This holiday season, we celebrate the beauty of family traditions, both cherished and new. Just as we have embraced the festive tradition of our holiday sweater for six years, we’re thrilled to see the next generation of flyers creating their own timeless memories with us.
Featuring a new twist on our classic snow planes, this year’s sweater is sure to keep you feeling extra cozy and is a testament to sustainability. Made from 70% recycled post-consumer polyester, our threads embrace holiday spirit while making a positive impact on the planet.
With more families trading tangible gifts for the intangible joy of shared experiences, our ever-expanding network can connect you to destinations across the world, making new travel traditions memories that will last a lifetime.
Stand out this holiday season & score priority boarding by wearing your festive spirit on your sleeve – or rather, your Holiday Sweater – on Dec. 15, National Holiday Sweater Day. Anyone wearing a holiday sweater on flights served by Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air that day can board early, following group B. *Any guests with First Class tickets or airline status will board first in their typical fashion.
Alaska is celebrating the holidays throughout December, with festive décor and boarding music, as well as free holiday movies to help flyers have a merry flight.
Amidst one of the busiest travel periods of the year, we’re focused on delivering care and bringing joy to our guests. As the ‘merrier carrier,’ we want to make every moment of your journey memorable. Our holiday sweater is just one of the many ways the team at Alaska is delighting guests and employees this holiday season,” said Eric Edge, Alaska Airlines’ managing director of marketing and advertising.
Airports are busier than ever in December. As a reminder, anyone traveling during the holidays is encouraged to arrive to the airport at least two hours before their flight given anticipated congestion at the airport.
In person at Alaska’s Company Store: Drop in and purchase a sweater at our shop (19235 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98198). Due to the volume of guests in the store, we are unable to accept phone orders on the first day. You can also email the Company.store@alaskaair.com, and we’ll fulfill the order received while supplies last.
Online at our Company Store website: Our sweaters are now on sale while supplies last. Please note, there are multiple shipping options on the website.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to combine, expanding benefits and choice for travelers throughout Hawai‘i and the West Coast, including connectivity across Asia, Oceania and the Pacific.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines to Combine, Expanding Benefits and Choice for Travelers Throughout Hawai‘i and the West Coast
Combined company to maintain Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ strong, high-quality brands, supported by a single, compelling loyalty offering.
Expands fifth largest U.S. airline to a fleet of 365 narrow and wide body airplanes enabling guests to reach 138 destinations through our combined networks and more than 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance.
Honolulu to become a key hub for the combined airline with expanded service for residents of Hawai‘i to the Continental U.S. and creating new connections to Asia and throughout the Pacific for travelers across the U.S.
Commitment to Hawai‘i remains steadfast, including maintaining robust Neighbor Island air service, and a more competitive platform to support growth, job opportunities for employees, community investment and environmental stewardship.
Committed to maintaining and growing union-represented workforce in Hawai‘i.
Combination will result in immediate value creation with sizable upside. All-cash transaction of $18 per share offers attractive premium for Hawaiian Airlines shareholders and is expected to be accretive to Alaska’s earnings within two years post-close with at least $235 million of expected run-rate synergies.
Investor conference call scheduled for today at 5:00 p.m. ET / 2:00 p.m. PT / 12:00 p.m. HT.
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE: ALK), and Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA) today announced that they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $18.00 per share in cash, for a transaction value of approximately $1.9 billion, inclusive of $0.9 billion of Hawaiian Airlines net debt. The combined company will unlock more destinations for consumers and expand choice of critical air service options and access throughout the Pacific region, Continental United States and globally. The transaction is expected to enable a stronger platform for growth and competition in the U.S., as well as long-term job opportunities for employees, continued investment in local communities and environmental stewardship.
As airlines rooted in the 49th and 50th U.S. states, which are uniquely reliant upon air travel, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines share a deep commitment to caring for their employees, guests and communities. This combination will build on the 90+ year legacies and cultures of these two service-oriented airlines, preserve both beloved brands on a single operating platform, and protect and grow union-represented jobs and economic development opportunities in Hawai‘i, with a combined network that will provide more options and added international connectivity for travelers through airline partners including, the oneworld Alliance.
This combination is an exciting next step in our collective journey to provide a better travel experience for our guests and expand options for West Coast and Hawai‘i travelers,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines CEO. “We have a longstanding and deep respect for Hawaiian Airlines, for their role as a top employer in Hawai‘i, and for how their brand and people carry the warm culture of aloha around the globe. Our two airlines are powered by incredible employees, with 90+ year legacies and values grounded in caring for the special places and people that we serve. I am grateful to the more than 23,000 Alaska Airlines employees who are proud to have served Hawai‘i for over 16 years, and we are fully committed to investing in the communities of Hawai‘i and maintaining robust Neighbor Island service that Hawaiian Airlines travelers have come to expect. We look forward to deepening this stewardship as our airlines come together, while providing unmatched value to customers, employees, communities and owners.”
“Since 1929, Hawaiian Airlines has been an integral part of life in Hawai‘i, and together with Alaska Airlines we will be able to deliver more for our guests, employees and the communities that we serve,” said Peter Ingram, Hawaiian Airlines President and CEO. “In Alaska Airlines, we are joining an airline that has long served Hawai‘i, and has a complementary network and a shared culture of service. With the additional scale and resources that this transaction with Alaska Airlines brings, we will be able to accelerate investments in our guest experience and technology, while maintaining the Hawaiian Airlines brand. We are also pleased to deliver significant, immediate and compelling value to our shareholders through this all-cash transaction. Together, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines can bring our authentic brands of hospitality to more of the world while continuing to serve our valued local communities.”
Complementary Networks and Greater Choice for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ Combined 54.7 million Annual Passengers
The combination of complementary domestic, international, and cargo networks is positioned to enhance competition and expand choice for consumers on the West Coast and throughout the Hawaiian Islands through:
Preserving outstanding brands: The combined airline will maintain both industry-leading Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines brands while integrating into a single operating platform, enabling the remarkable service and hospitality of each to be enjoyed by passengers with continued excellence in operational reliability, trust and guest satisfaction for which both companies have been consistently recognized.
