Whether you’re spending the holidays at home this year in your favorite holiday sweater or flying Alaska to somewhere special, we have gift ideas for the travel lover in your life! Give the gift of travel this year, along with some of the most unique airline swag available online or at our company store, located in SeaTac, Wash.
Note: For delivery before the holidays, please place your order by December 14.
This holiday season we’re inviting our guests to give the gift of travel! We are donating 1 million miles to our CARE Miles program, a unique and meaningful way Mileage Plan members can support important charitable organizations. You can also share miles with someone to help them reach their next award level or top off your own. Gift certificates are also a great gift idea for the traveler in your life!
With a Flight Pass subscription, you’ll choose your own frequent flights every month to great destinations within California, between California and Nevada, and between California and Arizona. Subscribers lock in a price for 12 months worth of travel, below standard airfare rates.* With a fixed per-month price, you don’t have to worry about fares increasing, and planning/budgeting travel becomes a breeze. Plus, flying Alaska means you always land amazing care in the air.
Today, we became the first airline in the United States to launch an electronic bag tag program, which will enable guests to tag their own luggage through the airline’s mobile app before they even reach the airport.
This week, 2,500 Alaska Mileage Plan members will begin receiving their electronic bag tag. Those elite status members included in the first wave of the program are guests who have traveled in the last 12 months, checked-in at least one bag and were among the first to register to use the device.
The last thing our guests want to do is stand in line,” said Charu Jain, senior vice-president of merchandising and innovation for Alaska. “With the addition of the Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag our guests can complete almost all of their check-in tasks – from the comfort of their home, at work or on the way to catching their flight.”
The three-by-five-inch devices are updated with a guest’s flight information through the Alaska Airlines mobile app during check-in; essentially allowing travelers to head straight to the bag drop area once they arrive at the airport.
The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag is estimated to reduce the time guests spend in airport lobbies by about 40%, including reducing lines and the use of paper bag tags. In addition to the device’s impressive lifespan and durability (Alaska Airlines employees tested it by running it over with a truck), the devices don’t require charging or batteries.
“We’ve tested our electronic bag tags on countless flights across the country, including international routes where Alaska Airlines flies, and the devices have performed exactly as they’re meant to,” said Jain. “We’ll collect feedback from our first wave of users before the devices become available to purchase to all our guests early next year.”
We’re also excited to announce that the Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag made Popular Science’s Best of What’s New list of 2022! Each year, PopSci reviews thousands of new projects and innovations before choosing the top 100 winners across 10 categories. Alaska was recognized in the Aerospace category. To win, a product or technology must represent a significant step forward in its category.
The Alaska Airlines electronic bag tag will be available for purchase to all guests starting in 2023 and will operate on all Alaska Airlines marketed flights operated by Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air and SkyWest Airlines.
Along with the hardware, the software for the device is provided by BAGTAG, a Dutch company that is a pioneer in the field of baggage technology solutions.
Alaska Airlines is an excellent example of a carrier on a mission to improve all aspects of their passenger’s experience,” said Jaspar Quak, BAGTAG managing director. “This vision is leading their choices for innovation such as electronic bag tags and we are very proud to assist them in this project.”
Click here to see how it works and to join the notification list when the devices become available for purchase.
Winter weather is impacting our flights in Seattle
No additional snow is expected for the Seattle area, though there may be residual delays across our operation. We apologize to our guests who were inconvenienced, and we are working hard to get everyone to their destinations.
All restrictions on unaccompanied minors and pets in the cargo hold have been lifted. If you still need to adjust your travel, the flexible travel policy is in place through Thursday, Dec. 1.
UPDATE Nov. 30
Additional snow is expected for the Seattle area beginning Wednesday afternoon/night. While Tuesday was challenging for many guests, who experienced long taxi times and deicing delays, our strategy of proactively thinning our flight schedule worked to mitigate the worst impacts from the storm. We’re implementing a similar strategy for this next snowfall.
Guests whose flights are pre-canceled will be contacted and reaccommodated on another flight. A flexible travel policy remains in place for guests to be able to adjust their flights themselves. Please use the Alaska Airlines app or visit alaskaair.com for more information.
We’re also enacting travel restrictions on flights to and from Seattle. Restrictions are now in place for animals in the cargo hold (AVIH) and unaccompanied minors (UMs) to protect the safety of everyone. Employees across our system are working hard to care for each and every guest and get you where you need to go. Guests traveling through Seattle should expect delays and extended taxi times. Thank you for your patience as we navigate these conditions together.
Nov. 29
The Seattle area is seeing wintry conditions today with varying amounts of snow forecasted throughout the region. Light to moderate snow started falling early this morning at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and is expected to continue throughout the afternoon. As part of our winter weather protocol, we proactively reduced our flight schedule today to get ahead of the conditions and to keep our operations running as smoothly as possible at our main hub. Here’s why and how we do that:
With safety always top of mind, our operations are intentionally slowed down to allow time for the extra steps required during snowy or icy conditions.
