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Alliance countdown: Alaska joins oneworld in six months

Alaska enters a new frontier in six months. On March 31, 2021, for the first time in our 88-year history, we’ll become a member of a global airline alliance: oneworld.

“Every airline has pivotal moments in its history. Decisions that are made for future success and stability, and to provide increased service and a better travel experience for its customers. oneworld offers us those opportunities,” said Nat Pieper, Alaska’s senior vice president of fleet, finances and alliances. “We are officially joining a family with some of the best airlines in the world. The possibilities are tremendous.”

There’s a huge amount of complicated work that’s being done behind-the-scenes at Alaska to meet our aggressive deadline. Changes are required to every one of our major systems so they can ‘talk’ to each oneworld member airline, and ensure we have a smooth and seamless guest experience.

It’s a lot of effort, but we believe it’s worth it:

  • oneworld further opens the world to our guests with more than 1,000 global destinations. You’ll fly more easily from Boise to Beijing or Portland to Prague. We’re already Global Partners with six oneworld members which include American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines and Qantas, but soon we’ll add seven new partners under the alliance umbrella including Iberia and Qatar Airways.
  • Connectivity becomes easier with oneworld as our network (especially strong on the West Coast) supports the major, long-haul international flying of our fellow member airlines.
  • With our award-winning Mileage Plan program, our guests will be able to accrue and redeem miles across the oneworld global network.
  • For our elite travelers, oneworld prides itself on providing a consistent, high quality guest experience across the alliance. Status with us means status with oneworld and its 13 member airlines. This includes access to oneworld member airlines’ lounges when traveling internationally, priority check-in, access to preferred and pre-reserved seats, priority boarding and many other benefits. This key improvement to our guest experience will help us compete with our bigger U.S. rivals who offer their own global network.
  • oneworld also boosts the visibility of the Alaska brand. Being a member of a prestigious global alliance will help us be better known around North America – and around the world.

As spring begins next year, the famous blue orb of oneworld will find its home across our airline. It’ll be on employee name tags; in our airport lobbies, ticket stands and gate areas; in our guest emails, in advertisements, on our billboards; and positioned on our aircraft.

Also, you might be wondering about our partnerships with our current Global Partners that are not a part of oneworld. We value the benefits those partnerships provide our guests, and we’ll continue to maintain them as long as it’s mutually beneficial to do so.

Hawaiian Airlines to Suspend ‘Ohana by Hawaiian Service

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*Update: Hawaiian Airlines on Oct. 16 announced it will continue to provide ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger flights between Honolulu and both Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i through at least mid-January 2021, in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Transportation's Essential Air Services program*

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines today announced it will temporarily suspend ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger and cargo services effective Nov. 1 as it continues to confront economic challenges of low travel demand caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and quarantine restrictions.

Hawaiian, which reduced its workforce by nearly 2,500 employees this month when the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Payroll Support Program (PSP) expired, will suspend its ‘Ohana by Hawaiian passenger flights between Honolulu (HNL) and Moloka‘i (MKK) and Lāna‘i (LNY), as well as cargo-only service within the Hawaiian Islands. Service between HNL and Kapalua (JHM) in West Maui was suspended in March.

Hawaiian sought to preserve important air service to Moloka‘i and Lāna‘i. However, low travel demand caused by the pandemic and the state of Hawai‘i’s quarantine restrictions triggered a labor provision in Hawaiian’s pilot contract affecting the carrier’s ability to provide ‘Ohana by Hawaiian service. The provision, which is common in the U.S. airline industry, prevents Hawaiian from offering ‘Ohana by Hawaiian flights – which are operated with turboprop aircraft by Empire Airlines as a third-party feeder carrier – when interisland Boeing 717 and Airbus A321neo jet flights operated by Hawaiian’s pilots are severely reduced.

“It is an honor to provide essential transportation for the people of Lāna‘i, Moloka‘i and West Maui, and more recently all-cargo service within our state,” said Peter Ingram, president and CEO at Hawaiian Airlines. “While we are disappointed at being unable to avoid the service suspension, this is a difficult situation for both Hawaiian and Empire Airlines as we navigate an incredibly challenging period, and we all remain committed to returning flights to communities that rely on ‘Ohana by Hawaiian.”

Hawaiian launched ‘Ohana by Hawaiian flights with ATR-42 turboprop aircraft in the spring of 2014, followed by all-cargo service with ATR-72 aircraft in the summer of 2018.

While Hawaiian would be able to resume ‘Ohana by Hawaiian service with a significant recovery in interisland travel, that is unlikely to occur anytime soon. Separately, the Air Line Pilots Association has agreed to provide relief from the contractual provision if additional PSP funding is approved by the federal government and allows Hawaiian to bring furloughed employees back to its payroll.