An enhanced product offering for a wide range of consumers: The combination preserves and expands high-quality, best-in-class product offerings with price points to make air travel accessible to a wide range of consumers across a range of cabin classes, including greater choice between Alaska Airlines’ high-value, low-fare options and Hawaiian Airlines’ international and long-haul product on par with network carriers.
Complementary networks expand travel options: Passengers traveling throughout the Continental U.S., U.S. West Coast and across the Pacific will benefit from more choice and increased connectivity across both airlines’ networks, with service to 138 destinations including non-stop service to 29 top international destinations in the Americas, Asia, Australia and the South Pacific, and combined access to over 1,200 destinations through the oneworld Alliance.
Expanded service for Hawai‘i: For Hawai‘i residents, the combination will expand service and convenience by tripling the number of destinations throughout North America that can be reached nonstop or one stop from the Islands, while maintaining robust Neighbor Island service and increasing air cargo capacity.
Strategic Honolulu hub: Honolulu will become a key Alaska Airlines hub, enabling greater international connectivity for West Coast travelers throughout the Asia-Pacific region with one-stop service through Hawai‘i.
Increased loyalty program benefits: The transaction will connect Hawaiian Airlines’ loyalty members with enhanced benefits through an industry-leading loyalty program for the combined airline, including the ability to earn and redeem miles on 29 global partners and receive elite benefits on the full complement of oneworld Alliance airlines, expanded global lounge access and benefits of the combined program’s co-brand credit card.
Delivering Substantial Benefits for Employees and Communities in Hawai‘i
As one of Hawai‘i’s largest employers, Hawaiian Airlines has a long legacy of commitment to its employees, who shaped the company over its 94-year history, and to local communities, culture, and the natural environment. As an integrated company, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will continue this stewardship and maintain a strong presence and investment in Hawai‘i. The combined company will drive:
Growth in union-represented jobs: Maintain and grow union-represented jobs in Hawai‘i, including preserving pilot, flight attendant, and maintenance bases in Honolulu and airport operations and cargo throughout the state.
Strong operational presence: Maintain a strong operations presence with local leadership and a regional headquarters in Hawai‘i to support the combined airlines’ network.
Opportunities for employees: Provide more opportunities for career advancement, competitive pay and benefits, and geographic mobility for employees.
Expansion of workforce development initiatives: Continue and expand access to workforce development initiatives, including Hawaiian Airlines’ partnership with the Honolulu Community College Aeronautics Maintenance Technology Program and Alaska Airlines’ Ascend Pilot Academy among others, to support future jobs and career opportunities in Hawai‘i and beyond.
Investment in local communities: Continue to invest in Hawai‘i communities, combining and expanding the two airlines’ commitments, and work with local communities and government to build a vibrant future for Hawai‘i.
Perpetuation of culture: Committed to promoting regenerative tourism in the Hawaiian Islands and investing in Hawaiian language and culture, continuing and building upon Hawaiian Airlines’ existing programs.
Becoming an Even More Sustainable Combined Airline
Alaska Airlines is committed to building upon both Alaska Airlines’ and Hawaiian Airlines’ strong commitments to environmental stewardship, including Alaska Airlines’ five-part path to net zero by 2040 and sustainability goals in areas of carbon emissions and fuel efficiency, waste, and healthy ecosystems. In 2022, Alaska Airlines made its largest Boeing fleet order in its 90-year history, focused on the Boeing 737-MAX aircraft, which are 25% more fuel-efficient on a seat-by-seat basis than the aircraft they replace, and continued to expand use of route optimization software to help dispatchers develop routes that save fuel, time, and emissions. Both airlines are actively working to advance the market for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in their respective geographies. These climate-focused efforts will continue, including continued investment in local sourcing.
Compelling Strategic and Financial Rationale, Generating Outsized Value Creation
The combination fits strategically with Alaska Airlines’ sustained focus on expanding options for West Coast travelers and creates an important new platform to further enhance Alaska Airlines’ above industry-average organic growth. The transaction is designed to deliver attractive value creation for Alaska Airlines’ shareholders while providing a compelling premium for Hawaiian Airlines shareholders.
All-cash transaction of $18.00 per share for a total equity value of $1.0 billion provides a compelling premium for Hawaiian Airlines shareholders.
Transaction multiple of 0.7 times revenue, approximately one third the average of recent airline transactions.
Approximately $235 million of expected run-rate synergies reflect a conservative estimate of the transaction’s synergy potential; these exclude other identified upside opportunities that could be realized.
Expected to generate high single digit earnings accretion for Alaska Airlines within the first two years (high-teens three+ years) post-close and mid-teens ROIC by year three, excluding integration costs, with returns above Alaska Airlines’ cost of capital.
No anticipated material impact on long-term balance sheet metrics, with return to target leverage levels expected within 24 months.
Conditions to Close
The transaction agreement has been approved by both boards. The acquisition is conditioned on required regulatory approvals, approval by Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. shareholders (which is expected to be sought in the first quarter of 2024), and other customary closing conditions. It is expected to close in 12-18 months. The combined organization will be based in Seattle under the leadership of Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. A dedicated leadership team will be established to focus on integration planning.
Advisors
BofA Securities and PJT Partners are serving as financial advisors and O’Melveny & Myers LLP is serving as legal advisor to Alaska Airlines. Barclays is serving as financial advisor and Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati, Professional Corporation is serving as legal advisor to Hawaiian Airlines.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines executives will discuss the transaction on a conference call. An investor presentation about the transaction will be referenced on the conference call and is being posted on the joint website referenced above.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will be joined by local leaders at a joint press conference in Honolulu today, December 3, 2023, at 3:00 p.m. Hawai‘i Standard time.
About Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines and our regional partners serve more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico with new service to the Bahamas and Guatemala beginning in December. We strive to be the most caring airline with award-winning customer service and an industry-leading loyalty program. As a member of the oneworld Alliance, and with our additional global partners, our guests can travel to more than 1,200 destinations on 29 airlines while earning and redeeming miles on flights to locations around the world. Learn more about Alaska at news.alaskaair.com and follow @alaskaairnews for news and stories. Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Now in its 95th year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawaiʻi’s biggest and longest-serving airline. Hawaiian offers approximately 150 daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and nonstop flights between Hawaiʻi and 15 U.S. gateway cities – more than any other airline – 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 2022 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. 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 Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). 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.
