Q

magnifying glass with dark circle in the middle.

5 reasons Alaska Airlines employees are truly remarkable

The people of Alaska, including our regional airline Horizon Air, are the heart of our business and the reason we’re an award-winning airline. We celebrate their passion, dedication and hard work every day—especially today, Employee Appreciation Day, with heartfelt thanks for all they do!

Here are five reasons our employees are remarkable:

1. Safety is always top of mind.

Safety is at the forefront of everything we do at Alaska Airlines. Every employee is empowered to stop the operation if something feels unsafe. In fact, we love safety so much, our employees made a music video about it. Featuring our actual employees, the video highlights the number of ways we’re focused on keeping our guests and employees safe as part of Next-Level Care.

2. Kind-heartedness comes naturally.

Our people put their hearts into everything they do. They are the foundation of who we are as a company and live out our purpose of creating an airline people love. And we will continue to advance racial equity with goals for representation, inclusive culture, and public leadership. Learn more.

3. Make travel carefree and easy.

Alaska employees are empowered to think differently, so they can provide the best experience for our guests and employees. Innovation is a huge part of who we are, and our teams are always looking for new ways to enhance the travel experience such as offering touch-free travel options that allow guests to scan boarding passes up to six feet away, print bag tags without touching the check-in kiosk and purchase food and beverages on board using pre-stored payment preferences, and Pre-Clear requirements for seamless travel to Hawaii.

4. Community giving is nonstop.

Our employees are heavily invested in the communities we serve and support the charities they care about most. Through matching gifts, our LIFT Miles programs, the Alaska Airlines Foundation and community events, Alaska makes it easy for employees to give back, and recognizes employees each year for going above and beyond in service to their community. Our people are especially passionate about making flying matter for good and connecting young people with opportunities for a better future – including career paths in aviation!

5. Resilient beyond measure.

Our employees always go above and beyond—nights, weekends and holidays—to take care of our guests, each other and our communities. They never stop working to make Alaska the best we can be, including through a year that was anything but normal. Together, we go far.

Thank you!

Alaska’s Pre-Clear Program makes flying to Hawaii a breeze says guest & island native

Recently, I flew to Hawaii using Alaska’s Pre-Clear program to seamlessly get to the islands to help my baby sister move into her dorm room for her first year of college. I couldn’t miss out on this major milestone (and aloha, Hawaii!).

My two sisters and I are super close. My baby sis is 14 years younger than me so you can imagine what it was like as a teenager having to share the TV with a toddler—swapping MTV for baby Mozart and diaper duties before slipping away to dance class. Don’t get me wrong, the tot cramped my style, but it wasn’t long before our bond was deeper than any high school clique.

When it was time for her to go to college—during the COVID-19 pandemic nonetheless—I knew I had to be there (mindfully).

Left to right: My oldest sister, youngest sister and I with ‘Leahi’ in the background (aka ‘Diamond Head.’) ll Right: Mom and daughters.

Hawaii is the ‘Pre-tty-Clear’ choice to travel safe & mindfully

Alaska recently launched its Hawaii Pre-Clear program, empowering flyers with the ability to bypass airport screening upon arrival with an approved negative COVID-19 test. Pre-Clear is just one of the many features of Alaska’s Next-Level Care that provides guests with a safe, clean and mindful travel experience—it was super easy and made all the difference!

What is Pre-Clear? And, how do you get it?

Alaska’s Hawaii-bound guests can skip the line upon arrival in the Hawaiian Islands.

Get pre-cleared online in six easy steps:

1) Create a ‘Safe Travels profile’ at https://travel.hawaii.gov. Each traveling adult must create their own profile. You can add minors as additional travel members.

2) Enter your trip details. Add a trip for each leg of travel. A QR code will be needed for each leg of your trip—the QR code is key!

3) Upload your documents. First, upload your COVID test result. You are only able to upload a COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours from the final leg of travel. If your test result is verified, the status of the document will show COVID Negative. Your given name must also match with what is on your gov. ID.

4) Log in to your account 24 hours before your departure to fill out the Travel Health Questionnaire.

5) Receive your QR code via email after filling out the questionnaire. IMPORTANT: Save your QR code to your phone or print it out to speed up the process at the airport.

6) Have the following things ready when you arrive at the airport:

  • Your QR code.
  • A valid government issued ID for each traveling adult.
  • If you have a quarantine exemption, bring your letter or proof of the exemption.
  • It’s also helpful to bring a physical copy of your test results to the airport for the screening process just in case technology fails you.

Once you’re screened at the airport, a gate agent will verify that your profile is updated and give you a pre-clear wristband. Your trip details will be updated under “trips” on your Safe Travels profile, which you can use to show your hotel and/or rental car company that you are exempt from Hawaii’s mandatory 10-day quarantine.

Guests with pending test results will not be able to be pre-cleared prior to departure and will have to quarantine upon arrival in Hawaii for 10 days, or the duration of your stay, whichever is shorter.

My “VIP” Pre-Clear experience

After booking my flight, I visited Alaska’s travel advisory page, where it explained the requirements for each island. Since we were going to Oahu, I learned I needed to take a COVID-19 test from a trusted partner within 72 hours before my Hawaii-bound flight. And since Alaska is all about care and ease, the page linked directly to a list of trusted COVID testing partners. From there, I was able to book my appointment faster than the time it might take you to nail down my Hawaiian middle name (it’s 20 letters long “Kuuipoikaheepueone”).

After booking an appointment to get tested, I went back to the advisory page to find the list of all of the following things I needed to do before my flight:

  • COVID test and results? Check.
  • Safe Travels profile? Check.
  • Required documents locked and loaded for the day of departure? Cheehu! (Pidgin English expression of excitement). Check!

I arrived at the airport about two hours early, anticipating the process might take some extra time, but it didn’t take long at all! I easily found the marked Pre-Clear line and went through the line quickly. My Safe Travels profile was verified by an Alaska AIrlines agent. After that, I was given my official Pre-Clear wristband, and made my way to security.

On board, it was smooth sailing. Every guest wore a mask (a travel requirement these days), and the crew did a fantastic job ensuring people stayed masked-up. From seatback cards to announcements and cute napkins, the message was clear; you can expect that Alaska will keep you safe.

