft with window and aisle seating; there are no middle seats. Guests will enjoy award-winning service in a three-class cabin that includes First Class and Premium Class; hundreds of free movies and TV shows available for viewing on personal devices; free texting on most flights; and Wi-Fi connectivity for purchase.  

Introducing Alaska Access: A new subscription service by Alaska Airlines to save on travel planning and costs 

Discover a bundle of exclusive deals with Alaska Access, our newest subscription program that includes discounted Wi-Fi plus more cost-saving tools 

Alaska Airlines is launching a new subscription program for savvy, price-conscious guests that will save them time and money throughout the year. Starting today, travelers can sign up for Alaska Access at just $5 per month to take advantage of exclusive savings.  

Immediately after sign-up, subscribers will receive their first monthly single-use voucher to Alaska’s inflight streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi. Benefits also include advanced alerts to some of our biggest fare sales of the year. Subscribers will be notified the night before a sale is announced to take advantage of huge savings and seat selection. Alaska Access also offers a calendar view of the lowest fares that are tailored to your favorite destinations, so you never miss out on the best deals.  

We know time is valuable for our guests who are busy balancing a lot in their lives and we kept that in mind when we developed Alaska Access,” said Shane Jones, vice president of business development at Alaska Airlines, “Alaska Access is part of our commitment to make travel more affordable and convenient for everyone – whether planning for your dream vacation or returning home from college. Our new subscription service allows you to discover some of our best deals of the year right at your fingertips, in just minutes.” 

Alaska was the first U.S. airline to introduce a subscription service to travelers in 2022 when it launched Flight Pass. Responding to the continued shift in consumer demand for personalized and tailored experiences, Alaska is yet again leading the industry with this new and unique subscription program that brings value and convenience to travelers.

Alaska Access is rolling out just in time for spring and summer travel planning. This year, Alaska is seeing robust demand from passengers planning their trips and booking their flights months in advance. 

Alaska Access Exclusive Benefits:  

Early Sale Access:

With Alaska Access you’ll be the first to know about some of our biggest sales. Look out for in-app notifications alerting you to the upcoming sale the night before the rest of the world finds out (with the ability to book at sale prices immediately). This means you can book your favorite route times and seats before they’re gone! 

Personalized Fare Page:

We want you to spend less time planning your trip and more time enjoying it! You’ll be able to personalize a fare page through Alaska Access to view some of our lowest fares by money and miles to more than 500 global destinations. It takes the guesswork and time out of finding the best-valued flights on Alaska. 

Single-use Monthly Wi-Fi Voucher:

When you fly with Alaska, staying connected is easy. Each month starting at sign up, you’ll receive a one-time use voucher discount code that allows you to stream, browse and chat on-board using our satellite Wi-Fi.  

*Out of any U.S. Airline excluding lie-flat equipped aircraft 

FOR MEDIA:

Download high res photos from our media kit here.

It’s official: Alaska Airlines technicians vote YES on new contract 

Alaska Airlines’ aircraft maintenance technicians, maintenance controllers and other employees who support aircraft maintenance and are represented by the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) have ratified a new five-year contract.

The agreement, which was negotiated in 12 months, includes significant improvements such as increased pay, retirement contribution increases, and quality of life improvements. With this recently closed deal, Alaska Airlines has ratified seven contracts across six represented groups since 2022.  

“The expertise, professionalism and dedication of our aircraft technicians is unmatched,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “I’m proud to have them working under a new contract just four months after their previous contract was amendable. This contract reflects the critical contributions of our technicians, improves their quality of life, and reinforces Alaska’s foundation for long-term success.”  

“This agreement not only includes justifiable increases in pay, benefits, and quality of life, it gives our members a framework for fulfilling their careers with Alaska Airlines,” said Bret Oestreich, AMFA National President.

“Thanks to our negotiating committee, we were able to secure protections in headcount and work rules, as well as job security for work performed by our members for decades. AMFA prioritized the interests of all its members in various classifications when bargaining the deal, and this agreement shows the importance of our members remaining unified and AMFA’s strength at the bargaining table,” Oestreich continued. “Our focus now shifts to working with Alaska Airlines to attract and retain qualified, skilled professionals, and this industry-leading contract will make that job much easier.” 

Effective as of the previous contract’s amendable date (October 17, 2023), the new contract contains: 

  • Wage increases including a top-of-scale rate of $65.85 for technician classifications. 
  • Quality of life improvements to schedules to reduce life disruptions, and incorporates seniority for shift times to recognize length of service.  
  • Retirement contribution increases and caps to health care costs. 
  • Language changes that allow for increased productivity. 

The previous contract with AMFA became amendable in October 2023. Contracts in the airline industry do not expire. Once they become amendable, the current contract remains in effect until a new agreement is ratified. 

Meet a pilot defying boundaries: From combat flights in Afghanistan to missions in Antarctica, now leading a team at Alaska 

Video by Ingrid Barrentine | Photos by Ingrid Barrentine and Joe Nicholson

Jennifer Kelsey’s love for air shows started when she was a teenager. Every summer, she would visit her family in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and marvel at the planes soaring in the sky. She was determined to fly one herself, so she worked hard to save money for lessons and soloed in a Cessna 150 at 16.  

