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IT’S A SIGN! Your next travel destination could be written in the stars! We joined forces with the @AstroTwins & Create Cultivate to help you figure out where you should go safely in 2021 based on your zodiac. Check it out now!
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Did you know you can use your Alaska Airlines boarding pass to redeem incredible ski deals, including free lift tickets? Simply present your Alaska Airlines boarding pass and matching ID at any ticket office and ski free the day you arrive—but double check your destination’s quarantine rules!
Plus, we’re making it more affordable to fly with your gear too. Instead of charging oversize bag fees, skis and snowboards are treated as regular checked bags subject to our standard feesAnd don’t forget: Eligible Alaska Airlines Visa® cardholders get their first checked bag free, including their ski or board bag.
Here’s a look at the resorts offering deals for the 2020-2021 ski season. Please note: some regions have travel restrictions in place due to COVID-19.
Fly to Anchorage (ANC) Flights from Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland, Seattle, and Spokane
Alyeska Resort sits in the heart of Girdwood, a glacier-carved valley. To the west and north, the mountains of the Chugach State Park provide a stunning backdrop over Alyeska. Alyeska is an established ski destination known for its steep terrain and deep snowpack. With expansive mountain and ocean inlet views, Alyeska boasts an average 669″ of annual snowfall at the summit. Learn more.
Fly to Boise (BOI) Flights from Seattle.
Bogus Basin is much more than a typical hometown ski hill. The nonprofit recreation area boasts 2,600 acres of skiable terrain, four high speed quad chair lifts, and night skiing until 10pm, seven days a week. True to its mission, Bogus Basin offers accessibility (the area is just 16 miles from downtown Boise, Idaho), and affordability. In addition to downhill skiing and riding, Bogus Basin has a Nordic Center with 37 kilometers of trails for skiing, snowshoeing and fat tire biking. Learn more.
Fly to Juneau (JNU) Flights from Anchorage, Glacier Bay/Gustavus, Ketchikan, Petersburg, Seattle, Sitka, and Yakutat.
Eaglecrest is Juneau, Alaska’s community owned and operated ski area with big mountain terrain, 1620′ vertical drop, 640+ acres, impressive backcountry access, untracked powder, and hardly a lift line. Never heard of Eaglecrest? They’re a well-kept secret, but closer than you think. Downtown Juneau is only 15 minutes away, and there are daily flights from Seattle and Anchorage. Learn more.
Fly to Billings (BIL) Flights from Seattle and Portland
Red Lodge Mountain is Montana skiing, pure and simple. No lift lines, no attitude, no big prices – just great snow, great people, and an authentic Montana experience. Located in south central Montana, Red Lodge Mountain boasts 2,400 feet of vertical and over 1,635 acres of groomers, glades, & chutes to explore. The laid-back atmosphere & small-town personality make the town of Red Lodge the “Coolest Ski Town You’ve Never Heard Of,” according to Business Insider. And with its rich history, scenic vistas, and quaint 6-block downtown, Red Lodge will capture your heart and leave you dreaming of your next visit. Learn more.
Fly to Spokane (GEG)Flights from Anchorage, Boise, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle
Fiercely independent RED Mountain Resort delivers 3,850 acres of pristine skiing, putting us in Top 10 terrain territory in North America. With a new chairlift on Topping Creek, the skier flow and access to Grey Mountain is streamlined along with an additional 7 incredible intermediate runs over 300 acres of terrain. Read more.
Fly to Spokane (GEG)Flights from Anchorage, Boise, Portland, San Diego, and Seattle
Considered by many as the best skiing in Idaho and the best family-friendly resort in the Pacific Northwest, Schweitzer Mountain Resort is independently owned and proud of it. Schweitzer ranks as one of the nation’s top winter destinations with 2900 acres of amazing terrain thanks to its two massive bowls and renowned tree skiing. Located in the rugged Selkirk Mountains of the northern Idaho panhandle, and only 80 miles from Spokane, WA , Schweitzer overlooks the town of Sandpoint, ID and offers breathtaking views of three states, Canada and the impressive Lake Pend Oreille. Read more.
