Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK), the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2023 first quarter financial results at 11:30 a.m. EDT/ 8:30 a.m. PDT, Thursday, April 20, 2023. A webcast of the call will be available to the public at www.alaskaair.com/investors. An archive of the call will be posted on the website later that morning.
Alaska Airlines and the Surfrider Foundation partner to protect coastal habitats and reduce waste from single-use plastics
April is Earth Month, a time when we come together to care for the planet. Alaska is all about care and we’re on a journey to care for the environment around us, but we know we can’t achieve a greener future alone. That’s why we’re proud to announce a special partnership to help protect the ocean, waves and beaches in all the incredible places where we live and fly.
This month, Alaska and Surfrider will begin organizing a series of events to invite Alaska employees and members of our West Coast communities, including California, Hawaii and the Pacific Northwest, to clean up beaches through Surfrider’s extensive network of grassroots leaders and volunteers. We’ll also work together on ongoing cleanup and restoration projects and collaborate on education and advocacy to support the reduction of single-use plastics.
We’re committed to being part of a positive future for the role that our ocean and coasts play in our communities, which is why we’ve set goals for our company to reduce waste and have made significant progress in the last few years to reduce single-use plastic on our flights,” said Scott Coughlan, director of sustainability at Alaska Airlines. “The Surfrider team truly walks the talk, rolling up their sleeves to clean up beaches and other impacted areas. We are excited to share our passion for bringing people together, and for sustainability, to partner on this journey.”
We’re proud to be the first airline to eliminate plastic bottles, cups, straws, stir sticks and citrus picks from inflight service, annually reducing more than 2.2 million pounds of plastic waste.
We have set voluntary sustainability goals for reducing our environmental impact in carbon, waste, and water – including replacing the top five waste-producing items in onboard service by 2025 — and balancing our water footprint through habitat restoration projects. While we take steps to eliminate plastics, we also encourage our guests to join in reducing waste by bringing their own water bottles to #FillBeforeYouFly.
The Surfrider Foundation is proud to partner with Alaska Airlines, which has been a leader in reducing single-use plastics in air travel,” said Surfrider’s CEO Dr. Chad Nelsen. “Starting in 2018 with the elimination of straws, they are now encouraging their passengers to use reusables and #fillbeforeyoufly, while also eliminating plastics cups. We are excited to extend their commitment to reduce plastic pollution to coastal communities through cleanups and local education.”
Since 1984, the Surfrider Foundation has been working to protect and preserve the world’s ocean, waves and beaches for all people through a powerful activist network. It started as a group of surfers that came together to protect the beaches in Malibu, California and has grown into one of the largest coastal protection groups in the world.
Traveling like a pro with Alaska Airlines means maximizing your travel experience and planning ahead to make your trip as simple as possible. Here are some ways to do it:
Go digital.
Download and use the Alaska Airlines app to save time at the ticket counter. Store your reservations, check in and receive digital boarding passes, track your flight status, get notifications about your flight, change to earlier or later flights (if available), and so much more.
Pre-order your favorite meal.
You can conveniently pre-order freshly prepared meals ahead your flight through our mobile app or on alaskaair.com from 2 weeks to 20 hours prior to your flight. See what’s currently on the menu (vegan and gluten-free options are also available for pre-order!)
Note: if you change your flights, your meal choices won’t transfer to your new flight. You’ll need to pre-order meals under your new reservation.
Become an Alaska Mileage Plan Member (it’s free).
If you’re a pro, you’re probably a Mileage Plan member 😉 but if not, here are some reasons to sign up today:
• Earn one mile for every mile flown on Alaska, even on the lowest fare.
• Earn 30% more miles on average than other airlines.
• Earn miles on oneworld® Alliance member airlines and our Global Partners, experience award travel, and gain MVP® elite status sooner than you think.
• Earn when you shop, dine, rent a car, stay in a hotel, and more.
MVP is Alaska’s elite status. Earn miles faster with no minimum spending requirements, and enjoy benefits like two free checked bags, priority boarding, and preferred seating when flying with Alaska.
