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New San Francisco Lounge celebrates local flavor and flair

Sip and savor your way through the iconic flavors of San Francisco at our newest Alaska Lounge, opening Aug. 31 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO). 

Our lounge, conveniently located in Terminal 2 just past security, offers more than 9,000 square feet of relaxing space where guests can enjoy classic bites like San Francisco sourdough bread and a pint of the city’s famed Anchor Brewing Crisp Pilsner while taking in art inspired by the Bay Area. The lounge is a complete renovation of the former American Airlines Admirals Club and will be open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. 

SFO is the second-largest lounge in our network and has some fun features including: 

  • Trained baristas who will serve Starbucks coffee. 
  • A sourdough cart and candy bar with delicious bites.
  • California beers and wines for smooth sips.
  • Local art from artists in the Bay Area to brighten your day.
  • Room for kids to play, inspired by the San Francisco Giants. 

“We’re thrilled to give our guests a place to work, relax, unwind and enjoy some of the best of what the Golden City has to offer when they travel through SFO on Alaska or a oneworld partner,” says Sangita Woerner, senior vice president of marketing and guest experience at Alaska Airlines. 

The Sourdough Cart

Sourdough bread – a part of San Francisco’s food scene since Gold Rush days – will be the highlight of our vintage-style cart featuring local bakeries like Acme Bread Company. Acme is known for its San Francisco Ferry Building location and the Bay Area restaurants it supplies, including Berkeley’s celebrated Chez Panisse. Available at lunch and dinner meal times, the sourdough cart will also offer a variety of sweet and savory toppings, such as ricotta with figs and honey, and burrata with pesto.

The Candy Bar

Just past the Lounge reception desk, a nook beckons with jars of jewel-toned Jelly Belly jelly beans and sweet squares of Ghirardelli chocolate. Ghirardelli’s roots in San Francisco stretch back to 1849, and Jelly Belly candies have called Northern California home for more than three decades.

Guests can also seek their sweet fortunes in custom travel-themed cookies from Oakland’s Fortune Cookie Factory, a third-generation family business that has been baking fortune cookies in the Bay Area for more than 60 years.

California beers and wines

Unwind with a taste of one of Northern California’s finest brews; along with Anchor Brewing, we’ll be pouring Lagunitas IPA, Calicraft Brewing’s Tiki Time tropical wheat ale and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. We’ll also offer a rotating selection of California wines, and our bartenders will mix up a new craft cocktail each month.

Guests can also enjoy an all-day buffet featuring steel-cut oatmeal, fresh salads and hearty soups – along with our famous pancake printer. 

Art with a purpose

In addition to art by local artists sourced by San Francisco’s Minted, our new Lounge will showcase a piece called “Offshore” by American painter and printmaker Anne Neely, who is inspired by Alaska’s commitment to reduce our climate impact. “The artist saw the efforts we have been making in sustainability, and she gifted the art to support those efforts and add to the conversation,” says Jordan Womack, Alaska Lounge product manager.

Fans will have a ball

Young San Francisco Giants fans can cheer for the home team in the play area featuring baseball-themed games and art celebrating mascot Lou Seal.

The Alaska Lounge value

Alaska Lounge membership costs nearly 60 percent less than other airline lounge programs. “Hands down, Alaska offers the single best value of any airport lounge membership in the country,” Woerner says. “Our eight lounges redefine the guest experience and offer a calm oasis for every type of traveler.” 

And like SFO, each lounge lets guests explore its region through its unique food and drinks. For example, here are some of the local beers featured:

Anchorage (ANC): Alaskan Amber, King Street Brewing

Los Angeles (LAX): Boomtown IPA

New York (JFK): Greenport IPA, Bronx Brewery Summer Ale

Portland (PDX): Deschutes Mirror Pond

Seattle (SEA): Airways Preflight Pilsner, Georgetown Bodhizafa IPA

How to visit Alaska Lounges

Guests can visit Alaska Lounges by becoming a lounge member, flying First Class with us or purchasing a day pass. Pro tip: Guests can enjoy 50% off a lounge day pass when they pay with their Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card*. 

Giving you more options

Beginning Oct. 1, we’re updating our membership structure to give you more options and flexibility.

We’ll now offer two tiers of lounge memberships:

Alaska Lounge: Members will receive access to all Alaska Lounges when flying on any airline.