Fly to Edmonton (YEG) or Calgary (YYC) Flights from Seattle
Ski Marmot Basin is located 12 miles south of the authentic Canadian mountain town of Jasper, surrounded by 4,247 square miles of protected wilderness in Jasper National Park. Boasting the highest base elevation of any major ski area in Canada, the ski area receives consistent snow from mid-November to early May each season. Skiers and snowboarders can explore 91 runs and two terrain parks on 1,720 acres of perfectly groomed trails, powder-filled alpine bowls, and treed runs at one of the most uncrowded ski areas in North America. Read more.
Fly to Kalispell/Glacier Park (FCA) Flights from Portland and Seattle.
Since 1947, Whitefish Mountain Resort has welcomed skiers and riders seeking a mountain that is uncrowded, beautiful, and affordable. Rising above the town of Whitefish, in beautiful northwest Montana, in the backyard of Glacier National Park (only 35 miles away), the resort charms its guests with a friendly fun-loving vibe, variety of terrain, and virtually no lift lines at an unbeatable value. Whitefish’s Big Mountain is the quintessential skier’s mountain averaging more than 300 inches of snow annually on 3,000 acres of bowls, chutes, and glades on all aspects. Read more.
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Most photos by Ingrid Barrentine.
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Talk about community GOALS! Alaska recently teamed up with the Seattle Kraken and Matt Griffin YMCA to spread holiday cheer with an equipment drive to help kids get excited about ice hockey.
Masked-up volunteers handed out nearly 200 hockey sticks and street hockey balls to families in the Seatac area through a drive-up system. Our hope is every child gets the chance to participate in and develop an interest in the sport.
“This was a fun, safe way to not only spread our Alaska holiday cheer, but to support the Seattle Kraken’s initiative of making the sport of hockey available to everyone, especially kids who may not have access to hockey previously,” said Ian Bremner, brand activation marketing manager.
There were also a lot of Kraken fans there to support.
Alaska Airlines has been an ongoing community partner and supporter of The Matt Griffin YMCA, which serves the SeaTac area by providing programming for the health and well-being of youth and their families.
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Deborah Gantos, a Cargo Air Freight CSA at Alaska Airlines in Anchorage, hasn’t seen her son since February due to her autoimmune condition and the coronavirus.
This week, she was part of a historic turning point in the state’s battle with COVID-19 as some of the first vaccines were delivered to frontline healthcare workers via Alaska Airlines and other distributors, reaching some of the most rural communities in the state.
“This is a really big deal seeing all the vaccines come through here,” Gantos said, who assisted with the verification process of the shipment. “I’m very excited about the vaccine so I can feel good about visiting my son or other family members and for other people to have access to it so we can slow down the death rate—I am very excited about that. I look forward to getting mine soon.”
Alaska Air Cargo worked closely with pharmaceutical and cargo partners, as well as, the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services to organize and ensure the safe travels of the critical shipment, which included thousands of doses of the vaccine for health care facilities, leading to the first vaccinations of Alaskans this week.
The state of Alaska is unique in that 80% of communities are only accessible by air or water and most vaccines must be distributed by plane. Alaska Airlines has been transporting critical medication and cargo to the state of Alaska for 88 years—in many ways serving as a lifeline to more than 20 communities in the state.
“As the largest scheduled carrier in the state, our cargo team is proud to transport COVID-19 vaccines to destinations across Alaska, as part of this historic, global effort,” said Torque Zubeck, managing director of Alaska Air Cargo.
Since the surge of COVID cases across the country, there’s been an ongoing effort in the state of Alaska to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in smaller communities where access to large-scale hospitals, critical medication and essential goods are not easily accessible. Rural counties run the risk of a disproportionately high death toll compared to large counties.
In her role with the Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (YKHC), a healthcare organization that serves over 50 rural communities in southwest Alaska, Tiffany Zulkosky is helping to educate people statewide for broader vaccine distribution. The vaccines, she said, are “monumental,” for parts of rural Alaska.