As we deplaned, the crew instructed travelers where to go—if you had a Pre-Clear wristband you were instructed to follow the Pre-Clear path, where we met the National Guard to show off our “VIP” wristbands for quick and easy clearance. Overall, it was simple and effortless.

Be mindful and malama while in Hawaii

Pro tip: when you visit Hawaii, aim to shop local by scouting for a certified ‘Open With Aloha’ sign. Your money will go right back into local small businesses.

Over the next few days, we helped my little sister set up her dorm room, chowed down on ono (delicious) eats, and most importantly, we respected the islands through malama (the Hawaiian value of taking care, preserving, protecting). As Native Hawaiians, but especially as visitors, we must honor the land and culture.

One way we recognized malama was by taking the donor cultural tour at the Maunalua Fishpond Heritage Center in Maunalua Bay, Oahu, to pay our respects to this ancient freshwater spring and educate ourselves on its critical role in the life cycle of many native species. It was humbling and inspiring, motivating my sisters and me to ground ourselves deeper into the roots of our aina (land) and kupuna (ancestors) compelling us to kokua (help) in any way we can.

“Freshwater meeting the ocean is the piko (navel string) of our land and sea,” said Scott Liloa, the fishpond’s kiai O Kanewai (guardian of the spring) who showed us around. “Preservation of this wahi pana (legendary place) is important for the well-being of the aina (land). We hope to preserve and protect this sacred place for all to learn and enjoy for many years to come.”

My sisters and I taking a moment of stillness as we soaked in the sacred space.

As it came time to head back home, I felt refreshed and deeply moved to share my experience and appreciation for Alaska for its commitment to safety and the places they fly.

Mahalo nui loa (thank you very much) for your malama and care, Alaska. Pupukahi i holomua (Unite to move forward.)

Book your dream getaway to Hawaii at alaskaair.com.

Hundreds of guests & employees fly on first Alaska 737-9 MAX flights

Today, Alaska Airlines is flying the first passengers on board its first 737-9 MAX aircraft. The aircraft will complete two roundtrip passenger flights between Seattle and San Diego, and between Seattle and Los Angeles.

We’ve eagerly waited for this day. It was a proud moment to board our newest 737 aircraft last week on one of our employee flights and fly it home,” said Alaska President Ben Minicucci. “This plane is a significant part of our future. We believe in it; we believe in Boeing and we believe in our employees.”

We’ve tested and verified all required and necessary processes to prepare the aircraft for passenger service. We’re ready to welcome you on board!

Since taking delivery of the aircraft in January, our teams have tested and verified all processes to prepare the aircraft for passenger service. We put the plane through its paces, which included flying it more than 19,000 miles and 50+ flight hours all over the country, including Alaska and Hawaii — proving to the FAA we can operate the plane safely.

In order to fly the 737-9, pilots are required to take eight hours of flight simulator and computer-based training that focus on the operation of the MAX. Our pilot training program for the MAX is more extensive than what’s required by the FAA.

For us, if an aircraft is not safe, we won’t fly it, period.

Before the aircraft entered commercial service today, hundreds of employees from across the company flew the 737-9 MAX last week in Seattle and Los Angeles. See what it was like through a few of their eyes:

Video: Last week, customer service agents, maintenance technicians, flight attendants, reservations agents and others flew in from everywhere like Fort Lauderdale, San Jose and New York to experience the new plane.

Our maintenance technicians undergo a minimum 40 hours of training on the variations between the MAX and our existing 737 NG fleet, with certain technicians receiving additional specialized training.

We have high expectations and confidence that Boeing has made the required changes and necessary improvements to the MAX. With these enhancements and the FAA’s thorough inspection processes, this aircraft  meets our high safety standards. Learn more about our dedication to safety and our training programs for the MAX at alaskaair.com/737MAX.

Alaska staff writers Tricia Bruckbauer and Ray Lane contributed to this article.

Rai Adair is a dancer, voracious reader, world traveler—and in Alaska’s new TV commercial

Rai Adair’s mom knew her daughter would be a force of nature. On Rai’s third birthday, her mom signed her up for ballet classes to burn off her outrageous energy. Adair, now a Seattle-based flight attendant, danced as a toddler through her elementary years and into her teens, taking as many new classes she could get her toes in, ultimately culminating in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance from Ohio State University.

Rai Adair began her career with Aer Lingus, based in Ireland, then later with Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional airline, and joined Alaska Airlines in 2011.

Adair’s love of dance took a back seat as she transitioned to a flight attendant. She began her career with Aer Lingus, based in Ireland, then later with Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional airline, and joined Alaska Airlines in 2011. It was at Alaska where she discovered a way to combine her passion and profession—becoming a leader of Alaska’s Flight Attendant Drill Team.

Alaska’s drill team is a grassroots effort, made up of 30 flight attendants, and is maintained by employee volunteers. The team participates (pre-COVID) in company events throughout the year across our network—practicing during layovers and coming together to put on amazing performances to represent Alaska!

“Dancing releases endorphins reduces stress and puts a smile on everyone’s face—even under a mask,” Adair says. “One of the best things about leading the drill team has been the opportunity to get to know my fellow flight attendants and other Alaska employees.”

Alaska’s Drill Team at the Torchlight Parade in Seattle, WA in 2019.

Dancing for safety

While 2020 and the pandemic meant the drill team couldn’t have its normal parades to rehearse for, Adair was able to stretch her creative muscles as a featured employee in a recent Alaska’s Safety Dance commercial.

“It was a little bit like getting the old gang back together,” Adair said. But as much fun as shooting the commercial was, Adair takes safety very seriously. Her focus each flight is enforcing our mask policy. “I want everyone on my flights to leave feeling safe,” she said.

Studies have shown the risk of air travel is low with the combination of mask wearing, diligent cleaning protocols and advanced filtration systems used on Alaska’s aircraft.

Books are a window to travel.

Adair enjoys sharing travel tips, often telling guests what they should see and do in different cities, and how a good book can help.

“My mother was a librarian, so I’ve loved books my whole life,” Adair says. She eschews travel guides and dives into fictional novels set in unique destinations. “Fiction can give you a taste of the spirit of the place that makes it even more fun to explore when you get there.”

