ICYMI: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines debut new brand campaigns in time for the Big Game

Hawaiian Airlines hero

While fans across America tuned into Sunday’s Big Game, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines made their mark with new, standout commercials that celebrate each brand’s distinct identity.

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Alaska Airlines flight attendant

We Fly for Hawaiʻi

Hawaiian Airlines’ 96-year legacy as Hawaiʻis carrier is at the heart of its new spot, “We Fly for Hawaiʻi, now airing across the Hawaiian Islands. The campaign features content made and submitted by the airline’s employees, highlighting their pride in connecting Island communities with each other and the world, and sharing Hawaiʻis culture with guests near and far.  

Flying for Hawaiian and being part of this campaign is my way of honoring our legacy of mālama — caring for others the way we care for our own, fostering connection and carrying Hawaiʻi with us wherever we fly.”

Thalia A.

Flight attendant, Hawaiian Airlines

The commercial is the first in a yearlong series that will feature stories by Hawaiʻi, for Hawaiʻi  celebrating the ways kamaʻāina (residents) fly Hawaiian for work, to visit friends and family and to get a head start on their vacation.

Do you want to be featured in the next commercial? Instagram users can share their favorite Hawaii moments with Hawaiian Airlines for a chance to be featured by using #WeFlyForHawaii.   

“Welcome to Alaska Airlines”

Alaska Airlines’ newest spot, which debuted during the Big Game, invites viewers to let their imagination soar and explore the world with the fourth largest global carrier in the U.S. 

Our campaign draws on the daydreams of a global traveler and tells a story of what sets Alaska apart: a growing international network, new premium offerings and the genuine care our guests know us for across all cabins.”

Eric Edge

Vice president of brand and marketing, Alaska Airlines

“Welcome to Alaska Airlines” is now playing throughout the West Coast, showcasing Alaska’s growing domestic and international reach and premium offerings  most notably its Business Class lieflat suites on the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. The ad’s dreamlike vignettes take viewers through a whimsical journey in the clouds, from surreal floating tea spreads in London to oversized mounds of gelato nestled among Roman architecture. 

Snowy temples, fewer crowds and onsen bliss: Why Japan shines in the winter

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Japan is a destination shaped by the seasons. In the winter months, when crowds thin and snow often falls, I love traveling both to Tokyo and the quieter towns at the outskirts of the metropolis.

In early January, I flew from Seattle to Tokyo on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines’ daily nonstop flight to reset my mind for the year ahead. My five-day itinerary took me from the crisp, clear air of Tokyo (with uninterrupted views of Mt. Fuji) to the quiet town of Nikko, home to forested mountains, hot springs and snow-dusted shrines.

Winter in Japan

Here’s why a visit to Japan is a must in winter — and how I made the most of my off-season trip with Alaska and Hawaiian. 

Winter is Japan’s most peaceful season

While spring and fall are typically the most popular periods to visit Japan (think: cherry blossoms and vibrant foliage), it’s also rewarding to explore in the winter shoulder months. During the cold season, the ambiance feels noticeably calmer (as long as you’re outside of the big ski towns). Tokyo’s alleyways in neighborhoods like Shinjuku and Ginza remain lively, but they’re no longer as packed with pedestrians. It’s easier to book Shinkansen tickets or enter historic sites like Senso-ji. And a hot, steaming bowl of ramen or soba simply hits harder.

Venture even slightly beyond Tokyo, as I did, and some places can feel entirely your own.

Japan shrine
Japan shrine
Japan architecture
From landing in Tokyo to onsen bliss

Alaska and Hawaiian’s Seattle-Tokyo flight, which debuted earlier last year, lands in Japan’s capital in the mid-afternoon. That time frame is an ideal window to clear the airport, take the train into the city, grab a light dinner and turn in early to be refreshed for the days ahead.

That’s exactly how I arranged my first night. The next morning, I was on a two-hour train bound for the mountain village of Nikko, an onsen town renowned for traditional hot spring baths and a gorgeous natural setting.

When I began wandering through the area, snow flurries settled over the UNESCO-listed shrines and temples, and for a moment, it felt as though the town had slowed just for me. I explored architectural and cultural landmarks, like Toshogu Shrine, a vast, lavishly decorated complex that’s the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, Japan’s first shogun (military general). And because it was winter, there were no lines to enter.

Next, I visited the magnificent Chuzenji Shrine, with panoramic views of the highest lake in Japan. It was particularly postcard-worthy because the roofs were covered in a fresh layer of snow.

In Nikko, I stayed at The Ritz-Carlton Nikko, a Marriott Bonvoy property about 40 minutes from the train station and conveniently located near area attractions. Kagan Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in the country and partially frozen in January, was only a five-minute trek on foot.

(Editor’s note: Atmos™ Rewards members can earn on qualifying hotel stays booked through Alaska Airlines Vacations or with participating partners, such as Marriott Bonvoy. Learn more about Alaska’s hotel partners.)

In addition to a refined Japanese dining venue, the hotel features a private, mineral-rich geothermal hot spring. It was my first time soaking in a natural onsen in Japan, and I was instantly hooked.

During my stay in Nikko, temperatures dipped as low as 18 degrees Fahrenheit. I found myself lingering in the onsen for hours, closing my eyes as steam rose and snow fell outside. It was easy to relax and slow down, especially after a day spent exploring. I finally understood why hot springs were such an essential part of Japanese winter travel.

Finding warmth back in Tokyo

Finally, it was time to head back to Tokyo for my last two nights. I arrived at Nikko’s train station a bit early and ducked into a small, family-run soba shop, where I was served a spectacular bowl of freshly made noodles. It’s one of the pleasures of wandering in Japan: some of the most memorable meals come from unassuming spots.

As a transportation enthusiast, I was particularly looking forward to the train journey aboard the Tobu Spacia X. Launched in 2023, Spacia X feels closer to a boutique hotel lobby on rails than a standard locomotive. In fact, I made sure to book a ticket in the “cockpit lounge,” the train’s first carriage, which lets passengers see unobstructed through the operator’s window.

Chris on the train
Chris tokyo hotel
Japan food

Back in Tokyo, I made my way up to the 52nd-floor New York Bar at the newly reopened Park Hyatt Tokyo, an iconic setting made famous by the movie Lost in Translation. In winter, when skies are clearer and pollution levels tend to be lower, distant sights — like Mt. Fuji — are more likely to be visible. Sure enough, as the sun set with a drink in hand, I watched the mountain’s snow-covered peak form a striking silhouette.

The following day, I popped over to Ginza to browse its many shops in search of a vintage Japanese watch. Between stops, I ducked into Afuri, a ramen restaurant celebrated for its light, citrusy yuzu shio broth topped with charcoal-grilled pork. It was a warming and satisfying respite from the chill outside.

Business Class suites between Tokyo and Seattle

That sense of calm in Japan is carried through once it was time to fly home. Traveling between Tokyo and Seattle in Business Class on Alaska and Hawaiian’s Boeing 787 feels built for long‑haul comfort, with spacious private suites and lie‑flat beds.

