Pack your eco-friendly sunscreen and get your dancing shoes ready because we’re jetting off to Miami starting in June. This hot destination marks our 100th nonstop route from Seattle.
To celebrate this milestone, we’ve compiled a list of all 100 destinations you can fly to from our hometown!
Starting tomorrow, we are eliminating the biggest sources of plastic waste on our flights: plastic water bottles and plastic water cups.
This giant step in the journey to reduce our impact on the environment removes 1.8 million pounds of single-use plastics from our aircraft over the next year – equivalent to the weight of 18 Boeing 737 aircraft.
We’re replacing plastic water bottles on board with Boxed Water cartons. Boxed Water packages purified water in 100% recyclable cartons made from plant materials, and guests surveyed report that they prefer Boxed Water over plastic-bottled water at a rate of 2-to-1.
And in the Main Cabin, flight attendants will pour water into recyclable paper cups versus plastic — removing more than 22 million disposable plastic cups from our fleet.
We have a great recycling program, but we know single-use plastics have a big impact on the ecosystem and inevitably some will end up in a landfill or an ocean,” said Todd Traynor-Corey, managing director of guest products. “In order to reduce our waste footprint – and ultimately our carbon footprint – we need to actually eliminate single-use plastic. And the biggest offender is plastic water bottles.”
For now, plastic cups will still be needed inflight for soda and alcoholic beverages, which can leak through paper cups. But Traynor-Corey’s team is exploring sustainable alternatives for those cups as well.
Our food & beverage team has committed to reduce plastic packaging for our most wasteful food and beverage items by 2025.
Our commitment to the environment
One of our core values is doing the right thing and that means reducing the impact of air travel on the environment. Our biggest burden comes from jet-fuel emissions, so our goal is to be the most fuel-efficient domestic airline.
To get there, we’re upgrading our fleet to more efficient 737-9 aircraft and continuing to improve the efficiency of our operation. And we’ve charted an ambitious course to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040, including through the use of sustainable aviation jet fuels, or SAF.
We also continue to be an industry leader in reducing inflight plastic waste. Horizon Air employees started recycling inflight paper, plastic and glass waste in the 1980s, and over the last decade Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air flight attendants have captured tons of recyclables that would have otherwise gone to landfills.
In 2018, we were the first U.S. airline to eliminate plastic straws and stir sticks from our flights and lounges, and we have integrated compostable packaging and cutlery into our inflight service. This year, we pioneered a pre-order system for fresh food so guests get the items they want on flights, minimizing the waste of both food and packaging. We also encourage guests to bring their own reusable water bottles and #FillBeforeYouFly.
We live in and fly to some of the most beautiful places on earth, but the health of these habitats and communities requires active stewardship of our impact, and reducing plastic waste is a key step,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, vice president of public affairs and sustainability. “We’re fortunate to have the most caring employees in the business – and that care extends to the planet.”
Why the Boxed Water carton is better
Our food and beverage team started researching alternatives to plastic water bottles in early 2019, evaluating packaging for sustainability and inflight durability, as well as the taste of the water inside.
“It hasn’t been a simple process, but we saw this as an investment worth our time,” said Traynor-Corey.
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Members of Alaska’s Green Team Employee Resource Group also helped weigh the impacts and costs of plastic, paper, aluminum and other recyclable materials. Boxed Water stood out because it is truly renewable. The packaging is made of 92% plant material sourced from sustainably harvested trees. Even the resealable cap comes from leftover materials in the paper-making process. The packaging can also be recycled in most of our hubs.
“Paper was the best, weight-wise, and for recycling cost, and the overall best way to reduce our footprint on the aircraft,” said Kiel Fullmer, a customer service agent and Green Team member who helped with the research. “It packs flat if a destination isn’t recycle-friendly and can be stowed for the return to a hub. Overall, it was a win-win for the operation and our sustainability plan.”
Flight attendants began serving small cartons of Boxed Water to First Class guests and on our Q400 flights last spring. “We got a lot of positive feedback organically from people who were flying and thought it was cool,” said Traynor-Corey. “And our employees who really value sustainability got excited about it.”
“When they ask for water, I tease them and say ‘I only have milk!’ Then I give them the cute little Boxed Water. I like how it becomes a topic of conversation. It shows the company is more respectful of nature and the environment.”
– Orly, Alaska Airlines flight attendant for 10 years
“Guests will hold the carton up to the window to take a photo. When they’re done with it, it’s easier to break down, and it makes more room in our recycling. It helps us with our space.”