Adair highly recommends getting lost—on purpose. She says the pandemic has made it harder to do that, but not impossible. It just takes a bit more planning, she says, like always having a blanket in her suitcase to set up an impromptu socially distanced picnic in a park.

On layovers, I take the whole day to get lost and really explore and find my way around–eating local food and finding cool shops and experiences along the way,” Adair says.

Sharing the love.

Adair’s own backyard provides inspiration for her wanderlust. Adair lives in Capitol Hill in Seattle. When unrest broke out in the city last June, and news reports filled her phone, she set out on foot, visiting Cal Anderson Park. She documented her outing on social media. There was a group giving out free food and water with a sign that said, “Kindness is our currency.” There was a community clinic in a truck. There were artists painting. There was a homeless man walking around talking to himself, and someone gave him a sandwich. And there was a selfie of Adair with an ice cream cone. Unlike what many headlines showed, there were plenty of moments of goodness too.

Adair enjoying sunshine—and social distancing—in Seattle, WA.

“I found a lot of like-minded people who wanted to find community-based solutions to the problems that our city is facing. I posted on Facebook and Instagram in the hopes that, in some small way, my own ground view of the situation would lead my friends and family to know the truth,” Adair says.

She says she is continually inspired by her fellow employees.

“Everywhere you look, you can find Alaska employees sharing their knowledge, creating community gathering spaces, and donating their time, energy, and money to causes all over the U.S. and the world. I love how awesome my coworkers are,” said Adair.

Adair in 2019.

If you’ve seen Adair in Alaska’s latest commercial, she has a dance tutorial for you to learn Alaska’s Safety Dance. See Adair’s dance lesson here.

Alaska Air Group commits to a more inclusive workforce by 2025

What we believe.

At Alaska, we believe every person deserves respect regardless of race, ethnicity, capability, age, gender or sexual orientation; we believe that aviation can enable opportunity; and we’re committed to advancing equity in all forms, with an initial focus on racial equity. While we have more work to advance diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) for our company and industry, today, we are setting specific and measurable goals to deliver on our commitments to racial equity.

Alaska’s values — own safety, do the right thing and be kind-hearted — are the foundation of who we are and what drives us to be the airline people love. Diversity, equity and inclusion are about valuing each person’s uniqueness and life experiences so the world can see, learn and benefit from diverse perspectives. Our success depends on it.” — Ben Minicucci, Alaska Airlines President and incoming CEO

Our commitments.

Alaska stands against hate, intolerance and racism of any kind. Our guests should always feel welcome on board and our employees deserve to feel safe and a sense of belonging when they come to work. This means racism and discrimination have no place on our airplanes or in our workplace. We commit to keeping all of our environments safe for everyone. We will ensure this by creating a workplace where we continue to improve and learn, and we will hold ourselves accountable by measuring and reporting our progress.

Our Goals.

Representation: By 2025, the racial diversity of our leadership will reflect the diversity of our frontline employees. Today we have 30%+ racial diversity within our frontline and manager levels compared to 16% racial diversity within our leadership levels. Our greatest opportunity is to increase the diversity of our leadership levels to reflect the diversity of our broader employee population.

We will increase racial diversity at all levels to at least 30% by:

  • Updating our recruiting strategies to diversify our talent pool.
  • Supporting the education pipeline that enables career pathways for diverse talent within aviation.
  • Creating leadership development and sponsorship programs that help us attract and retain more diverse talent.

Culture: By 2025, we will increase our company’s “Inclusion Index Score” in our employee engagement survey by 10 points, reflecting our commitment to cultivate a truly inclusive culture where everyone feels like they belong. Our work will involve our Business Resource Groups, who play a critical role in helping our leaders to better support our people. Through DEI training, we will create awareness, educate and reinforce policies that support equity and inclusion.

Public Leadership: By 2025, we will help create career pathways for at least 175,000 young people. We will do this by supporting programs like UNCF, which empowers and enables opportunity through a lens of racial equity. Our employees have also asked us to lean into our values through public leadership. We will use our voice and platforms humbly, knowing that we continue to learn and grow in partnership with community-based organizations dedicated to education and racial equity.

These goals represent the next step in our journey to be a better company. We still have a ways to go, but we are committed to doing the work, being transparent about our progress, listening to feedback and holding ourselves accountable,” says Minicucci.

What success looks like.

We remain committed to being transparent and open about our progress throughout this journey. Below are some examples of how we’ll know if we’re heading in the right direction:

  • All of our employees feel like they belong and can do their best work.
  • Our leadership team reflects the diversity of our frontline workgroups and the communities we serve.
  • Leaders are visible champions and role models of inclusive leadership.
  • Diversity, equity & inclusion are systematically integrated into our business processes and culture.
  • We maintain a zero-tolerance stance for harassment or discrimination of any kind in our workplace.
  • We will continue to strive for a safe space culture where employees feel empowered to have open and critical dialogue with their peers and leaders — creating a culture where we seek to understand.
  • The diverse communities we serve are actively supported, engaged and advocated for.
    The sky’s the limit.

We recognize the lengthy runway we have in front of us. We are on a journey to be better — for our guests, employees and communities we serve. We are committed to continuing this critical conversation, changing how we’ve always done things and sharing our progress to drive meaningful change inside and outside of our company.

Making progress.

  • Completed six employee listening sessions designed to learn about our employees’ real experiences and challenges to inform our path forward.
  • Conducted Courageous Conversations with employees and leaders throughout the organization where we learned about racism, how to discuss racism and how to take action against racism.
  • Enhanced our zero tolerance policy and training.
  • Launched racial equity training for all employees.
  • Embedded Diversity, Equity and Inclusion into our new Talent Acquisition system. This included completing a bias audit of work processes.
  • Require 50% diverse candidate slates and interview panels for senior leadership roles.
  • Updated our succession planning and talent review approach and processes to reduce bias and support Diversity, Equity and Inclusion practices.
  • Joined the Washington Employers for Racial Equity coalition.

Winter weather continues in Texas, mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions—check your flight status before going to the airport

February 17, 2021

Update 9 a.m.