Hawaiian is contacting guests affected by the service suspension to provide refunds. Cargo customers will be offered refunds or, depending on the shipment, the option to have their products transported between the islands with Hawaiian’s Boeing 717 and A321neo aircraft.

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 91st 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 operating an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and between Hawai‘i and the U.S. west coast to support essential travel and critical cargo services.

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.

8 ways Alaska Airlines is committed to making travel more accessible

Alaska Airlines aims to make flying and our workplace accessible for everyone. We recognize there’s always room for improvement and continue work to create equal opportunities for our guests and employees with disabilities in the following ways:

1. Building a better future with employee ACCESS business resource group

For nearly a decade, Alaska’s business resource group ACCESS has helped promote inclusive and accessible programs and services for employees and guests with disabilities. Since its founding, ACCESS has helped with countless accessibility related changes and events that have benefited our guests and employees. ACCESS has also helped Alaska continue being a great place to work by promoting diversity & inclusion and respecting people for their differences.

2. Learning and listening from guests and experts on Alaska’s Disability Advisory Board

Gary Peterson

Alaska’s Disability Advisory Board is made up of people from outside the company, who have disabilities and vast experience in disability advocacy. Since 2018, the board has provided recommendations to create more inclusive training, policies and procedures within the company to improve travel experiences of people with disabilities, including our Next-Level Care efforts to combat COVID-19.

“We need numerous people with disabilities to advise us,” said Gary Peterson, a recent retiree and former supervisor of line maintenance. “Disabilities are very diverse, and people with even the same disability have different experiences. I have a mobility disability, so I understand what that means. With other disabilities, I may have empathy for what they go through, but I can’t totally understand until I have to live with it every day.”

3. Easing travel anxiety with technology & relaxing remedies

Last year, Alaska launched a free app in the Apple Store and Google Play called “Fly for All.” Designed for first-time flyers, unaccompanied minors and those with cognitive and developmental disabilities, including autism, the app is designed to help ease the anxiety of air travel by walking guests through the steps they’ll follow when getting ready to fly. Since its creation, the app has been downloaded by over 20,000 people.

On a related note, if guests are overwhelmed while flying they can enjoy relaxing remedies like our free Headspace meditation sessions via Alaska’s onboard entertainment or calming lavender scented EO sanitizing wipes which are a couple ways we’re providing Next-Level Care to our everyone onboard.

4. Offering accessible travel options

While Alaska recognizes guests are experts when it comes to their needs, our employees are there to assist every step of the way from boarding, in the air and anywhere in between. We offer many accessible travel services and accommodations to make travel easier, which can be found on alaskaair.com.

5. Organizing airport, flight tours for families in the autism community

Alaska employees come together every year in various cities around the country to offer guests with cognitive and developmental disabilities including autism and their families the chance to go through the steps of air travel in a realistic, relaxed environment without ever leaving the airport.

Photo taken by Ingrid Barrentine at an event last year.

During October, which is Disability Employment Awareness Month, we partner with airports and disability partners to offer unique guided tours that cover the check-in and security process, to waiting at the gate area and boarding an Alaska aircraft. Wings for Autism in Washington and Ability to Fly in California and others in Oregon and Alaska are temporarily on hold due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Traveling with a trained emotional support animal or service animal

Alaska routinely collaborates with Guide Dogs for the Blind and Canine Companions for Independence to provide airport access for puppies in training, partners with the Paralyzed Veterans of America to improve employee education for the proper handling of guests’ mobility devices, and is working with Open Doors Org, United Spinal Association, to increase the hiring of individuals with disabilities and provide inclusive travel experiences for our guests with disabilities.

7. Making travel almost entirely touch-free

With hygiene and safety concerns top of mind, we’ve made it easy for your travels to be almost entirely touch-free. With the Alaska mobile app, you can check in for your flight, generate a mobile boarding pass and so much more. Plus, our improved technology will soon allow us to scan boarding passes up to six feet apart, print bag tags without touching the check-in kiosk and purchase food and beverages on board using your stored payment preference.

8. Always open to feedback

We are dedicated to providing convenient and comfortable service for all our guests. If you have concerns regarding discrimination, accommodations, or services for any guests with disabilities we welcome you to directly share your feedback with us.

Related:

Celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month year-round with these eats, sights & flights

Now and always, we honor the Hispanic, Latinx, and Latino-identified communities and their tremendous impact on our country. Below are some of our favorite destinations that embody, contribute to and are influenced by Hispanic culture year-round.