Forward-Looking Statements
This communication contains forward-looking statements subject to the safe harbor protection provided by the federal securities laws, including statements relating to the expected timing of the closing of the pending acquisition (the “Transaction”) of Hawaiian Holdings Inc. (“Hawaiian Holdings”) by Alaska Air Group, Inc. (“Alaska Air Group”); considerations taken into account by Alaska Air Group’s and Hawaiian Holdings’ Boards of Directors in approving the Transaction; and expectations for Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings following the closing of the Transaction. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will in fact be consummated. Risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include: the possibility that Hawaiian Holdings shareholders may not approve the adoption of the merger agreement; the risk that a condition to closing of the Transaction may not be satisfied (or waived); the ability of each party to consummate the Transaction; that either party may terminate the merger agreement or that the closing of the Transaction might be delayed or not occur at all; possible disruption related to the Transaction to Alaska Air Group’s or Hawaiian Holding’s current plans or operations, including through the loss of customers and employees; the diversion of management time and attention from ongoing business operations and opportunities; the response of competitors to the Transaction; a failure to (or delay in) receiving the required regulatory clearances for the Transaction; uncertainties regarding Alaska Air Group’s ability to successfully integrate the operations of Hawaiian Holdings and Alaska Air Group and the time and cost to do so; the outcome of any legal proceedings that could be instituted against Hawaiian Holdings, Alaska Air Group or others relating to the Transaction; Alaska Air Group’s ability to realize anticipated cost savings, synergies or growth from the Transaction in the timeframe expected or at all; legislative, regulatory and economic developments affecting the business of Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings; general economic conditions including those associated with pandemic recovery; the possibility and severity of catastrophic events, including but not limited to, pandemics, natural disasters, acts of terrorism or outbreak of war or hostilities; and other risks and uncertainties detailed in periodic reports that Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings file with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”). All forward-looking statements in this communication are based on information available to Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings as of the date of this communication. Alaska Air Group and Hawaiian Holdings each expressly disclaim any obligation to publicly update or revise the forward-looking statements, except as required by law.
Additional Information and Where to Find It
Hawaiian Holdings, its directors and certain executive officers are participants in the solicitation of proxies from stockholders in connection with the Transaction. Hawaiian Holdings plans to file a proxy statement (the “Transaction Proxy Statement”) with the SEC in connection with the solicitation of proxies to approve the Transaction.
Daniel W. Akins, Wendy A. Beck, Earl E. Fry, Lawrence S. Hershfield, C. Jayne Hrdlicka, Peter R. Ingram, Michael E. McNamara, Crystal K. Rose, Mark D. Schneider, Craig E. Vosburg, Duane E. Woerth and Richard N. Zwern, all of whom are members of Hawaiian Holdings’ board of directors, and Shannon L. Okinaka, Hawaiian Holdings’ chief financial officer, are participants in Hawaiian Holdings’ solicitation. None of such participants owns in excess of one percent of Hawaiian Holdings’ common stock. Additional information regarding such participants, including their direct or indirect interests, by security holdings or otherwise, will be included in the Transaction Proxy Statement and other relevant documents to be filed with the SEC in connection with the Transaction. Please refer to the information relating to the foregoing (other than for Messrs. Akins and Woerth) under the caption “Security Ownership of Certain Beneficial Owners and Management” in Hawaiian Holdings’ definitive proxy statement for its 2023 annual meeting of stockholders (the “2023 Proxy Statement”), which was filed with the SEC on April 5, 2023 and is available at https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1172222/000117222223000022/ha-20230405.htm#i2d8a68908cc64c37bbeca80e509abb72_31. Since the filing of the 2023 Proxy Statement, (a) each director (other than Mr. Ingram) received a grant of 13,990 restricted stock units that will vest upon the earlier of (i) the day prior to Hawaiian Holdings’ 2024 annual meeting of stockholders or (ii) a change in control of Hawaiian Holdings; (b) Mr. Ingram received a grant of 163,755 restricted stock units; and (c) Ms. Okinaka received a grant of 57,314 restricted stock units. In the Transaction, equity awards held by Mr. Ingram and Ms. Okinaka will be treated in accordance with their respective severance and change in control agreements. As of December 1, 2023, Mr. Ingram beneficially owns 340,964 shares and Ms. Okinaka beneficially owns 86,903 shares. The 2023 proxy statement, under the caption “Executive Compensation—Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control,” contains certain illustrative information on the payments that may be owed to Mr. Ingram and Ms. Okinaka in a change of control of Hawaiian Holdings. As of December 1, 2023, (a) Mr. Woerth beneficially owns 37,389 shares and (b)Mr. Akins beneficially owns no shares. Mr. Akins received a grant of 13,990 restricted stock units that will vest upon the earlier of (a) the day prior to Hawaiian Holdings’ 2024 annual meeting of stockholders or (b) a change of control.
Promptly after filing the definitive Transaction Proxy Statement with the SEC, Hawaiian Holdings will mail the definitive Transaction Proxy Statement and a WHITE proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the special meeting to consider the Transaction. STOCKHOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE TRANSACTION PROXY STATEMENT (INCLUDING ANY AMENDMENTS OR SUPPLEMENTS THERETO) AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS THAT HAWAIIAN HOLDINGS WILL FILE WITH THE SEC WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION. Stockholders may obtain, free of charge, the preliminary and definitive versions of the Transaction Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other relevant documents filed by Hawaiian Holdings with the SEC in connection with the Transaction at the SEC’s website (http://www.sec.gov). Copies of Hawaiian Holdings’ definitive Transaction Proxy Statement, any amendments or supplements thereto, and any other relevant documents filed by Hawaiian Holdings with the SEC in connection with the Transaction will also be available, free of charge, at Hawaiian Holdings’ investor relations website (https://newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/investor-relations), or by writing to Hawaiian Holdings Inc., Attention: Investor Relations, P.O. Box 30008, Honolulu, HI 96820.