Pack smart.
Smart packing saves time and money. Before you pack, make sure your bag’s ready to fly and meets our size and weight restrictions.
Know the carry-on limit.
You are allowed one carry-on bag that measures up to 22″ x 14″ x 9″ including wheels and handles, plus one smaller personal item. Anything additional or larger must be checked. Read our specific guidelines for carry-on baggage and our checked baggage policy for more information.
Know what items are a no-go.
As you pack, reference the prohibited and restricted items checklist, and make sure you know what’s in your suitcase. Be especially aware of restrictions regarding lithium ion batteries, and devices that use them – including smart bags/self-propelled luggage.
Fill before you fly.
Pros know TSA only allows you to carry one quart-sized bag of liquids—aerosols, gels, creams and pastes—that are 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item through security. If you have additional or larger liquids, you’ll need to check them.
Did you know for every guest who brings a prefilled water bottle on an Alaska flight and posts it to social media with the hashtag #FillBeforeYouFly a tree is planted thanks to the Bonneville Environmental Foundation?
Know when to arrive at the airport.
Pros know to give yourself plenty of time to get to and through the airport. From parking to checking bags and getting through security, it’s best to build in more time than not enough, especially during peak travel times.
Join a trusted traveler program Travel pros know, membership in programs like TSA Pre-Check®, Global Entry, Nexus or SENTRI allow you access to the 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 some take some time to obtain, CLEAR is same-day sign up as well as spot saver programs like SEA Spot Saver, a reservation program in Seattle that helps you get through the security process quicker. Similar spot saver programs are also in Calgary, Charleston, Newark, Orlando and Phoenix.
Retreat in a Lounge.
Experience an unparalleled airport experience in our Lounges where you can retreat to a quiet space to relax and recharge, or get a little work done between flights.
Lounge membership benefits include:
Access to 9 Alaska Lounges
Access to 90+ partner lounges in addition to all Alaska Lounges
Access for yourself and up to two guests or immediate family when traveling together using any airline boarding pass*
Fresh and local complimentary food all day long
Local draft beer, West Coast wines, and house spirits
Espresso and loose-leaf tea handcrafted by an Alaska Lounge Barista
Traveling with kids or letting your kids travel alone can be an adventure. Keep the adventure fun for both you and your child traveler by carefully review our policies and recommendations for traveling with infants and children.
We will transport your child’s car seat and stroller free of charge as checked baggage. You can check these items with your other baggage, or wait until you reach the gate area.
Fly your pets.
Because we understand that they’re not just a pet, they’re family. Our pet travel program offers options for transporting your pet safely with top-notch care from just $100 each way.
Check Alaska Airlines pet travel policies well in advance of your pet’s trip to find out about health certificate and kennel requirements, breed-restrictions, and any limitations on travel to your destination.
Request accessible services if needed.
Many of our accessible services can be requested online when booking or managing your reservation. Our dedicated accessible services line is also available at 1-800-503-0101 (dial 711 for relay services).
Plan to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours prior to departure when requesting accessible services and let us know about your requirements at each point of contact. If you’re traveling with a service animal, let us know ahead of time as documentation must be completed and processed at least 48 hours before your flight.
Fly For All App
Fly for All - our free mobile app is designed for those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, first-time flyers, and unaccompanied minors, available now on the App Store and Google Play.
Chat or text us with your questions.
Our employees work every day to care for all our guests. If you have questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Pros know we’re available through text at 82008 or chat in addition to our Customer Care team at 1 (800) 252-7522.
Alaska Airlines announces agreement with Shell Aviation to help expand sustainable aviation fuel market in Pacific Northwest
New collaboration will advance development in the sustainable aviation fuel market and long-term jet fuel supply
Today, Alaska Airlines announced an agreement with Shell Aviation to expand the sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) market beyond a standard fuel supply agreement. The innovative cross-industry collaboration brings together a world-class fuel supply chain and the fifth-largest domestic carrier to procure and use sustainable fuel, while working together to define and tackle what it will take to advance SAF technology, development, infrastructure and investment.