Reducing (in airline terms “thinning”) the number of flights helps ease congestion at the airport and allows us to maintain a steady flow of aircraft instead of creating traffic jams.
A reduced number of flights allows us to focus on deicing our aircraft, which requires extra time and staffing. It can take up to 30 minutes to deice one plane, longer in moderate snow.
With potential snowy conditions and decreased visibility, it takes longer for aircraft and other equipment to move around at the airport, much like driving on the interstate during similar conditions.
It’s always a possibility that ground delay programs could be implemented for the entire airport (like what the Federal Aviation Administration instituted in Seattle this morning). Ground delay programs and ground stops require more spacing between aircraft or even a cessation of operations during challenging conditions.
Additional cancellations are possible as we assess the weather’s impact on our operation today and tomorrow.
Snowy conditions at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Tuesday, November 29.
How does deicing work?
Whenever there’s any snowfall or ice on our aircraft, we begin deicing procedures as part of our safety protocol. That takes time. We have a full fleet of trucks, equipment and personnel in Seattle ready to do that work, along with a well-stocked amount of deicing solution. They’re working as quickly as the airport and weather conditions will safely allow.
What should I do if my flight is impacted?
We’ve pre-canceled roughly 100 Alaska, Horizon Air and SkyWest flights today, representing less than 9% of our schedule. Additional cancellations are possible as we assess the weather’s impact on our operation today and tomorrow.
Guests whose flights are impacted have been contacted and reaccommodated on other flights. We’ve also activated a flexible travel policy for guests who want to adjust their travel plans themselves. Please visit alaskaair.com or the Alaska Airlines app to make your adjustments. If traveling through Seattle, please allow extra time to travel to the airport and navigate security.
We are grateful for the extra care our teams are applying to get our guests where they need to be as quickly and safely as possible.
Alaska Airlines latest efforts to be more sustainable
We are on a path to be a more sustainable airline, setting ambitious goals last year to have carbon net zero emissions by 2040 with near-term 2025 goals around carbon, waste and water. Watch to learn about some of the steps we’ve taken to acquire SAF and make it a more attainable resource for all.
Earlier this month, the world met in Cairo, Egypt for the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP27, to discuss ways to reverse, or at least slow, the dangerous consequences of climate change. While we were not in attendance, we wanted to take the time to provide a brief update on some of the big things we’ve been up to on our path to becoming carbon net zero by 2040 – specifically around sustainable aviation fuel, or SAF.
Watch Diana Birkett Rakow, senior vice president of public affairs and sustainability, explain the importance of SAF.
Give the gift of travel this #GivingTuesday to help veterans, children and great causes take flight
Under clear blue November skies in Washington, D.C., Korean War veteran Charles Amor of Oahu was overcome with pride watching the honor guard’s careful precision at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. At the Korean War Veterans Memorial, he paused to remember those he knew killed in “The Forgotten War.” And as he and fellow veterans from Hawaii placed fresh orchid lei at memorials throughout the capital, he felt enormous gratitude for being there among them.
Charles Amor (middle) / Photo courtesy of the Honor Flight Network
Amor joined 27 other veterans of three wars — World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War — and their caregivers to fly on Alaska Airlines for the inaugural Honor Flight from Honolulu. The Honor Flight Network pays tribute to veterans around the country by providing trips to Washington, D.C. For many, it’s their first opportunity to see the monuments built to honor their service.
Photo courtesy of the Honor Flight Network
Throughout the weeklong journey, Amor marveled at the care shown for the group — from the warm sendoff with a traditional Hawaiian blessing to the friendliness of the Alaska flight crew and the Honor Flight volunteers who kept them comfortable and safe along the way to the Hawaiian music and hula that welcomed them home on Veterans Day.
‘It was all so unselfish, and they just accepted us and treated us with dignity and equality regardless of our previous military rank,” Amor said. “It reinforced my allegiance to our great country.”
This was a very special privilege for us to take veterans from Hawaii to Washington, D.C., to visit the memorials that are dedicated to them,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci, who joined Hawaii Gov. David Ige and an applauding crowd to welcome the veterans home. “This is one small way for us to thank them.”
Jean Carlon, an Alaska Airlines marketing operations specialist and Puget Sound Honor Flight board member, has volunteered on more than a dozen Honor Flights, including in Honolulu. In total, more than 245,000 veterans around the country have been honored with all-expense-paid trips through the Honor Flight Network. “It’s inspiring to see how happy the veterans are when they come home and really feel that long-overdue gratitude from the public,” Carlon said. “It’s healing wounds from 50 or 60 years ago.”
For this inaugural Honor Flight, Alaska Airlines had the privilege of donating the travel for the veterans and their guardians while celebrating 15 years of service to the Hawaiian Islands. “We’re excited to be the launch partner for the Honor Flight hub in Hawaii, and we look forward to many more flights to come,” Minicucci said. “Our goal is to ensure that every veteran who wants to travel to D.C. has the same opportunity.”