One of the highlights of flying Business is the quality of the onboard dining. Passengers can preorder meals online in advance, choosing between Japanese, Hawaiian or Western options. Shortly after takeoff, I was served my Japanese selection, beginning with bite-sized appetizers — crab jelly, usui tofu, roasted duck breast, steamed anago surimi and a sweet potato ball — followed by umami chicken with seasonal vegetables, steamed rice, pickled vegetables and miso soup. It was a memorable, well-balanced dinner.

All menus on my flight were crafted by Hawaiian Airlines Executive Chefs Wade Ueoka and Michelle Karr-Ueoka of MW Restaurant in Honolulu. For Tokyo flights, Chef Mark Sekita of Mark’s Tokyo also puts his flair on the meals.

Inflight meal
Business lie-flat
Boeing 787 pilot card

Final thoughts

Winter may not be Japan’s most obvious season, but that’s precisely what makes it special. Thanks to fewer crowds, clearer skies, and a slower pace, travelers can linger, reflect, and travel with intention. My experience felt rejuvenating — from the snow-covered shrines and restorative onsen soaks to wandering around Tokyo at twilight.

Now, with Alaska and Hawaiian’s Seattle-Tokyo nonstop, the winter season is an even smarter time to visit the country.

Aloha to big rewards: Millions of Atmos™ Rewards points up for grabs for Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard® cardmembers in 2026

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Summary

Hawaiian will award more than 44 million Atmos Rewards points to cardmembers through December 

Hawaiʻi resident cardmembers will earn a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points per $1 spent on all purchases up to 5,000 bonus points during the promotional period 

Hawaiian Airlines today unveiled its most exciting credit card giveaway to date, designed to reward loyal cardmembers with unprecedented opportunities to earn and win Atmos Rewards points throughout 2026.

Today through Dec. 31, every transaction made with a Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® automatically counts as an entry into the year-long sweepstakes*.

  • Seven weekly winners will each receive 100,000 Atmos Rewards points.
  • One monthly grand prize winner will receive an incredible one million Atmos Rewards points. The more transactions cardmembers make, the more chances they have to win.
  • Promotion Dates: Feb. 1 – Dec. 31, 2026
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Our most rewarding credit card promotion is our way to mahalo our most loyal guests and Hawaiian Airlines cardholders. We’re thrilled to give our cardmembers more ways to earn Atmos Rewards points with every purchase and bring them closer to taking a Neighbor Island trip or exploring the new reaches of our global network.”

Alisa Onishi

Managing director of Hawaiʻi marketing, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

To further celebrate our commitment to Hawaiʻi, cardmembers residing in Hawaiʻi will earn a 50% bonus on Atmos Rewards points per $1 spent on all purchases up to 5,000 bonus points during the promotional period. This special offer highlights Hawaiian Airlines’ dedication to its island home and provides unmatched value to local cardmembers. Visit hawaiianairlines.com/greatpointsgiveaway for more information.

Atmos Rewards recognizes the importance of air travel for Hawai‘i residents and is making Neighbor Island travel more rewarding than ever — with members earning up to five times more points on flights between the Islands. Plus, Neighbor Island award redemptions start at just 4,500 points one-way — making it easier than ever to visit family, attend events or explore the Islands.

Family of three on Maui
Na Pali coast

The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® gives cardmembers more ways to earn Atmos Rewards points, enjoy exclusive travel perks and save on flights — making it one of the most rewarding airline cards. Popular benefits include:

Companion discounts

Celebrate your account anniversary and receive an annual $100-off companion discount valid for 12 months from your anniversary date. The discount is valid for roundtrip travel between Hawai‘i and North America destinations on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights or roundtrip North America main cabin travel on Alaska Airlines-operated flights.

 

Two free checked bags

Receive two free checked bags on eligible flights for the primary cardmember when you use your card to purchase eligible tickets directly from Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines.

 

Status points

Get closer to Atmos Rewards status with qualifying purchases on your Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®. Earn one status point for every $3 spent with no limit on the number of status points you can earn.

 

Earn

Earn three points for every $1 spent on eligible Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines purchases. Earn two points for every $1 spent on eligible gas, dining, and grocery store purchases. Earn one point per $1 spent on all other purchases. There is no limit to the total Atmos Rewards points you can earn.

 

Free points sharing

As a Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard primary cardmember, you can send and receive Atmos Rewards Points between a network of up to 10 friends and family. Atmos Rewards members can start sharing points by logging into their account at alaskaair.com/atmosrewards.

Redeem points for flights with no blackout dates on Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Redeem for over 1,000 destinations globally through our network of airline partners.

Additional Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® benefits can be found at Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® – Benefits. 

Those interested in applying for Hawaiian Airlines Bank of Hawaii World Elite Mastercard can do so at any Bank of Hawaii branch or online at boh.com/creditcard. Terms and conditions apply. 
 
* No purchase required. See rules. Ends Dec. 31, 2026.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

A new home for training excellence: Alaska Airlines unveils state-of-the-art Global Training Center

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Summary

New 660,000-square-foot facility brings training for multiple workgroups under one roof

$200 million investment strengthens the airline’s transformation into country’s fourth global airline

Thousands of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines employees will now undergo training in a new 660,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art facility, which officially opened its doors today. The facility will be a hub for flight attendants, pilots, customer service agents and more, and will centralize operations into one space.

The Global Training Center is spectacular and worthy of our amazing frontline employees. This is the first time in our nearly 95-year history that employees across frontline workgroups will train under the same roof. I’m looking forward to this space being used by thousands of employees to build on our culture of safety, performance and care.”

Jason Berry

Chief operating officer, Alaska Airlines

The investment in training capacity and quality will continue to fuel the Alaska Accelerate strategic plan the vision for the combination between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Frontline employees are at the core of Alaska’s transformation as the network expands globally and the premium guest experience is scaled. This facility is an investment back into the thousands of employees who care for Alaska and Hawaiian guests every day.

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Auditorium
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Expanded technology and capacity

In addition to the already rigorous training regimen Alaska employees undergo, the Global Training Center includes new technologies available to our employees:

  • Five total mock bays used by flight attendants to train for emergency aircraft scenarios
  • A fully functional aircraft galley to train flight attendants on service procedures
  • A mock lobby and gate area for customer service agents, as well as four aircraft door trainers to practice normal, abnormal and emergency procedures
  • Virtual reality rooms and equipment, a new 787 full-motion flight simulator and nine 737 full-motion simulators for pilot training
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In-cabin fire training
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Customer service training

Design and amenities

The facility’s design takes inspiration from the Pacific Northwest’s natural beauty with wood elements and a paint scheme representing mountains, oceans and forest canopy. The remodel reused a significant number of existing materials, limiting landfill waste.

Offering an environment where employees can learn from one another, socialize and care for their wellbeing, the Global Training Center offers a number of amenities including a cafeteria, café and bar designed to be like Alaska’s famous Lounges. The facility also offers an auditorium for class graduations and events, a fitness center, bike storage and repair room and a one-mile walking trail.