Alaska Airlines has a long history of flying to Latin America, starting with the launch of service to Mexico more than 30 years ago — with routes to Cancun, Guadalajara, Loreto, Los Cabos, Manzanillo, Mazatlán, Puerto Vallarta and Zihuatanejo. You can also discover the Caribbean and other parts of the world via our Global Partners, including American Airlines that flies to more than 50 Spanish-speaking destinations including the Dominican Republic, Central and South America.

You can use or earn miles on Alaska for traveling to your favorite worldwide destinations—and book with peace of mind knowing we’ve permanently eliminated change fees and are bringing you Next-Level Care.

So go ahead and take that trip you’ve always dreamed about. Here are some places to keep in mind:

El Paso

“Animo Sin Fronteras” Mural by El Mac | Photo by Federico Villalba

Eats: Enjoy authentic Mexican culinary experience—whatever you do, order the sopapillas.
Sights: Hotel Indigo is a dream location for Instagrammers. This boutique hotel offers some quirky and hip things that you can document with pictures. Animo Sin Fronteras is a giant “Courage Without Borders” mural that pays homage to the Mexican influence in El Paso. If you’re looking for some outdoorsy splendor, the Chihuahuan Desert or the Rio Grande are also a must-see, don’t forget sunscreen & water!
Flights: Fly to El Paso

San Antonio

Photo by Ingrid Barrentine.

San Antonio is a city of deep roots and vibrant culture, located in the heart of South Texas.
Eats: From River Walk favorites to family-owned restaurants, San Antonio’s timeless classics and modern takes on Mexican and Latin American food keep visitors coming back for more. Get ready for flavor & fun!
Sights: Mission San Antonio de Valero, better known as the Alamo—what remains of the oldest mission is one of the most-visited sites in the state and is easily the most sacred.
Flights: Fly to San Antonio

San Diego

Eats: San Diego’s cuisine is a delicious Cali-Baja blend of fresh-inspired ingredients combined with traditional Mexican style eats. At the iconic Barrio Logan eatery Las Cuatro Milpas, locals line up for authentic homestyle Mexican food and freshly made tortillas.
Sights: The outdoor murals at Chicano Park are home to the largest collection of Chicano murals in the U.S., it was designated a National Historic Landmark in 2017. Latinx influences can be discovered through the region’s colorful neighborhoods and don’t miss stopping by Latinx and Hispanic owned businesses while in San Diego.
Flights: Fly to San Diego

Los Angeles


In a city where Latinos are nearly 50% of the population according to the U.S. Census, there is certainly much to celebrate.
Eats: A stop at Cielito Lindo is a must. Since 1934, the stand has served up freshly made, mouth-watering taquitos with avocado sauce. Appease your sweet tooth with the chocolate-filled churros.
Sights: El Pueblo de Los Angeles Historical Monument is historical, but it’s vibrant draw is Olvera Street, a brick-paved colorful walkthrough that serves as the setting for a lively Mexican-style market to find food, handicrafts like pottery, leather goods, masks, and folk art.
Flights: Fly to Los Angeles

New York

With vibrant neighborhoods, world-class museums, authentic dining experiences, exciting stays and more to safely explore visitors & New Yorkers have lots to enjoy in the five boroughs to celebrate Hispanic Heritage.
Eats: Grab a bite at the Zona de Cuba, a Cuban restaurant offering delicious and authentic food like vaca frita and ropa vieja.
Sights: Wander East Harlem, or “El Barrio” and check out El Museo to see Puerto Rican, Caribbean, and Latin American art.
Flights: Fly to New York

Costa Rica

Tucked into Central America, Costa Rica is packed with stunning tropical rainforests, epic beaches and things to do.
Eats: Seafoodies can eat it up at the Vargas family’s marisquería restaurant. For more than three decades the seafood eatery has offered fresh fish, tropical drinks and cold brews right on the beach. No visit is complete without arroz con mariscos (seafood rice), featuring the day’s catch or the raw ceviche de chuchecas (blood clams) paired with a shrimp cocktail.
Sights: There is no festival in Costa Rica that takes place without a nod to its agricultural heritage, horses and cowboys are ubiquitous to the culture. Take a ride for yourself to see some pretty breathtaking views!
Flights: Fly to Costa Rica

Miami

Miami is home to one of the largest melting pots of Latin and Caribbean culture in the U.S.
Eats: Satisfy your snackable cravings and more at some of the best Spanish restaurants in Miami. Looking for some traditional tapas? Bulla’s bar serves up a buzzy, trendy vibe with deliciosa gourmet tapas and craft cocktails.
Sights: Wander and enjoy Latin activity as downtown’s Flagler Street, the unavoidable Elián González house, and Little Havana’s Domino Park and Tower Theatre, among others.
Flights: Fly to New York

Chicago

Eats: Chicago doesn’t just have deep dish pizza. It’s also known for excellent Mexican cuisine that includes traditional favorites and new fusion flavors.
Sights: The windy city also has vibrant Latino communities such as Pilsen, Little Village and Humboldt Park. That’s where you’ll find top cultural institutions like the National Museum of Mexican Art and colorful street art by renowned Hispanic artists.
Flights: Fly to Chicago

If you have a favorite place that we missed, we’d love to hear from you, comment below!