Give the gift of travel! On Giving Tuesday, your donation goes twice as far
Now our guests can help make future Honor Flights possible. The Honor Flight Network’s Lone Eagle Program is our newest member of our CARE Miles program, allowing Alaska Mileage Plan members to donate their miles to 13 different charities. So far this year, our guests have donated 39 million miles to causes like the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the American Red Cross, the Nature Conservancy and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Foundation.
And if you donate miles on Giving Tuesday, November 29, your donation will go twice as far: Alaska Airlines will match all miles donated on Giving Tuesday up to 1 million miles. This is in addition to the 1 million miles we are donating to CARE Miles to celebrate the Gift of Travel and our festive holiday-themed aircraft.
Miles donated to our CARE Miles program help charities with business travel, accommodation of special organization requests and achievement of the organization’s mission.
Here is a list of great causes you can support with miles:
Alaska Airlines Disaster Relief Pool
Contributions to the Alaska Airlines Disaster Relief Pool will be used to support charities involved with disaster relief efforts and for transportation of medical staff and volunteers.
Alaska Airlines Miles for Youth
Alaska Airlines believes all young people should have an opportunity for future success. The Alaska Airlines Miles for Youth provides miles to nonprofits who support young people to reach their full potential.
Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West provides patient transportation for those needing medical treatment in another city and who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of getting there.
Dream Foundation
Dream Foundation is the first and largest national organization whose mission is the granting of dreams to adults, over the age of 18, who are suffering life-limiting illnesses. Donated miles are used to reunite families, bring loved ones together or to create lasting memories with one last family trip. Learn more.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Foundation
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is an independent, nonprofit biomedical-research institution and is one of 39 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers nationwide.
Fisher House Foundation™ administers the Hero Miles program to provide transportation to wounded, injured, and ill military members and their loved ones. By bringing patient and family together, whether at a hospital bedside or an approved occasion, the donation of travel rewards directly promotes the continued healing process of our military heroes.
Make-A-Wish
Grants wishes to children with serious illnesses or injuries. When Make-A-Wish® volunteers ask a child for his or her favorite wish, very often the response begins with “I wish to go to…”.
Medical Teams International
Medical Teams International is a disaster relief organization that provides much needed medical staff and equipment/supplies to areas stricken throughout the world.
National Forest Foundation
Engages America in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF programs—with a strong presence in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest—utilize collaborative conservation to restore our forests, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and recreation resources.
The Nature Conservancy
The leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Seattle Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked and provides superior patient care, advance treatments through pediatric research and serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center in Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho- the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.
UNCF
UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.
The Honor Flight Network
We’ve added a new cause to CARE Miles! You can now donate your miles to support the Honor Flight Network’s Lone Eagle Program. Learn more in the description below. While we get our system updated to accept automatic donations, you can donate to Lone Eagle Honor Flight by emailing us from the email address associated with your Mileage Plan account.
Please note: A minimum of 1,000 miles is required to donate to Alaska Airlines CARE Miles Program, and donations can be made in increments of 1,000 miles.
10 tips to take the stress out of traveling (with kids) this holiday season
For many of us, this will be the first holiday where we travel to gather and reunite with friends and family, and for some of us that may include traveling with children (as a mom of three, I’ve got you covered!).
It goes without saying, the holidays can be the busiest time of year for most of us, especially when it comes to travel. So while you are booking those flights and checking your list twice, here are 10 tips to make navigating your journey a bit easier.
1. Pack for nonstop fun.
When traveling with little ones, whether it’s on a long or short haul flight or an international trip, I’ve found the key is to keep them busy. Pack an array of different activities that will hold their attention & surprise them about every 30 minutes with a new source of entertainment. Load up on budget friendly crafts, grab bags, small snacks, coloring books and crayons—anything besides something that can easily be dropped and lost beneath your seat.
2. Download the Alaska Airlines app.
Alaska’s app is the perfect travel go-to from the day you start shopping for flights all the way to the moment you arrive at your destination. I use it to plan our trips, check-in for flights, get mobile boarding passes and so much more. You can also use it to check your flight status, view/change your seats and track your Mileage Plan balance for future travel with your family! It’s a travel-must for me.
3. Give yourself some grace.
If you haven’t traveled before or in a while, I highly suggest giving yourself enough time to get to the airport (at least two hours before domestic travel and three hours before flying internationally) and if you’re traveling with little ones, I’d add an hour to that just to be on the safe side! This way you should have plenty of time to park, speak to an agent if needed, check your bags and keep track of the kids and make your way through security.
Airport guides are also helpful and show recommended arrival times, ticket counter hours, airport services and more. Remember: Alaska begins boarding flights about 40 minutes before takeoff.