Alaska Airlines has set our course to net zero by 2040 and sustainable aviation fuels represent the greatest near-term opportunity to make a step-level change on that journey,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president for public affairs and sustainability at Alaska. “That’s why we’ve pioneered SAF technologies for more than a decade. But we can’t scale the market alone. We’re excited to take this next step in the journey with Shell, to leverage their deep knowledge of the energy industry, its infrastructure requirements and supply chain to make lower lifecycle carbon SAF more widely available for the future.”
Details of the agreement include commitments to deepen understanding of the technology, infrastructure, carbon accounting systems and public policy support needed to bring SAF to more markets, in greater quantities and at a more sustainable long-term cost. The companies will put particular focus on enabling supply to the West Coast and alleviating fueling infrastructure challenges in the Pacific Northwest. Shell Aviation will also supply up to 10 million gallons of neat SAF to AlaskaAirlines at their hub in Los Angeles.
“We’re excited to expand our strong relationship with Alaska and amplify our efforts to help decarbonize aviation through SAF supply on the West Coast and in the Pacific Northwest,” said Jan Toschka, president of Shell Aviation. “We need support from the entire ecosystem to build a sustainable future for aviation. This deep level of collaboration will help us put the technologies and supply chain in place to advance the industry.”
Both Alaska Airlines and Shell Aviation share an ambition to help scale the SAF market by concurrently addressing cost and volume through multiple strategies to grow availability and commercial viability of SAF.
“With Shell’s world-class fuel supply chain and deep technical knowledge, we’re aiming to transform West Coast fuel supply,” said Ann Ardizzone, vice president of strategic sourcing and supply chain management at Alaska Airlines. “By leveraging the fuel infrastructure expertise of a major fuel producer, we can advance SAF access in more markets, accelerating the market scale of SAF to reach our environmental goals.”
SAF is a safe, certified drop-in fuel that meets the jet fuel standards to reduce carbon emissions by as much as 80% of lifecycle emissions.
Sylvia N., a Portland-based flight attendant, has had a lot of conversations with guests in her nearly 30 years with Alaska Airlines, but one with a woman seated in 1A on a recent flight from Dallas to Portland, will be hard to forget.
During the flight, Sylvia had been chatting with the guest, who seemed genuinely interested in how she and her fellow flight attendants were doing.
“She wanted to know how it had been flying during the hardships of Covid and how they had all gotten through it,” she said. “So, I took some time to explain how it impacted us—as flight attendants and me personally—and we had a wonderful conversation.”
Shortly thereafter, the guest seated in 1A said she wanted to do something special to thank Sylvia and her co-workers. She asked Sylvia if she could pay for the entire plane’s food and drinks.
Sylvia got chills. The crew asked the guest if she really wanted to do that, which was followed by an immediate, “yes.”
That’s when we all (flight attendants) started to tear up,” Sylvia said. “It was an incredible act of kindness.”
“What Sylvia did to make a personal connection with this guest, and then for the whole crew using the Care Framework to make this happen, just warms my heart,” said Michaela Littman, MD of inflight operations. “Our flight attendants are truly remarkable.”
With such a unique request, the crew had to discuss logistics. They needed to find a solution to carry out this guest’s wishes, but everyone had already received their meals and drinks. The crew ended up going back through the cabin to refund each guest, charging it to the First Class guest, as requested.
Another First Class guest who witnessed the kind act, asked Sylvia for some paper. Later int he flight, the guest returned with handfuls of handwritten notes thanking the flight attendants.
Among the messages were notes that said:
“You impact so many lives with your service”
“Thanks for your cheerful, professional service.”
“You’ve made my day brighter when I needed it most.”
Upon landing, Sylvia thanked the two guests in First Class for their kindness. “To have one guest buy a plane-full of food and drinks for everyone was above and beyond, but then to have the handwritten notes was overwhelming in the best way possible,” she said.