Alaska Lounge+: Members will receive access to all Alaska Lounges and an extended network of more than 90 partner airline lounges across the country, including all American Airlines Admirals Clubs.

Pricing will update to the following:

  • Alaska Lounge membership: $450 annually ($350 for Alaska Airlines MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75k members)
  • Alaska Lounge+ membership: $600 annually ($500 for Alaska Airlines MVP, MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75k members)
  • New Lounge membership enrollments and renewals made before Alaska’s two-tier structure goes into effect in October will be grandfathered into an Alaska Lounge+ membership for the duration of the membership period.

Keep up with our Lounges on alaskaair.com.

FLY TO SAN FRANCISCO

Pre-game the Alaska way with all things PRE

Whether you’re catching a flight or the tail end of Russell Wilson’s PRE-season, we’ve got you covered on all things PRE at Alaska.   

PRE-check yourself through TSA  

We want to make sure you arrive at your gate with plenty of time to catch your flight, despite the extra busy airports. Consider joining trusted traveler programs like TSA Pre-Check®, Global Entry, Nexus, or SENTRI. Membership in these programs gives you access to the faster security screening lanes at participating airports, where you can keep on your shoes, belts, or light jackets and your laptop can stay in your carry-on. 

PRE-order your Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter  

Enjoy ingredients inspired by the West Coast, from snacks to freshly prepared meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner.  Pre-order your favorites ahead of your trip (from 2 weeks to 20 hours prior to your flight) on our website or mobile app. 

A limited number of fruit & cheese platters are available by pre-order only on trips 1,100+ miles.  

Pre-mium Class gives you more space.  

Treat yourself to 4 inches more legroom with our Premium Class Cabin seats. And, enjoy complimentary beer, wine and cocktails for those 21+!  Premium also means you can board early, access overhead bin space before space fills up and be among the first to deplane when you arrive to your destination. 

Preprint bag tags and check your bags. 

You’ll likely make it through the security line even quicker by reducing your carry-on items. We recommend checking your bags instead. Brush up on our checked baggage policy and then print your own bag tags at home to save even more time at the airport. 

Pre-pack the essentials  

Masks are still required, per federal law. So, please remember to pack your mask! In case you forget yours or lose it, don’t worry we’ve got you covered—simply ask us for a mask.  

Travelers wearing a mask have a .003% or NEAR-ZERO CHANCE of being exposed to the virus, even on a full aircraft (according to a Department of Defense study).

Pre-view the most movies in the sky* – for free. 

Snuggle into your seat and grab some popcorn – we’re bringing the movie theater to you. Choose from over 500 free movies and browse 550+ episodes of more than 80 TV series in our entertainment library. 

Most aircraft feature our streaming entertainment system Alaska Beyond™ Entertainment, letting you watch free movies and TV shows on your own device. 

Pre-boarding for anyone who needs a little more time 

Alaska Airlines offers pre-boarding for anyone with disabilities who may need help or more time to board, families with children under the age of two. And, active members of the military. 

Photo from 2015 Honor Flight.

Pre-tty hot deals 

Take advantage of our hottest fares to some of your favorite Alaska Airlines destinations. See our flight deals happening now. 

PREpare for takeoff 

Whether it’s a business trip or the ultimate vacation, when you fly with us, you’ll get Next-Level Care and the best experience in the air. Here are 4 ways to travel with us. 

Want to see Russ in action on his home turf? Book your next flight to Seattle on alaskaair.com. 

Boeing and Alaska test technology to make flying safer and greener

 

One of the paths in our roadmap to net zero by 2040 is fleet renewal and continuing to test and adopt technology to further improve our fleet’s efficiency. This partnership with Boeing is one way our company invests in research and development and the future of aviation. If these technologies prove particularly valuable, we’ll advocate for those being on future aircraft.

This month, 250 students stopped by our Anchorage hangar to explore the latest technology Boeing and Alaska are testing to make aviation safer and more eco-friendly.

Planemakers like Boeing must test absolutely every thing on a plane before guests ever step on board. The students, part of Alaska’s Native Science and Engineering Program (ANSEP), learned all about our industry and Boeing’s latest developments that will help us reach net zero carbon emissions by 2040.

In its eighth iteration, Boeing and its partners, including the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), using one of our 737-9 aircraft before it is delivered to us in early 2022. Test flights began in late June, flying around the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, California and Montana to test out various technologies.