4. A trusted traveler program or spot saver is worth the sign up!
If you prefer to speed through lines like me I’d suggest considering signing up for a trusted travel program like TSA Pre✓®, Global Entry, Nexus, or SENTRI or other airport verification programs to speed up your wait times and to skip the lines. 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.
5. Alaska can text you on the fly.
While the app notifies you of travel updates, Alaska’s texting feature is also a great resource to let you know of any sudden changes during your travel journey. Alaska will send you a notification if your flight is canceled or delayed by more than 15 minutes. It also sends important notifications about gate changes, whether your flight is on time and if Wi-Fi is available on your plane. During my most recent international trip to Mexico with my family, I was notified the night before that Wi-Fi wouldn’t be available on my 5+ hour flight, which gave me a friendly heads up to plan ahead and prep for the flight with that in mind. You can sign up for text notifications here.
6. Pre-order your meals before your flight.
Fresh food and beverage options are available on most Alaska Airlines flights, and that’s such an important option to have when traveling with kids. You can snack on favorites like the one my kids love, the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter (they look forward to it every time they fly) or you can try new menu options via pre-order on most flights over two hours.
For guests in First Class, hot meals are back on coast-to-coast and Hawaii flights, plus Boxed Water is offered to quench your thirst (& it’s eco-friendly).
Don’t forget to pre-order meals for yourself and your littles (if applicable) 20 hours before your flight! Learn more: alaskaair.com/preorder.
7. Pack the essentials.
The holidays can be one of the busiest times of the year to travel, and sometimes bags don’t always end up where they should be (it happens). My advice: pack the essentials in a carry on bag so you know you’ll have what you need when you land.
Our family loves Alaska because of its special 20-minute bag guarantee—if your bags are not at baggage claim within 20 minutes of your plane’s arrival at the gate, they’ll offer you a $25 discount code for use on a future Alaska flight, or 2,500 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan™ bonus miles. Learn more about Alaska’s baggage policies.
8. Buy the lounge membership, it’s worth it.
Alaska Lounges are the vacation before the vacation. Located in several major cities including Seattle, their lounges are a sweet escape from the airport hustle and bustle. I love taking my littles into the lounge because it’s so much easier to keep them close and even if they stray away, I can keep an eye on them. They love watching Alaska’s concierge pour fancy drinks and serve fresh food to guests (especially the pancake printer, that is a must-do). Overall, it’s a great way to power up and relax before a flight. You can learn more about Alaska’s lounge membership and its amenities here.
9. Breeze through security.
If traveling with kids, children 12 and under can leave on their shoes, light jackets and headwear during screening. For littles using strollers and car seats, you’ll have to pick them up and carry them through the walk-through metal detector. The rest of us, here’s some to-do’s:
Have your boarding pass(es) and ID(s) ready to hand to screening agents.
Remove any outerwear, belts with metal buckles, larger metal jewelry and accessories, and the contents of your pockets. Secure these items in your carry-on bag before putting them through the X-ray tunnel or find a small bin to place them into.
In general screening lanes, remove electronic devices larger than a cell phone—including laptops, tablets, e-readers and handheld game consoles—and place in a bin for screening. Cell phones can stay secured in your carry-on bag.
In general screening lanes, place the one quart-sized bag of liquids, gels and aerosols in a bin by itself for x-ray screening. Doing this will allow the TSA officer to get a clear view of the items to ensure they don’t pose a security risk.
Wear shoes that are easily removable or untie/loosen shoelaces if you can.
Once your bags and bin have gone through the X-ray, be sure to retrieve all of your personal property. Take your items to a nearby bench or chair. You’ll have more time to gather/repack your items, while those behind you to do the same.
10. Sit back, relax & be merry.
When you fly Alaska, staying connected is easy! On most flights, you can stream fast satellite Wi-Fi for only $8. During your flight, simply connect to AlaskaWiFi.com to stream over 800+ movies and TV shows – all for free! You can also chat for free and pick up your conversation where you left off, all while flying above the clouds!
And, during your flight, if you have kiddos, don’t miss exploring Vooks, a new inflight experience to keep your littles’ minds and hands occupied while they fly. You can also print free companion printable activity books that pair well with the titles you’ll find on board. Simply print before you go, pack headphones and your child’s favorite coloring supplies, and they’ll soon be on their merry way with programming created just for them.
From my family to you & yours, we hope you have a wonderful holiday and journey with Alaska!
As a high school student, Horizon aircraft technician Kayler was a member of his school’s robotics team. Though Kayler had never set foot on an airplane, let alone thought about a career in aviation, his coaches who were both military aircraft technicians, planted an idea. If Kayler liked the technical problem solving and the hands-on aspect of building robots, then working with airplanes might interest him.
So that’s what Kayler set out to do. After graduating high school and attending the Oregon Institute of Technology, he moved to Portland and enrolled at Portland Community College (PCC). During his time at PCC, Kayler landed a summer internship with Horizon Air.