— Greg, Alaska and Horizon flight attendant for more than five years
“The best thing is to bring your own refillable bottle of water, but we know that’s not always possible and people need water inflight,” Birkett Rakow says. “Boxed Water is the most sustainable water packaging we’ve found.”
What’s next
The move to Boxed Water cartons and paper water cups cuts out our most wasteful plastic items, but this is just one step in the bigger journey. Our food and beverage team is actively exploring more sustainable options for the remaining inflight plastic cups used for soda and alcoholic beverages, as well as cutlery, napkins and overall food packaging.
“We are the right airline to lead this,” said Traynor-Corey. “Sustainability is part of our DNA.”
What Alaska guests can do
When you travel with us, you can help us be a more sustainable airline:
#FillBeforeYouFly: You can reduce your plastic use when you travel and bring your own empty reusable water bottle (or carton) to fill at a station once you’re through airport security. Next time you fly, share your water bottle photo with @AlaskaAir and we’ll work with our partner Bonneville Environmental Foundation to plant a tree on your behalf.
Offset your carbon footprint by investing in carbon offsets through our partner The Good Traveler
Donate your Mileage Plan miles to environmental charities like the National Forest Foundation, which is also a partner with Boxed Water.
If you’re heading to the beach, be sure to bring reef-safe sunscreen and check out other eco-friendly travel items from our friends at Boxed Water is Better®.
During Native American Heritage Month (also known as American Indian and Alaska Native Heritage Month) this November, we’re highlighting the lived experiences, cultures, traditions and histories of Native people. The following story is from Charlotte Flynn, an Alaska Native and a 2021 summer intern for Alaska who worked on the corporate communications team.
This summer, I had the opportunity to intern with Alaska Airlines in Anchorage through First Alaskans Institute (FAI), an Alaska Native nonprofit working to advance the capacities of Alaska Natives and their communities. I applied for the FAI internship program to learn more about my culture and history and gain valuable professional experience. Throughout the internship, I participated in seminars and learned from community leaders and elders about language revitalization, Alaska Native tribal governance, Native representation in media and arts, and dialogues about racial equity. It has been an incredibly enriching experience.
On my boat in Seward, fishing for silver salmon.
I spent my first two years of college at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, which was quite a change for me, but I learned a lot being in a new environment. A class in indigenous studies and tribal government spurred me to learn more and realize how important it was to understand my history. My grandma, who is Inupiaq, always told me to be proud of who I am and where I come from, and I’ve realized the importance of that as I’ve gotten older. I have always felt a responsibility to give back to my people and to make a positive impact. It has been a journey of reconnecting with my culture and embracing it.
During my internship, I worked on a meaningful project empowering me to use my voice and Alaska Native values. I created a flyer to bring awareness of career pipelines and opportunities at Alaska Airlines for young people and Alaska Natives in rural communities. I’m so proud to feature a Yup’ik language translation on the flyer; it says, “Tengluten Ciunerkarvneq Alaska Airlines – Akun,” which translates to “Fly into your Future.” When I visited King Salmon for subsistence fishing this summer, I spoke with a Yup’ik culture educator about the region’s languages. It meant a lot to me because Alaska Native language representation and revitalization are so important, and I hope it resonates and inspires young people. It’s been an amazing experience to learn about corporate communication and human resources while connecting them to support Alaska Native communities.
I’m continuously trying to connect with my Alaska Native culture and how I can serve my community. That looks like: conversations with my grandma about growing up in Brevig Mission and traditional ways of life, learning how to introduce myself in the Inupiaq language, understanding the land and waters I’m from, listening to podcasts about contemporary indigenous life, and much more. After attaining my degree and pursuing a career, I look forward to continuing my culture and practicing my traditions.
A photo of Charlotte pulling up the set net with red salmon in Naknek. Learn more about internship opportunities at Alaska and Horizon Air via alaskaair.jobs.
Home sweet home (game)! On Saturday, The Seattle Kraken will step out onto their home ice for the very first time, and we’re ready to SEA what legendary history they make!
As the official airline of the Kraken, we can’t wait to welcome our community and hockey fans to the Alaska Airlines Atrium, which will serve as the main entrance for all events at the Climate Pledge Arena.
Alaska’s Atrium features:
ICONIC CITY VIEWS
21,000 SQ. FT. OF GLASS
8,600 SQ. FT. OF SKYLIGHT
475 SOLAR PANELS
50-FT. CEILINGS
AND AN ALASKA TAIL TO TOP IT OFF + SO MUCH MORE!
We’re proud to be part of the most sustainable arena in the world and a signatory of The Climate Pledge, fitting right in with our mission to take care of the places we live and fly.