Go global! Our guests can now purchase thousands of flights to more than 500 destinations across 20 oneworld and additional partner airlines directly at alaskaair.com
Are you eager to lose yourself far away from home? Maybe get swept up in the awe of Paris; absorb the history, food and beauty of Japan; head down under to Sydney to dive into jaw-dropping Australian beaches. Alaska Airlines can help get you there with the power of alaskaair.com and the rewards of our Mileage Plan program. From Austin to Auckland or Zihuatanejo to Zanzibar, alaskaair.com can now take you to more than 500 global destinations.
We recently surveyed 1,000 flyers nationwide to understand the destinations on their bucket lists*. One thing is clear: International travel remains BIG.
Nearly 85% of U.S. travelers plan to cross the Atlantic or Pacific in the next three years to visit overseas hot spots.
Nearly half of the respondents say they’re most interested in visiting Europe if they take a trip outside the U.S. in the next year. The United Kingdom, France, Spain, Ireland, Germany and Greece register as top choices.
One in 10 of those surveyed say they’re most interested in heading to Oceania with Australia as their top choice followed by New Zealand and Fiji.
About the same number of travelers – one in 10 – say Asia captures their attention with Japan ranking as the preferred destination followed by South Korea and the Philippines.
We’re building a world-class, direct booking platform with access to a robust portfolio of domestic and global partners. Your hassle-free journey starts at alaskaair.com where tickets for flights can be purchased for travel onboard premium global carriers that include Air Tahiti Nui; Finnair; Iberia; Japan Airlines; Qantas; Qatar Airways; STARLUX Airlines, and more. You can buy tickets with our partners in all classes of service (maybe treat yourself to business class?).
Premium Economy on STARLUX Airlines Business Class on Condor Airlines
The power of our oneworld and partner airlines is now fully accessible by our flyers who can book their overseas travel directly on our website,” said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines. “When you book at alaskaair.com, you earn elite qualifying miles for every mile flown, no change fees and triple miles for all purchases when using the Alaska Airlines credit card.”
Alaskaair.com offers a unique booking proposition with key benefits when purchasing tickets directly, including more rewards, more ease and more care:
Fly a mile, earn a mile with us and our partners:
Our Mileage Plan members earn 100% of the miles they fly on our partners when booked at alaskaair.com.** For overseas roundtrips that cover thousands of miles, that’s thousands of Mileage Plan miles earned. We’re the only U.S. airline that offers this level of loyalty to our members.
Earn valuable elite qualifying miles on our partners when booking partner flights on alaskaair.com:
Mileage Plan members earn at least 100% of the miles flown as elite qualifying miles (EQMs) that apply toward elite status with us.** We have a faster path to becoming an elite flyer than other U.S. airlines. And status with us equals matching tier status within the oneworld alliance and all the benefits that come with it.
All flights purchased on alaskaair.com with our credit card earn triple miles:
The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card offers triple miles on all ticket purchases at alaskaair.com including overseas flights on our partners. Every dollar spent is three miles earned when using our credit card to purchase all flights on our site.
Here’s a scenario:
You and three of your family members travel from San Francisco to Tokyo on our fellow oneworld member Japan Airlines.
You buy roundtrip tickets for $2,000 each on alaskaair.com using your Alaska credit card.
4 tickets x $2,000 apiece x 3 miles per dollar spent = 24,000 total Mileage Plan miles earned.
Plus, if miles flown on the Japan Airlines flight are credited to your Alaska account, those are additional miles earned – one mile for every mile flown.
That’s more than 10,000 miles for each person roundtrip!
No change fees. Ever:
There are no change or cancellation fees when booking with us. And that includes partner flights.**
Buying tickets with our partners on alaskaair.com is simple:
Many of our guests know our website, and most already have a Mileage Plan account with their profile information and payment details stored. That information is ready to use when purchasing overseas travel with our global partners. Plus, you can see all your trips in one place. And don’t forget about our award-winning guest service and care we’re known for.
We’re rolling out new global award redemptions in March 2024. With a focus on simplicity, value and availability, Mileage Plan members will have new options to choose from when booking flights with miles on our 24 partner airlines. We’ll offer award redemptions starting as low as 4,500 miles one-way. We’re also expanding award availability so our members can find more award space when they want to travel.
* To gather the data, Alaska Airlines conducted an online survey earlier this year with a third-party research partner in the U.S. among 1,000 Americans over 18 who have taken a domestic or international flight in the past three years.
** Saver or basic economy tickets are excluded. Effective for flights on or after Jan. 1, 2024, Mileage Plan members who book on alaskaair.com earn 100% of the miles they fly on our partners. These miles are elite qualifying miles (EQMs) that apply toward elite status with us.
Alaska Airlines earned a score of 100 on HRC’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index
Alaska Airlines is a long-time supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, our partners and allies alike, and we are committed to creating an environment where our guests, employees and business partners feel included and belong.
Today, we are proud to announce we have achieved a score of 100 on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation’s 2023-2024 Corporate Equality Index (CEI), the nation’s foremost benchmarking survey and report measuring corporate policies and practices related to LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
Our improved score, up from 90 for the last few years, reflects our commitment to inclusivity, including reinstating domestic partner benefits, employee toolkits for LGBTQ+ Inclusive Benefits and Guidance to Support Employees Transitioning in the Workplace and updated language in existing policies that already allowed domestic partners to receive benefits to be clearer.
Receiving a score of 100 from the HRC underscores our commitment to creating an environment where all employees feel safe to be themselves. I am proud of the improvements we have made for our LGBTQ+ community,” said Andy Schneider, senior vice president of People, “Together with members of the Pride Crew Business Resource Group we are making a difference for all employees.”
Our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) work is ongoing and includes everything from improving the guest experience to incorporating best practices in how we do business and much more.
Read more below on how we care for and support the LGBTQ+ community and employees.
Creating an inclusive travel experience
From the moment you book a ticket to when you reach 10,000 feet and climbing, we care about creating an inclusive travel experience.
To show our commitment, we have:
Upgraded our reservations systems to provide guests with expanded gender options – ‘X’ (unspecified) or ‘U’ (undisclosed) identifiers are available across all Alaska platforms.
Moved to use gender-neutral plane greetings for inflight announcements.
Partnered with film festivals and independent film studios to create a Pride Month collection for our inflight entertainment.