“In this state, particularly in our region (Bethel), we’re so connected with cultural values rooted in family and connection. For our tribes and residents, we can see how the COVID-19 pandemic has really altered the way our society engages with one another, which makes it particularly difficult for our communities.” Zulkosky said. “I think we feel a sense of hope with the COVID-19 vaccine and how it will help us find some sense of normalcy even if it’s a new sense of normalcy in the coming months and coming year.
Following the first shipment of the vaccine, some health care workers began receiving vaccinations this week at hospitals and health care facilities. We know this is the first of many shipments to come, and we are ready to scale our operation as additional vaccines are produced and ready for distribution.
During this time of uncertainty, air travel continues to be an essential service. Alaska Airlines remains committed to helping medical professionals and lifesaving supplies get to the places where they are needed most. The health and safety of our guests, employees and communities is a responsibility we take to heart and show each and every day.
Learn more about our Next-Level Care.
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HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines today published its inaugural Corporate Kuleana Report outlining progress advancing a host of environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives. Among key accomplishments, the carrier: lowered carbon emissions even as it increased flight operations from 2018 to 2019; continued to engage travelers in cultural and environmental awareness and protection; and bolstered efforts by its Team Kōkua employee volunteer and giving program to support communities and care for residents facing hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hawaiian aligned its first ESG report with the Sustainability Accounting Standards Board’s (SASB) accounting standards, which identify four material areas of disclosure for the commercial aviation sector: Greenhouse Gas Emissions, Labor Practices, Competitive Behavior, and Accident and Safety Management.
“As Hawai‘i’s hometown airline – with every one of our flights touching the islands – we are committed to help mālama (care for) the environment, natural resources and culture that visitors come to Hawai‘i to experience, and which are inextricably tied to the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the communities where our employees, families, neighbors and friends live and work,” Peter Ingram, president and CEO of Hawaiian Airlines, said in the report’s welcome message.
Highlights of the report include:
Lowering greenhouse gas emissions:
Improving fuel and energy efficiency:
Caring for its people, communities and environment:
Hawaiian’s first Corporate Kuleana report, Ingram noted, “is being released as we navigate broad and unprecedented economic challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, social unrest over racial injustice, and an urgent climate crisis – all of which reinforce our focus on efforts critical to addressing these pressing issues, mitigating risk and bolstering our resiliency as both a business and a destination.”
In addition to the achievements listed in its Corporate Kuleana Report, Hawaiian, as a founder of Hawai‘i’s Sustainability Business Forum, is working with member companies in developing and advancing Hawai‘i-specific ESG metrics in alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Companies are measuring their collective progress related to local initiatives via the public Aloha+Challenge dashboard.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian® has led all U.S. carriers in on-time performance for each of the past 16 years (2004-2019) as reported by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Consumer surveys by Condé Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and TripAdvisor have placed Hawaiian among the top of all domestic airlines serving Hawai‘i.
Now in its 92nd year of continuous service, Hawaiian is Hawai‘i's biggest and longest-serving airline. In 2019, Hawaiian offered nonstop flights between Hawai‘i and more U.S. gateway cities (13) than any other airline, along with service connecting the islands with Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa and Tahiti. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hawaiian is offering an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and between Hawai‘i and the U.S. mainland as well as Japan and South Korea.
The airline is committed to the health and safety of its guests and employees and has reinforced enhanced cleaning procedures across its business. While the experience may be a little different, the authentic Hawaiian hospitality remains unchanged. Additional details on how Hawaiian is keeping guests and employees safe can be found at HawaiianAirlines.com/KeepingYouSafe.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HA). Additional information is available at HawaiianAirlines.com. Follow Hawaiian’s Twitter updates (@HawaiianAir), become a fan on Facebook (Hawaiian Airlines), and follow us on Instagram (hawaiianairlines). For career postings and updates, follow Hawaiian’s LinkedIn page.
For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines’ online newsroom.
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The holidays are here, and many people are weighing the risks of air travel vs. staying home. While the thought of being in a confined space with other people may seem daunting, recent studies have shown flying isn’t as dangerous of COVID-19 spread as once thought, and that cabin air may in fact be cleaner than most homes, hospital rooms and supermarkets.