Kelsey attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University and then joined the Air National Guard, flying the C-130 Hercules in missions from Afghanistan and Antarctica. She joined Alaska in 2005, where she’s had a storied career, moving from captain to flight operations duty officer to check pilot. This year, she became fleet captain, a role that combines her love of flying with leading a team.  

Kelsey admits that being a female pilot in a predominantly male profession has its challenges, but she is grateful for the pioneering women who cleared the runway for her, both in the military and in her civilian career. She is eager to inspire more women to pursue careers as pilots at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. 

“I Am …” at Alaska Airlines

Our “I Am…” Campaign kicked off in January to celebrate Heritage Months and the diversity of our employees. Keep an eye out for the “I Am…” logo throughout the year to read their inspiring stories.

We’re sharing Jennifer’s story in honor of Women’s History Month. Alaska Airlines hopes more young women will seek out exciting careers as pilots and more. Annual events like Aviation Day offer hands-on learning experiences from industry professionals to better understand the complexity of the jobs and inspire career paths. 

In 2022, Alaska and Horizon teamed up with Hillsboro Aero Academy, a premier flight school in the Pacific Northwest, to launch the Ascend Pilot Academy (APA). This new development program, designed for aspiring pilots, provides a simpler, more financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot at Horizon and, eventually, Alaska. The program is part of a larger effort to address a growing pilot shortage and increased travel demand. 

Alaska Airlines flight attendant’s emotional return to hometown in Guatemala 

Video by Karina Matias | Photos by Ingrid Barrentine

Orly buttoned up his vest, slid on his glasses and took one last look at himself in the mirror. He had done this thousands of times before, but today, putting on his Alaska Airlines uniform felt much different.  

For the first time since becoming a flight attendant 12 years ago, Orly was working a flight to Guatemala – his home country.  

Alaska added daily, year-round service to Guatemala from Los Angeles in December last year, which allowed Orly to spend Christmas with his family for the first time since 1985.

Before then, the price of flying home was always out of reach. When he became a flight attendant at Alaska, he was able to list as a stand-by passenger on other airlines to visit Guatemala. However, flights were always full during the holidays as travelers flocked to return home to their family and friends.  

The challenge of not being able to easily snag a seat on another airline to Guatemala took a painful emotional turn in 2022 when his family called to tell him his mother was in the hospital. Doctors couldn’t reassure them she was going to make it.  

“I tried a couple different airlines, but flights were sold out, so I purchased a last-minute $1,500 ticket on an airline,” he said. “I didn’t care about the price, I had to go see my mom. Soon after I arrived, my mom had a stroke. I was distraught. I almost hadn’t made it.” 

Orly’s mother celebrated her 88th birthday in January of this year. Thanks to Alaska’s latest destination, he was able to fly back home to join in the celebration with her.

“When we looked at the map of places we wanted to fly last year, Guatemala stood out for us because it’s full of outdoor adventures, history and natural beauty,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines. “But what struck me the most was the deep, meaningful connection our guests and employees, like Orly, have with this beautiful country. It’s exciting to offer West Coast travelers the convenience of returning to their home country or discovering Guatemala for the first time with a daily, nonstop flight.” 

In January, during his first assigned flight to Guatemala, Orly paused to look around at the guests. He said there were many grandparents going back home to visit their families and tourists looking forward to experiencing the generosity that Guatemalans are known for.  

That kindness is felt until the very end of their trips when they fly Alaska. 

Our customer service agents based in Guatemala write personal ‘thank you’ notes and postcards to our passengers and place them on their seats before they board,” Orly said. “It’s our way of showing our gratitude for visiting our country and letting them know we are always ready to welcome you back with open arms.” 

Discover Guatemala with Orly’s Expert Travel Guide!

Must-see spots: 

  • Tikal in the city of Peten: these magnificent pyramids were built by our ancestors, the Mayans. In Peten, we discover some of our beginnings, our roots and rich history, including Prince Tecun Uman – a true warrior and hero to Guatemala.  
  • Antigua Guatemala: this breathtaking place is loved by many people from all over the world. Built in a beautiful Baroque style in July 25th 1524, the city was named “la ciudad De Santiago de los Caballeros de Guatemala” (the city of Saint James of the knights of Guatemala). It is guarded by this grand Volcano that you can spot from almost every corner of the streets – our “Water Volcano” as we call it.  
  • “Panajachel” with the famous Lake Atitlan: this amazing body of water is surrounded by three beautiful volcanos on the southern part of the lake. The basin of the lake is of volcanic origin; it is basically a massive crater from around 84000 years ago. The legends about the lake are intriguing and mystic. Make sure when you leave the lake to stop at Chichicastenango, a beautiful town full of amazing colorful textiles and traditions.  