Some Alaska employees, including CEO Ben Minicucci, were among guests who got a sneak peek of the atrium at Climate Pledge Arena this week. Note: Masks were briefly removed when posing for portraits, but otherwise they were required at all times at the event.
As Seattle’s hometown airline, we knew we wanted to be a part of hockey returning to Seattle and the renovation and opening of what is now one of the best arenas in the country,” said Natalie Bowman, MD of marketing and advertising. “Fans will be surrounded by Alaska Airlines outside the arena, inside the atrium and even on the ice during the games.”
Photos by Ingrid Barrentine.
Good luck tomorrow, boys! We’ll be cheering for you at every altitude!
Now, through the end of the hockey season, Kraken fans who wear the teams’ jersey can board early on all Alaska flights departing from the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Paine Field (PAE).Keep and eye out for our very own Kraken-themed plane (tail number N915AK), which will fly on routes to the team’s away games in cities we serve. Watch video of the plane getting painted.Alaska and Kraken love teaming up to help communities. Last year, we helped donate hockey sticks to local youth.In January 2019, we became the official airline of the Kraken!
Alaska is investing in emerging technologies to help the planet
We’re proud of our ambitious goals to fly greener but know we can’t do it alone.
This year, we set our most audacious environmental goal ever – to be Net Carbon Zero by 2040. But as a company that burns 750 million gallons of fuel every year, it’s going to take more than just recycling aluminum cans to make a difference. We must continue to pursue pioneering technologies that will change the industry for the better.
That’s where Alaska Star Ventures comes in, our new LLC, that will help us discover, partner with, and enable technologies to help us take real and meaningful steps toward reaching net-zero carbon emissions within the next decade or sooner.
To live our purpose and create an airline people love, we must operate every day in a way that cares for both people and the environment,” said CEO Ben Minicucci. “To do that, we are seeking technologies that will accelerate our mission to build a more sustainable future for the aviation industry.”
Our first investment is with UP.Partners, a Santa Monica-based early-stage venture capital firm that supports entrepreneurs building companies enabling multi-dimensional mobility. We’re looking forward to announcing more partnerships in the coming months and years.
Reducing our carbon, waste and water impact
Our pioneering spirit has guided us through some of the toughest terrains and continues to drive our most innovative solutions to create the best travel experience for our guests and sustain the beautiful places where we fly.
In April, we shared our commitments to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 with a five-part strategy to decarbonize, which includes:
Fleet renewal
Operational efficiency
Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
Novel propulsion
Credible, high-quality carbon off setting technology
Technology is our friend and plays a huge part in getting us where we want to go.
Just this year, we became the first airline in the world to use FlyWays, an AI-powered system that helps our dispatchers make better flight plans by accounting for real-time weather and traffic impacts. In just six months, we reduced average flight times by five minutes and saved 480,000 gallons of fuel.
Tech also helped us offer Next-Level Care with the Alaska app. With it, our guests can check in for flights, generate mobile boarding passes and make sure their trip is as smooth and contactless as possible.
We’ve also partnered with the Boeing ecoDemonstrator program to evaluate and test sustainability-focused technology and set goals to be the most fuel-efficient U.S. airline—so far, we’ve cut the climate emissions from our ground equipment in half!
Boeing’s ecoDemonstrator program, started in 2012, takes innovative technologies from the lab, tests them on real aircraft and implements the most promising tech in its products and services. Learn more.
Alaska Star Ventures is another example of a creative approach we’re taking to help combat some of our most pressing barriers to becoming a more sustainable company. And we’re excited to see where it takes flight.
We hope you’ll fly greener with us by filling before you fly, packing light and traveling green.
Fun Fact: If everyone packed five pounds less, we’d decrease emissions by 11,800 metric tons every year. Leave those extra shoes behind – the earth (and our fantastic team on the ramp) will thank you.
Alaska Airlines commits to becoming the most accessible and inclusive airline for everyone
October marks National Disability Employment Awareness Month and at Alaska, a diverse workforce that includes representation of people with disabilities makes our airline stronger, better and a place where every person knows they belong and are accepted.
This month, we also celebrate the 35th anniversary of the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA)—one of the two most important disability rights laws in our country.
It’s really important that we hire the best people here at Alaska Airlines and we’re great at doing that,” said Ray Prentice, director of customer advocacy. “We need people that think differently, that view the world differently and that totally includes individuals with disabilities.”
In recognition of these two big moments, our business resource group, ACCESS, and leaders across our company are supporting our commitment to accessibility as part of Alaska’s diversity, equity and inclusion goals to be the most accessible and inclusive airline in the world for our current and future employees and guests.