So if you haven’t seen your loved ones for almost a year and if driving long distance just isn’t an option, Alaska Airlines is here to make your travel journey as safe and seamless as possible. Below are some tips for traveling this holiday season:
When it comes to travel restrictions and information like testing requirements or quarantine rules, every state is different. We recommend researching and getting the lay of the land before you arrive. Check out alaskaair.com for the latest travel updates.
Does the destination you’re flying to require a COVID-19 test? We’re offering Alaska guests testing options with multiple testing providers that offer rapid and standard COVID-19 testing.
Don’t forget to pack & wear a mask at any Alaska touchpoint such as in our Lounges, at the gate or onboard our aircraft. While our policy allows guests to not wear a mask while they eat or drink, research has shown mask-wearing is the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting COVID-19.
Bringing a travel sized bottle of hand sanitizer is also probably worth considering, and now TSA allows you to bring even more – one 12 oz. bottle is allowed in your carry-on until further notice. We also offer complimentary EO hand sanitizing wipes to all our guests that are 99.9% effective at killing germs.
Save time before or after you arrive at the airport with Alaska’s mobile app, which allows you to buy tickets, retrieve your boarding pass, check-in for flights and print your bag tags all without having to touch the airport kiosk. Learn more.
You can also use the app to pre-order meals on select flights and store your payment preference using your Alaska Airlines account so when it comes time to pay for your meal in the air, you can do so touch-free.
Due to COVID-19, our food & beverage service is still limited to reduce the interactions between our flight crews and guests. To see what we’re currently offering on board visit alaskaair.com. Download the Alaska app on iPhone or Android.
Not only are each of our aircraft cleaned after every flight but every Alaska aircraft also recirculates fresh air from outside and through hospital-grade HEPA filters every 2 to 3 minutes keeping the air you breathe germ-free. The HEPA filters remove 99.9% of airborne contaminants.
During your flight, fresh air is continuously pulled into the plane from outside, completely refreshing the air onboard every few minutes. This system was initially created back in the days when smoking on planes was common. Learn more
While experts and science affirms that flying is safe we hope to make guests feel more comfortable by blocking middle seats on mainline flights and limiting the number of guests on our flights through Jan. 6, 2021.
We’re also providing our gate agents with the ability to scan boarding passes from six feet away—if the conditions are just right. And, to better allow for personal distancing, guests board by row numbers in smaller groups from the back to the front.
At the airport, you’ll also notice plexiglass shields at multiple touchpoints, including the ticketing and customer service counters, the gate areas and our Lounges. And, you’ll likely spot “Mind Your Wingspan” floor decals and signage at check-in as a reminder to stay six feet apart.
To keep your travels merry and bright, bring the device you’re most comfortable using and get ready to watch your favorite festive flick. Alaska has many holiday movies, including “Elf,” “Home Alone” and Hallmark Channel original movies.
Alaska guests can also connect with friends and family from 30,000 feet in the air with our free chat feature during the flight. Just connect to our inflight Wi-Fi and select “free texting.”
Anyone needing a little moment of zen can enjoy listening to our free inflight meditation sessions brought to you by Headspace. Just look for Headspace in our entertainment portal, breathe deeply and let the stress melt away.
Have travel anxiety or aren’t used to flying? Alaska has a free app called Fly for All. Designed for first-time flyers, guests traveling with children, unaccompanied minors and those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, including autism, the app will help ease the anxiety of air travel by walking guests through the steps they’ll follow when getting ready to fly. Download it on Apple App Store or Google Play store.
Whether you’re flying or not this holiday season, consider giving your friends and family the gift of travel with Alaska miles or travel gift certificates, which can be purchased at alaskaair.com.
One fun gift for the ski and snowboarding lovers is our Fly Alaska, Ski Free program where your boarding pass serves as your free lift ticket at some of the country’s top ski resort destinations like Whitefish, Red Lodge Mountain, and Alyeska.
And, if you’re a Mileage Plan member, you can maximize your miles with Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan Shopping and earn up to 10 miles for every dollar spent at any of our 850+ retailers.
If you’re waiting until 2021 to go on those long-awaited adventures, or to see loved ones, we tend to have great deals on Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Want a deal sooner? This football season, our Chief Football Officer Russell Wilson can help you save on your next trip. During home games, when Wilson scores a touchdown (passing or rushing), you get discount up to 40% off*. Learn more.