Winter weather continues to impact airports in Texas, the mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions. Conditions continue to be a challenge as ground crews work to clear snow and ice from our airplanes, though warmer weather is in the forecast. Guests should expect delays or cancellations and check the status of their flight before heading to impacted airports.

If your travel is affected, you should be notified via email or on Alaska’s mobile app if your flight(s) are canceled or delayed. We are also offering a flexible travel policy for those who would like to change their travel. 

Thanks again to all of our guests who worked with us on not-so-great travel days recently.

Winter weather impacting flights in Texas, mid-Atlantic and Northeast regions—check your flight status before going to the airport

February 16, 2021

Update 2 p.m.

Winter weather continues to impact many regions in the U.S. today, including: Texas, other parts of the South, the mid-Atlantic and the Northeast regions. Alaska, Horizon and SkyWest have canceled at least 25 flights today to impacted airports. More cancellations could occur in these locations tomorrow, weather permitting. 

In Texas, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport will remain closed until at least 8 p.m. CST today. Crews are still working to clear thick patches of ice off of the airfield. Passengers are asked to refrain from coming to the airport. The heavy snow and ice throughout the state overnight has also resulted in cancellations to and from airports in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio with the exception of El Paso.

Our guests are being notified if their flights are canceled or delayed. We’re also offering a flexible travel policy for those who would like to change their travel. We encourage guests to check their flight status before heading to the airport in impacted locations.  

We appreciate the cooperation and understanding of our guests as we navigate through the wintery weather and will continue to closely monitor the forecasts and update you as more information becomes available.

Update 9 a.m.

Severe, record-breaking winter weather continues to impact a large swath of the nation today: across Texas, other parts of the South, the mid-Atlantic region and the Northeast. Alaska, Horizon and SkyWest have canceled at least 25 flights today to impacted airports.

In Texas, Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport will remain closed until at least 4 p.m. CST today. Ground crews are working tirelessly to have the airfield back in service. Passengers are asked to refrain from coming to the airport.The heavy snow and ice throughout the state overnight has also resulted in cancellations to and from airports in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.

Winter weather affecting airports in Texas and Oregon—check your flight status before going to the airport

February 15, 2021

Update 2 p.m.

George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, TX will remain closed until at least 1 p.m. Tuesday Feb 16. Passengers are asked to refrain from coming to the airport. The unexpected accumulation of snow and ice throughout the state overnight has also resulted in cancellations to and from airports in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.

In Portland, conditions continue to be a challenge as ground crews work to clear snow and ice from our airplanes, though warmer weather is in the forecast. 

Updated 11 a.m.

Winter storm triggers shutdown in Houston, cancellations in Austin, Dallas, San Antonio

Winter weather continues its wrath on the nation Monday, this time, dropping heavy snow and ice across Texas. Several cities in the Lone Star are experiencing record breaking snowfalls and fierce temperature lows. The unexpected accumulation of snow and ice throughout the state overnight has shut down Houston Airport and resulted in cancellations to and from airports in Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.

Snow and ice of this magnitude is extremely rare for Texas and the airports just don’t have the infrastructure to handle extreme weather like this,” said Todd Sproul, vice president of system operations at Alaska Airlines. “Coming off of a tumultuous weekend in the Pacific Northwest due to snow and ice, we recognize the obstacles our travelers are facing right now. Safety remains our top priority and we are doing everything possible to get travelers on their way.”

In Portland, guests should expect some flight delays and cancelations in and out of PDX until this afternoon, as ground crews work to clear snow and ice from our airplanes.

What to do if you’re traveling to/from Texas or Oregon:

  • Guests will be notified of any cancellations and their travel rescheduled via email or the Alaska Airlines app.
  • Travelers flying to or from these destinations should check the status of their flights before heading to the airport.
  • Impacted guests may change their travel plans, without incurring a change fee.

February 14, 2021

Update 5 p.m.

We’re starting to see improvements in Seattle as snowfall has turned into a rain/snow mix, which we can expect until early tomorrow morning. In Portland, we still have a significantly reduced number of departures in and out of PDX due to the freezing rain in the forecast for the rest of the evening. This is to help us ease congestion and with deicing efficiency.

Currently, our contact centers are experiencing longer than normal call wait times—thank you for your patience. To save some time, we encourage you to take advantage of our online change/cancellation options. While the weather seems to be improving, if you are traveling tomorrow, we recommend checking your flight status online before heading to the airport just to be on the safe side! 

Update 2 p.m.

Alaska Airlines continues to respond to inclement weather in the Pacific Northwest. Conditions in both Seattle and Portland continue to be a challenge though warmer weather is in the forecast.

What to do if you’re traveling to/from Sea-Tac or Portland:

  • Check your flight status online to see if your flight is impacted, before heading to the airport. 270 Alaska and Horizon flights have been cancelled today to help ease congestion and with deicing efficiency.
  • If your flight has been Impacted you should be notified via email or on our mobile app of any cancellations and travel rescheduled.
  • If you don’t have to travel today, consider changing your ticket on alaskaair.com. We’re waiving change fees and offering full refunds.
  • Be safe. If your flight hasn’t been canceled, leave extra time to drive to the airport.
Check your flight status

Operation summary: 

  • In Portland, we’ve significantly reduced the number of departures in and out of PDX due to the freezing rain in the forecast for the rest of the day. 
  • In Seattle, departures were reduced until noon Pacific time. We are running a relatively normal schedule for the day due to those proactive changes but guests should expect delays.

Update 10 a.m.

Alaska Airlines continues to respond to ongoing snowfall at its largest hubs. Due to overnight snow and freezing rain, we’ve canceled more than 250 Alaska and Horizon flights to help ease congestion and allow deicing operations to run more efficiently. In anticipation of additional cancellations this afternoon, guests can change or cancel flights at no additional cost with our flexible travel policy. We appreciate the patience of our guests during this difficult travel day and are everything we can to get all of our customers to their destinations while operating safely.

Operation update:

  • In Portland, we’ve significantly reduced the number of departures we’re allowing per hour in and out of PDX. We’re only allowing a limited number of flights to depart per hour, until at least noon, Pacific time.
  • In Seattle, departures have been reduced until at least noon Pacific time. We’re continuing to monitor flights this morning in and out of SEA.