Captain Mike tells everyone he flies with ‘This is your airline. It’s yours to take care of.’

Captain Mike Baumgartner set out to join Alaska Airlines in the early 1980s. He’d gotten his pilot training as a teenager and spent time in Alaska flying fish from Dry Bay to Yakutat in DC-3s.

Looking for a chance to join what he felt was ‘the best airline in the business’ he put in his resume at Alaska Airlines. After several tries, he finally got an interview, but says he was so nervous he thought he failed. Only after the hiring manager stood up to dismiss him did finally relax and let his true personality shine through. They ended up talking for another hour and a half, and Mike got the job. That was February 1984.

Capt. Mike Baumgartner

Baumgartner’s been sharing his zest for flying with Alaska over 30 years now and continues to raise the bar for his fellow pilots.

When Captain Mike Baumgartner learned he won the Alaska Airlines most prestigious customer service award, he was so grateful he bought lunch—for the entire back office. Management employees remember that day last summer when pizza, after pizza arrived in the foyer of Corporate Headquarters, with Capt. Mike serving it up with a smile.

“It’s his positive attitude every single day, flying the airplane, working with crews, working with our passengers,” said Capt. Scott Day, system chief pilot. “That’s what makes him special.”

He’s been known to grab a vacuum, cross seatbelts and even get down into the wheel well to get a flight out.

CEO Brad Tilden, who wrote about Baumgartner in Alaska’s Beyond inflight magazine said, “Mike’s a pilot’s pilot. He has flown a ton over his career, but he has also made his voice and his leadership count to help us move our culture forward.”

In addition to his job in the flight deck, Baumgartner has facilitated employee workshops; he’s volunteered at Aviation Days and countless other activities; and even represented employees as an ambassador on Wall Street.

With just over two years until he reaches pilot retirement age, Baumgartner admits he’s getting a bit nostalgic.

“I love this place.” he says. “I tell everyone I fly with, ‘This is your airline. It’s yours to take care of.’”

Feel Good Friday: Our guests applaud Next-Level Care, wish farewell to employees

There’s no flying around it; we’re living through some turbulent times that challenge us daily, from the way Alaska Airlines’ operates to the size of our company. But no matter what, one thing we can always count on is living our core value of kind-heartedness.

By caring for our guest’s safety and shedding tears of gratitude for one another, our kindness shines through messages from our guests and people. Check out some of our favorite posts below.

Alaska’s Care is Next-Level.

As our guests face the world, we want to make sure they’re doing it safely, and travelers are taking notice.

Rapid COVID testing: A partnership our Hawaii-bound guests will ‘lava’ lot.

Earlier this week, we announced that as Hawaii welcomes back visitors on Oct. 15, we will be working with local clinics to offer rapid COVID-19 testing for outbound guests, starting in Seattle. And well, it was conch shell music to our guests’ ears.

Guest comment: Is there any doubt as to why I love you, Alaska Airlines? We had to cancel three (re)scheduled trips this year and have decided to just wait until next year. But THANK YOU for arranging this!!

Bittersweet farewells to employees: Thank you for your service and dedication

This week, we said goodbye to those who are leaving Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. Though none of us wanted this to be our reality, COVID-19 has significantly changed the travel industry and our airline. Alaska and Horizon guests and employees wished those leaving the company bittersweet farewells and thanked all who have sacrificed, so that we can rebuild and have promising futures.

 

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I cried at work yesterday. Again. Watching @alaskaair Captain Lee Erickson and wife Brenda, an Alaska flight attendant, turn in their wings early due to the fallout from the devastating effects of COVID-19 on the airline industry. The couple, who met at work, and raised their three children to love the aviation life, took early retirement in part to save their kids’ jobs. Their daughter is an Alaska flight attendant, and son is a pilot, and the third born? He is in flight school. Captain Erickson was able to fly his last flight with his son as first officer. The flight from Dallas was met in Seattle by extended family and several peers. Needless to say, I wasn’t the only one with shining eyes. The six months that have passed since our lives were turned upside down have been hard for so many. But I feel most deeply for my friends in the aviation industry. I know this time will eventually only live in our memories, but I must emphatically say. “THIS IS HARD.” #travel #aviation #avgeek #avitioncouple #aviationcareer #iflyalaska #iamalaska #pilot #flightattendant

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On his last flight, Captain Barton Bennett wrote a letter to everyone onboard.