Explore the possibilities while earning miles and saving money with Alaska Vacations 

Alaska Airlines is partnering with Expedia to bring you Alaska Vacations, a convenient, one-stop portal to thousands of possibilities for your next dream vacation. Alaska Mileage Plan™ members can now breeze through travel planning by bundling their flights, hotels, car rentals and activities with Alaska Vacations—all while unlocking savings and earning miles every step of the way. 

Alaska already offers the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status—and now we’re making memories even more rewarding by giving guests another way to earn miles through Alaska Vacations in partnership with Expedia. 

The one-stop travel portal powered by Expedia Group seamlessly integrates flights, car rentals and access to thousands of properties worldwide into customizable packages so travelers can book their entire journey with ease.

Guests share their appreciation for Alaska Airlines and its employees 

Our guests frequently express their gratitude for the premium service they receive while flying Alaska Airlines and its remarkable team, including flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents, customer care and beyond. Our dedicated team consistently delivers reliable and compassionate service to our guests each day.

In celebration of Employee Appreciation Day, we’re delighted to shine a spotlight on some of the heartfelt thank-you notes. ❤️

We love to hear from you! Follow @alaskaair on social

6 tips to travel like a pro on Alaska Airlines in 2024  

Man walking down jet bridge.

Whether you’re a seasoned globetrotter or a newbie wanderluster, below are some tips to help you travel like a pro in 2024.👇🏼

1. Take advantage of apps  

Keeping your things organized can be a struggle, especially during those early morning airport visits!  

Our Alaska Airlines app keeps your travel needs at your fingertips. You can use it to check in, pay for your bag(s), get your boarding pass(es), track flights, make seat changes, and so much more, right from your phone.  

2. Speed through TSA 

Consider joining a trusted traveler program to spend less time in line. Membership in programs like TSA Pre-Check®, Global Entry, Nexus or SENTRI grant access to faster security screening lanes at participating airports, where you don’t have to remove your shoes, belts, or light jackets, and your 3-1-1 liquids bag and laptop can stay in your carry-on. 

While many of these options require days or weeks for approval, programs like CLEAR offer same-day sign up. Plus, Mileage Plan members enrolling in CLEAR will receive $10 off the standard price of a 12-month CLEAR Plus membership linked to their Alaska Mileage Plan account.

Flying through our hometown?

You can also take advantage of spot saver programs like SEA Spot Saver, a non-membership program in Seattle where you can book a screening timeslot and use a dedicated lane to zoom through the security process. Similar spot saver programs can be found in Calgary, Charleston, Newark, Orlando and Phoenix. 

3. Order food for your flight ahead of time 

The food line is another one you can skip! Preorder a delicious meal directly to your seat on our app or website ahead of your flight. You can preorder inflight food any time from 2 weeks to 20 hours before travel. See what’s currently on the menu

4. Feel confident traveling with kids + pets  

Stressing over strollers or getting your four-legged family member on a plane? We have resources to help you with that! 

Alaska offers complimentary gate checks for strollers and car seats, ensuring that they are out of your way on board, but ready and waiting when you arrive. We also provide resources for unaccompanied minors and guarantee young children will be seated with their families—without any additional fees.  

Likewise, check our pet travel policies in advance of your pet’s travel to find out about things like breed restrictions, requirements for kennels and health certificates and pet relief areas at airports.

5. Cash in on Mileage Plan benefits

Lastly, don’t forget to make the most of your travel in 2024. Our Mileage Plan helps your money go further; you can earn miles toward future flights for every mile flown, even on our lowest fares.  

What’s more, you can: 

  • Earn 30% more miles on average, compared to other airlines.  
  • Earn when you shop, dine, rent a car, stay in a hotel and more. 
  • You can even earn miles when you fly other airlines. Check out our list of oneworld® Alliance member airlines and other worldwide airlines partners.  

6. Reach out to us if you have any questions

Our dedicated team is committed to providing exceptional care to all our guests, day in and day out. Should you have any inquiries or require assistance, please don’t hesitate to call (1-800-252-7522) or text (82008). Live chatting and additional contact info can also be found on alaskaair.com.  

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines host community conversations across Hawaiʻi

Leaders from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines discussed the potential joining of the two airlines in a series of community conversations across the state.

In January and February, the two airlines co-hosted a series of luncheon discussions with members of Hawaiʻi’s business community. Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines Regional President – Hawaiʻi/Pacific Joe Sprague, and Hawaiian Airlines CEO Peter Ingram answered questions from attendees on how the combination will increase competition and benefit consumers, create a strong loyalty program and preserve union jobs in Hawaiʻi.

The luncheons were held in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Hawaiʻi, Kauaʻi Chamber of Commerce, Maui Chamber of Commerce, Kona-Kohala Chamber of Commerce, Hawaiʻi Island Chamber of Commerce and Japanese Chamber of Commerce & Industry of Hawaiʻi.

Alaska Airlines leaders also visited Molokaʻi and Lānaʻi to meet with community leaders and discuss ongoing challenges residents face in accessing reliable air transportation. While airport limitations prevent both Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines from flying to the two rural islands, Alaska Airlines is committed to lending its expertise on safety, operations and outreach.

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