“I grew familiar with the company and aviation in general. During the last six months of my internship, I had the opportunity to work on the floor under the guidance of several experienced technicians while finishing up at PCC,” Kayler said. “It was great to get such broad exposure and develop my skills before I even left school.”
Kayler was hired as an aircraft technician for Horizon in 2021.
Kayler, a PCC graduate and Horizon aircraft technician.
A big donation to meet the growing demand for maintenance technicians
Students like Kayler are in growing demand. In the next two decades, the aviation industry will face a shortage of skilled certified workers, according to an industry report developed by Boeing. Throughout the next 20 years, there will be a projected global demand for more than 600,000 aircraft technicians.
To help us build the next generation of aircraft maintenance technicians, Horizon donated a retired Q400 – N429QX- to the Portland Community College Foundation, a non-profit that mobilizes private support for student scholarships and educational programs at PCC.
The donated Q400 will give students in the school’s Aviation Maintenance Technology (AMT) and Aviation Science (AVS) programs the opportunity to gain hands-on experience working on a commercial aircraft. At many AMT schools, students work on aircraft that are much smaller than what’s used at mainline and regional airlines, so the donated Q400 is a game changer and will better prepare technicians for joining airlines like Horizon and Alaska.
The donated Q400 arrives at Hillsboro Airport, outside of Portland, OR, where student technicians will study it.
“Last year, we created a partnership with PCC’s AMT program called the Horizon Technician Development Program, which provides students with industry-relevant training and employment opportunities,” said Archie, Horizon director of line maintenance. “In turn, PCC provides us high qualified applicants for future technician positions, like Kayler.”
In addition to the Q400, Horizon donated 50 iPads to ensure the school has the latest procedures and manuals to work the aircraft to commercial standards. Many people across Horizon, including numerous technicians, worked for months to return this aircraft to service. It flew its final flight to Hillsboro Airport, where it will become a critical component to students’ learning.
“This Q400 will give students the opportunity to get their hands on a full-size airplane from a real airline and the skills and knowledge they gain will carry them for their entire career,” Kayler said. “This is a huge asset to the program and I’m really grateful to everyone involved in making this happen.”
Alaska Airlines uplifts communities during Week of CARE, a company-wide effort to give back
Being the most caring airline means showing genuine care for our guests, each other and the places where we fly. Last week, more than 450 employees took part in our annual Week of CARE to engage with some of the communities we serve, including an event where 17-year-old Bay Area art prodigy Tyler Gordon lent a helping hand to adorn one of San Jose’s most under-resourced schools with an inspiring mural.
Gordon painted one of his coveted murals of influential Bay Area figures at L.U.C.H.A. Elementary School, including Olympic gold medalist and U.S. figure skater Kristi Yamaguchi, American labor leader and civil rights activist Dolores Huerta, Vietnamese-American professor and Pulitzer Prize winner Viet Thanh Nguyen, as well a self-portrait.
L.U.C.H.A. staff chose the four Bay Area native figures because they have inspired students to keep “soaring high,” which is the school’s motto. Gordon’s breathtaking portraits of celebrities, like Vice President Kamala Harris and LeBron James, have gone viral.
It’s amazing that my alma mater asked me to be a part of the mural and stand beside such amazing people, I almost can’t believe it,” said Gordon. “I went to this school as a kid, so this is a full-circle moment for me. This is even more special for me now.”
On Monday morning, Yamaguchi, Gordon and Nguyen joined Alaska Airlines employees to unveil the mural to L.U.C.H.A. students.
“I’m so honored to paint this mural, and grateful for the opportunity,” Gordon said. “I’m excited to honor the legacy and hard work of some of California’s most iconic history makers.”
Gordon’s art installation is one of more than 25 community projects employees across 13 cities spearheaded for our company-wide Week of CARE.
Week of CARE is part of an entire month dedicated to that spirit of service we hold so dearly at Alaska and Horizon Air, our regional airline partner.
Highlights from our Week of CARE:
Our employees provided a boost throughout our network, including Anchorage, Boise, Fresno, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Portland, San Jose, Santa Rosa, Spokane, the greater Seattle area and Washington, D.C., among others.
Blanchet House, PortlandHabitat for Humanity, TukwilaLifelong, SeattleLifelong, SeattleHabitat for Humanity, TukwilaLifelong, SeattleEmployees helped provide meals for hungry children in Anchorage through the Children’s Lunchbox a program of Bean’s Café. Volunteers also helped repack and sort food for those in need at the Idaho Foodbank. Habitat for Humanity, West SeattleHabitat for Humanity, West SeattleLyon Arboretum – University of Hawaii
Alaska Airlines refreshes our Lounges with new spaces and amenities
Multimillion-dollar renovations add more seating and food and beverage choices;
Seattle C Concourse Lounge expansion opens next week in time for holidays
We know our guests love our Lounges at Alaska Airlines – spaces filled with a West Coast vibe to kick back and unwind or get a little work done. Since 2018, we’ve doubled the footprint in our Lounges and invested $30 million in overall improvements, including our award-winning Flagship Lounge at the N Concourse in Seattle, our new Lounge in San Francisco and a new patio space at Concourse C Lounge in Portland.