Hawaiian Airlines Expands Pre-Travel COVID-19 Testing Options with Convenient At-home Service

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines today began offering travelers visiting or returning to the Hawaiian Islands from the U.S. mainland a pre-travel COVID-19 test they can take from the comfort of their home to qualify to be exempt from the state of Hawai‘i quarantine.

Hawaiian’s guests can order the $143 mail-in polymerase chain reaction (PCR) saliva test online through Vault Health. The test kit, which is available for travelers of all ages including children, will be express mailed overnight to guests who will self-collect their sample with assistance from a testing supervisor in a video call. The kit is express shipped overnight to a lab, which will process and analyze the sample and provide travelers their results electronically within 24 hours of receiving the sample. 

Beginning Oct. 15, travelers with a negative COVID-19 test taken at a state-approved testing facility within 72 hours of the final leg of departure will be exempt from Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

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“We are excited to offer our guests at any of our U.S. mainland gateway cities a convenient way to take a pre-travel COVID-19 test that meets the state of Hawai‘i’s requirements, and we look forward to welcoming them onboard and to our islands soon,” said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. “In addition to expanding testing availability and options, we have adopted comprehensive health and safety protocols throughout the travel journey to protect our guests, employees and community.”

“We’re happy to provide quick, accurate COVID-19 test results to Hawaiian Airlines guests,” said Vault Health Founder and CEO Jason Feldman. “The test is easy to take at home, pain-free, and limits exposure or use of personal protective equipment. We provide comfort in having you know your status from your own home, before travel.”

Hawaiian’s new at-home COVID-19 test option, facilitated by Vault Health, adds to the carrier’s partnership with Worksite Labs that will provide guests exclusive access to drive-through PCR testing ($90 for results within 36 hours, or $150 for day-of-travel express service) from dedicated, conveniently located labs near Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) international airports, with more testing locations coming soon to its other U.S. mainland gateways.

Details about testing options for Hawaiian’s guests are available here.

Hawaiian’s comprehensive health and safety program covers all aspects of the travel journey, starting at check-in, when guests must complete a health acknowledgment form indicating they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will wear an adequate face mask or covering at the airport and during the flight. Guests 2 years of age and older who are unable to wear a face mask or covering due to a medical condition or disability must undergo a health screening to board.

Hawaiian’s “Keeping you Safe” enhanced cleaning includes frequent disinfecting of lobby areas, kiosks, and ticket counters, electrostatic aircraft cabin spraying, plexiglass barriers at staffed airport counters, and sanitizer wipe distribution to all guests. The carrier, which has been operating a reduced schedule since March due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, will continue to cap cabin capacity at 70 percent through Dec. 15 to allow for onboard distancing.

All travelers arriving in Hawai‘i or flying between the islands must now also complete the state’s online Safe Travels Hawai‘i form.

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 91st 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 operating an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and between Hawai‘i and the U.S. west coast to support essential travel and critical cargo services.

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.

About Vault Health

Vault Health is a performance healthcare technology platform designed to help men through specialized in-home treatments for better health. Vault helps men overcome shortcomings in existing healthcare offerings through extensive education, professional medical evaluation, and personalized treatment. At the onset of COVID-19, Vault Health shifted focus and joined in the effort to address the COVID-19 pandemic to facilitate testing with the first FDA-authorized saliva test for men, women, and children. To learn more about Vault Health, visit vaulthealth.com/covid.

Hawaiian Airlines Increasing Flights in Preparation for Pre-Travel Testing Program

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HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai‘i’s hometown carrier, is bringing back more flights and routes between the U.S. mainland and Hawai‘i to welcome guests who will have the option to bypass the state of Hawai‘i quarantine with a pre-travel negative COVID-19 test starting Oct. 15.

Hawaiian will resume nonstop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and McCarran International Airport (LAS) in Las Vegas starting Oct. 2, and between HNL and Oakland (OAK), Phoenix (PHX) and San Jose (SJC) international airports on Nov. 1.

By Nov. 18, the airline will be serving 10 U.S. West Coast cities, including nonstop flights between Maui and Los Angeles, Oakland, Portland, Seattle, San Jose and Sacramento. Hawaiian is also increasing frequencies on existing nonstop service between HNL and six U.S. West Coast cities, namely Los Angeles, Portland, Sacramento, San Diego, San Francisco and Seattle. 

“We’re encouraged by the positive response to the state’s decision to welcome travelers back to Hawai‘i, and we are resuming service to key markets to give our guests more options to visit our islands,” said Brent Overbeek, senior vice president of revenue management and network planning at Hawaiian Airlines. “While our onboard experience may look a little different these days, we’re excited to share our signature Hawaiian hospitality with our guests and encourage everyone to travel pono (responsibly) to keep each other and our communities safe.”