Even after you land, make sure to wear your mask and follow safe health practices whenever possible – to minimize the impact on the people and places you fly to!
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With holiday shopping going mostly virtual in 2020, Alaska is sharing some of the airline’s favorite gift ideas for the aviation geek, frequent traveler, ski lover and more in your life. Give the gift of travel for 2021, along with some of the most unique airline swag available online at the Alaska Company Store.
For the Frequent TravelerWe all deserve something to look forward to next year. For the frequent traveler in your life, consider giving a travel gift certificate for a new adventure in 2021. Alaska Airlines gift certificates can be emailed or printed, are available in increments between $25-$500, and never expire – and best of all, no wrapping required! Pair it with some Alaska-branded gear fit for the seasoned travel professional they are, from toiletry organizers to luggage tags and reusable water bottles.
Did you know that if you fly Alaska to some of the nation’s premier skiing destinations, you can ski for free? Top ski resorts in Alaska, Montana and beyond offer deals like free lift passes when you show your Alaska boarding pass. Purchase a travel gift certificate through Alaska, and the snow bunny in your life can hit the slopes for free at some of the best ski resorts with this 2-for-1 gift. Pair it with things to keep them cozy after a long day in the cold, like an Alaska beanie, coffee mug or blanket. P.S. – when you fly Alaska, your skis count toward your regular checked baggage, meaning no oversize or overweight fees, ever.
The only thing better than wine and cheese is wine and an Alaska Fruit & Cheese Platter. If you’re looking for a gift for the wine lover in your life, Alaska flies to some of the country’s top wine destinations – why not book a future trip to wine country to celebrate making it through 2020! As an added bonus: when you fly to one of 30 premier wine destinations on the West Coast, your Wine Flies Free. That’s right – travelers can check a full case of wine for free. And, the perfect pairing is one of Alaska’s famous “fruit & cheese platter” themed gifts from the company store.
At Alaska, one of our philosophies is to inspire a love for travel from a young age. Alaska has gifts for the new parents in your life – from toys to cute and kitschy onesies. And, if you’re looking for an extra special gift in honor of baby’s first holiday, consider donating Alaska miles in their honor. Alaska’s LIFT Miles program offers Mileage Plan™ members a unique and meaningful way to support important causes, including Make-A-Wish®, Fisher House Foundation™, The Nature Conservancy® and disaster relief organizations.
As an official sponsor of Seattle’s new NHL team, the Kraken, the Alaska Company Store serves as a one-stop shop for some of the most popular Seattle Kraken gear. For the Kraken fan who just can’t wait for the first puck to drop, make sure they’re ready for game day with gear from head to toe, like hats, shirts and more.
There’s nothing a true aviation geek loves more than some merch to represent their favorite airline. This year, give the gift of Alaska Airlines history and tradition with vintage-inspired items, license plate covers, branded clothing and more.
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Ho‘okipa (hospitality) takes many shapes at Hawaiian Airlines, and in 2020, it is reflected in our work to ensure guests have reliable access to pre-travel COVID-19 tests to meet the state of Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels requirements. We have invested in numerous testing partnerships to make it easy for our guests to obtain negative test results within 72 hours of their trip so they may safely enjoy long-awaited Hawai‘i vacations or return home. These collaborations have played a critical role in keeping travel to our islands safe, protecting the health of communities and bolstering the local economy.
In late October, we became the first U.S. airline to begin establishing a network of drive-through COVID-19 testing locations near key gateway airports in partnership with Long Beach-based Worksite Labs. Our guests departing to Hawai‘i from San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and starting today, San Jose International Airport, have exclusive access to shallow nasal swab PCR tests – the gold standard in COVID-19 screening – at conveniently located Worksite Labs sites, with results within 36 hours for $90.