Supporting our employees
We encourage our employees to bring their authentic selves to work, and our commitment is to ensure a welcoming, safe and respectful work environment for all.
Here are some of the ways we have and continue to create an inclusive environment for employees:
Updated our grooming and uniform guidelines to provide employees with more individuality and gender expression at work, and became the first US carrier to develop a universal uniform piece. Our Business Resource Group (BRG) Pride Crew was instrumental in providing feedback and was a key partner in the development of the universal uniform piece.
Introduced personal pronoun pins.
Launched diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) education modules/content on how to be an LGBTQ+ ally.
Added domestic partners to health benefits and updated language in existing policies that already allowed domestic partners to receive benefits to be more explicit.
Adjusted our benefits to meet the full WPATH (World Professional Association for Transgender Health) standards and requirements. If an employee has an eligible person on their benefits that is transgender and needs to utilize benefits, they can do so.
Raised the inclusive Pride flag at our corporate headquarters building in SeaTac, WA, and unveiled a Pride-inspired plane on an Airbus aircraft in 2021 (which was respectfully retired in 2022 as part of our company’s plan to move to an all-Boeing fleet for mainline flying by the end of 2023).
Better together
To meet and honor our commitments, we must also work with partners who understand the space better than us.
For the 16th year in a row, we’ve partnered with the Greater Seattle Business Association (GSBA) – Washington State’s LGBTQ and allied Chamber of Commerce and the largest of its kind in North America. GSBA represents over 1,300 small business, corporate, and nonprofit members who share the values of promoting equality and diversity in the workplace.
Through the GSBA, we’ve invested over $300,000 in business development and expanding economic opportunities for LGBTQ+ business owners and helped raise an additional $200,000 in direct support for the GSBA’s Scholarship and Education fund.
We are a national member of the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) and sponsor HRC fundraisers along the West Coast. Some of our other partners include Lambda Legal and we provide in-kind support to smaller grassroots organizations and fundraisers such as the LGBTQ Community Center Fund, LGBTQ Center of Orange County, National LGBTQ + Bar Association, Southeast Alaska LGBTQ Alliance, and many more.
In 2019, we joined a growing coalition of over 300 businesses across the U.S. to voice our public support for the federal Equality Act, and with our community partners, we sponsor and participate in Pride parades, Pride nights with sports partners and events across the West Coast every year.
Alaska Airlines delivers a dose of joy to a Navy mom battling cancer through our Gift of Travel
Heather Nysted could barely contain herself. She had just flown Alaska Airlines from Milwaukee to San Diego and was waiting to surprise her cousin, Amanda Bjyrd, a Navy corpsman, who is battling cancer.
The moment she spotted Amanda the tears began to flow — happy tears, not sad. The two close cousins hadn’t seen each other in two years.
It was all part of Alaska’s “Gift of Travel” program, which gives the magic of travel to individuals or groups who deserve it the most. This “Gift of Travel” provided trips for injured or ill veterans and service members to fly home during the holidays in partnership with the nonprofit Warrior Foundation Freedom Station in San Diego.
However, when non-profit leaders told Alaska not every active-duty service member they help are able to fly because of medical conditions or issues, like Bjyrd, we knew we had to bring the holidays to them instead. That’s when Alaska orchestrated Nysted’s travel plans behind the scenes to make it a surprise—and all the more special.
Being able to actually see her in person, and to give her a hug was so amazing. I am just so grateful to Alaska Airlines for this opportunity,” Nysted said.
Two peas in a pod
Bjyrd and Nysted grew up together. They were like sisters. When Bjyrd joined the Navy and was stationed in sunny San Diego, they kept in touch and planned to visit each other regularly.
But life threw Bjyrd a curveball.
Diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2021, she confronted a barrage of treatments, surgeries and obstacles. Balancing the roles of mother, Navy hospital corpsman and cancer warrior, she took on the challenges with unwavering strength.
But she allowed that stoicism to melt a bit when she saw her cousin in person. Having her “bestie” fly in to be with her for a few days was just what the doctor ordered.
“She means the world to me,” Bjyrd said.
Amanda Bjyrd (left) Navy Corpsman, and Heather Nysted
The Gift of Travel
Alaska’s “Gift of Travel” started as a grass roots effort to give back to those who deserve the magic of travel, but can’t because of personal, financial or other obstacles.
“Our Gift of Travel ensures that these seriously ill and injured active-duty service members won’t spend the holidays alone,” said David Tucker, MD of public affairs in California. “Service members like Amanda make incredible personal sacrifices for us all. Being able to provide her a little bit of care and comfort is what our airline is all about.”
Alaska is also giving the “Gift of Travel” to two dozen other veterans, who are supported by the Warrior Freedom Foundation, with roundtrip flights from San Diego to their hometowns or city of their choice for the holidays. Alaska’s own Military, Veterans & Allies (MVA) BRG group is also supporting the non-profit’s cause with a $2,500 donation.
“When Amanda and Heather reunited, it was apparent just how meaningful Alaska’s Gift of Travel is for active service members and their families,” said Mia, an talent acquisition partner at Alaska and member of Alaska’s Military BRG. “We all cried, a lot.”
Planting our heart in California
Alaska Airlines has continued to grow our California presence in 2023 with four new route announcements from San Diego, solidifying our position as the airline with the most nonstop destinations from the market. In all of California, we’ll have launched nine new routes by the end of this year and added frequency to more than 30 more. As we continue to grow our presence across the state, partnerships like this one with the Warrior Foundation Freedom Station show how much we care.
Alaska Airlines partners with CHOOOSE to empower guests to reduce emissions and support growth of the sustainable aviation fuel market
Alaska Mileage Plan members can earn Elite-Qualifying Miles when they support sustainable aviation fuel, contributing to their elite qualification for the new year
Alaska Airlines announced today it is partnering with climate-tech company CHOOOSE to provide new options for sustainability-minded guests to take action on their travel-related carbon emissions by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) credits or support nature-based climate projects.