Sylvia said this had happened only once before in her career – when a guest on a Las Vegas flight paid for everyone’s drinks.
“Each one of our guests has a story,” she said. “You just don’t know what compels people and why.”
A little kindness truly can change the world.”
– Flight Attendant Cheryl G., who was also part of the amazing flight experience.
Flight Attendants Cheryl G. and Sylvia N.
Alaska is investing in pilot technology to attract and retain world-class pilots
One day, our pilots are flying into remote communities above the Arctic Circle. The next, they’re flying into some of the busiest airports in the country. Our pilots must be able to handle any issue that might arise in flight – from blizzard conditions to congested air space – and we rely on rigorous pilot training standards to safely fly our guests across our network.
As we’re hiring hundreds of new pilots at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, we’re ensuring everyone is up for the task and meets our high standards. To help with this, we’ve invested in new technology to expand our training department.
Training in virtual reality
Alaska has been at the forefront of pilot innovation for decades. It’s who we are, and we’re constantly innovating to ensure our pilots receive cutting edge training.
Our latest innovation is a partnership with VRPilot, a Danish technology company. We’ve worked with them to virtually reconstruct our 737 flight deck as a training aid for pilots who are new to the aircraft. One of the first things pilots learn is the layout of the flight deck and the purpose of every switch and button. Offering new pilots an opportunity to put themselves “inside” the flight deck where they may need to crane their neck or lean to reach a switch is a much more realistic teaching tool than photographs in a book or video tutorials.
It’s like your alarm clock in the morning – you know exactly where the snooze button is,” said Alaska First Officer Scott Wathey, a newly hired pilot. “This technology helps the muscle memory to know exactly where that switch is.”
Virtual reality will augment existing traditional training techniques where we expect it will result in better-prepared pilots, higher success rates through training and more time for complex instructor-led training activities. With this technology, pilots can familiarize themselves with the location of switches before they step into a simulator.
Horizon Air, Alaska’s wholly owned regional partner, will also soon be using the same technology with our regional pilots. This technology also provides an opportunity to use virtual reality in our other workgroups like maintenance and engineering, ground service and our flight attendants.
Largest simulator order to date
With so many pilots coming through training, we needed more flight simulators. In our largest simulator order ever, we’ve ordered 2 new fixed-base simulators and 3 new full motion simulators. These training devices are being installed throughout 2023 and all will be operational by the end of 2024. This will bring us to 18 fixed-base and full motion simulators. Horizon Air has ordered an additional simulator to train pilots on the now single fleet of Embraer E-175 aircraft. This will give Horizon two owned simulators and priority access to a third in Seattle.
Once our new pilots are familiar with the flight deck, they can move into a flight simulator. These range from fixed based to full motion. In addition to training new pilots, our simulators also get used by veteran pilots who are put through annual training to keep their skills fresh.
These significant investments in simulators and emerging virtual reality technology will continue our commitment to rigorous pilot training,” said Capt. Jeff Severns, managing director of pilot training. “The training our pilots receive is truly world class, and we’re proud of the work of our instructors and students every day.”
A great time to fly for Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air
With significant investments Alaska and Horizon pilot contracts, unique flying opportunities and cutting-edge technology, there’s never been a better time to on our team.
If you haven’t yet started your pilot journey, consider applying for one of our pilot development programs.
When Kyle H. put on his uniform as a full-fledged aircraft technician last year, it was thanks to a lot of grit, determination and encouragement from his coworkers—and a new company benefit called the Maintenance Technician Development Program.
Kyle, a Tsimshian and Tlingit Native from Metlakatla, Alaska, joined Alaska Airlines as a ramp service agent in Juneau, Alaska when he was just 20 years old. As a track runner and admitted bookworm in high school, the pace of the job appealed to him. He dove right in and took on more responsibility, filling in as lead, working in the warehouse and qualifying as a departure coordinator.
But he wanted more.
Encouraged by his coworkers, he transferred to Fairbanks to start classes at the University of Alaska Fairbanks to obtain his airframe & powerplant (A&P) license and become an aircraft mechanic, while simultaneously working at the station.