We are closely monitoring the expected forecast, evaluating the flight schedule, and factoring in how much air traffic SEA and PDX can handle with limited visibility and deicing requirements to operate safely. We will continue to evaluate the schedule and evolving weather conditions. Impacted guests will be notified of any cancellations and their travel rescheduled.

Major snowstorms impacting Seattle and Portland—check your flight status before going to the airport

February 13, 2021

Update 3:30 p.m. — An update was made at 5:30 p.m. about Portland operation, see bullet. 

To help our guests impacted by winter weather in Seattle and Portland, Alaska is making it easier to change your trip with our peace of mind waiver that waives fare differences on top of zero change/cancel fees.

PNW Snow Event Travel Waiver

Please know our contact centers are experiencing hold times of more than four hours. We appreciate the patience of our guests during this difficult travel day and are everything we can to get all of our customers to their destinations while operating safely.

Heading into Sunday, another round of snow and winter weather is expected. We will be keeping a close eye on the weather system and will cancel flights as needed as safety is our number one priority. Impacted guests will be notified and their travel rescheduled. Guests should check the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport as many flights have been delayed or canceled.

Check your flight status

Here’s what you can expect this evening:

  • In Portland, we are running a limited operation this afternoon. We will pause all operations again this evening around 6 p.m. Pacific time due to freezing rain in the forecast.
  • Inbound and outbound operations in Seattle have been reduced to a limited operation.

Update 12:50 p.m.

Photo of a Horizon Air aircraft getting deiced at Portland International Airport.

As of 12:15 p.m. Pacific time, we’ve canceled around 400 flights due to winter weather in the Pacific Northwest. Our call centers are experiencing hold times of more than five hours. We appreciate the patience of our guests during this difficult travel day and are everything we can to get all of our customers to their destinations while operating safely.

Here’s what we know this afternoon:

  • In Portland, we hope to begin running a limited operation this afternoon. It’s likely we will pause all operations again this evening due to more winter weather in the forecast.
  • Inbound operations in Seattle are still being paused due to inclement weather and outbound operations out of Seattle have been reduced to a limited operation.
  • In both locations, our teams are working safely and efficiently to clear snow and deice aircraft.  
  • Guests are being notified if their flight is canceled. We’re also offering a flexible travel policy for those who would like to change their flights. 
  • Guests should check the status of their flight prior to heading to the airport as many flights have been delayed or canceled. Flights throughout the system, including those outside of Portland and Seattle, are being impacted.

Update 10 a.m.

Heavy winter storms hit the Pacific Northwest overnight. Roughly 6 to 10 inches of snow fell Friday evening and the wintery weather continues in the Seattle and Portland metro areas, reports the National Weather Service. 

As of 10 a.m. Pacific time, more than 200 Alaska Airlines flights into and out of Seattle and Portland have been canceled. More snow is expected in both locations throughout the day.  In Seattle, a temporary pause of the operation is in effect until 11 a.m. Pacific time. Our operations in Portland remain limited until further notice due to unsafe conditions at the airport, such as freezing rain. 

Our guests are being notified if their flight is canceled. We’re also offering a flexible travel policy for those who would like to change their flights. We encourage guests to monitor their flight status before heading to the airport on alaskaair.com or our mobile app.

Visit Alaska for wide open spaces and the Northern lights

Alaska is an extraordinarily beautiful place, with magnificent scenery and wildlife—and lots of wide open spaces to explore. Whether you are coming to see Alaska’s glorious glaciers, mountains or rivers or to experience world wonders like the northern lights, we’re sure a trip to Alaska will live up to your wildest dreams.

“We’ve been social distancing in Alaska for years.” — Scott Habberstad, resident of Alaska for 45 years.

As the least densely populated state in the U.S. (nearly 734,000 residents, over 660,000 square miles of land), Alaska is the perfect place for social distancing. Many Alaskans enjoy living there simply to “get off the grid” and many travelers, especially in 2021, are seeking and planning to visit to do the same.

Denali National Park and Preserve, United States

Because Alaska’s so big, it’s divided into five parts—Arctic, Interior, Southwest, Southcentral and Inside Passage—but don’t be overwhelmed, Alaska’s tourism website has many helpful tips and travel guides.

Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy and residents want to welcome visitors back in 2021 to roam big, wander wild and discover more.

Discover wide open spaces:

  • You can fly to the state’s largest city, Anchorage, and find yourself in the middle of the nearly 500,000-acre Chugach State Park within 30 minutes.
  • Alaska’s state capitol, Juneau, is also set within one of the largest intact rainforests in the world forest—16.7-million-acres to be exact!
  • Fairbanks, the largest city in Alaska’s Interior, is the gateway to the Arctic, including the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge and the Gates of the Arctic National Park & Preserve.

Train ride going from Seward to Anchorage, Alaska.

So you might be wondering, when it is safe to travel again, and what are the current COVID restrictions? Alaska has been focused on welcoming visitors to safely enjoy all the state has to offer. While not required, we encourage guests to arrive with a negative COVID test from our testing partners or be tested for (free) in one of the airports in Alaska. Before you go, we also recommend checking out the latest health and safety advisories for traveling to and within Alaska.

You can find even more information on what to explore by visiting the cities map or parks map and more inspo here—the possibilities are endless. And while Alaska & Alaska Airlines hope that the end of the pandemic is near, we hope you choose to social distance in Alaska for many years to come!

Book now. Mask up. Let’s Go!

*Some restrictions may apply to the Northern Lights fare sale.

A year without travel: How one traveler plans to *safely* put 2021 on the map

When I landed an internship with Alaska Airlines straight out of college and later a full-time job in communications, I felt like I won the lottery. Alaska opened up the world to me, just like it does for so many of its guests every day.

If you also love to travel, you can probably relate to how I felt in 2020 (completely, and utterly, aghast).

Though I traveled in high school and college some, it wasn’t until I worked for an airline that I realized just how much I loved it! Travel is both my greatest passion and my favorite hobby. Before the pandemic, I was traveling at least two to three weekends per month, almost always for fun.

Last year, I flew roughly 20,000 miles—about a third of what I would normally fly in a year.