We recognize diversity, equity and inclusion includes people with disabilities.
We recognize that our diversity and inclusion efforts MUST include people with disabilities to positively impact the lives of ALL our employees and guests. And we are thankful to disability organizations across our network that help us on our journey.
“We’ve come a long way in terms of helping our employees and customers with disabilities, but we didn’t do that alone. We rely heavily on our disability partnerships to let us know where we need to go to improve,” said Prentice.
We listen to our employees and guests.
We are committed to providing an environment where our employees can perform at their best, and where our guests experience truly remarkable and inclusive travel experiences. We will hold ourselves accountable to continual improvement with help from: our leadership team, guests, employees, Business Resource Groups, disability organizations, and disability advisory boards.
We will ensure accessibility is integrated into everything we do.
This includes how we sell and market our products, recruit, hire and retain employees, enhance current and build new facilities, and serve our guests. We will break down barriers by seeking innovative and creative solutions using tools and technology.
We’re proud to take care of our guests who frequently fly with us!
By joining our program, you can start earning miles on every flight you takealong the West Coast and major hubs like New York City and Atlanta, as well as destinations in Canada, Mexico, Belize and Costa Rica.
You can also earn eligible flights on our 23 partner airlines, including oneworld members like American Airlines, Iberia and British Airways.
You can also earn miles by making everyday purchases with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card or by staying with participating hotel partners, including Marriott, InterContinental and Best Western. The miles you earn can be used toward free flights on us and other participating carriers, partner hotel stays, magazine subscriptions or donations to charity.
Recently, we unveiled our latest special aircraft in honor of our Chief Football Officer (CFO) Russell Wilson, who’s the best at showing up for his hometown and team—including our own.
Wilson has been part of Alaska since 2013, after his rookie year playing professional football. We value his nonstop spirit, dedication to community & ability to always go above and beyond.
“When we can celebrate Russell Wilson in the stands and in the skies, that’s a win-win,” says Sangita Woerner, SVP of marketing and guest experience. “We’re proud to honor the passion and dedication of our Chief Football Officer with this special aircraft, and we’re excited to see him fly high all season long.”
This is the fourth livery we have done in celebration of Russ. The 737-900 jet recently rolled up to the gate in Seattle to the delight guests who were headed to Indianapolis—where Russ kicked off his first game this season.
Learn more about our CFO’s favorite places to fly and where he’s looking forward to flying next below. 👇🏼
10 things to know about our CFO, feat. Russell Wilson:
Favorite place to fly?
Cabo, Mexico.
Where to next, why?
Belize because I have never been there, and I can’t wait to go and explore the culture, food, and the sights.
Why fly Alaska?
The best commercial airline in the world. The hospitality is top notch, and the inflight service is the best!
Favorite thing about being our CFO?
Impacting those in my community, people I encounter, and people around the world to Dream BIG.
Go-to onboard meal/drink?
Fruit and Cheese plate.
A must-have carryon item?
My Microsoft surface so I can watch football film and stream inflight movies and TV shows.
Favorite on-board movie or TV show?
Yellowstone.
If he were to have any job at Alaska, what would it be & why?
I love being the Chief Football Officer! I would love to be a Chief Pilot!
His travel tip: Be patient, as plans can change at any time!
Help us cheer on our Chief Football Officer in style—and in flight!
All season long, if you’re flying out of Seattle or Everett and wearing a Russell Wilson #3 jersey, you board early!
There are plenty of reasons to visit Hawaii, from beaches to marine life, food and hiking—but what truly makes it special is the Aloha spirit—the presence and sharing of the essence of Hawaiian life. As visitors to Hawaii, it is our kuleana (responsibility) to honor the Aloha spirit by respecting and exercising malama (care) while you’re in the islands.
Here are 5 ways you can practice malama, each with a short video by the Hawaii Tourism Authority:
1. Embrace the culture.
The next time you visit, try honoring Hawaiian culture by: Learning the language. Olelo Hawaii means Hawaiian language.A native people’s language is the key to unlocking unique systems of knowledge and understanding. Try out a new common phrase or two the next time you’re in the islands.
2. Safety first — especially hiking trails!
The Hawaiian Islands are known for its natural beauty and it’s important to be mindful of the aina (land), when planning your next visit: Stay on track. When admiring scenic views on public trails, it’s key to stay on the designated path and avoid any edges that could lead to a collapse. Please do not hike on illegal trails—they’re blocked off for your safety and the safety of others.