Hawaiian’s guests departing from LAX and SFO will have access to convenient drive-through COVID-19 tests to be exempt from the state of Hawai‘i quarantine and begin enjoying the islands from the moment they arrive.

Meanwhile, Hawaiian is restarting international passenger service tomorrow with a weekly flight between HNL and Tokyo’s Narita International Airport (NRT). The carrier, which has been operating cargo-only flights between HNL and NRT since June, will resume passenger service to support essential travel between the two cities after suspending flights in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hawaiian continues to provide the most connectivity throughout the Hawaiian Islands via passenger and cargo services. 

For details on Hawaiian’s flight schedules, please visit www.HawaiianAirlines.com or click here.

Hawaiian’s “Keeping you Safe” enhanced cleaning includes frequent disinfecting of lobby areas, kiosks, and ticket counters, electrostatic aircraft cabin spraying, plexiglass barriers at staffed airport counters, and sanitizer wipe distribution to all guests. The carrier last month added a new step to its check-in process requiring guests to complete a health acknowledgment form indicating they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will comply with the company’s updated mask policy for the entirety of their journey. Hawaiian will also continue to cap cabin capacity at 70 percent through Dec. 15 to allow for onboard distancing.

All travelers arriving in Hawai‘i or flying between the islands must adhere to the state’s travel restrictions and complete the state’s online Safe Travels Hawai‘i form.

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 91st 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 operating an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and between Hawai‘i and the U.S. west coast to support essential travel and critical cargo services.

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.

Mother and father turn in their wings early, with the next generation in mind

When the Erickson family gets together for the holidays, the conversations go straight to schedules, layovers, trip pairings and which city has the best happy hour.  It’s not that the large family intends to “talk shop” at the family dinner table, it’s because five of them work for Alaska Airlines.

Dad, Lee Erickson, is a captain. Mom, Brenda, is a flight attendant, as is daughter Sidney and uncle Wade. Oldest son, Kalin, is a first officer and youngest son Keaton did an internship with Alaska Airlines and is now finishing flight school.

Together, the Erickson family flew on Lee’s retirement flight on Monday, Sept. 28 , from Dallas to Seattle.

Slideshow through the years

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The right thing to do

You could say that Alaska Airlines and flying is deep-rooted in the Erickson family tree.

That is, until recently. With the world impacted by COVID-19 and most airlines, including Alaska, forced to downsize, Lee and Brenda decided to turn in their wings early, taking retirement after 36 years of service. The decision came after several late nights of agonizing back-and-forth discussions.  But in the end, they knew it was the right thing to do to help protect their children’s jobs.

“Alaska has provided us with careers filled with life-long memories,” Lee says. “Now, I hope it does the same for our two kids and their peers. Leaving gives them a better chance.”

Her parents’ sacrifice struck Sidney Erickson as an example of how that generation of employees at Alaska Airlines are choosing to end their careers early to give back to the younger generation. And, she imagines there are many other stories like her parents’ worth telling.

Watch Seattle salute Captain Lee and his son on Lee’s retirement flight:

Building an airline people love, all comes back to family

Growing up, the Ericksons were the quintessential Alaska family.

“I truly think we had no idea any other airline existed until we were much older,” Sidney admits.  They weathered the storms and rejoiced in the sunshine as Alaska’s history was woven into their own family stories.

Lee hugs his daughter in the gate area of Sea-Tac after flying his last Alaska flight.

Among the memories was the chance to fly together. “I had the pleasure of flying with both of my parents, even getting to do my flight deck observation with my dad,” Sidney says. “There is no better feeling than seeing someone you love take pride in their job.”

Kalin echoed that sentiment, having been able to right-seat for his dad with his mom in the cabin. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to fly with both of my parents,” Kalin says.

Lee and Brenda’s dream (long before COVID) was to arrange a flight with an entire “Erickson crew,” but it never happened.  Brenda didn’t even realize that the last time she was on an aircraft would be her last flight, as she had taken a leave of absence in March.

“Retirement was always the end game culminating a long career,” Lee says, “But COVID changed everything. I really didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to so many co-workers who have touched our family’s lives.”

Lee flew his last flight on Monday, Sept. 28, from Dallas to Seattle. Kalin joined him, as first officer.

Lee and son Kalin.

Life lessons from mom and dad

The Erickson kids remain grateful to their parents, and to other employees who are taking early outs and leaves to help the airline.  They know there are no guarantees, but as they move forward to what’s next in their careers, they hold fast to the lessons their parents taught them.

“My mom has always said what a privilege it is that every day when you get to work you have the ability to make someone’s life better by making their day better,” Sidney says. “And my dad always said to give your colleagues your respect and always be kind. They will repay you in the same currency.”