Located in Renton, Wash., roughly five miles from Alaska’s headquarters, the building was formerly owned by Boeing and was purposefully built to house an aviation training facility. The facility was purchased from Unico Properties in 2024. The total investment in the Global Training Center is more than $200 million. Training at the new center will be augmented by existing pilot and flight attendant training facilities in Honolulu.

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Crew uniform fitting

Global Training Center by the numbers

  • Eight acres of land
  • 664,629 square feet across three floors
  • 10 full‑motion simulators
  • Five inflight mock bays
  • 89 classrooms
  • Three virtual‑reality training rooms
  • Nine break rooms
  • 34 conference rooms
  • 550 employees from 14 work groups working in the building
  • Plus thousands of employees cycling through for regular training

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Atmos™ Rewards earns The Points Guy’s top honors for innovation and credit card excellence

The Points Guy award

Atmos™ Rewards has soared to the top in two major categories in the 2026 Points Guy Awards. The combined loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has been recognized as Best Innovation in Airline Loyalty while the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card, issued in partnership with Bank of America, was crowned Best New Personal Credit Card.

Now in its eighth year, the 2026 Points Guy Awards honor the best in travel, credit cards and loyalty, from top-tier reward credit cards and exclusive lounges to premier loyalty programs, airlines, hotels and cruise lines. Learn more about the 2026 The Points Guy awards at www.thepointsguy.com/awards.

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Credit card award

The outsized value and industry-leading benefits of Atmos Rewards have set a new bar for premium travel. Combining Alaska and Hawaiian gave us a rare opportunity to reimagine what’s possible in airline loyalty. These awards from The Points Guy validate that approach — a program delivering unprecedented flexibility, value and benefits that align with how people actually travel today.”

Susan Zhang

Managing director of loyalty and cobrand, Alaska Airlines

Atmos Rewards has continuously earned top ranks since its debut in August 2025 and has been celebrated for offering new and exciting ways to earn and redeem valuable points with more choice, rewards and global access than ever before. Earlier this year, the program was named NerdWallet’s 2026 Best Airline Rewards Program and Best Airline Rewards Program in U.S. News and World Report’s 2025-2026 Best Travel Rewards.

A powerful companion for the Atmos Rewards member, the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card has stood as the most rewarding card in our lineup. The popular card delivers an exceptional suite of premium benefits, including the new Global Companion Award, triple points on eligible dining and foreign purchases, access to Alaska Lounges and a range of additional elite perks.

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We’re so pleased that the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite credit card — our co-branded product with Alaska Airlines — has been honored as The Points Guy’s Best New Personal Credit Card. Our collaboration with our Alaska partners centered on giving travelers elevated, premium benefits while helping them maximize the value of every trip.”

Elpida Perna

Alaska Airlines cobrand executive, Bank of America

The Summit card, in addition to the expanded portfolio of Atmos Rewards credit cards, including the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card, was designed to deliver convenience, value and access to elevated travel experiences.

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Woman walking through Rome

Earlier this year, Alaska and Hawaiian introduced expanded status earning and exclusive perks for Atmos Rewards members, rewarding travelers not just for flying but for everyday living, whether booking a hotel, renting a car, dining out or shopping for clothes and groceries. Throughout 2026, members can also look forward to additional benefits and phased rollouts, including more flexibility in how they earn points and qualify for status, along with the introduction of Atmos Communities — dedicated spaces where members can connect and access offers and perks tailored to what matters most to them.

The Atmos Rewards credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa, Visa Signature and Visa Infinite are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.

How Atmos™ Rewards took a mountaineer from Seattle to the Seven Summits of the world

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How far can Atmos™ Rewards take you? For Nate, an Atmos™ Titanium member and lifelong Seattleite, the answer reaches far beyond the Pacific Northwest. What began as a childhood love for the outdoors eventually carried him to the highest summits on Earth.

Nate on Everest

Nate grew up like many Seattle residents: marveling at Mount Rainier on beautiful bluebird days and traveling on Alaska Airlines. “We flew Alaska Airlines everywhere; it’s the only airline I remember being on as a kid,” he said.

As he got older, he graduated to travel as a Mileage Plan (now Atmos Rewards) member and an Alaska Airlines credit cardholder, building his bank of rewards on family vacations, during business travel and through everyday purchases. And every time his flight took off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, he’d stare out the window and track the aircraft’s altitude against Mount Rainier in the distance.

“Growing up, Rainier was a big part of my life. My childhood was filled with hiking and camping all over the Pacific Northwest – including Mount Rainier National Park. That peak was in the backdrop of my most cherished memories with my parents, while I was studying at the University of Washington, and it was even the name of our family dog.”

Seattle with Rainier in the background

The mountain’s significance to Nate deepened in early 2016, when it became the first high-altitude climb he completed just three weeks after his father passed away.

“My dad always said he wanted his ashes somewhere with a view of Rainier, so my sister and I decided to do him one better: I carried him to the summit and gave him a forever view from the top,” he said. “It still makes me emotional to think that he never got to see me climb my first mountain, but bringing him with me made it feel like we climbed it together.”

Old photo of Nate's dad
Old photo for Nate and family with Rainier in background
Nate atop Rainier with his Dad's ashes.

That day changed Nate. Standing atop Rainier, the highest peak in Washington’s Cascade Range at 14,410 feet, “rewired his brain,” he shared, sparking a new love for mountaineering.

From then on, Nate devoted his free time and spare energy to building the strength and endurance needed for bigger, more technical mountains across the Cascades, the Andes, the Himalayas and the Alps. He used the loyalty rewards he’d saved to book travel on Alaska Airlines to cities like Anchorage, Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami, as well as to international gateways through the oneworld® alliance, including London, Doha, Buenos Aires, São Paulo and more.

“I wanted to test my limits, see how my body performed and challenge myself at higher elevations. And then one day, a friend who had been pursuing the Seven Summits invited me on an Aconcagua (Argentina) expedition. After two hard weeks and a brutal push to 7,000 meters, we both summited – and instead of just checking this one box, I set my sights on a new endeavor.”

Over the next decade, every workout completed, purchase made, Alaska Airlines flight flown and Atmos point earned moved him closer toward one audacious goal: climbing the Seven Summits, the highest mountain on each continent.

“Finishing all Seven Summits is about as rare as going to space; the number of people who’ve done it are only in the hundreds,” he explained. “The Seven Summits isn’t just about standing on the highest peaks in the world; it’s about proving you can consistently show up, adapt and perform in the most extreme environments on the planet.”

His journey took him from a rare 30 minutes alone on the summit of Mount Everest to dragging a 50‑pound sled through minus‑40‑degree storms on Alaska’s Denali. He crossed conflict zones to reach Mount Elbrus in Russia, climbed Antarctica’s frigid Vinson Massif while recovering from pneumonia and finished Aconcagua in Argentina (his first successful trek in the lineup) after a bout with COVID‑19. He snapped a selfie after completing the most technical route on Mount Kilimanjaro and thought of his mom as he took in the view from Papua New Guinea’s Carstensz Pyramid. He even expanded his list to include two alternative peaks in the Seven Summits series: Europe’s Mont Blanc and Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko.