“It was a hard transition but a new adventure,” he said. “I had to borrow a coworker’s diesel-fueled monster (truck) to get around until my truck arrived.”
Juggling work and school was hard, and Kyle said having his girlfriend (now fiancée) as support was crucial. His fellow ramp agents also had his back and would often take his shifts, allowing him to juggle his class schedule.
Some days he’d go to class after his graveyard shift at work, with sleep coming as naps in his truck. On top of that, he got Covid, missed some classes and had to make them up on the weekend, with no time off. He was just making ends meet.
Then he read an article on Alaska’s World about a program for aspiring aircraft mechanics that could help him with some of his class fees while working. “My local leaders forwarded me the link and suggested I do it,” he said. “I asked a lot of questions, emailed a lot of people and applied.”
He was accepted. “I was the first one—the guinea pig for the program,” said Kyle.
There are now six employees enrolled in the program, and we’re hoping for more. Alaska Airlines has partnerships with Alaska Fairbanks and the University of Alaska Anchorage. Company Maintenance & Engineering leaders and our recruitment team often speak with classes to encourage students to join the external version of the program.
“I was lucky to receive the development program’s reimbursements after my schooling. The company also helped me move to Anchorage,” he said.
Kyle admits his family back home was surprised when he decided to become a maintenance technician. “Neither of my parents has any mechanical background, so they were amazed at the route I decided to take in life.”
Now established in his role as a line aircraft technician in Anchorage, Kyle is finally able to enjoy life a bit. He is part of a predominantly Tsimshian dance group. “Dancing is important for me, as is being involved in a group of people from my culture. It makes me feel close to my roots,” he said.
Kyle encourages others who want to grow their careers with Alaska. to consider the program.
Know what you’re capable of, but don’t be afraid to push your limits. Hard work and determination will always pay off, and I’m living proof.”
– Kyle H
Photo by Joe Nicholson
Want to take your career to new heights?
Our Maintenance Technician Development Program is geared towards individuals who want to gain the skills needed to become an aircraft maintenance technician.
Aspiring aircraft technicians who enroll in our program will receive up to $12,300 in stipend assistance and have mentorship opportunities with a certified A&P aircraft maintenance technician. After completing the program and meeting all qualifications, you’ll be given a contingent job offer and assigned to a new hire class date with Horizon Air.
Artwork will be inspired by Hawai‘i’s Pledge To Our Keiki
In celebration of more than 15 years of service in the Hawaiian Islands, Alaska Airlines is partnering with Hawaiʻi-based illustrator, Shar Tuiʻasoa of Punky Aloha Studio to design our second special-edition painted aircraft in honor of the Aloha State. The artwork for the new aircraft will reflect Hawaiʻi’s Pledge To Our Keiki and will be revealed later this year.
Tuiʻasoa is an acclaimed illustrator and author known for her bold, colorful, and strikingly modern graphic style that showcases Polynesian heritage. Punky Aloha Studio is Tui‘asoa’s illustration studio where she creates illustrations for murals, books, magazines, and product packaging. The Hawai‘i-born artist has worked with Amazon, Disney, Target, AT&T, Sephora, The New York Times and many other recognized companies.
I’m excited to partner with Alaska Airlines to design a powerful message in a unique way to a global audience,” said Tui‘asoa. “I’m honored to draw inspiration from our keiki (children) who have pledged their commitment to mālama ‘āina (care for the land) and hope that the end result will motivate others to do the same.”
The desire to work with Tuiʻasoa has been on the minds of employees for a while now, with Alaska’s employee-led Pacific Islander Alliance (one of the company’s 12 Business Resource Groups) having passionately advocated for her work as a skilled artist proudly representing Hawaiʻi and Pacific Islander culture.