From January through the beginning of March, I traveled mostly domestically until COVID-19 became a public health issue in the United States. Here’s where I visited:

A solo trip to Montreal, Quebec, Feb. 16, 2020

A weekend in Maui, Feb. 21, 2020

A sister’s trip to San Diego, Feb. 2, 2020

A weekend in Anchorage, Alaska, Feb. 28, 2020

A friend’s birthday in Loreto, Mexico, March 13, 2020

Before the world was turned on its head due to COVID, I had plans to go to Ecuador in June, a trip to Chile in the fall and my best friend and I were even planning a trip to Bali to celebrate my 30th birthday in September. Alas, I had to change my plans and go with the flow like everyone else.

Please take your seat … on the couch

The word “homebody” is not something I would ever use to describe myself. However, 2020 had a way of forcing us all to embrace staying home. Unfortunately, for me, I was unable to spend that time with my friends or family due to distance, which made things even worse. There were times where I felt like I lost my identity entirely.

My favorite things to do, besides being with my friends and family, is taking a quick trip to grab tacos in San Diego or jet off to Juneau, Alaska to explore the town.

While I was grateful to be healthy and safe in 2020, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss traveling.

Last summer, instead of traveling, I took long walks around neighborhoods in North Seattle, meticulously planning out what household chores I would do next and reminisce about old trips. I missed traveling so much, I even became one of those people who started referring to different rooms in the house by three-letter airport codes (living room = LIV, bedroom =BDR, etc.).

Don’t get me wrong–I was grateful for my summer exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I went on a lot of hikes, which were wonderful, but I still missed wandering the world.

Mt Fremont Lookout Trail, Mt. Rainier National Park

“I would have jumped on a plane to go just about anywhere.”

At the end of August, I volunteered to take a work trip to Spokane, Washington. When I boarded Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional airline, it felt like I was on my way to Tahiti! I was so excited to walk through the doors of Sea-Tac Airport, only this time, I had a mask covering my nose and mouth, and my travel accessories included a package of Lysol wipes and two bottles of hand sanitizer. But at this point, I would have jumped on a plane to go just about anywhere.

“Before yesterday, I hadn’t been on a plane in nearly six months. To say I’ve missed flying and traveling would be an understatement! It was so nice to be back in the air again yes! 😍 I’ve always been happiest when I’m on the go. Up next: Boise, Idaho! (Also, our planes are cleaner than ever!)” @mcginndo via instagram

Another flight was in store for me in 2020 (praise the travel gods). In September, my sister and I flew Alaska Airlines to Charleston, South Carolina to celebrate my 30th birthday. Though it wasn’t Bali, it felt amazing to fly again!

By June, Alaska’s safety program (Next-Level Care) had been well underway, which implemented over 100 different ways to maintain the highest standard of safety throughout your journey—from mask requirements, enhanced cleaning, hospital-grade HEPA filters onboard and more—we felt super safe and cared for from start to finish and I’m not just saying that!

So, what does travel look like in 2021?

If only I had a crystal ball that could tell me when life will get back to a sense of normal. For now, this globe trotter is only traveling to domestic destinations. I’m looking for places where I can spend a majority of my time outside and away from other people. Thankfully, there are a lot of national parks and outdoor getaways that Alaska serves, so there are plenty of options.

This is just one travel bug’s take on 2020 and travel right now, but I’m optimistic about becoming ungrounded in 2021.

Some final thoughts & travel tips:

In January, I had the opportunity to visit Maui, Hawaii with my sister for her birthday.

We did our research. When we were initially deciding where we wanted to go, we chose Maui because we wanted a warm location where we could spend the majority of our time outside.

We planned ahead. The state of Hawaii requires proof of a negative COVID-19 test from a trusted testing partner taken within 72 hours of departure. Alaska Airlines makes it very easy. I used Carbon Health and my sister got her test done through Costco. Alaska also pre-clears travelers to the Hawaiian Islands as part of the Hawaii Pre-Clear program, which meant we didn’t have to wait in line when we arrived and got to vacation sooner. You can learn more about the program at alaskaair.com/Hawaii-bound.

(Also, for a nearly touch-free travel experience, be sure to download Alaska’s mobile app.)

We masked up. I’ve recently started double masking when walking through airports and onboard flights as an extra safety precaution. I’m extremely comforted though knowing that the HEPA filters on Alaska Airlines are circulating air through the cabin every two to three minutes, so there’s always fresh air. (Alaska also does a phenomenal job of cleaning their aircraft. Check it out!)

In Hawaii, I also brought my mask with me everywhere I went, even to the beach, and put it on anytime I passed someone outside.

We had a wonderful time! No, not everything in Maui was open. But we did get in a couple of hikes (Waihe’e Ridge Trail was stunning as were the Lava Fields), spent a ton of time at the beach and I also ate my fair share of fish tacos! (Check out Paia’s Fish market in Kihei! They have some of the best.) Most restaurants are open for take-out or at a limited capacity. Just double check or call ahead before you go.

If you choose to travel, just make sure you take the necessary safety precautions and research the destination you’re headed to beforehand. And if you’re not ready, that’s okay too.

Alaska will be here when you are! Book your next adventure today at alaskaair.com.

Real-life employees star in Alaska’s 80s-inspired ‘Safety Dance’ video

It’s not every day that a group of airline employees covers a hit song from the 80s, but bringing the “fun” to care and safety is just what Alaska does.

Resurrecting the 1982 Men Without Hats single “Safety Dance,” 10 real Alaska Airlines employees starred in the recently launched TV spot all about the safety measures that make up Alaska’s Next-Level Care.

Employees rehearsed behind-the-scenes for three days in Alaska’s Seattle hangar to get the moves just right with Anna Matuszewski, Macklemore’s choreographer, and director Warren Fu who is known for his work with artists such as Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Daft Punk and HAIM. Learn more about their experience on centerstage below.

Keytar-shredding Pilot Patrick Miller

Alaska Captain Patrick Miller (or Captain Pat, as everyone calls him) tried to keep a low profile during the Safety Dance filming, but the director quickly realized they had a star in their midst.