 

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.

What’s the newest tech?

Low-profile anti-collision light – an aircraft body needs to be as streamlined as possible – anything sticking out creates drag and reduces efficiency. Anti-collision lights currently are located on the top and bottom of the fuselage and stick out so they can be easily seen.

A low-profile light is being tested with a new lens so the light doesn’t stick out as far but can still be easily seen. This design also moves the electronics from outside to inside the aircraft, improving the light’s reliability.

Recycled Carbon Fiber Sidewalls – Boeing is testing replacing conventional cabin wall insulation with composite waste material from the construction of a Boeing 777X wing to make sidewalls stronger and lighter. The panels will be tested to ensure they’re as quiet as the ones in service today.

NOAA Greenhouse Gas Measurement – NOAA uses data from commercial airplanes – such as wind and temperature – to improve climate modeling and long-term forecasting.

For better long-term climate modeling, they need to measure the concentrations of existing greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, methane, water vapor). Our airplane is helping NOAA determine the best placement on the airplane for air sampling probes, and the agency hopes to add the technology across fleets of commercial plans to crowdsource data in real-time worldwide.

Non-halon fire suppressant – Halon 1301 is an ozone layer-depleting agent that has not been in production in the U.S. since 1994 (and the only places it’s still used is for aviation fire suppression, the oil industry and in military applications). A new fire extinguishing agent, CF3i, is being tested that would be significantly less damaging to the ozone layer.

Additional technologies include wireless sensors and drone inspections to improve maintenance efficiency, new technologies on the flight deck to enhance safety and fly more efficiently and advanced engine nacelle treatments to reduce community noise.

Launched in 1995, ANSEP focuses on increasing opportunities for Alaska Natives in science and engineering-related careers by placing students on an education and career path to leadership. We’ve supported ANSEP for over 10 years, flying students from communities across Alaska to Anchorage for classes and inspiring them to find rewarding careers in aviation.

Fun facts:

  • The split wingtips you see on our new 737-9 and other new Boeing aircraft came from a prior ecoDemonstrator aircraft test and increase fuel efficiency by 2%.
  • More than one-third of the technologies tested have advanced into Boeing’s products and services.
  • The ecoDemonstrator plane flies mainly using a 30-50% blend of sustainable aviation fuel and Jet A fuel.
  • There’s a fun surprise on the right side of the aircraft’s design. Can you spot what it is?

Learn more about the ecoDemonstrator.

Flying on an airplane is safer than ‘grocery shopping or eating out,’ says experts

Updated April 18, 2022

While doing anything besides staying in your bubble assumes a level of risk, we believe it’s safe to fly—and experts agree. 

According to research, airplanes are the safest indoor environments globally, and flying remains relatively low risk. We love to hear it and hope you enjoy flying with us. 

Air travel is the safest form of transportation thanks to… 

Hospital-grade air filtration 

HEPA filters remove 99.9% of airborne particles, including viruses like COVID-19 and other variants. 

Clean air exchange 

Outside and filtered air in the cabin is exchanged every 2–3 minutes, giving better ventilation than grocery stores and office buildings. 

Top-down air flow 

Air flows from the ceiling to the bottom of your seat, instead of front to back, minimizing particle movement throughout the cabin and reducing contact other guests. 

Wearing Masks

A face mask or covering has been proven to reduce the spread of COVID-19 according studies and the CDC. While masks are no longer required to be on our flights as of April 18, 2022, we respect your decision to keep using this added layer of protection. Above all, we hope you’ll treat each other with kindness and respect throughout the travel journey and beyond. 

Getting vaccinated — but not required to travel. 

Getting fully vaccinated has proven to be the best way to protect yourself & others from the coronavirus and the many variants which continue to lurk around right now. So, while it is not a requirement to fly, we encourage you to do so.  

With over 100 ways to keep you safe, our Next-Level Care meets hospital-grade health safety measures and recommendations from experts, including researchers at Harvard University’s T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who found a “layered approach” lowers the spread of viruses on planes. 

This layered approach, with ventilation gate-to-gate, reduces the risk of SARS-CoV-2 transmission onboard aircraft below that of other routine activities during the pandemic, such as grocery shopping or eating out,” the report says.  

Related:  

Book your next flight with us at alaskaair.com.