“We chose to do our pre-travel testing with Worksite Labs, and they made us feel the Aloha spirit from the moment we arrived at the drive-through testing site,” said Lori Timmons, who recently traveled from San Francisco to visit family on O‘ahu, and reached out to us to share her positive experience. “It was conveniently located and well-staffed with friendly and patient people who helped our family of six through the windows of our car. The testing itself was easy and comfortable, just as convenient as making the reservation online — including the ability to edit/adjust our appointment. We received our negative results ahead of our departure and obtained the QR code from Hawai‘i’s Safe Travels Program to breeze through airport screening once we arrived in Hawai‘i as well as at the hotels. Mahalo Worksite Labs for providing this essential service to keep our family and the people of Hawai‘i safe!”
Our airline's Worksite Labs venture was established to offer travelers quick, affordable and reliable test results from dedicated laboratories that are free from accessibility constraints the pandemic has placed on healthcare testing providers.
We talked story with Worksite Labs CEO Gary Frazier and Hawaiian Airlines Senior Vice President of Marketing Avi Mannis to learn more about our growing partnership, its impact on travel and what the future holds. To learn more about our pre-travel testing options and partners, please visit www.hawaiianairlines.com/COVIDTesting.
I spent the last two decades developing strategies for healthcare providers and later moved into an independent consultant role for various hospitals and health systems. When COVID-19 started to spread in the United States, I was doing consulting when I was approached by a company that was making PCR antigen tests and needed help getting FDA approval. We spent an entire month and a half pulling together validation studies and partners only for it to later fall apart. But because of that experience, I had been put through an immersion of COVID-19 laboratory testing services.
When that project didn’t work, a friend asked me what I had learned. I believed that the lab infrastructure in the country would not be able to keep up with testing demand because of the pandemic and that turnaround times for results could get pushed out several days (weeks, even). That same friend asked what I would do to solve that problem, and I said I would bring the lab to them [the client]. I would put a lab on-site and dedicate it to that client so that they never have to worry about competing for a spot in the queue. That was the conception of Worksite Labs, and by May, I had the beginnings of the business.
Getting one of our professional-grade labs in operation takes about two weeks, and requires three parallel processes to occur:
Because we can open up testing capability for Hawaiian in this turn-key way, it doesn’t have to invest in equipment, hire medical staff, and get into a business that isn’t its expertise. Our service is all-inclusive, flexible and responsive so that Hawaiian Airlines can focus on its business while we take care of the rest.
It varies because we can scale our capacity up or down. At a minimum, during an eight-hour shift, we can process up to 2,000 samples. Then it takes eight hours for the staff to process the results inside the lab. The spice in our dish is that we can test samples on-site—we’re not shipping them out. Our Hawaiian Airlines labs are dedicated to its customers and are not affected if/when there’s a surge of medically required testing and the large multi-purpose labs are at max testing capacity.
In the last month, we did 5,091 tests and we’re in the 99 percentile for on-time testing results. In short, I’d say these labs are running very well.
Testing is likely not going to go away for a while. Our mobile labs are just like any other lab, so there’s nothing that will keep us from deciding that our services could be used to bolster capacity for hospital and medical groups.
In terms of our partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, as long as the state requires negative COVID-19 test results, we remain committed to simplifying the experience for its customers. There are other places that Hawaiian flies from where Worksite Labs could be deployed and used as a dedicated lab for its customers.
We realized early on in the pandemic that testing was going to be important to re-opening our state to travel, and that we should control our destiny rather than relying on large third-party labs. Worksite Labs offered us a solution tailor-fit to our needs: lab units that could be dedicated exclusively to our guests, with the gold standard in testing technology, located where it was most convenient for our travelers. And their entrepreneurial spirit lends itself to a challenge where we are creating an entirely new travel product from the ground up.
Making pre-travel testing seamless, easy and affordable helps our guests, but it also keeps our community safe. Keeping the state safe isn’t about creating additional hurdles for travelers; it’s about making it easy to do the right thing. We view testing as one more problem we can help solve for our guests so that they can focus on enjoying the journey. And it’s working – at a time when it is getting harder to find affordable, timely tests for Hawai‘i travel, our dedicated lab network is still able to deliver for our guests.