Lee and Brenda are excited at the prospect of a new adventure. They plan to ease into retirement in their motorhome, traveling the U.S. and visiting national parks.

“It’ll be a change for sure,” Brenda says, as their hearts will remain with their airline and their kids.

Alaska Strong

Many of our employees, like Brenda and Lee, have voluntarily taken early retirements or leaves of absence so the company could save as many jobs as possible.

At Alaska, each and every furlough represents a career and a life that has been disrupted by the pandemic. Since March, 720 people volunteered for early outs or early retirements and another 4,468 have taken voluntary leaves or other furlough mitigation.

Every bit helps, and we are so thankful for those who participated in these voluntary programs – every volunteer saved a job of a fellow employee. The strength of Alaska Airlines is its people and like the Erickson family, our people are showing the world what it means to be Alaska Strong.

A latte coffee recipes you’ll enjoy on the fly or at-home

While it still isn’t possible to cozy up in cafés, there are still *safe* ways to get your favorite cup of coffee—by either stopping by Alaska Airlines Lounges or making it yourself at home!

Alaska Lounge Barista Naomi says her favorite drink to make is the Mocha because “they smell so good!”

Brewing the perfect cup is all about sweetness, strength and temperature—and a perfectly sprinkled plane on top. Our favorite brew is Starbucks (of course), served on all our flights and in our Lounges. Currently, Alaska Lounges in Anchorage, Los Angeles, Portland, and Seattle Concourse D & N are open with guidelines in place to ensure your comfort and safety. Expect to see our commitment to Next-Level Care on your next visit.

To celebrate International Coffee Day, we asked our Lounges for the recipes behind some of our favorite brews, check out the picks below:

But first, here’s what you’ll need:

  • Hot or cold water
  • Coffee beans (grounded)—We brew our hometown favorite Starbucks coffee in our Lounges and onboard our aircraft.
  • Milk—We offer half-n-half, 2%, non-fat, almond and soy.
  • Syrup (optional)—We love the classics: Vanilla, Sugar-Free Vanilla, Cinnamon Dolce and Hazelnut. We also offer Chocolate, Caramel and Pumpkin Spice syrups. As we move into the holidays, we will add Peppermint too!
  • Ice (if you’re going for an iced latte)

Hot or iced Latte:

Lattes are made with espresso, steamed milk and milk foam.
Recipe
1) Add flavor (if any). If you’re feeling fall try pouring a dash (1 tbsp or so) of pumpkin spice syrup.
2) Steam milk — little bit of foam.
3) Pull shots.
4) Add 1 shot to cup.
5) Pour steamed milk.
6) Spoon about a little foam on top.
7) Pour in the ice (if making an iced latte)
8) Sprinkle on any toppings (if any).

Americano

An Americano is made by adding hot water to espresso.
Recipe
1) Flavor first (if your heart desires)
2) Boil or start hot water.
3) Pull shots.
4) Add 1 shot (or desired amt.) to cup.
5) Fill rest with water.
6) For an iced americano, skip the hot water/go straight with cold and add ice at the end. If you have time, first add flavor then shots and let it sit in the fridge for 5-min then fill the rest with water.

Cappuccino

Caps are very similar to lattes, but have a greater percentage of foamed milk to steamed milk.
Recipe
1) Add flavor (if desired).
2) Steam milk — extra foamy.
3) Pull shots.
4) Add shot(s) to cup.
5) Pour steamed milk.
6) Spoon about an inch of foam on top.

Caramel Macchiato

Macchiatos have no steamed milk added to the espresso, but a little cap of milk foam.
Recipe
1) Two pumps vanilla.
2) Steam milk — extra foamy.
3) Pull shots.
4) Pour steamed milk (remember to leave room for shots).
5) Spoon about an inch of foam on top.
6) Add shot(s) to cup.
7) Swirl caramel sauce on top of foam.

Mocha

Simply put: the mocha is short for a “mocha latte” or a “caffe mocha,” which is just a regular latte with chocolate syrup added to it.
Recipe
1) Two pumps of chocolate sauce.
2) Steam milk — little bit of foam.
3) Pull shots.
4) Add shot(s) to cup and stir with chocolate.
5) Pour steamed milk.
6) Spook about a little bit of foam on top.
7) Give it a quick stir.

Espresso

Espressos are packed with flavor, and the most concentrated form of coffee served in “shots.”
Recipe
1) Pull shots.
2) Pour both into a little cup.

Loose Leaf Tea

Recipe
1) Add 2 scoops of tea to tea steeper.
2) 10 ounces of water.
3) Steep for 2 minutes.
4) Drain into mug.

No matter where you are, we hope you enjoy a nice, relaxing cup of your favorite brew & to see you in the skies soon.