A banner on the reservations confirmation page invites guests to learn more about the carbon emissions generated by their own prior or upcoming travel (with emission calculations based on the International Air Transport Association (IATA)’s carbon emissions methodology. Guests can choose between SAF credits or from certified nature-based projects in geographies where the airline flies, such as Doyon Native Community Forest Project, Freres Biochar, The Guatemalan Conservation Coast, and more.
Alaska is also rewarding guests who purchase a certain amount of SAF credits (i.e. SAF environmental attributes) with Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), as part of the airline’s year-end elite status promotions, further reflecting its emphasis on scaling and leading the advancement of SAF.
Now through December 31, 2023, Alaska Mileage Plan members will earn 500 Elite-Qualifying Miles (EQMs) per $100 of SAF credits purchased (with a 5,000 EQM limit). These funds will go toward the purchase and use of SAF while providing a sustainability-focused way to reach that year-end mileage target and earn elite status for the year ahead. To learn more, visit alaskaair.chooose.today/eqm
We know that reaching our sustainability goals – including net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 – will require investment and action on all fronts, and that sustainable aviation fuel presents our best opportunity to take a leap forward on this journey,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, Senior Vice President, Public Affairs and Sustainability, Alaska. “But today, there isn’t enough SAF to meet demand – and we need to bring its cost down by creating scale. That’s why, in addition to purchasing and using SAF, building partnerships, and advocating for public policy support, we’re inviting our guests to join us – to learn more about SAF, to invest in its development, and to help us grow supply for the future. We’re excited to link this work to our loyalty plan, helping guests get closer to that next elite tier, in partnership with a creative innovator like CHOOOSE – and we look forward to building on this platform.”
Alaska has been a leader in advancing the market for SAF and was the first commercial U.S. airline to fly multiple routes using the alternative fuel in 2011. But there is still not enough SAF to support the industry’s operational needs, and that must change to meet the goals we have set as an industry. Since 2010, Alaska has worked with a coalition of partners to advance SAF – which produces up to 80% lower carbon emissions than traditional jet fuel – on multiple fronts including:
The airlines’ largest SAF purchase of 185 million gallons from producer Gevo, and an additional SAF purchase agreement with producer Aemetis;
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;
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;
And, partnerships with companies like Microsoft and others, to reduce emissions from business travel.
This step 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. For more information about Alaska’s collaboration with CHOOOSE, please visit alaskaair.chooose.today.
Alaska Airlines launches nonstops between Seattle/Everett-Honolulu and Portland-Miami
We’re taking our guests to popular vacation getaways: Seattle area’s second airport now connected to Hawaii; Miami becomes fourth Florida city with nonstops from Portland
Alaska Airlines welcomed guests today seeking warm temperatures and sunny skies on our new nonstop flights between Seattle/Everett-Honolulu and Portland-Miami. The daily, year-round flights are available for purchase at alaskaair.com.
“Travel demand to leisure destinations to relax and recharge remains strong, especially to sun and fun locations as cooler weather settles in,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines. “Our new nonstop between Seattle/Everett and Honolulu is our first regularly scheduled service connecting Paine Field to Hawaii. And our new coast-to-coast route between Portland and Miami links two destinations that were the largest underserved cities for each airport.”
For a growing number of our guests, Seattle/Everett – home to Paine Field Snohomish County Airport – is a more convenient option with a smaller terminal and an upscale lounge atmosphere. It’s located about 25 miles north of downtown Seattle. We launched commercial service there in March 2019 when the new facility opened.
For those traveling between Honolulu and Washington State, flying into Seattle/Everett is a less congested option and offers a different way to access the greater Seattle area,” said Daniel Chun, director of sales, community and public relations in Hawaii for Alaska Airlines. “With this new flight, we’ll fly a combined six nonstops a day to the two Seattle area airports from Oahu, providing our leisure and business travelers with a variety of flight times that work best for them.”
We now fly from eight West Coast gateways to Hawaii: Anchorage, Seattle/Everett, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego. From these airports, we serve Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii with an average of 30 nonstop, peak-daily flights.
In Portland, we’ve been the largest carrier for more than 20 years. With our new service to Miami, we currently fly to 52 nonstop destinations from the Rose City. Miami is the fourth Florida city we serve nonstop from Portland joining Fort Lauderdale, Orlando and Tampa. We also fly nonstop to Miami from Seattle.
Alaska is first airline to offer Tap to Pay on iPhone – giving guests more choice for how to pay
Whether you’re on your way to a celebratory vacation or coming home after a long business trip, that inflight beverage always hits the spot. Coming soon to your next flight, you can pay for your alcoholic beverage or snack pack with just a simple tap from your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with Apple Pay, other digital wallet, or contactless credit or debit card – no more swiping!
Our flight attendants use iPhones onboard the aircraft to make sure you’re seated correctly, deliver your pre-ordered meal, offer you an elite chocolate and take snack and alcohol orders. Because of new technology from Apple and our partnership with Stripe, a financial infrastructure platform for businesses, we can now use those iPhones accept your contactless payment method of choice.
“We’re constantly innovating to give our guests the most seamless and caring experience possible,” said Charu Jain, senior vice president of innovation and merchandising. “We’re proud to partner with Stripe to be the first airline to bring Apple’s Tap to Pay on iPhone technology to flight.”
How does it work?
When it’s time to pay for your beverage or snack pack, simply hold your iPhone or Apple Watch to pay with Apple Pay, your contactless credit or debit card, or other digital wallet near the flight attendant’s iPhone. The payment will be securely completed via NFC technology.
Voila! It’s that easy.
Tap to Pay on iPhone is rolling out on select flights and will be available across our fleet in the next few months.
Pre-order your meals before you board!
We’re constantly bringing new and interesting meals onboard our flights. You can catch the latest menu here. All meals onboard our flights must be preordered at least 20 hours before your flight.
Here’s how you pre-order on the Alaska Airlines app:
Log in and locate your upcoming trip from app home screen.
Under flight info, locate “food pre-order”
Make your pre-order selection and follow steps to store your credit card information for an easy, touch-free transaction on board.
Between pre-ordering your meal and tapping to pay for your cocktail, we’re making it as easy as ever to enjoy your flight. This is just another way we are innovating to bring our guests the most seamless experience possible – from our airport lobbies to the aisles of our aircraft.