3. Save the ocean one spray & sip at a time.
Gorgeous for photo ops, and even better for swimming in—the ocean is a vast place full of awe and wonder. That’s why, with many travelers visiting each year, it’s important that we each do our part to leave the ocean as healthy as we left it: Use reef-safe sunscreen & reduce plastics.
Seemingly small actions like switching out your sunscreen for a reef-safe option and reducing single-use plastics can add up, which can have a large impact on the ocean by protecting the living reef ecosystem and prevent microplastics from building up in the sea.
4. Watch the water and weather.
With its warm blankets of sand, glistening waves and swaying trees above, it’s obvious why Hawaiian beaches are the most sought-out experience when visiting. However, we must remember that the ocean is subject to winds of change so: Keep a close eye on conditions.
Even if the water may look calm, it’s important to look for any hazardous signs that may suggest a change in the rip current, like shore or wave breaks, and be aware of safe places to enter and exit the water.
5. Look, but don’t touch the sea critters.
The Hawaiian Islands thrive with sea life, and is home to countless marine creatures like turtles and reefs. It’s critical we protect them by keeping them safe: Look, but don’t touch.
Sea + land critters may be cute, but please don’t try to pick them up for an Instagram photo or for any reason. Marine animals like monk seals are amazing to admire from afar. Getting too close or attempting to touch a creature is not only unkind to disturbing them and their homes, but it is also illegal in Hawaii.
What malama means & why it matters to Alaska employees:
Alaska PIA Leaders Lucy, Jill and Lindsay.
Throughout September as part of Native Hawaiian History Month, Alaska’s Pacific Islander Alliance (P.I.A.) employee resource group hosted & supported weekly sessions about Hawaiian culture, history, music & dance, language, the land and more. Attendees walked away from the series with a deeper understanding not just of whatmalama means, but why it matters.
When I think about what it means to malama Hawaii, I think of the warm embrace and unconditional aloha I receive when I am home. It’s the reason why we care, protect, serve, respect one another, and our aina. It’s that value of kindness that encompasses all. We have been in this restoration period in Hawaii where the earth’s preservation and natural resources are extremely important to us. When we care for our aina and its creatures, it will take care of us. Conveying this message through education and community involvement is a great foundation to awareness.
– Jill, Pacific Islander Alliance leader
I think of malama as a rallying call for both visitors and kamaaina (Hawaii native) to be active participants in caring for Hawaii. I was fortunate to have experiences in Hawaii during my youth that included volunteering at a loi (taro patch), to visiting patients at Shriner’s, to cleaning up around family burial plots at old cemeteries. As an adult now living out of state, the best way I can malama is to share Hawaii’s story by being one of its proud kamaaina voices that lives elsewhere, encouraging us all to treat the places we visit like an extension of our own home.
– Lucy, Pacific Islander Alliance leader
To me, malama makes me think of a thriving land that is full of people with gratitude and respect for one another and our space. To care is at the core of who we are as humans and it is a beautiful and essential act that we get to express towards one another. A lot of what we do in P.I.A. is rooted in malama: hosting events to bring our employees the best training, growth opportunities, and space to feel connected to each other, to the land as we promote positive interaction and insight to how we are culturally connected to our environment and our responsibility to leave a place better than how we found it, and to our communities through volunteering.
– Lindsay, Pacific Islander Alliance Leader.
Mahalo for understanding Hawaii’s unique restrictions
Hawaii’s state travel program is a multilayered approach designed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in communities across the Islands.
We thank you in advance for being mindful of putting public health first and following local guidelines such as wearing a mask while indoors or when unable to maintain physical distancing. To learn more about the protocols you will be asked to adhere to while visiting Hawaii, please visit https://hawaiicovid19.com/travel/.
Alaska Airlines COO: ‘A mission of mercy and incredible caring.’ How Alaska supported Afghan refugee charter flights.
Today, I’m writing with gratitude and immense pride to tell you about some truly heroic efforts carried out by our employees and communities.
This is about people coming together in a powerful way and demonstrating the very best of what Alaska is all about:Stepping up when we’re needed, serving our communities, working together as a team, and providing remarkable care for people. This really is an example of Alaska at our very best.
Recently, Alaska Airlines employees answered the call to provide domestic charter assistance to the U.S. government to transport Afghan refugees fleeing their country and seeking safety in ours.
Within a matter of hours of receiving our initial instructions from U.S. Transportation Command, we had employees signing up—flight attendants and pilots, customer service agents, catering coordinators, charter coordinators and a maintenance technician—all wanting to help.