Alaska Lounge Barista Michi A.

Kathy does everything she can so guests know they’re in good hands

When a woman in her 70s arrived for her Boise-to-Seattle flight without the correct portable oxygen machine for travel, Kathy Reissig called the guest’s medical-equipment supplier, which agreed to do an exchange if the woman returned to the store. But the woman had arrived at the airport by taxi, so Reissig drove her in Reissig’s own car—20 minutes each way—to make the exchange. Reissig also reticketed the woman for a later flight, and called the guest’s family members in Seattle to let them know about the change.

“I care about people,” says Reissig, a Boise-based Customer Services Supervisor who has been with the airline for nearly 35 years, doing jobs ranging from ticketing, boarding and baggage/cargo handling to deicing and marshaling aircraft, on her way to becoming a supervisor.

“My experience allows me to help wherever I’m needed. I consider our agents my first customers, and I always want to do the best I can for them and partner with them. I get thanked a lot for jumping in and being an extra hand. It’s a small thing that goes a long way.”

Kathy Reissig

She is also known for being calm, kind, nurturing, respectful and friendly with team members and guests, and requiring utmost attention to safety, regulations compliance and service. “We get to connect with people from different walks of life, and that is fun,” she says.

“We have these wonderful people who get on an airplane, and they are trusting that we are doing what we’re supposed to do, and our job is to make sure that we do everything we’re supposed to do, every day.”

Reissig joined Horizon after high school, when a travel agent uncle noted that airlines have good travel benefits. “He was right—our family has had marvelous vacations,” she says.

She also loves the daily variety of her job, the scheduling flexibility and the employee camaraderie.

“We are like a family. I always tell guests, ‘You are in good hands,’” she said.

Hawaiian Airlines to Offer Guests Drive-Through Pre-Travel COVID-19 Tests

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HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines is making it easy for travelers to finally take a long-awaited Hawai‘i vacation with convenient drive-through COVID-19 tests in select U.S. mainland gateways that will allow guests to bypass the state of Hawai‘i quarantine and begin enjoying the islands from the moment they arrive.

Hawaiian’s partnership with Worksite Labs will give guests exclusive access to drive-through PCR testing ($90 for results within 36 hours, or $150 for day-of-travel express service) from dedicated, conveniently located labs. Hawai‘i’s hometown carrier expects to start offering the Droplet Digital PCR shallow nasal swab tests – a “gold standard” COVID-19 screening that meets state of Hawai‘i guidelines – around Oct. 15, when travelers who test negative within 72 hours of departure will be exempt from Hawai‘i’s 14-day quarantine upon arrival.

Hawaiian’s initial labs will be operational near Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) international airports, with more testing locations coming soon at its other U.S. mainland gateways.

“As Hawai’i’s leading airline, it is critical to ensure that access to testing does not impede travel to Hawai‘i, for visitors or our kama‘āina (residents),” said Avi Mannis, senior vice president of marketing at Hawaiian Airlines. “Our testing option will offer Los Angeles and Bay Area travelers superior value and we look forward to expanding the program and bringing additional choices to more of our gateway cities as we welcome guests back with our industry-leading Hawaiian hospitality, while keeping our community safe. We’re grateful to the state of Hawai‘i for its partnership in developing the pre-travel testing program.”

“Worksite Labs is proud to offer Hawaiian this innovative solution as we work to combat the current pandemic and provide more testing options so travelers can understand their COVID-19 status and enjoy their trip to Hawai‘i while stimulating the local economy,” said Gary Frazier, CEO of Worksite Labs.

Hawaiian Airlines is actively developing additional testing partnerships to support travelers’ needs, with more to be announced soon. The state of Hawai‘i also continues to expand its list of partners for testing.

In addition to offering its guests convenient testing, Hawaiian has implemented a comprehensive health and safety program covering all aspects of their journey.

Starting at check-in, guests must complete a health acknowledgment form indicating they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will wear an adequate face mask or covering at the airport and during the flight. Guests 2 years of age and older who are unable to wear a face mask or covering due to a medical condition or disability must undergo a health screening to board.

Hawaiian’s “Keeping you Safe” enhanced cleaning includes frequent disinfecting of lobby areas, kiosks, and ticket counters, electrostatic aircraft cabin spraying, plexiglass barriers at staffed airport counters, and sanitizer wipe distribution to all guests. The carrier, which has been operating a reduced schedule since March due to the pandemic and resulting travel restrictions, will continue to leave 70 percent cabin capacity through October to allow for onboard distancing.

All travelers arriving in Hawai‘i or flying between the islands must now also complete the state’s online Safe Travels Hawai‘i form.

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 91st 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 operating an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands and between Hawai‘i and the U.S. west coast to support essential travel and critical cargo services.

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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