Alaska Airlines releases the Kraken (on a plane) just in time for NHL season

Hockey is back in Seattle! And what better way to celly than a custom plane?

Today, we’re releasing the Kraken with one our special aircraft, which will fly on routes to the team’s away games in cities we serve.

As the official airline of the Kraken, we can’t wait for the first puck drop at Climate Pledge Arena, where our community and guests will get to enjoy the Alaska Airlines Atrium, which will serve as the main entrance for all events at the Climate Pledge Arena.

The plane is just the beginning of a long-term major partnership between us and our new hometown NHL team. See some of the perks we’re offering guests and more below!

The plane (tail number N915AK) was unveiled this morning to fans and guests awaiting a flight to Las Vegas, where the team will play its first regular season away game.
The aircraft was designed in collaboration with Kraken designers and our own creative team, led by Jonny Mack. He says it takes a lot of people working together for months to make it all happen.

As the official airline and founding partner of the Seattle Kraken, we’re so excited for this aircraft to take to the skies and help us cheer on the team during their inaugural season,” said Whitney Ellison, Alaska director of brand marketing. “We’re Seattle’s hometown airline, so we’re thrilled to be part of this historic moment and support Seattle’s first NHL team. Go Kraken!”

Have an ice trip, get early boarding!

It’s time to rally & look fly doing it, Kraken fans. All season long, if you’re flying out of Seattle or Everett and wear a Seattle Kraken jersey, you get priority boarding!

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).

Alaska Airlines Atrium @ the Climate Pledge Arena

Located on the south side of the arena, the Atrium spans 36,000 square-feet and feature stories and images reflecting the Pacific Northwest and the travel opportunities within our region and across the globe.

With our headquarters in Seattle, we love giving back to our hometown and connecting Seattle to the world,” says Sangita Woerner, VP of Marketing. “This partnership is no exception as we’ll work closely with the Kraken to create a variety of initiatives that benefit our community, beyond events at the Climate Pledge Arena.” 

Fans will see Alaska branding on the ice and on several boards around the hockey rink during games.

We can’t wait to cheer on the home team and share some special surprises we have up our wings this season. Follow @alaskaair for your chance to score big in the future!  

Don’t miss a Kraken game this season!
Book now. Mask up. Let’s go!
Related: Alaska was onsite at Gas Works Park with a photo booth and cozy giveaways when the Kraken revealed their inaugural roster for the 2021-22 NHL season earlier this summer.

Related: Alaska and Kraken team up to donate hockey sticks to local youth

Related: We’re the official airline of the Kraken!

Read More

The ultimate guide to visit Boise, Idaho

As the airline with the most flights to & from BOI, we know all the gems you have to see in Boise.

The city is a perfect blend of outdoor adventure, relaxation and nonstop fun. No matter where you go in Idaho, you’re bound to spot stunning mountain peaks, pristine lakes and enjoy fishing, white water rafting, horseback riding, backpacking or unwind with a nice glass of red wine riverside.

And, while some things have changed, the friendly, helpful and welcoming community of Boise has not. Join us on the journey to get there and know it’s safe with our Next-Level Care.

Here’s what you have to do in Boise:

Savor the flavors  

Idaho’s state fruit—Huckleberries—can be found in pastries, milkshakes, syrups and other delightful creations.   

Fry sauce, a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise, is also a must-try. Meat-eaters won’t want to miss out on Idaho’s deep-fried finger steak, which happens to pair perfectly with fry sauce (it’s not just for fries!).  

Taste all the flavors at Stella’s Ice Cream.

Seal the trip with a tour of the Capitol  

Did you know Idaho is the only state with a state seal designed by a woman? Painter and designer Emma Edwards Green’s submission, featuring Lady Justice, a miner and Idaho’s natural resources, was selected for the prestigious placement in 1891. Tour the state capitol building in Boise to learn more about the state seal and the state’s rich history.  

Hit the trails  

@teamforcina

Idaho’s attractive landscapes stretch nearly miles from the Nevada-Idaho state line to the Idaho Panhandle at the Canadian border. In between, you will find a wonderland of forests, crystal-clear mountain lakes, cascading rivers, rugged canyons and desert.   