First, it’s important to recognize that what we have done as a state is working. While no system is perfect, pre-travel testing has allowed a modest resumption of tourism – our state’s biggest industry – while keeping cases well within the capacity of our health care system. Even as we look forward to the relief provided by vaccines, it’s clear that testing will remain important to re-opening travel well into 2021. The terrible human and economic toll of COVID-19 has shown us that we need infrastructure that is more resilient to pandemics, and we are developing some of those capabilities not just for now, but for the future security of our community.
We are continuing to open new dedicated testing sites in partnership with Worksite Labs in many of our major U.S. markets. So far, each testing site has exceeded our expectations in terms of demand, and we expect to continue expanding to make sure that access to testing is never an impediment for someone who wants to fly on Hawaiian.
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We love safety so much at Alaska Airlines our employees made a music video about it. The video features a number of the 100+ ways we’re focused on keeping our guests and employees safe as part of our Next-Level Care.
Recent research about air travel concluded that it is safe to fly by following a layered approach using masks, hand sanitizer and air filtration. With our safety protocols in place, including mandatory masks, enhanced cleaning between flights, HEPA air filtration and touch-free technology we believe it’s safe to fly.
“We are ready to take you anywhere you want to go, to any of the destinations we fly to,” said Jonathon, a designated trainer lead CSA and employee video star. “We’re the safest airline in the skies and we’re still creating an airline people love.”
“Safety Dance” was directed by Warren Fu who is known for his work with artists such as Dua Lipa, The Weeknd, Daft Punk and HAIM. The video was choreographed by Anna Matuszewski, who is known for her work with Macklemore.
“It was refreshing to work on a project with some much needed levity after such a challenging year. You can highlight the importance of safety and still have fun with it. I hope the uplifting energy and enthusiasm showcased by our Alaska Airlines employee talent brings a smile to people’s faces,” said Director Warren Fu.
The faces behind the masks are our very own employees! Employees were chosen for the video in a variety of ways including a few from our Alaska Flight Attendant Drill Team—who dance through the streets of Seattle for the Torchlight Parade and other events around the country to represent the company. Others were chosen based on workgroups, ability and willingness to dance, and leader nominations.
To prepare, our employees were given videos of the choreography in advance and asked to practice at home prior to arriving on set.
“I’ve never danced before in my life,” said Michael, a ground service agent at Horizon Air. “I focused on working hard at rehearsal and doing my best to keep up. I kept practicing the moves in order to successfully pull this all off.”
The day prior to filming, employees did a full 8-hour dress rehearsal where the group perfected the moves with the choreographer.
Filmed over two full days in our Boeing cabin trainer and the Alaska Maintenance Hangar in Seattle, employees did a phenomenal job showcasing our safety measures in a memorable way.
A production crew of approximately 40 people followed strict safety measures including everyone being COVID tested, masks had to be worn at all times and onsite COVID compliance officers made sure everyone was keeping safety top of mind.
“From the director, to the choreography, the cameras, the music, makeup and hair artists and so on it was like being on the set of a movie,” said Natalie, a Horizon Air flight attendant in Seattle, who also starred in the video. “Everyday was filled with excitement and anticipation. It was very professional, well organized and definitely on my top 10 things in life that I have been a part of.”
Overall, employees worked together really well and continued practicing on the side during downtime.
“It was such an honor to be part of this campaign,” said Orly, an Alaska flight attendant, who was in the video. “I have so much pride in this company and it was amazing to get to represent Alaska.”
Dianne McGinness from Alaska Airlines Communications team contributed to this article. Photos by Ingrid Barrentine.
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The good news keeps coming for our elite Mileage Plan members. Alaska and oneworld announced today that those flyers will receive matching oneworld tier status in the global alliance:
MVP Gold 75K = oneworld Emerald
MVP Gold = oneworld Sapphire
MVP = oneworld Ruby
Many of the benefits our elite flyers currently enjoy on Alaska with their status will seamlessly carry over to the oneworld tiers when they travel on any of the 13 global oneworld member airlines. This means they’ll be able to take advantage of a variety of privileges, including priority check-in, access to international first and business class lounges, preferred boarding, fast track through security, baggage benefits and more.
Alaska joins oneworld on March 31, 2021. Matching oneworld tier status for our elites happens automatically at that time.