It was a mission of mercy and incredible caring by our employees, who represent the best of who we are at Alaska.
Flight Attendants Kathleen, Katherine, Bev, Randi and Carole.
Although we cannot provide flight details (per Department of Defense rules for the safety of refugees), I can share that Alaska served proudly.
The aircraft we used for these charter flights was one of our “Honoring Those Who Serve” planes. Distinct in its military livery, the aircraft was greeted upon landing with a full military honor guard. As a veteran, I am truly touched by this.
This is the same aircraft that we use for our Honor Flights – we’ve flown more than 4,000 veterans on more than 80 Honor Flights over the past eight years – to visit the D.C. memorials that are dedicated to those who served, and those who sacrificed their lives.
It’s that same spirit that inspired so many Alaska employees to voluntarily step up to work these flights for the Afghan refugees.
Some of our employees who helped with the recent charter flights.
Here are a few of our crew’s powerful stories from the efforts:
For Captain Kevin, the media images of the evacuation in Kabul were intensely personal. Having served as a C-17 pilot in the military for 20 years, including flying into Afghanistan after 9/11, he had a deep appreciation for the military nature of this operation. “I was thankful to help the Afghan people again and happy to help Alaska support a humanitarian crisis,” said Kevin.
Before Flight Attendant Carole began the trip, her husband went to the dollar store and bought all the stuffed animals and Matchbox cars that he could buy. She said that while the adults onboard were visibly exhausted, the children warmed to the crew quickly and wanted to play—up and down the aisles they went, bouncing in their chairs, running from the lavs delighted and scared by the whooshing flush of the toilets. “We opened up the galley and gave them whatever they wanted. Our catering team did an incredible job seeing that we had treats for the kids and extra items.” Carole said the experience was completely different from anything she had ever done, which is significant as she is Alaska’s #1 seniority flight attendant with 54 years. “It was important that we did all we could to help them,” she said. “I am very proud of our company and crew.”
Flight Attendant Katherine admitted she was a bit trepidatious before the flight. “As a mother I was worried that my heart would just shatter if I saw children traveling without their parents, that I would want to scoop them up and take them home.” But the children were indeed accompanied by their families – some parents and children, some grandparents and grandchildren and several infants. The community relations team had boarded bottles, formula, diapers, wipes and each family with an infant received a packet. They were so appreciative of everything – especially the food, with fresh apples, juice, and hot tea with lots of cream and sugar being favorites. Kaye entertained the younger children showing photos of her kids and her Corgi back home. She and fellow crew members introduced them to M&Ms, which they had never had. “It was incredible. I have so much pride right now for my airline and my country,” said Katherine.
Seattle CSA Aria, who speaks the Afghan Persian language served as an interpreter helping the refugees and being a go-between for the crew. Guests were gracious and kind, thanking crews through the language barrier by putting their hands over their hearts.
First Officer Patricksaid, “I was honored to be part of this, and I will hold the memories close forever. They had nothing. No luggage, just hope.” He praised his co-workers. “The flight attendants were absolutely amazing. They handled the cultural differences with grace and respect. They went far and above their regular duties – nothing but admiration and praise for them.”
Although much of the crew was picked on seniority, Captain Michael was just in the right place at the right time. “I was called off reserve and felt very fortunate to have been able to participate and help out in the operation in what is for those people, was an unbelievably life changing event.” He said that seeing the kids being kids onboard made him smile. “Smiles are universal in any language.”
Although we cannot share much more than this, I can say that we plan to be available for more of these charters in the future, if we are needed, and we’ll ask other employees to answer the call.
If you know our company’s history, there are moments when our employees stepped up and cared for those who desperately needed a hand. That started 90 years ago when our founders delivered critical supplies and medicine in The Great Land, and it’s continued through the years, such as the Berlin Air Lift in 1948 and in Operation Magic Carpet to evacuate 49,000 Jews from Yemen in 1949-1950. More recently, you saw it in 2014 with our evacuation flights into Cabo San Lucas to rescue stranded travelers after Hurricane Odile.
You see it every day with our people, in moments big and small. And now we have once again stepped up in a big way for people who need us most, and it will be remembered as another proud chapter in our history here at Alaska Airlines.
Thank you to our employees and community partners who helped in this effort, for their service and dedication, for making all of us proud, and for reminding us how far we can go when we come together.
Sincerely,
Constance von Muehlen
Constance von Muehlen serves as executive vice president and chief operating officer of Alaska Airlines, overseeing the day-to-day operations on the ground and in the air.