Freddy’s Stack Rock Trail  

The 5,895-foot, pyramid-shaped Stack Rock is about 30 minutes north of Boise. The views are outstanding, especially looking over the furrowed topography stretching miles and miles to the west. In late March through early May, the canyon is at its best when temperatures are mild and wildflowers add color to the green hillsides.   

Ready, set, raft  

Boise is less than an hour from several rafting opportunities. The Main Payette River, just north of Boise, is an easy half-day trip (about three hours on the water) and perfect for first-timers and seasoned paddlers. All levels will enjoy the approachable Class I and II rapids along this fun, leisurely run between May and September.  Learn more about guided tours, rivers and rafting seasons at raftidaho.org.  

Photo by Angga Indratama on Unsplash

Bike rail-to-trail   

Whether you want to rent a bicycle to tred downtown or venture out, Boise has all the stops. The Boise Greenbelt follows 25 miles of the Boise River, connecting Lucky Peak State Park, downtown Boise and many neighborhoods. The paved trail extends on both sides of the river, winding through numerous city parks and passing by restaurants, wineries, public art and points of interest.

Sip back, relax  

If you’re—of age—and want to savor Idaho’s wine country, start in Boise at Telaya Wine Co., which overlooks the Boise River, or check out the chic Coiled Wine Bar in downtown Boise for some fine reds & roses. Throughout the state, there are a plethora of wineries and tasting rooms to choose from. Pro tip: Wine flies free on Alaska; learn more. 

Croquetas & Chardonnay make a great pair, via the Basque Market, another great spot!

Do’s & don’ts when returning to air travel

All of us at Alaska are here to bring you the best care in the air—and answer your burning travel questions. Check out these do’s & dont’s so you can travel well and plan those long-awaited trips:

Do: Wear a Mask.

We know wearing a mask for long period of time is not ideal for most people, but per our policy and federal requirements, all travelers (vaccinated or not) must wear a face mask during travel, including while in airports, boarding and deplaning and your entire flight. 

Don’t be the person who’s handed a yellow card for not complying with our mask policy. The card (our formal notice) is a warning to any guest who flagrantly refuses to wear a mask on board our aircraft. Upon review, we could ban guests who refuse to comply with our mask policy for a period of time.

Exceptions apply only to children under the age of two (in alignment with CDC age guidelines). Read more about the FAA’s mask requirement.

Do: Consider getting vaxxed.

Though it’s not a travel requirement, if you’re able to get vaccinated for COVID-19, we highly encourage you to do so. Before you fly with us, you will be asked to fill out a health agreement, which simply confirms you will wear a face covering on board/at the airport and that you have not shown any COVID symptoms in the past 72 hours and have not been in proximity to someone who has tested positive.

Don’t miss out on traveling! We have your safety covered every step of the way with our Next-Level Care—from booking and boarding to day-of travel and beyond. 

Do: Sit back & relax.

While it seems like sitting on a plane with other people could be risky, analysis of air travel shows viruses don’t spread easily on aircraft because of a number of things. One study concluded people wearing masks have a near zero (0.003%) chance of contracting COVID-19—even while seated next to someone.

You’re covered by:

  • High air exchange rates (fresh air every 2-3 min in the cabin)
  • HEPA filtration
  • Forward faced seating
  • High-back seats
  • Mask-wearing *this one is SUPER important*
  • Enhanced cleaning
  • Contactless features (pre order meals, mobile boarding pass)
  • Complimentary sanitizer

Do: Pre-order meals and enjoy snacks/drinks onboard.

More food and beverage options are now available on board! Snack on favorites like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter or try our new menu items via pre-order on most flights over two hours. For guests in First Class, delicious hot meals are back on coast-to-coast and Hawaiʻi flights, plus Boxed Water to quench any thirst.  

Don’t forget to pre-order your meal (if applicable) 20 hours before your flight!

Do: Get COVID-tested from trusted partners if necessary.

Some destinations, including Hawaii and Canada, have special travel requirements in place that require visitors/residents to have negative COVID-19 test results taken no more than 72 hours before travel, or they’ll need to comply with a 10-day self-quarantine. Be sure to schedule your test early, as appointments fill up in advance and use a trusted testing partner. 

Don’t wait until the last minute to get tested and be sure to use a trusted testing partner!

Do: Avoid travel if you’re not feeling healthy.

For your safety and for the safety of others around you, guests who have exhibited COVID-19 symptoms 72 hours before their flight or who have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive are not allowed to fly with us. This is for the safety of all guests and employees.