We continue to invest in upgrades to make our Lounges better (and bigger) than ever. We’re currently focusing on remodeling and renovating our additional popular locations in Seattle, adding amenities that mean the most to our Lounge members.
Our members know our Lounge program is one of the best values in the airline industry with one of the most generous access policies,” said Sangita Woerner, senior vice president of marketing and guest experience at Alaska Airlines. “We’re investing in more space and better products as we strive to ensure our members have a terrific experience when they step inside any of our locations.”
Here’s what’s happening across our Lounges:
Just in time for the holidays, our expanded C Concourse Lounge at our hometown airport in Seattle opens next week. With an additional 3,000 square feet, we’ve doubled the seating space with enough room for 60 more seats. Great views of the tarmac remain unchanged.
When the busy holiday season wraps up, the second phase of renovations in Seattle begins on Jan. 7, 2023, after the D Concourse Lounge closes for a complete overhaul. It’s set to reopen in summer 2023. The location will have 30% more seating, a new barista station, new food and beverage offerings, and an improved layout.
We’ve invested $1.5 million for Lounge upgrades in Portland this year. Along with expanding our current Lounge by 1,000 square feet with the addition of an enclosed patio area, we’ve also added an Express Lounge at Concourse B to give our guests more options.
At our Lounges in Los Angeles and San Francisco, we’re brightening the spaces with modern furniture and other touches. At LAX, we’ve installed new artwork by local artists.
Guests at our Lounges can enjoy a wide variety of complimentary West Coast craft beers and sip featured West Coast wines. At select locations, we’re also expanding our hot food options that are served throughout the day.
We always want our Lounge members to have the best possible experience when stopping by one of our locations. We provide complimentary drinks and snacks such as West Coast wines, local brews, custom cocktails, hand-crafted espresso beverages, and fresh, seasonal food and snacks. Plus we allow entry for two guests or immediate family members when traveling together anytime they fly on Alaska or another carrier.
The Alaska Lounge Membership Program offers two options for guests to choose from: Alaska Lounge members access all our Lounge locations, and Alaska Lounge+ members access all our Lounges and more than 90 partner lounges around the world. Alaska operates nine Lounges at six airports: Anchorage; Los Angeles; New York JFK; Portland (two locations); San Francisco; and Seattle (three locations).
Alaska Airlines’ new holiday-themed plane is all about giving the gift of travel
This holiday season we’re inviting our guests to give the gift of travel! We are donating 1 million miles to our CARE Miles program, a unique and meaningful way Mileage Plan members can support important causes.
Traveling is truly the best gift, and this year, our holiday-inspired plane embraces the reason for the season: giving.
In honor of the season and our festive new aircraft, we’re donating 1 million miles to our CARE Miles program! This program offers Mileage Plan™ members a unique and meaningful way to support important causes. Learn more below.
WANT TO GIVE THE GIFT OF TRAVEL?
DONATE MILES.
Sign into your Mileage Plan account. Select the “Donate Miles” link and choose a charity/organization.
So far this year, our airline and Mileage Plan members have donated 39 million miles to charities such as American Red Cross, Angel Flight West, the Honor Flight Network, Make-A-Wish, Seattle Children’s Hospital and UNCF.
Miles donated to our CARE Miles program help charities with business travel, accommodation of special organization requests and achievement of the organization’s mission. Here is a list of important causes you can support with miles:
Contributions to the Alaska Airlines Disaster Relief Pool will be used to support charities involved with disaster relief efforts and for transportation of medical staff and volunteers.
Alaska Airlines Miles for Youth
Alaska Airlines believes all young people should have an opportunity for future success. The Alaska Airlines Miles for Youth provides miles to nonprofits who support young people to reach their full potential.
Angel Flight West
Angel Flight West provides patient transportation for those needing medical treatment in another city and who otherwise would not be able to afford the cost of getting there.
Dream Foundation
Dream Foundation is the first and largest national organization whose mission is the granting of dreams to adults, over the age of 18, who are suffering life-limiting illnesses. Donated miles are used to reunite families, bring loved ones together or to create lasting memories with one last family trip. Learn more.
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Foundation
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center is an independent, nonprofit biomedical-research institution and is one of 39 National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer centers nationwide.
Fisher House Foundation™ administers the Hero Miles program to provide transportation to wounded, injured, and ill military members and their loved ones. By bringing patient and family together, whether at a hospital bedside or an approved occasion, the donation of travel rewards directly promotes the continued healing process of our military heroes.
Make-A-Wish
Grants wishes to children with serious illnesses or injuries. When Make-A-Wish® volunteers ask a child for his or her favorite wish, very often the response begins with “I wish to go to…”.