No matter where Nate found himself, he could always count on two constants: his lucky base layer and his Atmos Rewards benefits. He redeemed points for premium travel to arrive rested and ready for grueling climbs, and he used his Titanium perks and access to oneworld lounges to ease the stress of traveling with fragile gear and elaborate itineraries.

Nate's bags at SEA
Nate climbing rope
Nate on Kilamanjaro
“Alaska Airlines and the oneworld network didn’t just get me to these mountains – they became a big part of my story and the thread connecting home to the farthest edges of the map. I genuinely couldn’t have done this without them,” he said. “And Atmos Rewards made this global challenge not only financially and logistically feasible, but also helped the world feel more open to me in the process.”
Nate with his climbing friends
Nate on top of Everest
Nate holding an Atmos cup

Now back in Seattle, Nate has returned to traveling for business on Alaska’s domestic network, enjoying slower days with friends and family and doing nonprofit work for the Everest Alliance Nepal, an organization focused on protecting the Himalayas and the communities that call them home. “The mountains have given me a lot. It’s time to return the favor,” he said.

When asked what’s next, he shrugged. “There are always more mountains: K2, Alpamayo, Nanga Parbat. They will always be there. I haven’t planned my next big adventure yet, but I know one thing for sure: Alaska Airlines, oneworld and Atmos Rewards will be a part of it.”

Editor’s note: All photographs depicting the subject were supplied by the subject himself, who also provided permission for their use.

Alaska Air Group reports fourth quarter and full year 2025 results

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Summary

Achieved single operating certificate for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Reported earnings per share of $0.18, with adjusted earnings per share of $0.43, ahead of expectations and previous guidance range

Generated $1.2 billion in operating cash flow for the full year

Alaska Air Group Inc. (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the fourth quarter and full year ended December 31, 2025.

 

We feel momentum accelerating in 2026 as the Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines combination gains full strength. The people across our airlines delivered through a transformational year that set us up to win: an expanding global network, premium travel experiences delivered with care, and Atmos Rewards elevating our 11-year streak as the No. 1 airline loyalty program. Our model is positioned for where travelers are headed, and we’re ready to compete as one of four global U.S. airlines.”

– Ben Minicucci

President & CEO of Alaska Air Group

Quarter in Review

Alaska Air Group’s (Air Group) Consolidated Statements of Operations, Consolidated Balance Sheets, and Summary Cash Flow Statement include Hawaiian Airlines from September 18, 2024 onward. For comparability of financial and operational results, historical information has also been provided on a pro forma basis for the full year 2024 within the Supplementary Pro Forma Comparative Financial and Operating Information in this filing and in prior 8-K filings. The results presented for the fourth quarter of 2024 in the supplementary section are as reported given the inclusion of Hawaiian Airlines in Air Group for the full quarter.

Air Group reported fourth quarter GAAP pretax margin of 0.8% and net income per share of $0.18. Our fourth quarter adjusted pretax margin was 1.8% and our adjusted earnings per share was $0.43.

We continued to build on key milestones for our Alaska Accelerate strategy during the quarter, including achieving a single operating certificate for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. We achieved record credit card acquisitions, with nearly one fourth of all signups being for the new premium credit card that we introduced late in the third quarter. We began selling our new international routes from Seattle to London and Rome during the quarter, with the first flights scheduled to operate in spring 2026. We are also now selling in six foreign currencies and recently unveiled our Japanese, Korean, and Italian-language based websites, helping drive point of sale outside of the United States to support our expanding international service. These achievements represent continued progress in building the infrastructure to support Air Group’s future growth and profitability, and deliver on our Alaska Accelerate goal of $10 earnings per share in 2027 enabled by $1 billion in incremental profit.

Fourth quarter revenue was $3.6 billion, resulting in a 0.6% year-over-year RASM increase despite contending with temporary demand pullback from the government shutdown in November. We believe our fourth quarter unit revenue result will be among the highest in the industry. Corporate travel grew 9% year-over-year, while close-in demand remained strong throughout the fourth quarter as bookings and yields continue to rebound from the challenging environment earlier in the year. Our diverse revenue streams continued to deliver with premium revenue increasing 7% year-over-year, cargo revenue increasing 22% year-over-year, and loyalty revenue increasing 12% year-over-year. Commercial initiatives and synergy capture remained on track for the fourth consecutive quarter.

Unit costs, excluding fuel, freighter costs, and special items increased 1.3% year-over-year. This result is better than prior guidance and signals our teams’ renewed focus on cost control. Economic fuel price per gallon was $2.57 per gallon in the fourth quarter, reflecting elevated West Coast refining prices during the quarter.

 

First Quarter & Full Year 2026 Guidance

In the first three weeks of January, bookings have inflected positive relative to last year. We have seen several of the highest booking days in our history since January 1st with managed corporate revenues up 20% year-over-year for the first quarter. We expect first quarter unit revenues to be solidly positive and earnings per share to be approximately flat year-over-year which would mark another sequential improvement towards earnings expansion.

Given the macroeconomic headwinds the industry experienced in 2025 and the positive emergent demand trends, our guidance for 2026 reflects a wide range of potential macroeconomic outcomes. We expect to continue to realize value from Alaska Accelerate initiatives and synergies from the Hawaiian integration, which remain on track or ahead of plan relative to our initial expectations. To hit the higher end of our guidance range we would require sustained macroeconomic recovery in 2026, at or improving on trends seen in the first three weeks of the year, and for fuel prices to stabilize. Given the inherent uncertainty of the macroeconomic environment, we remain as focused as ever on controlling what is within our control, including disciplined cost management, driving strong productivity and delivering on our initiatives.

(a) Q1 adjusted tax rate is estimated to be 29%. Full year adjusted tax rate is estimated to be 26% to 27%.

Financial Results and Updates

Reported net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2025 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $21 million, or $0.18 per share, and $100 million, or $0.83 per share. These results compare to net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2024 of $71 million, or $0.55 per share, and $395 million, or $3.08 per share.

Reported net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2025, excluding special items and other adjustments, of $50 million, or $0.43 per share, and $293 million, or $2.44 per share. These results compare to net income for the fourth quarter and full year 2024, excluding special items and other adjustments, of $125 million, or $0.97 per share, and $625 million, or $4.87 per share.

Generated adjusted pretax margin of 2.8% for the full year 2025.

Repurchased 0.7 million shares of common stock for approximately $30 million in the fourth quarter, bringing total repurchases to 11.3 millionshares for $570 million in 2025.

Operational Updates

Alaska and Hawaiian achieved a single operating certificate, becoming one airline in the eyes of the FAA and representing the most significant integration milestone to date.

Announced the largest fleet order in Alaska’s history in January 2026, including 105 737-10 aircraft, 5 787 aircraft, and options for 35 additional 737-10 aircraft. The order will expand our fleet to 475 aircraft by 2030 and over 550 aircraft by 2035.

Took delivery of six 737-8 aircraft and one 787-9 aircraft in the fourth quarter.

Unveiled our new global livery for our 787 fleet in January 2026, which is planned to fly on our international routes to and from Seattle.