Don’t fly if you’re not feeling well. 

Do: Pack your bag(s) & a little grace.

When traveling with us, you’re allowed to bring one carry-on bag plus one personal item, such as a purse, briefcase or laptop computer. At least one of the items should be stowed under the seat in front of you, and you’ll also need to be able to lift your own bag into the overhead bin. You can also check luggage at the airport.

PRO TIP: You’ll likely save time checking bags if you print your own bag tags at home.

While we pride ourselves on our 20-min bag guarantee for all our guests and checked bag perks for our Mileage Plan members, most airports are experiencing higher travel volumes right now. In the instance your bags don’t show within 20 minutes, please reach out to us at our baggage office within 2 hours of your flight’s arrival or speak to a nearby customer service agent at the airport.

Don’t exceed our bag size/weight limits. 

Do: Enjoy the fresh air.

Our cabin air is clean and safe. We have one of the newest fleets in the country which means our planes have the latest air filtration technology. Our planes are equipped with two hospital-grade HEPA filters that remove 99.95% of airborne particulates. Every 2-3 minutes there is a full exchange of cabin air with outside and HEPA-filtered air and 100% fresh air every 6 minutes. Learn more.

Don’t keep your air vents above your seat closed.

Do: Know high-touch surface areas have been cleaned.

We’ve took cleaning to the next level. Alaska’s enhanced aircraft cleaning procedures were developed/validated with infectious diseases experts at UW Medicine and exceed CDC cleaning guidelines. Between every flight, we’re using high-grade EPA disinfectants and electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to sanitize the most critical areas (overhead bins, armrests, tray tables, seatbelts, lavatories, etc).

At the airport, we’re working closely with airport services to ensure the highest level of cleanliness. We’ve instituted a cleaning program for the check-in lobby counters, kiosks and gate counters where the surfaces are wiped down with a disinfectant more frequently.

Don’t excessively wipe the leather seat with your own cleaning wipe, the leather dye color may come off. This doesn’t mean it’s dirty, it’s the active ingredient that is causing the color to come off on the wipe.

Do: Travel mindfully.

Wherever you’re planning to go, it’s important to protect yourself & others by wearing a mask, avoiding large crowds and washing your hands often. We encourage everyone to be kind and respectful to those helping get you from point A to point B. 

Don’t be unruly with other guests or our employees. Remember we’re all doing our best to make travel as safe, easy-going and accessible as possible. Please stick to travel guidelines and always practice being kind and considerate to the people around you. 

We’re all in this together and can’t wait to travel with you!

Book now at alaskaair.com. Mask up. Let’s go!

Book now. Mask up. Let’s go!

 

Vaccinated travelers no longer need negative COVID test to fly to Hawaii

Hawaii is open and ready for you when you are! We’re here to help prep for paradise. 

1. Create a travel profile. 

Before you go, you’ll need to create a Safe Travels profile on the State of Hawaii’s website [it’s mandatory for residents and visitors]. There, you can add other travelers under 18 years old.  

2. Skip lines with our Pre-Clear program. 

Alaska Airlines guests are now able to pre-clear at the departure gate, and bypass airport screening upon arrival in Hawaii.  

To qualify for your Hawaii Pre-Clear wristband, your Safe Travels profile must be updated with the following info: 

  • Proof of negative COVID-19 test result or one of the following vaccination records in PDF format. 
    • A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card 
    • VAMS (Vaccination Administration Management System) printout OR 
    • DOD DD Form 2766C 
  • Completed travel health questionnaire 
  • Signed online attestation 

3. Not vaxxed? Book a COVID test. 

If you’re not vaccinated, you’ll need to book an appointment with one of our trusted COVID-19 testing partners—or quarantine for 10 days. 

Upload your test results or one of the following PDFs to your Safe Travels profile. 

  • A CDC COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card 
  • VAMS (Vaccination Administration Management System) printout OR 
  • DOD DD Form 2766C 

If your COVID-19 test results are still pending or are not uploaded to your Safe Travels profile when your Hawaii-bound flight departs, you will be required to self-quarantine on arrival in Hawaii for 10 days or the length of your stay, whichever is shorter. 