With the recent retirement of our first Hawaiʻi-themed livery, we are thrilled to work with another local artist to honor our connection to the Islands,” said Daniel Chun, Alaska Airlines’ Hawaiʻi director of sales, community, and public relations. “We love Shar’s work, and we share many of the same values and commitment to Hawaiʻi. It’s our goal to not just paint an airplane, but to carry the message about being a mindful traveler and invite our guests to join us in caring for Hawai‘i and the many places we live and fly.”
Last year, Alaska partnered with Hawaiʻi non-profit, Kanu Hawaiʻi and signed the Pledge To Our Keiki – an invitation for residents and visitors to give back during their time in the Islands. Students from schools across the state created the Pledge as a commitment to respect and care for the island places they call home so that future generations can continue to enjoy all that Hawai‘i has to offer. This week, Alaska joined Kanu Hawai‘i, Hawai‘i Governor Josh Green, Superintendent of Education Keith Hayashi and other partners in a conference to support the launch of the Pledge To Our Keiki throughout Hawaiʻi’s public schools.
In 2013, Alaska painted our first Hawaiʻi-themed airplane after hosting a statewide “Paint-the-Plane” contest for local students, in partnership with the Hawaiʻi State Department of Education and Hawaiʻi Association of Independent Schools. Dubbed the “Spirit of the Islands,” the unique paint theme depicted Hawaiʻi’s cultural diversity and was designed by a local artist and Honolulu high school junior Aaron Nee. Nee’s design was selected from among more than 2,700 submissions by students across the Hawaiian Islands. After nearly a decade of flying throughout Alaska’s route network, the Spirit of the Islands was ready for a repaint and the livery was retired in May 2022.
After nearly a decade of flying throughout Alaska’s route network, the Spirit of the Islands 737 was ready for a repaint. New livery coming in 2023!
International Women’s Day: Inspiring the next generation of women with wings
Recently, an all-female crew flew an extra special flight to Seattle. It was Capt. Callie’s last flight with Horizon Air, our long-time regional airline sister company and her first time having flown her mom and grandfather as guests in the main cabin.
Caille’s grandfather.
“It was great. I’m proud of her. She found what she wanted and stuck to it,” said her grandfather, a Boeing retiree.
Soon, Callie will pilot aircraft with Alaska Airlines, where her mom has been a flight attendant for over 30 years. This transition from Horizon to Alaska is a great example of our Pilot Pathways Program at work and how it creates the most direct flight path for Horizon pilots to make the move from a regional to a major airline, if desired, as simple as possible.
“I look forward to that [Callie flying for Alaska]— to flying with her in the future,” her mom said.
“It was a pretty special flight for us,” said Callie.Cailee and her mom.
From the ground up
Callie began working for Horizon Air in 2015 as a ramp agent in Yakima. She later transferred to Redmond, Oregon, where she would earn her wings and fly that commemorative flight before transitioning to first officer at Alaska.
From the start, women have played a major role in building up the aviation industry. While there has been improvement over the years, there is still room for more representation in the flight deck.
Women like Callie and her co-pilot Meagan on flight 2342 have fought for more representation in the industry and now have greater opportunities to become pilots, ground crew and executives. The question is, do young girls know this? To celebrate International Women’s Day, we’re championing women like Callie and Meagan to show how far the industry has come in recent years and set an example for future generations of women in aviation.
Capt. Callie and First Officer Meagan
Caille’s grandfather.
“I wish I would have known the path to take to become a pilot at a younger age. If someone had reached me in my high school years and showed what the career actually looked like, I probably would have done it a lot sooner,” said Horizon First Officer Meagan, who earned her wings when she was 22.
Training the next generation of pilots
Last March, 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.
In partnership with Hillsboro Aero, we expect to register and train up to 250 students a year. Additionally, our Ascend Pilot Academy aims to provide aspiring pilots with a more accessible path to becoming a student pilot. Enrolled cadets will be eligible for access to financial aid and a stipend of up to $26,463 upon signing on to work for Horizon Air.
We know you’re focused on a lot of different things when traveling with your kids. (Did you pack enough snacks? Did you confirm a favorite toy made the trip?) One important issue you won’t have to worry about when flying with us: We guarantee young children will be seated with their families.