Announced the opening of a new Horizon base in Las Vegas to support regional growth and flying in California.

Network Updates

Announced the addition of two destinations to Air Group’s network, with year-round service to Tulsa and Arcata-Eureka beginning in the spring.

Expanding service from our hubs, including new routes announced for 2026 from San Diego to Dallas, Oakland, and Raleigh-Durham; Portland to Philadelphia, Baltimore, and St. Louis; Honolulu to Burbank; and Anchorage to Boston, Boise, and Spokane.

Customer Experience

Led U.S. carriers in key performance metrics during the Thanksgiving travel season, including on-time performance and completion rate.

Began installations of Starlink Wi-Fi on our E175 fleet in December, with installations on our mainline fleet to begin in spring 2026.

Announced the Kahu‘ewai Hawai‘i Investment Plan of more than $600 million over five years to enhance the guest experience from booking to the day of travel, including retrofitting Hawaiian aircraft interiors, modernizing airport spaces in Hawai‘i, and upgrading technology.

Our airlines finished 2025 at #2 in completion rate and #2 in on-time performance.

Other Highlights

Partnered with Washington state leaders, industry partners, and others to launch the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator initiative to accelerate the production, deployment, and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Partnered with Pono Energy to invest in the development of SAF in Hawaiʻi using locally grown agriculture feedstock.

The following table reconciles the company’s reported GAAP net income per share (EPS) for the three and twelve months ended December 31, 2025 and 2024 to adjusted amounts.

Three Months Ended December 31,

Twelve Months Ended December 31,

(a) Includes income tax effect of the adjustments in the tables above as well as one-time effects of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act which was signed into law in the third quarter of 2025.

A conference call regarding the fourth quarter and full year results will be streamed online at 11:30 a.m. EST/ 8:30 a.m. PST on January 23, 2026. It can be accessed at www.alaskaair.com/investors. For those unable to listen to the live broadcast, a replay will be available after the conclusion of the call.

Atmos™ Rewards 2026: Expanded status earning, new partnerships and exclusive perks announced 

Atmos Rewards Lifestyle

If you’re an Atmos™ Rewards member looking to maximize your status in 2026, you’re in for a treat! The program — which was just named NerdWallet’s Best Airline Rewards Program – is evolving to reward you not just for flying, but for living your life, whether that’s booking a hotel, renting a car, dining out or even shopping. And with new partnerships and perks, including Alaska Vacations and Hawaiian Vacations VIP Access hotel discounts and perks for status holders, there’s never been a better time to be an Atmos Rewards status holder.

Remember, you can enjoy your hard-earned status benefits through Jan. 31 of the following year. Earning status for each year still ends on Dec. 31.

Atmos rewards rome image

It’s never been a better time to earn status points with Atmos Rewards. With just 10,000 status points, members unlock perks such as free pre-order food items, bonus points, or even trying Atmos™ Silver for a trip to receive all the benefits of this status tier. Once members reach 20,000 status points and attain Atmos Silver status, additional benefits await, like complimentary First Class and Premium Class upgrades, bonus points on all flights, one free checked bag, complimentary preferred seating and more.

With each new tier, more benefits await, like additional free checked bags, priority bag handling, higher upgrade priority, and more coming in later 2026.

Here’s a quick look at the points needed for each status tier:

 

Atmos status tiers
Atmos Rewards tieroneworld® tierStatus points needed
Atmos™ Silveroneworld® Ruby20,000
Atmos™ Goldoneworld® Sapphire40,000
Atmos™ Platinumoneworld® Emerald80,000
Atmos™ Titaniumoneworld® Emerald135,000

How to earn status beyond flying: non-air partners & activities 

Atmos Rewards is all about flexibility and recognizing your loyalty across a wide range of activities. You can now earn status points by spending with eligible non-airline partners. Status points play a unique role within your Atmos Rewards experience. While these points aren’t redeemable, they do help you reach milestones and unlock higher status levels along your Atmos Rewards journey.  

Atmos rewards - hotel earnings
Atmos earning credit cards
Atmos benefits card
Atmos credit card earning
Atmos lyft rides
Atmos partner earnings
Wondering how you can earn Atmos status points in ways that fit your unique lifestyle? Let’s meet three Atmos Rewards members – each with their own goals, routines and favorite partners. These personas will help you picture how your own activities — big and small — can boost your status and unlock rewards. 
Profile icon of Atmos Rewards member
Alex, the on-the-go tech professional

Alex lives in Seattle, works in the tech industry and travels frequently for both work and play. Convenience and efficiency are top priorities, but Alex also enjoys treating loved ones and making the most of every trip. 

  • Rideshare savvy: Alex takes Lyft rides to and from the airport and important meetings. With one status point for every $1 spent on base fare charges, Alex’s $800 spent on Lyft earns Alex 800 status points.
  • Travel made easy: As a member of CLEAR, Alex earns 1,500 redeemable points by enrolling in a membership, which equates to 500 status points.
  • Gifting for every occasion: Alex uses Atmos Rewards Shopping to send gifts — spending $240 throughout the year and earning 5,100 redeemable points, which gives Alex 1,700 status points.
  • Stays that count: With occasional Stays by Alaska Vacations for business trips or getaways, Alex spends $6,000 on qualifying hotel bookings, which equals 6,000 status points.
  • Credit card rewards: All purchases made with the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card add status points – two points for every $1 spent. Alex spends $25,000 a year on essentials, earning 12,500 status points, plus he gets 10,000 status points each account anniversary.


Annual status point summary for Alex: 
  • Lyft: 800 status points 
  • CLEAR: 500 status points 
  • Atmos Rewards Shopping: 1,700 status points 
  • Alaska Vacations: 6,000 status points 
  • Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa: 22,500 status points 


Total: 31,500 status points – earning Alex Atmos Silver status from non-air partners alone. 
Profile icon of Atmos Rewards member
Brenda, the family-focused parent 

Brenda’s life is all about family, celebration and smart spending. Living in Honolulu, Brenda keeps her household running smoothly, plans memorable vacations and finds ways to earn rewards with everyday essentials. 

  • Everyday shopping: Brenda shops with Atmos™ Rewards Shopping partners like Home Depot, Walmart, Macy’s and Chewy, earning 3,000 base points a year — that’s 1,000 status points. 
  • Dining out: Family nights at participating Atmos™ Rewards Dining restaurants add 4,800 base points ($960 spent), earning another 1,600 status points. 
  • Vacation time: Brenda books a $2,500 family package with Stays by Hawaiian Vacations to visit family on a Neighbor Island (2,500 status points) and a $1,500 cruise with Alaska Hawaiian Cruises (1,500 status points). 
  • Grocery rewards:  Brenda almost exclusively shops at Foodland, and redeemed 9,000 Maikaʻi points for 9,000 redeemable points and 3,000 status points. 
  • Credit card rewards: All purchases made with the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® card add status points, and now Ascent cardholders earn three status points per $1 spent on purchases with no cap on how many status points can be earned. Brenda spends $6,000 a year on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines flights, earning 18,000 redeemable points and 2,000 status points. She also spends $7,500 a year on essential purchases, earning 7,500 redeemable points and 2,500 status points.  