4. Confirm you’re good to fly. 

Take Hawaii’s travel health questionnaire before you fly (available 24 hours before your flight). Pro-tip: We recommend bringing hard copies of your vaccination record or test results and lodging confirmation with you to the airport. 

Please know: If your vaccination records are not validated by Safe Travels prior to departure, we will need to see an original CDC COVID-19 vaccination card to qualify for Pre-Clear. VAMS, DD 276CC, or copies of the vaccination card will require manual clearance on arrival in Hawaii. 

Visit hawaiicovid19/travel for frequently asked questions about the Safe Travels program. 

5. Malama when you get there. 

Malama, means “to nurture” or “care for,” and is all about preserving the beautiful Hawaiian Islands and taking care of all those who live there. As tourism starts to recover, the islands encourage travelers to be open-minded and respectful of Hawaii’s beauty and leave with a better understanding of what it means to care for the earth, each other and ourselves. Learn more. 

BOOK YOUR TRIP TO HAWAII

Hot tips for summer travel: pack light, mask up, we’re in it together!

After a year of staying home, many of us are eager to travel and make up for lost time. 

While we know we’re not all out of the woods from this pandemic, things continue to look brighter with every passing day and we have you covered every step of the way with our Next-Level Care—from booking and boarding to day-of travel and beyond. 

Here are just some of the ways we’re bringing you the best care and tips to feel those vacation vibes as soon as you get to the airport:

Enroll in a Trusted Traveler program

Hate security lines? Enroll in a trusted traveler program like TSA Pre✓®, Clear or Global Entry. Membership in these programs gives you access to dedicated TSA Pre✓® lanes at more than 200 airports nationwide.

Departing from Seattle? Alaska Airlines and the Port of Seattle are testing a new way to get you through the general screening security checkpoint faster called SEA Spot Saver.

Save time checking your bags & pack light

You’ll likely save time traveling this summer if you print your own bag tags at home and/or travel with just a carry-on. While we pride ourselves on our 20-min bag guarantee for all our guests and checked bag perks for our Mileage Plan members, most airports are experiencing higher travel volumes. 

To make your vacation even more fun, you can also bring most sports equipment with you for the cost of a checked bag.

More questions? Read our guidelines for carry-on baggage. Also, don’t pack your carry-on bag too full, as densely packed, cluttered bags take longer to scan and screen at the security checkpoint.

We believe it’s safe to fly — and experts agree.

Our commitment to Next-Level Care means we’ve implemented 100+ ways to maintain the highest standard of safety throughout your travels. 

Masks 

Masks are still federally required during travel. All employees and guests must wear a face mask or covering through the airport and on board. This requirement applies even if you are fully vaccinated.

Clean Air

Travelers wearing a mask have a .003% or NEAR-ZERO CHANCE of being exposed to the virus, even on a full aircraft (according to a Department of Defense study).

Touch free options

New technology has helped our guests print bag tags at the airport without touching countertops or check-in kiosks simply with the Alaska mobile app. Plus, travelers can store their preferred payment on their Mileage Plan account to buy food and drinks onboard to make the journey more convenient and touch-free. Not a Mileage Plan member yet? Sign up today!

Enjoy a world of possibilities.

As the newest member of the oneworld alliance, our Mileage Plan members can earn more miles on all 14 member airlines when you fly to as many as 1,000 global destinations in more than 170 countries and territories. More destinations are easing travel restrictions every day, and we know many of you can’t wait to travel abroad in the months ahead.

Learn more about oneworld, an alliance of the world’s leading airlines providing the highest level of service and convenience across more than 1,000 destinations worldwide.

Pre-order onboard meals.

More food and beverage options are now available on board! Snack on favorites like the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter or try out new menu items via pre-order on most flights over two hours. For guests in First Class, delicious hot meals are back on coast-to-coast and Hawaiʻi flights, plus Boxed Water to quench any thirst. 

See a complete list of our Food & Beverage options on Alaska and Horizon flights.

Little ones flying solo? Prep them ahead of time.

If you have kids who will be flying by themselves this summer, visit alaskaair.com to book their flights and discover the different types of care we offer kids of all ages. 

To speed up the process, be sure to fill out the required forms before arriving at the airport. This will ensure the safety of your child. It’s also best to plan for extra time for check-in and to stay in the boarding area until the flight departs.

All we’re askin’ is for a little respect.