For example, beginning March 31, an Alaska MVP Gold member will receive oneworld Sapphire status right away. If that traveler then takes a trip from San Francisco to Doha on Qatar Airways, they’ll have access to business class lounges, business class priority check-in and priority boarding, regardless of the class of service they’re flying in.
“Our upcoming membership in oneworld opens up endless possibilities, especially for our elite Mileage Plan members,” said Ben Minicucci, Alaska’s president. “As the airline industry continues to recover, we expect an increasing number of our guests to look ahead to international travel once again. If you’ve worked hard to earn status with us, all that hard work will go even further with benefits in oneworld to make your journey even more enjoyable.”
Alaska will be the 14th full member of oneworld. The current 13 members of the alliance are: American Airlines; British Airways; Cathay Pacific; Finnair; Iberia; Japan Airlines; Malaysia Airlines; Qantas; Qatar Airways; Royal Air Maroc; Royal Jordanian; S7 Airlines and SriLankan Airlines. Fiji Airways is a oneworld connect partner. Prior to COVID-19, the alliance’s global network offered flights to more than 1,000 destinations in more than 170 countries and territories.
“We are excited to announce the oneworld benefits that Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan customers can expect when Alaska joins the alliance next year – unlocking more benefits and destinations for the airline’s frequent flyers,” said oneworld CEO Rob Gurney. “With its strong network on the U.S. West Coast and award-winning customer service, Alaska’s membership will position oneworld to offer even more privileges and options to our member airlines and customers.”
Just last month, Alaska announced a new arrangement with American Airlines that will make it a more hassle-free, rewarding experience for elite guests from one airline to travel on the other, with new benefits rolling out during 2021.
As part of the enhancements, Alaska’s MVP Gold 75K, MVP Gold and MVP Mileage Plan members will have access to premium seating or receive upgrades when they book flights on American’s domestic and international routes. These elite perks are in addition to the benefits offered by Alaska’s upcoming membership in oneworld.
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Photos by Ingrid Barrentine.
Alaska’s holiday sweater is back! This year we are selling our sweaters for a good cause to provide holiday meals to those in need in our communities.
All proceeds from sales of our holiday sweaters will be donated to United Way’s Ride United Last-Mile Delivery initiative, which partners local United Ways with DoorDash and its “Dashers” (drivers) to deliver food from local food banks, food pantries and other distribution points to senior citizens, low income families and those who can’t leave home.
Since 2017, Alaska Airlines has spread holiday cheer by offering guests wearing any kind of holiday sweater priority boarding on National Ugly Sweater Day. Unfortunately, due to social distancing guidelines and new boarding processes, we will not be offering this one-day promotion. However, we invite guests to purchase their own Alaska Ugly Sweater and give back to the community at: companystore.alaskaair.com.
If our holiday sweaters run out, don’t worry, you can still support United Way by visiting their website.
“We are grateful for this generous donation that will support our food relief efforts, particularly during the holiday season, when so many in our community are still struggling. This gift illustrates Alaska Airlines’ strong support for the community and for our long-standing partnership, as we try to meet the tough challenges caused by the pandemic,” said Gordon McHenry, Jr., United Way of King County president and CEO.
Chief Football Officer Russell Wilson also joined in the effort with giving to United Way through his Why Not You Foundation.
“I love to give back. And what’s better than giving back to our communities while dressed in Alaska Airlines’ famous holiday sweater?” Wilson said. “Together, let’s help out the United Way’s Ride United Last-Mile Delivery program and look fly while doing it.”
When the pandemic began impacting the U.S. earlier this year, we launched our #MillionMealsChallenge to give one million meals to food banks across the country.
Through this challenge we donated 1,394,214 meals to those in need. Besides our donation to United Way, we also donated food from our local kitchens to food banks, we matched our employees’ donations to local food banks and also supported through grants from the Alaska Airlines Foundation, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit arm of the airline.
“We are so proud and beyond grateful to all of our guests, partners and employees who have helped us provide one million meals to communities and people we serve across the country,” said Joelle Nausin, community relations manager. “With the pandemic impacting so many people’s ability to get out and visit food banks, this effort is critical.”