Alaska Airlines celebrates 35 years of connecting guests with Mexico
We’re proud to be the #1 U.S. carrier from the west coast to Mexico with the most nonstop flights and destinations to Mexico. And, today, marks the 35th anniversary of our first flight ever to Mexico!
On that historic Tuesday in 1988, Alaska became an international airline when we began nonstop service between San Francisco and Mazatlán. We then began service from San Francisco to Puerto Vallarta the following day.
Today, we serve 8 incredible cities in Mexico, each offering a unique blend of history, culture, natural beauty, and entertainment, including Cancun, Guadalajara, Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo, Los Cabos, Loreto, Manzanillo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.
From November 14-16, travelers can score flights to several popular tourist destinations across Mexico including, Puerto Vallarta, Los Cabos, Loreto, Cancun and Zihuatanejo, for as little as $99 one way. More details on this special sale can be found here.
Enjoy the stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters.
Explore the Mayan ruins of Tulum and Chichen Itza.
Experience vibrant nightlife in the Hotel Zone.
Go snorkeling or diving in the nearby cenotes and coral reefs.
Guadalajara (GDL)
In Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, explore the rich cultural heritage by visiting historic landmarks like the Cathedral and the Instituto Cultural Cabañas, savor traditional cuisine including birria and tequila, enjoy mariachi music, and stroll through the vibrant Tlaquepaque district for artisan crafts and local art.
Tips from Lezly, Alaska customer service agent trainer in GDL:
Guadalajara is the origin of most of the Mexican traditions for what our country is known for! The mariachi, the charros, the tequila is all from here. If you visit us, walking downtown should be on your list— there are beautiful buildings with so much history you would really love. Don’t miss the food restaurants like los chilaquiles, casa bariachi or La chata, are very good options. Finally, if you have time to visit Tlaquepaque, Tequila and Chapala Lake these towns around the city will fascinate you.
– Lezly, Alaska customer service agent trainer in GDL
Downtown Guadalajara (photo from Lezly)
Ixtapa/Zihuatanejo (ZIH)
Revel in two distinct experiences — enjoy resort-style beaches and watersports in Ixtapa, and savor a laid-back atmosphere, local culture, fresh seafood and vibrant markets in the charming fishing town of Zihuatanejo.
Los Cabos (SJD)
In Los Cabos, savor the stunning beaches, partake in water activities like snorkeling, whale-watching and sportfishing. Also, explore the iconic Arch of Cabo San Lucas and experience the vibrant nightlife or the laid-back luxury of San José del Cabo’s historic district.
Loreto (LTO)
Venture the quaint historic town, visit the Mission of Our Lady of Loreto, discover marine life while snorkeling or kayaking in the Sea of Cortez, and hike in the stunning Sierra de la Giganta mountains for breathtaking vistas and nature encounters.
Manzanillo (ZLO)
A picturesque coastal gem on Mexico’s Pacific shore, Manzanillo welcomes visitors with endless activities. Start your adventure by basking on pristine beaches, including Playa Miramar and Playa La Audiencia, where you can soak up the sun, swim, and engage in water sports.
For a cultural touch, explore the colorful downtown area and visit the iconic Our Lady of Guadalupe Church. Don’t miss the scenic Malecon, offering seaside promenades and a vibrant atmosphere with eateries and shops. If you’re a nature enthusiast, head to the nearby eco-park, El Salto, for hiking and bird-watching in lush surroundings. Manzanillo is renowned for its sportfishing, and you can embark on deep-sea fishing excursions to reel in impressive catches. The city’s seafood is legendary, so savor the freshest catches at local restaurants. Whether you’re seeking relaxation or adventure, Manzanillo offers a delightful array of experiences along its sun-kissed shores.
Mazatlán (MZT)
One of the more exciting tourist attractions, Mazatlan cliff divers often jump several times a day from a 45-foot cliff known as the Pearl of The Pacific.
Explore the enchanting Historic Center, with its colonial architecture and iconic Angela Peralta Theater.
Don’t miss the picturesque Plazuela Machado, a hub for dining and cultural activities.
The El Faro Lighthouse provides panoramic views, while the Malecon invites leisurely strolls along the oceanfront.
Explore the Golden Zone for lively nightlife, exceptional seafood, and shopping.
Adventure seekers can take panga tours to nearby islands or enjoy a tranquil day trip to Stone Island.
The Plazuela Machado
The Plazuela Machado is one of the oldest in the City of Mazatlan; historical records tell us that it was built in 1837 under the auspices of a rich merchant in silver, fabrics and pearls, Don Juan Nepomuceno Machado. Originally an esplanade was built for La Plazuela, which was surrounded by 36 majestic stone benches and leafy orange trees, the reason for the latter, so this place was known for a long time as the ‘Paseo de los Naranjos.’ La Plazuela Machado is one of the venues of the Carnival festivities, since year after year a gastronomic exhibition is held in this place, in which the best and most representative restaurants in the town participate.
– Luis, Alaska customer service agent in MZT
Puerto Vallarta (PVR)
Relax on beautiful beaches and enjoy water sports.
Stroll along the Malecon boardwalk.
Take a boat tour to the Marietas Islands or Los Arcos.
Experience the vibrant nightlife in the Romantic Zone.
You must visit Marietas Island, you can only get there swimming. It’s a great experience. Rhythms of the Night is at the top of the list “must do in PVR” this is a cruise, dinner, and a show like no other.
– Karen, an Alaska customer service agent in PVR
Alaska Airlines is rolling out new global award redemptions
With focus on simplicity, value and availability, Mileage Plan members will have new options to choose from across our 24 partner airlines; award redemptions to start at 4,500 miles each way
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles have long offered outsized value for our members who work hard to earn and save their miles. That’s why we’re making it even easier and more rewarding to go global with our Mileage Plan program with upfront information that’s clearer and more user-friendly. We’re also expanding award availability so our members can find more award space when they want to travel.
We now have a more straightforward set of award charts for all our oneworld and partner airlines that will be effective in March 2024. The new charts are divided into three regions: the Americas; Europe, Middle East and Africa; and Asia-Pacific. They provide clearly defined ‘starting from’ redemption rates that vary depending on the distance being flown*.