A 30-year aviation veteran who received her leadership training flying Black Hawk helicopters as a captain in the U.S. Army, Constance brings a proven track record of safety and operational excellence to the role. With a reputation for valuing people and doing the right thing, she approaches her work emphasizing safety, data analysis and continuous improvement in service to our guests and the frontline employee team.
Constance most recently served as Alaska’s senior vice president of maintenance and engineering, where she led all safety, compliance and operational performance of the airline’s mainline Boeing and Airbus fleet.
She previously served as chief operating officer at Alaska Air Group’s regional carrier Horizon Air from 2018 to 2019. Constance joined Alaska Airlines in 2011, and spent her initial years in various maintenance leadership roles, including as managing director of airframe, engine and component maintenance. Concurrently, she oversaw the Virgin America technical operations team, and was responsible for all aspects of Airbus fleet maintenance.
Before joining Alaska, Constance spent 20 years in aviation maintenance, time at Pratt and Whitney Canada, and as director of airframe maintenance at Air Canada.
Constance began her career as an aviation officer in the U.S. Army, flying helicopters and leading flight operations throughout the world. She holds an FAA Commercial Instrument Helicopter Pilot’s License, graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from Johns Hopkins University and is a certified Six Sigma Black Belt. Most recently, Constance graduated from the Executive MBA program at the Foster School of Business at the University of Washington. Constance serves on the FAA’s Women in Aviation advisory board as well as on the San Jose Public Library Foundation board.
A speedy way to save time & skip stress through airport security at SEA is here to stay
We’ve got good news about a new way to save time at Sea-Tac International Airport that we first told you about this past spring. SEA Spot Saver allows Alaska Airlines guests flying out of Seattle to make online appointments to get through general screening security checkpoints faster. It has been such a hit with flyers, it’s now a permanent fixture.
From early May (when the pilot program began) through the end of August, more than 125,000 Alaska guests took advantage of SEA Spot Saver on their departing flights from Sea-Tac. Interesting tidbit: The most reservations during that time were on Alaska flights between Seattle and Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Columbus and San Diego.
When we launched the new system with the Port of Seattle, our easy-to-use reservation process proved to be so popular we’ve now extended how far out you can book an appointment – from 24 hours before departure to 72 hours.
Here are a few comments we received from guests who used the program:
“I have artificial hips and knees that are titanium. I am always a nervous wreck. This service was comforting to me and the staff was very helpful. It was very organized as well. Thank you…will always use this when available.”
“I have an unvaccinated child, under 12. I am so nervous about flying with her. This service eased my mind. I’d love to use it again for our flight in October!”
“I wish all airports would use this system. I didn’t have to leave for the airport nearly as early as I would have if I didn’t have a security checkpoint appointment.”
We’re thrilled so many of our guests are giving SEA Spot Saver great reviews and embracing like we are, new innovations and ideas to make traveling more convenient and less stressful,” said Charu Jain, Alaska’s senior vice president of merchandising and innovation. “Anything we can do to make the airport experience easier is always a win for our guests.”
If you’d like to give SEA Spot Saver a try on your next trip out of Sea-Tac (securing a slot is free and no membership is required), follow these pointers:
Sign up online for an appointment. Again, you can do it as early as 72 hours before your departure. Just type in your date of travel, destination, flight number and how many are traveling in your party.
With your entire family listed on your reservation, everyone gets through security together. Super convenient.
You’ll receive an email with a designated 15-minute window of time – say 9-9:15 a.m. – to pass through an expedited security screening line at Checkpoints 3 or 5 on the day you’re flying out.
Slots are issued every day between 4 a.m. to noon Pacific Time – the prime morning hours when the airport is busiest.
If you have TSA PreCheck or CLEAR, you can still take advantage of SEA Spot Saver, but you won’t receive the benefits of those trusted traveler programs such as not having to remove your shoes and electronics. You’ll need to choose which program you want to use.
Guests can also take advantage of the program once they get to the airport by scanning the QR code on SEA Spot Saver signs around the terminal — the code will take you to the website to sign up.
With hygiene and safety concerns top of mind as many of us return to air travel, we’ve focused additional innovation efforts on making it easy for your journey to be almost entirely touch-free:
Use the Alaska mobile app to do it all, from buying a ticket to checking in for your flight to paying for any bags you want to check.
At our airport kiosks, you can scan your mobile boarding pass to print bag tags – without even touching the screen.
If you need to check in with one of our agents, no need for handing over a paper trail: they can text you your boarding pass and email your receipts.
During boarding, your boarding pass can now be scanned from up to six feet away to help maintain physical distance.