Guaranteeing at least one adult travels with any child who’s 13 or younger is part of Alaska’s long-standing, family-friendly policies. We’ve always cared for families on our flights. And it’s something we’ve never charged for.
As a dad of eight, I understand the challenges that come with taking a family vacation,” said Andrew Harrison, our chief commercial officer. “Traveling with kids is stressful enough – you shouldn’t have to worry about being separated from them on your flight. All of us at Alaska take pride in caring for your family, which is why we guarantee that children under 13 are always seated with you. It’s the way we’ve operated for years because it’s just the right thing to do.”
We guarantee that children 13 and under will be seated next to at least one accompanying adult at no additional cost, including for Saver fares, assuming the following conditions are met:
The child and accompanying adult are booked on the same reservation
The accompanying adult chooses seats for the entire reservation or skips seats for the entire reservation, and does not make changes to seat assignments once they’ve been assigned
Adjacent seats are available in the same class of service your child is ticketed in at the time you book your flight
The plane’s seat layout allows adjacent seating based on the number of children in your reservation
Your original plane hasn’t been switched to a smaller aircraft
There are plenty of discussions happening right now in the industry and beyond about how airlines can improve the travel experience for families. At Alaska, we’re proud to be ahead of the curve when it comes to keeping families together when they’re flying with us.
By the way, we offer special amenities for our youngest fliers: For inflight entertainment, we have our dedicated Kids Zone with featured new releases including a new partnership with Rebel Girls; designed for younger tastes, our Kids Picnic Pack is available for purchase on our flights longer than 775 miles; our special Junior Jetsetters program allows children 5-17 years old to travel unaccompanied; and our pilots and flight attendants always have wings at the ready to hand out to help trigger a smile.
See you on board soon. And bring the kids!
Alaska Airlines is bringing Black Girl Magic to First Class with McBride Sisters wine
Sourced from some of California’s finest winegrowing regions, Alaska Airlines has partnered with the McBride Sisters Wine Company, the largest black-owned winery in the country to bring award-winning wines to its guests for when it’s time to take any occasion up a few notches.
Our goal is to introduce customers to west coast wines that they fall in love with and seek out after getting off the plane with us,” says Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska’s managing director of guest products. “The partnership with the McBride Sisters and Black Vines may be amongst the first in the space, but it won’t be the last.”
Writer & Content Creator Noel Burgess
McBride Sisters Collection Chardonnay & Red Blend
The Chardonnay, with a pale golden color, has aromas of lemon curd and honey, pineapple and ripe pear. Soft and balanced texture, with a slight hint of toasty oak that balances the palate and persists with the fruit. Complexity and character without weight.
This is not your gramma’s Chardonnay.”
– McBride Sisters website
Cherry and plum dominate the aromas, gently laced with cedar and vanilla, the Red Blend is a well-rounded wine, great with any meal or on its own with great conversation. Extended oak aging softens the finish and brings with it a suggestion of baking spices and cocoa.
James Thomas, DEI Director
Since joining Alaska in 2021, Alaska’s DEI Director James Thomas has been working to increase overall diversity and inclusion in every facet of the airline, including their business partners.
In his previous role as the DEI Director at Chateau St. Michelle, the oldest and most acclaimed winery in Washington State, Thomas met Fern Stroud, the founder of Black Vines, an organization that brings together Black winemakers and enthusiasts to build a community and showcase their craft to the world.
“I was eager to introduce Robin and Andrea [the McBride sisters] to Alaska because of the sisters’ achievements in business and their unique story,” stated Stroud.
Alaska Airlines sponsored this year’s 12th annual Black Vines Toast to Black Wineries and Diverse Art Festival in Oakland, CA. The vibrant event brought oenophiles from around the country to toast diverse wine brands, including:
Being able to work side by side with so many seasoned and new Black owned wine makers was exhilarating,” said Jamishia Ramsey, founder of Black Excellence Wine Company. “There were so many people of all shades who came from all over the country to meet the winemakers and try our wines. Being able to connect and relate with all these beautiful people no matter what background or race over wine was top tier.”