Miller’s natural swagger and infamous keytar moved him quickly to the forefront. And even though he’s never played ‘a lick’ of keytar before, he says his informal guitar playing in a band and countless weddings over the years prepared him for this moment.

“It was a heck of a lot of fun,” Miller said. “Just a cool experience.”

Alaska Airlines Captain Patrick Miller behind-the-scenes.

Miller also loves the message of Safety Dance—and that it shows how Next-Level Care is something Alaska takes very seriously. “The cabin is kept so clean, it’s sanitized after every flight, masks are required and our HEPA filters onboard remove 99.9% of contaminants in the air.”

Miller on set.

Designated Lead Trainer & Dancer Jonathan Foster-Harris

When the fan came on and the hair began flowing freely, Jonathan Foster-Harris had his “Beyonce Moment.” Showing off his dance experience, you can see Jonathan in the video “riding the pony” and, like Natalie, showing off his flexibility with a COVID microbe kick.

“I hope it brought a smile to your face and made you move your waist,” he says.

During his day job as designated lead trainer, Foster-Harris helps keep Alaska’s operation running smoothly, from building schedules to subbing for customer service agents. “I’m here to surprise, delight and encourage,” he says.

Alaska Airlines Designated Lead Trainer Jonathan Foster-Harris behind-the-scenes.

He’s also enthusiastic about getting the message across that Alaska is serious about safety. “We deep-clean planes using high-grade EPA-disinfectants and electrostatic sprayers and do a lot to keep people safe,” he said.

Alaska’s safety-first mindset also held true even through rehearsals and production with COVID safeguards in place for the entire shoot. Ventilation was monitored, COVID tests were administered daily, everyone had masks and shields and physical distancing was faithfully observed.

“This whole experience has been another reflection of Alaska’s commitment to safety that’s been there since the beginning,” Foster-Harris said. “Even though a pandemic, Alaska’s still the airline people love.”

Foster-Harris on set.

High-kicking Flight Attendant Natalie Razor

Natalie Razor has been with Alaska for a year and a half and says it’s her dream job. As a flight attendant, Razor is all about safety and shows up with amazing energy. She loves talking to guests about how the air onboard refreshes every two to three minutes and how important it is to keep masks on while flying.

Her love for safety is crystal clear during her starring moment in the video, when she exclaims that masking up in the cabin is a must and shows off her boxing and high-kicking skills to one very overwhelmed “coronavirus molecule.”

“Even my eye doctor loves it,” she said. “Just to represent Alaska is such an honor. It’s a family and to be there representing what we stand for in safety and health really means everything.”

Horizon Air Flight Attendant Natalie Razor behind-the-scenes.

Razor loves to dance—even going so far as to proudly display the high kick at one local grocery store parking lot at the request of a mom and her young daughter, and learning all the moves in the video (even the scenes she wasn’t in). That’s just her style, who is also a proud mom to dancer daughters–one of whom is on an NBA dance squad. The moves just run in the family!

Razor on set.

Learn the official Safety Dance moves from Alaska Flight Attendant Rai Adair

Your moves could win you roundtrip tickets!

“Dancing releases endorphins, reduces stress and puts a smile on everyone’s face, even under a mask,” said Adair. “I hope everyone is finding opportunities to put joy into their day, and I hope this gives them another chance at it.”

Post a video of your version of our Safety Dance using the hashtag #AlaskaSafetyDance & you’ll be entered to win two roundtrip flights! Videos must be posted before 2/13 @ 11:59 p.m. Official rules: https://bit.ly/2LkjMbj

How to earn Alaska Airlines miles without actually flying

Nothing makes Alaska Airlines more happy than to reward its loyal Mileage Plan members! While many of our frequent jet setters have paused or changed their travel plans, there are still many ways to earn miles without ever stepping foot on board.

Not a member yet? You can still join today (no booking necessary).

Shop until you drop.

As a Mileage Plan member, you can earn miles fast just by shopping online or in stores and also get exclusive deals created just for you! Simply start by visiting mileageplanshopping.com and browse over 850 stores like Nike, Macy’s and Sephora (to name a few) to compare mileage offers and deals.

PRO TIP: Enjoy savings at your fingertips every time you shop online by activating Alaska’s Mileage Plan™ Shopping browser extension. The button lets you know when to activate and earn miles per dollar as you shop online at participating stores.

Grab a bite to earn a flight.

From bites to flights our card holders can earn an additional 1 mile for every two dollars they spend at Mileage Plan Dining restaurants. Find a local restaurant to support near you at mileageplan.rewardsnetwork.com and start earning more miles!

Swipe (or tap) to earn miles.

One of the easiest ways to earn miles without flying is through the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card. It’s a perfect time to consider the card, because there’s a new account bonus offer. As a cardholder, you’ll earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases. Cardholders can also earn Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™ every year after qualifying purchases. Learn more.

Book a home away from home.

You could earn up to 10,000 Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles per night, every hotel booking. And, even use your miles for free or discounted stays. Book your room at alaskaair.com/hotels.

Rent a car—no flight needed.

You can earn miles by booking your next car rental through Alaska Airlines Cars. This service, powered by CarTrawler, will search through major brands to find the best rental price. When booking through select Mileage Plan partner suppliers, you can earn miles to boost your account. You can even filter the results to find hybrid vehicles. Depending on the supplier, you might pay in advance or at the counter when you pick up your car, but most suppliers offer free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, just in case things change.

Buy miles for you or a gift for them.

We can’t think of a better feeling than earning miles without ever having to leave your home or simply making your BFFs day. Build up your Mileage Plan account or share miles with your friends and loved ones by purchasing or giving miles on alaskair.com/share-gift-miles.

When you’re ready, fly Alaska or a partner airline.

The most obvious way to earn Alaska miles is by flying Alaska Airlines or with one of our airline partners. Alaska Mileage Plan members earn one mile for every mile you fly on Alaska. With service to over 900+ destinations, Alaska & its partners can take you to almost anywhere and elite benefits start at just 20,000 miles. Our upcoming oneworld Alliance membership will also bring you more destinations, more airline partners and more ways to earn and redeem miles.

For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the Alaska Airlines credit card, click on the limited-time welcome bonus offer link above and refer to the disclosures accompanying the online credit application. This credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A.