 

Annual status point summary for Brenda: 
  • Atmos Rewards Shopping: 1,000 status points 
  • Atmos Rewards Dining: 1,600 status points 
  • Stays by Hawaiian Vacations: 2,500 status points 
  • Alaska Hawaiian Cruises: 1,500 status points 
  • Foodland: 3,000 status points 
  • Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Card: 4,500 

 

Total: 15,100 status points – unlocking the 10K milestone and close to Atmos Silver status 
Profile icon of Atmos Rewards member
Joey, the young professional and social explorer 

Joey just moved to Anchorage where they are balancing career growth and an active social life. Trying new spots, exploring their new community, and staying connected online are all part of Joey’s routine (and earning strategy). 

  • Dining out: Frequent dining with Atmos™ Rewards Dining partners adds up to 3,000 redeemable points annually for 1,000 status points. 
  • Lyft rides: Getting around town is easy with Lyft. Joey spends $350 with Lyft for 350 status points. 
  • Safeway: Joey does all of their grocery shopping at Safeway. They redeem their U(TM) points to earn 6,000 redeemable points and 2,000 status points. 
  • Staying wired: With a qualifying GCI Internet and cellular plan, which costs $1,200, Joey earns 1,200 redeemable points and 400 status points.

 

Annual status point summary for Joey: 
  • Atmos Rewards dining: 1,000 status points 
  • Lyft: 350 status points 
  • Safeway: 2,000 status points 
  • GCI: 400 status points 

 

Total: 3,750 status points 

Alaska Vacations and Hawaiian Vacations VIP Access: Unlock hotel discounts and perks

Atmos Rewards status members in 2026 can look forward to savings and perks at over 10,000 hotels worldwide, thanks to VIP Access on Alaska Vacations and Hawaiian Vacations. When you reach qualifying status tiers, you’ll gain access to hotel discounts, as well as additional perks like free breakfast, room upgrades, early check-in and more. 

Atmos Rewards status Percentage off hotels Additional perks
Atmos Silver15% or moreGet an in-stay perk like free breakfast or free parking. 
Atmos Gold, Platinum, Titanium20% or moreGet an in-stay perk like free breakfast or free parking. Plus, when available, get free room upgrades, early check-in and late check-out.
Man in a swimming pool
Friends in Rome having dinner
woman in iceland

Explore, earn and enjoy: Your status journey starts here 

The Atmos Rewards program in 2026 is all about rewarding you for the way you travel—and the way you live. From rideshares and car rentals to hotel stays, shopping, and dining, there are more ways than ever to earn your way to status. Plus, with exciting partner perks like Expedia VIP hotel discounts, the journey is just as rewarding as the destination. 

Later this year we will roll-out the ability to choose how you earn for flights, allowing you to earn points and status on your own terms; as well as Atmos Communities, where you will join a community of your choice to receive exclusive offers and perks. We will share more in the coming months.   

Editor’s note: This post reflects information available as of January 2026. For the latest updates on benefits, status and points, please visit atmosrewards.com.

La Paz weekend getaway: A sun-soaked escape made easy with Alaska Airlines’ L.A. nonstop and Atmos™ Rewards

La Paz sign

My job as a travel reporter has me on the road often, as I scout destinations, hotels, and yes, even airlines, for a compelling story. (Is this city the next hotspot? Where should I stay there? Is there a nonstop flight?) 

Take La Paz, for instance. This laidback coastal community in Mexico’s Baja California has long been on my radar. The city of 250,000 stands in stark contrast to resort-heavy Cabo San Lucas, located about a two-and-a-half-hour drive away. In fact, there isn’t a single big-box hotel in town. 

La Paz retains a local feel with boutique accommodations and B&Bs, hole-in-the-wall taco joints, and a gorgeous waterfront promenade. That’s why I was thrilled to hear that Alaska was launching a La Paz flight — becoming the only U.S. carrier to offer nonstop service.

Even better, the new Alaska flight originated out of Los Angeles, where I lived. 

Image of the Mirador Balandra

Three years ago, I had moved across the country and traded in the concrete jungle of New York City for the palm trees of Southern California. In doing so, I unlocked access to new nonstop destinations from my front door. Suddenly, a two-day trip to a smaller mountain town in the Pacific Northwest or a rugged seaside enclave in Mexico was possible. 

And that’s exactly what I did, spending 48 hours in sunny La Paz and getting there on the Alaska nonstop from Los Angeles. Here’s how it went.

How I booked the trip

Earlier this year, Alaska launched a new joint loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines called Atmos Rewards. For this trip, I wanted to maximize the number of Atmos Rewards points that I could earn. One of the best ways to do that? It’s by booking a flight, hotel, and car as a bundle with Alaska Airlines Vacations

Long story short: not only could I earn Atmos points on the La Paz flights, but by booking a vacation package through Alaska, I could also receive rewards on the other parts of my getaway, too.  

Alaska Vacations has a selection of more than 900,000 hotels around the world, with the option to either earn or redeem Alaska points for any of them. For my two-night trip, I reserved a room at the lovely, design-forward Baja Club hotel, located right in the heart of town with a panoramic rooftop. 

I earned points for the flight, hotel, and rental car — getting me one step closer to redeeming for future travel on Alaska, Hawaiian or one of dozens of airline partners.

La Paz boutique hotel
La Paz boutique hotel entrance

Traveling as an Atmos Titanium member

As part of Alaska’s new Atmos Rewards loyalty program, status levels received a naming refresh. The new tiers are Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titantium, with more perks as you go higher up the ranks. For my trip to La Paz in mid-November, I was gifted one-time Titanium status to give the benefits a try for myself. 

Check in

When I arrived at LAX on the morning of my Alaska Airlines flight, I made a beeline for priority check-in, a dedicated area for Atmos Rewards status holders. The check-in agent was friendly and efficient, and within a few minutes, scanned my passport, issued my boarding pass, and tagged my bag to La Paz. (I could check up to three bags for free with my Titanium status.)

Check in signage
Alaska Airlines LAX lounge
Lounge

After clearing security, I walked over to the Alaska Airlines Lounge in Terminal 6. The well-provisioned space, with an assortment of hot and cold breakfast items (including Alaska’s famous pancake machine), exuded a sense of warmth and coziness. It actually reminded me of a local neighborhood coffee shop. 

Therefore, it should come as no surprise that my favorite lounge feature was the made-to-order barista station with Stumptown coffee beans. Of course, I had to have a stack of fresh pancakes to go with it, which hit the spot at 9:00 a.m. 

Note: Once Atmos Rewards status holders hit 125,000 status points, they get a choice of perks, like the ability to select an Alaska Lounge+ membership

Onboard

Once at the gate, I used the priority boarding lane and stepped onto the Embraer E175 aircraft. The first class seats on the left side of these Alaska regional planes are actually one of my favorites in all of commercial aviation. That’s because they’re single seats; you have access to both the window and aisle without needing to climb over anyone. 