Photos from the 12th annual Black Vines Toast to Black Wineries and Diverse Art Festival last weekend. (Maria Cid)
The McBride Sisters are more than a brand.
Robin and Andrea were linked by wine before they ever met. Unbeknownst to them until they were young adults, they were half-sisters—raised on opposite sides of the world.
Once they met, they soon realized they shared much more than matching DNA. Robin, raised in Monterey, California, and Andrea, raised in Marlborough, New Zealand, both share a love for wine. After nearly 20 years of success on the ground, the sisters are taking to the skies with their first airline partnership.
Our brand is about experiences,” said Robin. “When we lend our products and time, it is meant to be sustainable and beyond the months of February or March. We look for partners who are just as invested in our story as they are in our brand. We want to be part of the traveler’s experience and are excited for the collaboration with Alaska.”
Alaska Airlines Flight Pass subscription service turns one
We’re celebrating our milestone with a discount for new subscribers
Alaska Airlines is the only U.S. major airline to offer a subscription plan that enables guests to earn miles and book flights in advance with no blackout dates. We’re celebrating our one-year anniversary with a promotion for new subscribers and a look back at the program’s growth. Starting today, new subscribers who register for Flight Pass by March 8 will be eligible for 20% off the first three months of their subscription*.
With Flight Pass, subscribers can book roundtrip flights to destinations including San Francisco, Las Vegas and now Salt Lake City at a fixed and consistent price,” said Neil Thwaites, regional vice-president of California for Alaska Airlines. “Subscribers now have an affordable and convenient way to connect with friends, family and colleagues.”
Flight Pass launched in February 2022 as the only flight subscription service in the country with nonstop flights throughout California and select cities in Nevada and Arizona. The service allows subscribers to lock-in lower-than-average main cabin fares for a full-year with plans starting at $49 per month and no change fees.
The popular subscription service exceeded first-year projections, which prompted the expansion of the program last fall to a fourth state, Utah, without increasing its monthly price. We announced in November the additions of popular nonstop destinations between Salt Lake City and San Francisco as well as San Diego.
“Each month Flight Pass grows steadily, and members are renewing their subscriptions because of the value and flexibility their plans offer them,” said Thwaites. “Subscribers love being able to lock-in a monthly price for their travel on an airline that offers the most flights on the West Coast.”
Flight Pass insights to-date:
Flight Pass exceeded first-year projections.
The service is growing steadily among Millennials and Generation X, who make up the majority of subscribers; Gen Z subscribers are proportionally growing more than any other age group.
The majority of subscribers reside in Northern California.
Subscribers fly mostly from San Francisco, San Diego and San Jose.
The most popular plan among Flight Pass options is the $49 per month service that includes six roundtrip flights a year.
In California, Alaska operates over 330 peak day flights from our hubs in San Francisco and Los Angeles, as well as other cities across the state including our key focus cities of San Diego and San Jose. As the only major airline based on the West Coast, we’ve proudly served California for more than 40 years.
*Flight Pass promotion terms and conditions:
This promotion is a limited time offer from Feb. 23 to March 8, 2023. Alaska Airlines reserves the right to modify or cancel the offer at any time, without prior notice. If you received your promotional code from a third party, that third party may have separate terms and conditions that apply.
1. Offer is limited to one promotional code per new customer and for new subscriber accounts only. New customers are those who have never signed up for an Alaska Airlines Flight Pass subscription prior to this offer. The offer is contingent upon the new customer signing up for a full, 12-month subscription to Flight Pass.
2. Guests should visit flightpass.alaskaair.com to receive the promotional code.
3. Each promotional code applies only to qualifying subscription plans.
4. This offer is non-transferrable and may not be resold.
5. If your subscription is cancelled before the end of your subscription period for any reason, you agree that your credit card will be charged for the full value of the promotional discount you received.
6. If you violate any of the offer terms, the offer will be invalid.