With the new distance-based structure, 60% of partner nonstop routes in economy class and 64% of routes in business class will start at a lower price point. The streamlined information gives a better idea of how many miles are needed to fly to and within regions of the world with short-haul awards starting as low as 4,500 miles each way (down from 7,500). Many shorter-distance flights within continents will start at up to half the current price.
We’re also expanding access to premium economy awards with more partners than ever before, including American Airlines and Japan Airlines, at award levels starting just 30% higher than economy*. Awards start at only 6,000 miles one-way in premium economy (down from 12,500) and business class is available from 9,000 miles each way (down from 20,000).
All our partner redemption pricing will be one-way so our guests can mix and match which airlines they’re flying, say British Airways on an outbound flight from Seattle to London and then Finnair from Helsinki to Seattle for the return.
Mileage Plan has long been known for offering great value on global redemptions with access to some of the most aspirational premium products and destinations,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of loyalty, alliances and sales at Alaska Airlines. “We’re excited to provide a more straightforward award proposition while doubling down on the opportunities our guests will have to find amazing values.”
Alaska has consistently offered some of the best global award redemptions in the industry. Our March 2024 enhancements will provide our guests with more options and even more value:
• We’re creating additional itineraries when combining Alaska flights with partner flights, providing more availability when connecting to global partner destinations.
• We’ll open access to increased award inventory on 10% of partner routes covering more than 370 global destinations. This gives members the flexibility to use additional miles to fly when they want in the cabin they want.
• We’re adding new awards between and within regions outside of North America, such as Madrid to London, Paris to Sydney, or Tokyo to Singapore.
• We’re reducing the miles required to some of our most sought-after global destinations. For example, award pricing to London and Tokyo will be reduced by 15% on average when traveling nonstop from the West Coast.
• Beginning in 2024, we’ll offer regular global partner award sales with quarterly, limited-time promotions featuring special pricing of up to 50% off specific partners, routes or destinations.
• We’ll continue to offer one of the most generous stopover policies on award tickets in the industry. Stopovers allow for a free stop in a partner’s hub on the way to a final destination, squeezing in two trips for the price of one. Many other carriers allow no stopovers at all or only one stopover on roundtrip itineraries.
We’re committed to continuing to develop new ways of adding flexibility for our Mileage Plan members. In the future, members will be able to redeem award tickets with a combination of miles and money that will give them more control. We’ll also offer mileage redemption when combining two partner airlines in a single itinerary on a one-way trip. Plus, we’ll further enhance the value of Mileage Plan miles by introducing the ability to redeem miles on car rentals.
*For partner-only nonstop itineraries. Pricing may vary on partner awards that include connecting segments on Alaska.
Lonewolf and Indiana: From Air Force buddies to Alaska pilots
When a guest posted that her Alaska Airlines pilots had flown together in the Air Force, we had to look into it. After some digging, we found that, indeed, First Officer Lloyd and Captain David served in the U.S. Air Force in the ’90s and today often coordinate their schedules to fly together.
It’s a friendship that started while hunkered in a tent eating MREs (Meal, Ready-to-Eat or prepacked grub) over 25 years ago. They were two different guys from vastly different parts of the country, but united in a passion and dedication to serve their country.
Llyod (left) and David (right) in the U.S. Air Force | And, both of them at Alaska Airlines years later.
Lloyd grew up in Maine and got the bug to fly soon after graduating from college as part of Air Force ROTC. After pilot training, he moved onto being an instructor on the T-37 and then flew the C-141 Starlifter and the C-17 Globemaster. He also did an exchange for four years as an instructor pilot on the T-34C for the Navy.
It was while flying the C-141 at an exercise at McChord Air Force Base (known today as Joint Base Lewis-McChord) in Tacoma, Washington that he met David, a farm kid from Indiana.
David grew up with his neck craned to the sky watching military jets fly routes over his family’s small farm. He pursued an aeronautical engineering degree and landed a job at Boeing, where he soon decided he’d much rather fly the airplanes than analyze them. So, he applied to the Air Force and, after training, flew the C-141 out of McChord and then the C-12J (a Beech 1900C twin turbo prop) on a tour in South Korea.
It was at McChord that he ended up seated next to Lloyd as his instructor on a training flight. “We needed to block four hours, so instead of just beating up the pattern at McChord we flew the aircraft up to British Columbia. It was a beautiful flight day, and a memorable one flying over Vancouver Island.”
The two aviators ended the day and went their separate ways.
“We didn’t figure we’d see each other again, so we said our goodbyes,” Lloyd said.
But fate had other plans.
Three months later, Lloyd and David found themselves once again randomly assigned together for a training exercise.
“We spent three days living in a tent eating MREs,” Lloyd said. “It was during this time that we found we had a lot in common.”
They flew together more over the years and stayed in touch, sharing a love for the outdoors, hunting, fishing, motorcycles and cars. David retired in 1999, joined the Air Force Reserve and soon after was hired at Alaska.
Lloyd stayed in the service as an instructor and did a stint “flying a desk” as he says, in Korea. But it wasn’t long after he announced that he was planning to hang up his military flight suit that he got a call from his old friend. It went something like, ‘hey let’s get the band back together.’ Lloyd applied at Alaska and joined the airline in 2012.
Today, the Alaska captain/check airman and first officer often bid their trips together, savoring the time to reconnect and catch up.
“We enjoy flying together so much that I tell passengers if they have half as much fun as Lloyd and I will be having flying them, that they’re going to have a great time,” David said.
David likes to rib Lloyd about whether he plans to execute a Navy or an Air Force landing on any particular day, as he taught for both branches of the service. (Ask any Navy or Air Force pilot if there’s a difference and you’ll get an earful.)
Guests on their flights get a kick out of hearing their story, oftentimes commenting to each other or stopping at the flight deck as they deplane, thanking them for their service.
Radio Host Carla Marie’s post. A frequent flyer on Alaska, said she got “chills/tears” when she heard their story.
The serendipity of it all is not lost on the two.
It really is a great experience to have this long history together and share our joy of flying for Alaska Airlines,” David said. “When we are at 35,000 feet and enjoying the amazing view, we still sometimes look at each other and find it hard to believe we have such a fantastic job and are able to do it together.”