Seattle employee stays “grounded” through kindness and awareness

Do you ever just meet someone whose smile and positive energy makes your heart happy? That’s Travion Smith, 31, a ground service agent in Seattle, who always delights his teammates and guests at Horizon Air, Alaska’s regional airline.When asked how he celebrates Black History Month, Smith says “awareness.”

“What I want people to take from this month is awareness. If you’re trying to learn about another culture or what’s happening to another culture throughout the years, don’t let that be something that you just do for a month,” Smith said. “There’s hundreds of years of history to explore. I’m always surprised by what I don’t know—I swear I learn something new every year.”

Why do you wear a mask that says ‘Be Kind’? “Wearing a mask is courteous to others—minding other’s safety. Being kind and wearing your mask, same difference,” said Smith.

Smith, originally from Long Beach, California, joined the airline biz a few years ago so he could work outside in the beautiful PNW and easily visit his family in California—his favorite place to fly.

What has it been like working during the pandemic? “It was a little scary at first but safety is key and we really got to see how important our jobs are,” said Smith. “It’s so important we’re able to work, connect people and transport goods.”

Smith is one of 3,500 employees at Horizon Air who has worked tirelessly to run a safe airline this past year. He is also a team captain, which means he is responsible for leading his team in the operation with other employees while handling complex work environments, both in the air and on the ground.

“I love the employees that we have,” he said. “You have to treat everyone like family. You gotta understand that everyone has something going on. If we can all get along, if we’re all meshing together, the job is always easier.”

Kellie Nielsen, one of Smith’s co-workers, says “Tray is a hard worker and always willing to jump in to help where needed. And all the while doing it with a smile on his face.”

Tray Smith, Horizon Air Team Captain & Ground Service Agent in Seattle.

While Horizon has broad representation of diversity in all forms among its frontline workgroups, diversity decreases at the leadership levels. Horizon has committed to increasing diversity of its leadership team, a goal Smith supports. He says, having diversity among workgroups and throughout different ranks creates more relatability and perspectives and helps inform good decisions.

“When you see other races that are higher up, you think ‘oh, that could be me!’ Or ‘I could potentially be in that same situation and be up there with that person,’ so when you don’t see that, it feels out of reach.”

Learn more about Horizon and Alaska’s efforts to keep guests and employees safe.

What does travel look like in 2021? Your checklist & must do’s before you fly

COVID-19 has been a wild ride for all of us this past year. If you plan to get out of the house and travel soon, Alaska has tips to make your next flight infinitely easier and carefree.

First things first fly healthy.

Alaska guests must be COVID negative and have not been around someone who has tested positive for the virus within 72 hours of travel. This is for the safety of all guests and employees. Need to postpone your trip? Our peace of mind options allow you to cancel or change (most) reservations without a fee.

Pack masks, sanitizer and patience.

Aside from the obvious packing to-dos like clothes, toothbrushes and shoes, don’t leave without the pandemic essentials: masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes and the patience to respect/maintain physical distancing when boarding/exiting the aircraft, at baggage claim and customs. Remember: All travelers must wear a mask that covers their nose and mouth for the entire flight and in the airport. Learn how to become BFFs with your mask.

Do what you can to take care of yourself & others.

While Alaska is bringing you Next-Level Care, there are still things you can do to stay safe during your journey. According to the CDC, National Safety Council and World Health Organization:

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others.
  • Wash your hands often – and thoroughly – with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% alcohol).
  • Avoid touching your nose, mouth and eyes.
  • Keep your distance, especially to those who are at a higher risk (older adults and people who have severe underlying medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, or heart or lung disease).
  • Clean and disinfect high-touch surface areas.

Some cities require COVID tests.

Keep in mind some places require a negative COVID test or quarantine. For instance, if you’re traveling from Las Vegas (which currently doesn’t have restrictions for incoming guests) to Maui or New York City—both Hawaii & New York State require incoming travelers to take a COVID-19 test 72 hours before travel or head straight to quarantine. You might also be asked to fill out a traveler health form, which will be collected at the airport upon your arrival. See the latest travel restrictions.

Know where to get tested.

Ask yourself if you know where to get a rapid test in your hometown or where to get one in the city you plan to visit? Even if you’re from a state that doesn’t require testing prior to re-entry, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Remember, you could still be positive yet show no signs or symptoms of COVID-19. So take a PCR or rapid test before you fly to protect fellow travelers and others around you. See Alaska’s testing partners.

Now’s not the time to let the universe make plans.

Spontaneity is a thing of the past—we get it, sometimes it’s great to let your hair down & make up plans as you go. But right now, it’s too risky. If you happen to be flying to a city, consider what’s open and what safety protocols are in place—and make reservations in advance. Outdoor dining and activities are ideal.

Sip & cover if you drink or eat.

While you’re technically allowed to remove your mask to eat or drink on board, studies have shown wearing a mask is the best way to limit the risk of COVID-19. We recommend you sip & cover—when you’re done with your bite and/or had a refreshing sip reapply your mask for your safety and others around you. If your flight is relatively short (give or take five or six hours) try eating a hearty meal before you board & save for a smorgasbord when you land.

Utilize technology for a touch-free experience.

You don’t need a printed boarding pass anymore or to check your bags at a counter—simply download the Alaska Airlines app to get convenience at your fingertips. The Alaska app offers the following perks:

  • Check in and get your mobile boarding pass
  • Select and change your seats
  • Prepay for checked baggage
  • Print your own bag tags
  • Pre-order food and beverages on select flights
  • Check your flight status
  • Change your reservation
  • Get boarding notices and other travel updates
  • View and manage your travel receipts
  • Track your Mileage Plan™ balance
  • Join/Sign in Mileage Plan

Have anxiety? Alaska offers Headspace meditation.

Sit back, relax and ease your mind on any Alaska flight with Headspace, a feature on our inflight entertainment. There are sessions for kids, sleep and more to give you moments of mindfulness and casts to wind-down.

Mask up. Book now. Let’s go.

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, including mask requirements, enhanced cleaning, hospital-grade HEPA filters onboard and no change fees. Book your next adventure today at alaskaair.com.

Have more questions? Here are 10 Qs you might have about traveling again.

Loading...