Medical Teams International
Medical Teams International is a disaster relief organization that provides much needed medical staff and equipment/supplies to areas stricken throughout the world.
National Forest Foundation
Engages America in community-based and national programs that promote the health and public enjoyment of the 193-million-acre National Forest System. NFF programs—with a strong presence in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest—utilize collaborative conservation to restore our forests, watersheds, wildlife habitat, and recreation resources.
The Nature Conservancy
The leading conservation organization working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters for nature and people.
Seattle Children’s Hospital
Seattle Children’s Hospital is nationally ranked and provides superior patient care, advance treatments through pediatric research and serves as the pediatric and adolescent academic medical center in Washington, Alaska, Montana and Idaho- the largest region of any children’s hospital in the country.
UNCF
UNCF’s mission is to build a robust and nationally-recognized pipeline of under-represented students who, because of UNCF support, become highly-qualified college graduates and to ensure that our network of member institutions is a respected model of best practice in moving students to and through college.
The Honor Flight Network
We’ve added a new cause to CARE Miles! You can now donate your miles to support the Honor Flight Network’s Lone Eagle Program. Learn more in the description below. While we get our system updated to accept automatic donations, you can donate to Lone Eagle Honor Flight by emailing us from the email address associated with your Mileage Plan account.
Please note: A minimum of 1,000 miles is required to donate to Alaska Airlines CARE Miles Program, and donations can be made in increments of 1,000 miles.
YOUR PASS TO ELITE STATUS
With a Flight Pass subscription, you’ll choose your own frequent flights every month to great destinations within California, between California and Nevada, and between California and Arizona. Subscribers lock in a price for 12 months worth of travel, below standard airfare rates.* With a fixed per-month price, you don’t have to worry about fares increasing, and planning/budgeting travel becomes a breeze. Plus, flying Alaska means you always land amazing care in the air.
Hawaii-based carrier will connect our guests on interisland flights to 10 destinations acrossthe state starting early next year; Mileage Plan members will earn miles on Mokulele flights
As we celebrate 15 years of serving the Hawaiian Islands, we are deepening our commitment to the state with an enhanced partnership with Mokulele Airlines, our newest Mileage Plan partner, starting in early 2023. By joining forces, we’re making it easier and more convenient for our guests to fly to additional locations throughout the islands.
Mokulele offers more interisland frequencies than any other airline in Hawaii with more than 800 flights a week—including as many as 150 peak-day departures—to 10 destinations across the Aloha State. With connecting service on Mokulele, our guests will enjoy quicker access to seven new locations and two islands not directly served by Alaska, such as Hilo, Lanai and Molokai. Mokulele is the only carrier in Hawaii with regularly scheduled service to Lanai and Molokai.
Starting early 2023, here’s how our guests will benefit from our new partnership with Mokulele Airlines:
– Flights on Mokulele will be available for purchase directly on alaskaair.com. That addition to our website will happen early next year. – Mileage Plan members who purchase tickets directly on alaskaair.com will earn miles when flying on Mokulele.
Our enhanced partnership with Mokulele Airlines will provide our guests with a more streamlined way to travel to additional communities across the islands to appreciate the culture, beauty and adventure of Hawaii,” said Nat Pieper, senior vice president of fleet, finance and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “This is also a terrific way for our Mileage Plan members to earn additional miles while traveling to one of the most beautiful places in the world.”
Hawaii is easy to get to on Alaska, thanks to an average of 30 nonstop peak-daily flights from seven West Coast cities (Anchorage, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, San Jose, Los Angeles and San Diego) to the four largest islands – Oahu, Maui, Kauai and the Island of Hawaii.
Mokulele Airlines has operated for nearly 30 years. The company is owned by Southern Airways, which is the largest commuter airline in the U.S. In November, Southern will add a second 28-seat Saab 340 aircraft to Mokulele’s overall fleet as part of its expansion.
Mokulele serves 10 destinations in Hawaii: Honolulu on Oahu; Hana, Kahului and Kapalua on Maui; Hilo, Waimea-Kohala and Kona on Hawaii Island; Lanai City on Lanai; Kalaupapa and Hoolehua on Molokai.
Our partnership extends to all flights operated by Southern Airways Express, enabling connections in Los Angeles, Phoenix, Denver, Washington-Dulles, St. Louis, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Nashville, Atlanta and Pittsburgh.
“We are in a growth mode, bringing more aircraft and larger aircraft to Hawaii,” said Keith Sisson, chief of staff at Southern Airways. “For the upcoming year, we are looking at every possibility for offering a more diverse platform of services to the people of the islands. Enhancing our partnership with Alaska Airlines is the next step to our becoming Hawaii’s most comprehensive air service provider.”
Alaska has flown to Hawaii for 15 years. We launched our first flight between Seattle and Honolulu on Oct. 12, 2007. Service between Seattle and Lihue, Kauai, started two weeks later, followed by Anchorage-Honolulu service in December 2007. In 2008, Alaska began serving Kona on the Island of Hawaii and Kahului on Maui.