For such a short flight of about two hours, I was pleasantly surprised to be offered a hot breakfast, which I preordered in advance on the Alaska app. I chose the egg and cheese sandwich on a pretzel bun (and more Stumptown coffee). Soon enough, we were getting ready to touch down in La Paz, with a gorgeous view of the islands in the Sea of Cortez.

How I spent my time in La Paz

Strolling along the Malecón: This is the city’s waterfront walkway that’s ideal for morning coffee, sunset strolls, and people-watching. I came here each evening with a paleta in hand as I watched the sky turn pink. There are sculptures every few blocks, plus tons of spots to grab tacos or a cold cerveza with an oceanview.

A hike to Mirador Balandra: About a 30-minute drive north of La Paz, this two-hour hike is one of the best in the area with iconic views of the Balandra lagoon, plus glimpses of the Gulf of California stretching out beyond the cove. 

Dinner in La Paz
Chris at the Mirador

Getting on the water: The turquoise waters of La Paz are stunning, and there are a number of options, depending on your activity level. I laid out on Balandra Beach after my hike, famous for its shallow, glassy lagoon. However, you could also book a boat trip to Isla Espíritu Santo, a UNESCO-protected island famous for the ability to snorkel with sea lions. If you’re visiting between October and April, La Paz is also one of the best (and most ethical) places to swim with whale sharks. 

Eating fresh seafood: Of course, fish tacos are iconic in Baja California. Usually, that means local white fish, lightly battered, fried, and topped with cabbage, crema, salsa, and lime. Some of my favorite spots included Mariscos El Toro Güero and Biznaga. (That latter spot also had some of the best ceviche that I’ve ever had, made with local totoaba fish.)

Dessert in La Paz
Dinner in La Paz

Bottom line

I had an incredible time exploring La Paz for a couple of days, made easier by the nonstop Alaska flight from Los Angeles and the perks of Atmos Rewards Titanium status. The convenience of a direct route can’t be understated. If you’re craving a mellow Baja getaway without the Cabo crowds, La Paz is the move.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

New TSA option coming February 1 for guests traveling without REAL ID compliant identification

Summary

To date, travelers attempting to fly without a REAL ID have been delayed or possibly denied entry through TSA checkpoints. 

Starting February 1, the TSA is instituting a new, fee-based identity verification tool that can be used by anyone needing to fly without a REAL ID.

The tool, titled TSA ConfirmID, has a mandatory fee of $45 for each verification and can be used to verify your identity in advance. 

Since last spring, every air traveler 18 years of age and older has required a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form to fly within the United States. 

To date, travelers attempting to fly without a REAL ID have been delayed or possibly denied entry through TSA checkpoints. Starting February 1, the TSA is instituting a new, fee-based identity verification tool that can be used by anyone attempting to fly without a REAL ID.   

The tool, titled TSA ConfirmID, can be found via QR code on posted signage at the airport, or directly through tsa.gov. ConfirmID has a mandatory fee of $45 for each verification, which can only be paid digitally and can take 30 minutes or more to process. Verification through the tool can be performed in advance and is valid for 10 days; travel beyond the expiration date will require a new payment.  

As a reminder, the REAL ID Act is a federal law.

While the REAL ID Act is mandated and enforced by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, and is not an Alaska Airlines-specific program, it’s important to us that your travel is as hassle free as possible, so we encourage you to obtain compliant identification as soon as possible.  

To help ensure you have a smooth journey, we’re providing a resource for our guests, employees and the public to get the latest information about REAL ID.  

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Here are some key things to know

By law your driver’s license must be REAL ID-compliant if you want to use it to fly within the U.S. If your license is not compliant, you don’t have another acceptable form of ID, such as a U.S. passport, and you have not completed the ConfirmID process ahead of time, you may be subject to additional delays which may result in a missed flight. 

REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses and the processes to get them are different state to statewhich can be confusing. In most cases, you’ll need to bring additional documentation to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, and you might even need to make an appointment. See below for links to each state’s licensing agency or motor vehicle department.  

Many states identify their REAL ID-compliant driver’s licenses with a gold star in the upper right corner. But some states, such as Washington, use Enhanced Driver’s Licenses, which do not use gold stars for REAL ID-compliant licenses. However, EDLs are considered acceptable alternatives to REAL ID-compliant cards and will also be accepted for official REAL ID purposes. 

You have a choice.There are other forms of acceptable identification – for example, if you have a U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID – you can use that instead. Just remember to bring that ID to the airport. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Refresh my memory. What exactly is the REAL ID Act?

Congress passed the REAL ID Act in 2005 in an effort to strengthen identification rules at airports. The act established minimum security standards for state-issued driver licenses and identification cards.

What happens if I show up at the airport with my standard driver’s license as my only ID?

Until February 1, you will be delayed or possibly denied entry through TSA checkpoints. Starting February 1, travelers who appear at the TSA checkpoint without a REAL ID or other acceptable form of ID and have not already paid the TSA ConfirmID fee will be subject to additional delays which may result in a missed flight. If you have completed the TSA ConfirmID process, you must present either a printed copy or electronic copy of your fee payment when you enter the checkpoint. 

Will Alaska rebook me if I miss my flight because I don’t have a form of ID that is REAL ID compliant?

For our Main Cabin and First Class fares, no change fees will apply, but a difference in fare may be charged for your new flights. Per our no-show policy, you must change or cancel your reservation before your flight departs to receive future travel credit.

Saver fares cannot be changed day-of. Saver fares are eligible for a 50% credit when canceled at least 14 days prior to departure of the first flight on the ticket, or they may be eligible for cancellation under our 24-hour cancellation policy.

You can find more information about our change and cancellation policies here.

I know that I won’t have a compliant form of ID in time for my travel. Can I verify my identity ahead of time?

Yes! You can expedite your airport experience by using the tool at home, then presenting either a printed copy or an electronic copy of your fee payment receipt when you enter the checkpoint.

How long is ConfirmID good for?

ConfirmID verification is valid for 10 days. Any travel beyond the expiration date will require a new payment.

What forms of payment can I use to pay for ConfirmID?

You can pay the $45 fee via: 

  • Bank Account (ACH) 
  • PayPal account 
  • Venmo account 
  • Debit or credit card 
What information will I be required to disclose to TSA during the ConfirmID process?

The ConfirmID tool will require your first name, last name, effective/travel start date, and expiration date.  

I have questions about TSA ConfirmID. Who should I direct them to?

For questions about ConfirmID, contact TSA at https://www.tsa.gov/contact 

Am I required to get a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license?

No, it’s up to you to decide what’s best for your travel needs. You can use a current U.S. passport or a U.S. military ID at the airport to get through TSA security. Just remember to bring it. Having a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license is convenient for many of us because it’s something we always carry with us. Other acceptable forms of identification can be found here. 

If I update my license or get a new one, will it automatically be REAL ID compliant?

It depends on the state where you live. Some states now automatically issue a REAL ID compliant driver’s license when you renew, others, such as Washington, Oregon, Alaska, Hawaii, and California, do not. Some states will issue the compliant license for free; others will charge an additional fee. Please find your state in the list below to find more information about how to obtain a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license where you live. 

