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Brad Tilden: Meet Kennie Luu, one of our best

By Brad Tilden, CEO

Chances are, if you’ve flown through Seattle, you’ve seen and may even know Kennie Luu. He’s the guy with a smile a mile wide. If you need something, he wants to help you.

Each year, Alaska recognizes the best of the best of our people with the Customer Service Legend Award — the highest honor an employee can receive. Kennie was selected with 14 others for recognition in 2018. Our Legends are the top quarter of 1 percent of all the people who have ever worked for our airline.

Let me tell you more about Kennie. His given first name is Khang, and he was born in Vietnam. His father was a university professor, and his mother raised him and his four brothers. In 1983, the family made the difficult decision to flee their homeland, which had come under communist rule. Assisted by the Salvation Army, the family spent three months in a refugee camp in Thailand before traveling to the United States. Aside from some clothing and a pair of shoes, Kennie left behind all that he had known, in search of a better life. He was 16 years old and recalls that his family didn’t even have a dollar in their pockets.
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3 feel-good #iAmAlaska stories we love

Lightening the load after climbing accident

Rock climber Ilana Jesse with her 10-month-old daughter after her accident.

A group of experienced climbers were about 1,500 feet up Hayes Glacier in the Eastern Alaska Range when a boulder about two feet in diameter was dislodged. Though Ilana Jesse tried to get out of the rock’s path, it hit another boulder and crushed her left hand.

“My hand was in extremely bad shape,” the climber said.

Jesse needed medical attention as quickly as possible. Her hand was at risk for amputation, so she was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Meanwhile, a bush pilot got the remaining rock climbers safely off the glacier.
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The fear of flying: Helping kids with autism ease into air travel

Temple Grandin, a well-known advocate for people on the autism spectrum, says children have to experience different things in order to develop.

“A child’s not going to find out he likes to play a musical instrument if you never expose him to it,” she said.

That could also be said of air travel, which many people with disabilities avoid because of fear. For children on the autism spectrum, it is particularly difficult, between clearing security and dealing with crowds, overwhelming noises and harsh lights.
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Prepare to step into our stepped-up lounges

We’re investing in our airport lounges as part of a multi-year commitment to refresh and expand our portfolio. Here’s a preview of what’s coming to an Alaska Lounge near you.

What’s new

In the coming months, we’ll be enhancing our lounges in Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, and Seattle. Expect refreshed designs and amenities to make your lounge life even better. Here are a few of our favorite additions:

      • A refreshed look and feel featuring new comfortable furniture, warm finishes and a welcoming vibe;
      • Barista stations so that you can get your custom-crafted Starbucks® espresso beverages or loose-leaf Teavana® tea just the way you like them from an Alaska Lounge Barista; and
      • Meals for purchase, starting at just $8. You can buy fresh, filling, high-quality and affordable food to enjoy in the lounges or take to-go. This is in addition to our complimentary bites and beverages (more detail below).

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‘Honor Flights’ take veterans to D.C. war memorials

Urban Rahoi, a 98-year-old WWII pilot, visits Washington, D.C., with Colleen Wood, a friend and Alaska Airlines customer service agent in November 2017.

Some arrive in wheelchairs. Others are aided by walkers or canes. Some come on the arm of a guardian.

Alaska Airlines has flown more than 2,000 veterans on 46 Honor Flights since 2012.

Most recently, we partnered with Puget Sound Honor Flight to fly veterans of World War II, the Korean War and Vietnam from Seattle to Baltimore on Oct. 13, 2018. They spent the weekend visiting monuments and memorials that honor their service and sacrifice.

“These brave men and women made great sacrifices for our country,” said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines regional vice president in the state of Alaska. “It is an honor to help them fulfill a dream to see the memorials dedicated to all who have served.”

Family and friends greet vets returning to Sea-Tac on Oct. 15, 2018.

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9 must-see places on your Ireland road trip

From the scenic rolling green hills of the countryside and the rugged cliffs towering over the Atlantic coastline, to the abundance of historical landmarks and the unparalleled charm and genuine warmth of the locals – Ireland is a country that will leave you wanting more.

The Emerald Isle belongs at the top of everyone’s travel bucket list. It may be a small island, but there is no shortage of things to do and see. Global Partner Aer Lingus offers nonstop flights between Seattle and Dublin, and Alaska Mileage Plan members can earn miles connecting to Ireland and beyond. Starting June 20, 2019, Mileage Plan members can also redeem their Alaska miles to fly on Aer Lingus, and award travel to Dublin starts at just 30,000 miles each way.

From a two-week road trip around the island, here are a few places you won’t want to miss.
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Alaska ranked the most sustainable airline in North America

For a second year in a row, we’ve been ranked No. 1 for North American aviation on the prestigious Dow Jones Sustainability Index (DJSI). We also received top scores for corporate governance and efficiency.

But what does this really mean?

It means we take our commitment to flying greener seriously. From the millions of gallons of fuel we save to the tiny plastic straws we eliminate, it all matters.

We also strive to operate and grow in ways that create value for our employees, guests and the communities we serve. Our future success depends on what we pour into our people – not just the fuel we pour into our planes.
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We Fly Greener: By the numbers

With more than 1,200 flights transporting more than 130,000 passengers every day, we are conscious of our environmental footprint. We’re always looking for ways to reduce the burden we place on the planet from eliminating plastic straws on our flights to partnering with Neste, a leading producer of renewable fuels.

But it’s hard to wrap your head around tens of millions of tiny straws or visualize millions of gallons of fuel. The truth is, the numbers in our latest Sustainability Report add up to make a difference.

We did the math to see how far those straws would reach if we lined them up end-to-end, or how many flights we could power with the fuel we saved. Below are our findings.

Want to join us in flying greener? Share or embed this infographic, offset your travel and learn more about our commitment to sustainability.
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Hawaii personality quiz: Which island are you?

Planning your next vacation? We’ve got low fares from the West Coast to Hawaii and a great onboard experience. Think assigned seats with power, 400+ free movies and TV shows, a delicious seasonal menu of fresh ingredients, and craft beer.

But which island is right for you? Find out by taking this quiz!

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Hawaii: The island for sightseers

You are an adventurer. You travel to a place because it’s different and new. Before you leave on your trip, you probably check travel blogs to find out what there is to see. You’ve got a list of the hot spots, and you’re ready to chat with locals in search of hidden gems.

The island of Hawaii is perfect for you. From the stars to the sea and everything in between, there’s something for everyone! Grab that rental car and get ready to explore.
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Kauai: The island for nature lovers

Nothing is more rejuvenating than being out in nature. Breathing fresh air, exploring a waterfall, feeling the sun on your skin… or even just gazing at a horizon of sea meeting sky. You probably enjoy the local wildlife or have a lot of appreciation for new and unusual flora. Even when you travel to urban destinations, you still make time to appreciate Mother Earth.

While all the Hawaiian Islands are a nature lover’s paradise, Kauai is particularly special. Waterfalls, lush valleys, a canyon and a nature reserve — not to mention all the beaches. Get those hiking sandals ready, you’ll love it here!
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Oahu: The island for go-getters

You came to the Hawaiian Islands for a little R&R, but that doesn’t mean you want lounge on the beach all day. How about some snorkeling and surfing? Shopping and people-watching, and maybe some museum-strolling? And we haven’t even started on nightlife.

Oahu is Hawaii’s busiest island, with most of the activity centered around the city of Honolulu. It’s L.A. meets Fiji — beautiful beaches and interesting sights, all suffused with Hawaiian and Polynesian culture.

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