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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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Maui: The island for sun lovers

When someone says Hawaii, you think: laying on the beach all day with a cold beer or cider, jumping in the water for a swim, and then back to the shore for a nap or some light reading. You’re not here for an adventure — you’re here for a vacation.

Well, Maui’s your spot! This island is the perfect balance of Oahu’s energetic pace and Kauai’s quiet serenity. There are plenty of activities for those who want to explore a little, but Maui is the place to relax and enjoy the sun.
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We’re smiling from wing to wing

It’s a privilege to be recognized as “Best Airline” any time of year –– but twice in one week? We’re thankful to flyers for choosing Alaska, over and over again.   

Today, Condé Nast Traveler named us “Best U.S. Airline” in their 31st annual 2018 Readers’ Choice Awards. The award is especially significant because it’s based on the feedback of more than 429,000 readers who shared millions of ratings about their recent travel experiences on Alaska Airlines to help create a winning list of favorites.

We’re building on the legacy that Virgin America created by pushing ourselves to be better. Remaining at the top means staying focused on giving you what you want: low fares for better value, including free texting and movies, seatback power, assigned seating, bigger overhead bins, a fresh new West Coast-inspired menu, generous, affordable Premium Class service and our award-winning loyalty program.
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Review: A warm taste of Irish hospitality on Aer Lingus, an Alaska Global Partner

Having spent a summer studying in Ireland many moons ago where I got a taste of authentic Irish hospitality and hearty traditional food, I wasn’t surprised to find that same level of warmth and delicious Irish fare flying Aer Lingus from Seattle to Dublin. As an Alaska Airlines Global Partner letting Mileage Plan members earn miles, Aer Lingus is an ideal choice when flying to Ireland. From the friendly and attentive cabin crew, to the excellent meal and drink options and, above all else, the comfortable and spacious business class seats that convert to lie-flat beds, it’s clear why Aer Lingus is a leader in business class travel.

And starting June 20, 2019, Mileage Plan members can redeem their Alaska miles to fly on Aer Lingus. Award travel to Dublin starts at just 30,000 miles each way.

Here are just a few reasons why I consider Aer Lingus business class to be one of my best air travel experiences to-date.
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Movie theater in the sky? Alaska trials VR entertainment at 35,000 feet

Guests enjoy catching up on the latest movies and TV shows when traveling. The popularity of our streaming and tablet entertainment systems is proof.

For a limited time, we’re taking it a step further by creating a movie theater-like experience at 35,000 ft.

We’ve partnered with innovative French company SkyLights to pioneer a new immersive virtual reality (VR) headset. Wearing the headset is comparable to having a personal movie screen in front of you. When paired with noise-cancelling headphones, it’s easy to feel like you’re at the movie theater instead of flying.

From Sept. 23-27, First Class guests onboard 10 flights between Boston and Seattle and Boston and San Diego will have a chance to experience it for themselves and offer feedback.

With this trial, Alaska becomes the first airline in North America to trial virtual reality headsets as an inflight entertainment device.
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‘Rise, Grind, Shine Again’: Kevin Durant’s message to Willie Brown Middle School students

Hundreds of middle schoolers screamed in delight last Friday when Kevin Durant’s 6-foot 9-inch frame emerged onstage at Willie Brown Middle School in San Francisco.

In partnership with Alaska Airlines, the San Francisco Unified School District (SFUSD) and the San Francisco Police Department (SFPD), Durant’s surprise visit was a collective effort to support the students as they start a new school year, and remind them that back-to-school is an opportunity for new beginnings.

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