Alaska Air Group announces webcast of fourth-quarter 2025 financial results

AAG banner

Summary

Join us on January 23, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. PT/11:30 a.m. ET for Alaska Air Group’s Q4 2025 analyst conference call.

Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc., Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2025 fourth quarter financial results at 11:30 a.m. EDT/ 8:30 a.m. PDT, Friday, January 23, 2026. 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.

The company will file its fourth-quarter results and outlook after market close on Thursday, January 22, 2026.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

Washington leaders launch Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator; position Pacific Northwest as global hub for sustainable aviation fuel

Alaska Airlines planes

Washington State leaders, aviation industry partners, research institutions, Tribal representatives and sustainability advocates today launched the Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA).  Announced at the Boeing Future of Flight, the initiative is the most comprehensive and well-funded across the region of its kind to accelerate the production, deployment and adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Funded through a 2025 State of Washington appropriation and private philanthropic donation of an additional $10 million, the CSAA positions the Pacific Northwest as a global leader in an accelerated transition to sustainable aviation fuel while capitalizing on the once-in-a-generation economic opportunity of scaling local SAF production. In partnership with the Washington State Department of Commerce, CSAA is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the renewable fuels industry in the Pacific Northwest.

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Unlike traditional jet fuel, SAF is formulated from sustainable feedstocks, like crop seed oil, agricultural and forestry waste. Advancements in SAF technology and greater availability of affordable SAF will reduce the carbon footprint of air transportation, improve air quality and contribute to a more sustainable future while creating new industries, jobs and economic opportunities.

Sustainable aviation fuel puts the Cascadia region at the forefront of the next major chapter of the clean energy transition that will shape how the world is powered. This is the opportunity to do for clean fuels what this region did for the technology economy, creating lasting economic growth and leading the global effort to cut aviation emissions.”

Gov. Bob Ferguson

State of Washington

The Cascadia region has been a trailblazer in aerospace innovation for over a century, and today it is uniquely positioned as a global center of aviation innovation, with an opportunity to unlock the next generation of sustainable fuel. With access to local, low carbon feedstocks, affordable clean energy, established infrastructure and a skilled workforce, the region has all the elements necessary to support production of up to one billion gallons of sustainable aviation fuel by 2035. Scaling production at this level would drive economic prosperity and development, strengthen regional energy security and independence, support state and regional climate initiatives and build on Cascadia’s long legacy as an aviation innovator.

The global aviation industry, which generates some $4.1 trillion in economic activity and supports 86.5 million jobs, currently accounts for approximately 2-3% of global carbon dioxide emissions, in addition to other environmental impacts. SAF is a safe, effective drop-in solution projected to be used for the next 70-plus years that can reduce emissions by 80% compared to fossil-based fuels and the transition to a thriving circular economy through locally produced SAF.

Alaska aircraft
Fuel gauge

This initiative will be successful because it is grounded here, in the communities where aviation, manufacturing and clean energy intersect. CSAA builds on the infrastructure, workforce and partnerships we have already put in place, and this is just the beginning. Coalition partners like Washington State University are eager to partner in the establishment of a world class research and development facility adjacent to Paine Field. Combined with our region’s aviation industry cluster, these developments ensure we will be a leader in global aviation sustainability and investment well into the future.”

Dave Somers

Snohomish County executive, Chair of the CSAA board of directors

The region’s strength is built on advanced science, technology and aviation expertise, supported by leaders like Washington State University, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and Boeing. This research foundation provides the technical backbone needed to move sustainable aviation fuel from small-scale production to commercial scale.

For the last six decades in Snohomish County, Boeing has relied on strong community partnerships to turn ambitious ideas into reality. Cascadia is a concrete example of that collaboration toward meaningful progress on a Sustainable Aviation Fuel ecosystem right here at home.”

Bill McSherry

Vice president of government operations, Boeing

Local aviation and technology leaders recognize that scaling SAF research and production will require coordinated action across the entire aviation ecosystem. Manufacturers like Boeing bring the technical expertise to integrate sustainable aviation fuels into aircraft and operations, while operators including Alaska Airlines and Amazon provide the operational expertise and market demand for cost-competitive SAF. Lawmakers, like Washington State Senator Marko Liias, have championed these partnerships at the state level by advancing legislation that supports SAF development and unlocks long-term investment.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are committed to this journey to reduce carbon emissions for a more sustainable future for aviation, and while we are proud to be the most fuel-efficient premium U.S. carrier, SAF remains the biggest lever for us to meaningfully lower our emissions and reach our decarbonization goal. We’re thrilled to be a founding partner of CSAA because regional, cross-sector efforts like this are critical to align policy, public and private investment, to identify and invest in the right technologies and to incent and scale local production.”

Diana Birkett Rakow

CEO, Hawaiian Airlines

Combined with existing infrastructure, affordable clean energy and access to feedstocks, research institutions are advancing the science that makes sustainable aviation fuels viable, and policymakers are ensuring sustainability and airport community impacts remain central as the industry transitions to cleaner fuels.

Washington has led the world in aerospace innovation for generations, and now we face a defining moment for the next generation of aviation. Sustainable aviation fuel is essential to decarbonizing air transportation, and Cascadia is the one region with the research, industry, policy and workforce needed to scale it. This is the moment to act, and CSAA gives us the vehicle to lead.”

Sen. Marko Liias

State of Washington

The Jan. 8 launch event featured remarks from leaders across the aviation, research and public sectors. Executives from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines and Boeing spoke to the importance of aligning the full ecosystem of manufacturers and operators, policy, research, financing and public awareness to scale sustainable aviation fuel and secure the long-term future of aviation. Representative Mia Gregerson highlighted the need to center sustainability and airport communities as the industry transitions to cleaner fuels. Washington State University President Elizabeth Cantwell underscored the role of research and innovation in advancing sustainable aviation fuel from the lab to commercial deployment, while Washington State Department of Commerce Director Joe Nguyễn addressed the state’s investments in clean energy, economic development and partnerships with Tribal nations.

The event also hosted a panel discussion moderated by Tim Zenk, a sustainable aviation fuel expert at Earth Finance, featuring executives Guy Palumbo at Amazon; Andy Billig, board member at SkyNRG; labor leader Jon Holden, Machinists Union, District 751; and Port of Seattle Executive Director Steve Metruck. The panel focused on investment pathways, workforce development and the economic opportunity presented by large scale sustainable aviation fuel production.

About Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA)

Cascadia Sustainable Aviation Accelerator (CSAA) is a diverse, cross-sector coalition of public/private industry leaders committed to laying the foundation for sustainable aviation in Cascadia. CSAA recognizes the enormous economic and environmental value of the SAF transition and is dedicated to securing the Pacific Northwest as the next global hub for sustainable aviation.

About Alaska Air Group

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia and the Pacific. We’ll serve Europe beginning in spring 2026. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska is a member of the oneworld alliance, with Hawaiian scheduled to join oneworld in spring 2026. With oneworld and our additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem points for travel to over 1,000 worldwide destinations with Atmos Rewards. Learn more about what’s happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as “ALK.”

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