With our award-winning service, we offer onboard amenities for a terrific trip to the islands: Our planes have a three-class cabin including First Class and Premium Class; power outlets at every seat to keep devices charged; hundreds of free movies and TV shows that can streamed inflight to your own devices; most flights are enabled with streaming-fast satellite Wi-Fi available for purchase; and you can pre-order from a range of fresh meal options. Also, if you have to make different travel plans, there are no change fees to do that.
After delighting kids on Make-A-Wish flights for years, Alaska pilots never imagined one would be for them
Captain Ryan McNelis and First Officer Bethany McNelis have each piloted Make-A-Wish flights over their careers with Alaska Airlines. Welcoming kids into the fight deck and showing them the bells and whistles brings joy to families dealing with a child’s critical illness.
They never in a million years imagined they’d be on a Make-A-Wish flight for their own family.
Yet, this week they were—seated not in the flight deck, but in row 21 with their daughter Maeve and her brother Rowan, thanks to Make-A-Wish of Alaska & Washington. The smiles on their faces and excitement for their trip to Disney World in Orlando, Florida concealed what they had endured the last two years—when their lives were tipped upside down by their baby girl’s illness.
Trusting her “mom sense”
The McNelises first noticed that something was different with Maeve when she was learning to walk. “She’d take a step or two and would gingerly sit down, as if in pain,” Bethany said.
Several trips to the doctor diagnosed her with anemia, and then an ear infection. But Bethany’s ‘mom sense’ said it was something more. Ryan and Bethany persisted, and a blood test and very observant nurse practitioner finally led them to Seattle Children’s Hospital.
There they were given the news no parent ever wants to hear. Maeve had neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer.
Overnight, the hospital became Maeve’s new home as she braved chemotherapy, surgery, two stem cell transplants, radiation and immunotherapy. Ryan and Bethany wore down their tire treads making the trip between Gig Harbor and Seattle over the next two years.
Taking care of our own
As the McNelises were caring for Maeve, their Alaska Airlines family cared for them. “The company took care of us,” Bethany said. She was able to take leave and stay with Maeve, while Ryan got a break in his schedule.
“We are just so appreciative of the support. It eased our stress level,” she said.
In a stroke of serendipity, one of Maeve’s nurses at Children’s happened to be the daughter of Dave Mets, Alaska VP of flight operations. “She and Maeve had a special bond, it was so amazing,” Bethany said, noting that Maeve often talks of her nurses and plays “hospital”-caring for her stuffed animals–attaching strings as make-shift IVs for their ‘icky’ medicine.
But on Tuesday at the airport, there wasn’t a needle or nurse to be seen.
As the McNelis family walked to their gate, there was a party waiting—a country farm backdrop with whimsical cows and horses, pink cowboy hats and gifts for Maeve and her brother—thanks to the wish fairies of Make-A-Wish.
But perhaps the biggest surprise came when the boarding door opened, and Maeve met the pilot—her Uncle Joey! First Officer Joey McNelis. Ryan’s brother and a fellow pilot at Alaska, was flying their plane.
First Officer Joey McNelis “Uncle Joey” greets Maeve.
All in the family
Aviation runs in the McNelis family. In addition to Joey, Ryan and Bethany working for Alaska Airlines, their father Jim is a retired captain, mom Joleta is a retired flight attendant and Uncle Scott Willott is a maintenance controller.
So, the natural question is—does Maeve want to be a pilot? “Nope,” she said as she hugged her new stuffed horse that she had already named ‘Spirit.’ “I want to be a cowgirl.”
Behind the scenes, making sure everything was in order, was Alaska’s own Teresa Jean-Baptiste, lead customer service agent. Jean-Baptise has been greeting Make-A-Wish families at Sea-Tac with her friendly smile and easy manner for over two decades. In fact, she trained her coworkers on the art of breezing the families through check-in, security and helping them board.
Jean-Baptise, a mom of three, held back tears as the family boarded—“This is just the best part of my job,” she said.
Medicine for the spirit, and not the icky kind
Maeve’s is the 8,000th wish granted by Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington. Alaska Airlines has been a proud Make-A-Wish partner since 1986, when we flew our first wish trip–a little girl and her family headed to Disneyland.
Wishes fill a vital need for children facing critical illnesses,” said Make-A-Wish’s Kathryn Mueller.“They give hope and joy to families after long hospital stays and grueling treatment regimens. Wishes allow children to believe anything is possible. We can’t thank Alaska Airlines enough for helping bring dreams to life.”
You can help support Make-A-Wish Alaska & Washington using Alaska Airlines miles. These miles are used to send wish children and their families, like Maeve, to the destinations of their dreams. Donate miles now at alaskaair.com/donatemiles. And read more at Make-A-Wish® Alaska & Washington.