Remember that everyone is doing their best to make travel as safe, easy-going and accessible as possible. It’s important to be kind and respectful to those helping you get from point A to point B. 

So, please stick to travel guidelines and always practice being kind and considerate to the people around you. Because together, we can get through anything! 

Have a wonderful summer and safe travels!

BOOK NOW. MASK UP. LET’S GO.

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Historic heat wave impacting travel in Pacific Northwest & beyond

Heat continues to hit the West, especially the Northwest, with record shattering temperatures that are expected to continue for much of the week, says the National Weather Service. 

Our airport employees are experiencing the hottest temperature of all, where on the ramp it can be 20 degrees hotter. Today, our people could be facing upwards of 130 degree weather in Seattle and Portland. 

As the COVID-19 pandemic nears an end and our operations ramp up, our teams are working hard to support travelers’ return to air travel. However, the unprecedented heat along with staffing gaps in some of our frontline areas, are putting strains on our operation. 

We are taking proactive steps to get ahead of these challenges and keep the safety of our people and operations at the forefront. Actions we are taking include:  

  • We are managing our schedule and communicating any changes with our guests. While we never want to let our guests down, only a small fraction of our flights have been pre-canceled and we are doing our best to re-accommodate those guests. We encourage guests to reach out to our Care teams via our online channels for faster service.   
    • If you need assistance we are here to help. However, our reservations team is currently experiencing high call volumes and long wait times so if the reason for your call is not urgent, we kindly ask you to try us at a later time or visit alaskaair.com where you can make changes to your travel and check your flight status.  
    • If you’ve been impacted by a baggage delay and have not yet filed a claim, please visit the nearest baggage office at your arrival station. You can find baggage station hours on alaskaair.com.
    • To fill staffing gaps, we are temporarily relocating staff from markets where there is less demand to those with more need.  
  • Heat is also currently impacting our operations in Burbank, Fresno, New Orleans, Ontario, Palm Springs, Phoenix, Portland, Redmond, Sacramento, Seattle, Spokane, Texas and Tucson. For all travel advisores visit alaskaair.com
  • Traveling with pets? Due to extreme temperature forecasts June 21 – July 7, 2021, animals will not be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment to or from most of these airports. Pets traveling in the cabin with their owners will be accepted on all flights. For pets traveling via Alaska Air Cargo, please contact our cargo call center at 1-800-225-2752.
  • Finally, we are keeping our teams safe by delivering water and cool towels to employees, and offering “cool down vans” so ground operations employees can take a break with air conditioning. These extra steps may slow our operations, but keeping our teams safe and cool is our top priority.   

We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience. Stay cool!

*Our 24-hour cancellation policy applies to all fares, otherwise Saver fares purchased on or after May 1, 2021, may not be changed or canceled. For flights purchased through April 30, 2021, change and cancellation fees are waived for all fares, including Saver fares by our peace of mind waiver.

Is it safe to travel? Flight attendants share what to know about flying this year

Juneteenth is a celebration of hope: Watch what it means to our employees

Today we celebrate Juneteenth, a significant holiday that marks the end of slavery in the United States. A recognition of history and a celebration of hope.  

In the wake of last year’s national protests for racial justice, understanding Juneteenth—and the legacy of slavery and its impacts on society today—is essential to staying on the right side of history.  

Our employees recently shared their thoughts about Juneteenth and how we continue to help create lasting and meaningful change by having thoughtful conversations and sharing our life experiences.  

Juneteenth becomes a federal holiday 

While Juneteenth commemorates the end of slavery, the holiday has morphed into a celebration of achievement, community, family, hope and possibilities. Many celebrate Juneteenth with educational events, church services, parades, festivals and more. 

This year, there’s even more to celebrate as the United States Congress recently passed a bill to make Juneteenth a federal holiday. President Biden signed the bill into law on Thursday. 

Juneteenth being recognized by the government as a federal holiday is an important moment in our country’s history. We are evaluating how this designation as a federal holiday will impact our company holiday schedule. 

The history of Juneteenth  

June 19, 2021, marks the 156th year since Juneteenth’s inception, commemorating the day when the last enslaved African Americans learned they were free.   

While the Emancipation Proclamation went into effect on January 1, 1863, slavery continued in the south until June 19, 1865—two months after the Civil War ended—when Union troops arrived in Galveston, Texas to declare that all slaves were free. 

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