Onboard your flight, enjoy the food and beverage you pre-ordered and paid for using a credit card stored in your Mileage Plan account. If you purchase a Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter and a glass of wine on the flight, our flight attendants can still use your stored credit card – no need to reach out and hand over a card.
Celebrating 40 years of flying in the Pacific Northwest with Horizon Air
Today is one for the history books! On this day, 40 years ago, Horizon Air, our sister airline in the Pacific Northwest, flew its first flight between Seattle and Yakima, Washington.
If you’re from the PNW there’s a strong chance you’ve flown with Horizon. They’re the regional airline for Alaska Airlines and help connect our guests in the West with the world.
Horizon connects us all to the Pacific Northwest’s incredible outdoor communities and amazing small cities and enables our connection to the country and world. Horizon Air employees make travel feel personal and bring incredible heart and care to every guest,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska CEO.
Meet Travion Smith, a ground service agent in Seattle who stays “grounded” through kindness and awareness. Read more
Did you know?
Horizon flies to more than 50 destinations in our route network.
First airline to serve Starbucks coffee in the sky.
Known for delivering performance with excellence and developing industry leading innovations to create safe, incomparable flying experiences.
Flies 32 Bombardier Q400 aircraft—perfectly suited for serving smaller communities in the PNW—and 30 Embraer E175 aircraft.
Well known for offering FREE beer + wine to guests 21 years young on Q400 flights!
To commemorate Horizon’s momentous day, a special flight will fly the same route that started it all on Sept 1, 1981. This time, it will be flown on Horizon’s “Meatball” plane, a custom-painted retro-themed aircraft, which will fly some of its beloved employees and guests from Seattle to Yakima.
We’re flying our meatball livery on the same route Horizon flew 40 years ago,” said Capt. Perry Solmonson, 40th Anniversary Committee Chair. “This is a huge milestone for us and this anniversary flight recognizes not only the hard and successful work accomplished to date, but also celebrate our up-and-coming team members of the future.”
40 years of history
Founded in 1981 by entrepreneur Milt Kuolt and a group of venture capitalists in Seattle, Horizon had fewer than 100 employees at that time and operated a fleet of two F-27 propjets.
Kuolt believed that every guest deserved more than just a ride from point A to B, which turned into the superior service that Horizon is still known for today.
Service began with complimentary wine then blossomed into other little but much-appreciated amenities such as free newspapers handed out at the gate, complimentary coffee, and baskets on board filled with munching snacks that included all kinds of goodies,” wrote Robert J. Serling in the chapter on Horizon Air in the book, Character & Characters: The Spirit of Alaska Airlines.
The service created a culture, a way of life and a state of mind that was “firmly embedded in the work ethic and attitude of every Horizon employee,” wrote Serling.
Today, Horizon has more than 3,500 employees and operates a fleet of 62 aircraft.
Reaching 40 years is a huge milestone. Despite the ups and downs of the industry, it’s been the people of Horizon who have carried the company forward. Our 40th anniversary is all about our people.
First Officer Perry Solmonson waves from the cockpit.
“What I love most about Horizon is our family unit. I have never seen a group of people come together more for the good of a company or each other as I have witnesses during my time with QX. The commitment to our values, the love and respect we show each other and the service to our guests across all work groups is unmatched. I look forward to seeing my colleagues who I consider extended family.” – Natalie Razor, Flight Attendant. SEA
“I love the opportunities to travel around the world on behalf of Horizon Air. I love the opportunities I’ve had to mentor the next generations of Maintenance Technicians. I love the opportunities to travel through the system and assist in new station openings. I love the dynamics of the business, always learning the new aircraft, working through the highs and lows, (9-11, the pandemic). Raising my family.” – Willard Clark, lead technician, GEG
“Being a part of the Horizon family is exactly that. Like any family, we have our ups and downs, highs and lows. We support our Horizon family members and help each other overcome our problems. Some say you can’t pick your family; Horizon is the exception.” – Bill Bowling, Q400 Captain, PDX
“Growing up in the tiny town of Connell, WA; Horizon Air was the airline I trusted to get me to the nearest major airport. It is always the airline I flew on my voyage outside of home and back to my home. Now I am living in Seattle and Horizon still connects me to my parents in my hometown that I love flying to! I am proud to be part of the airline that keeps us connected through the years. #PSC” – Jaime Chavez, passenger service agent, SEA
“I love the loyalty and dedication the employees have and flying with a regional airline I see that same loyalty with our customers. In the short 10 months I have already seen several of our elites on a regular basis and it feels good to be able to build that relationship with them.” – Catherine Alder, Flight Attendant, PDX
