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

First things first fly healthy.

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

Pack masks, sanitizer and patience.

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

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

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

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

Some cities require COVID tests.

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

Know where to get tested.

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

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

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

Sip & cover if you drink or eat.

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

Utilize technology for a touch-free experience.

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

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

Have anxiety? Alaska offers Headspace meditation.

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

Mask up. Book now. Let’s go.

We believe it’s safe to fly––and experts agree. Our commitment to Next-Level Care means we’ve implemented 100+ ways to maintain the highest standard of safety throughout your travels, including mask requirements, enhanced cleaning, hospital-grade HEPA filters onboard and no change fees. Book your next adventure today at alaskaair.com.

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

For those who are looking to explore the beautiful USA *safely*, this is for you!

We’ve rounded up some destinations that offer wide-open spaces where you can wanderlust and explore at a distance. As you plan your trip, keep in mind COVID restrictions are constantly changing—some things may be closed and some communities might require quarantining. Before you go, triple check travel advisories.

While many destinations around the world are still off-limits, regional travel remains open and is doing so with health and safety protocols in place, which bodes well for those who want to travel in 2021. Alaska Airlines is also doing its part by implementing safety procedures that help our guests and employees travel confidently and easily.

California

California is brimming with beauty and your options for exploring are endless. From road tripping along the coast to visiting some of the most iconic national parks (hello, Big Sur?) to sipping vino (not in your kitchen).

If you’re looking for a change of scenery, the Pacific Coast Highway has breathtaking ocean views all along the drive with stretches where it’s just you and mother nature. Fly to: San Francisco, San Luis Obisbo, Los Angeles or San Diego.

Surrounding yourself among the trees is also an option with the Redwood Forest! Fly to: San Francisco or Medford (technically, Oregon but it’s another great starting point).

Speaking of views you can get at a distance, nestled on the rugged central coast of California is Big Sur, one of the best big little secrets of Monterey County. Fly to: Monterey or San Jose.

There’s always Napa and Sonoma for anyone 21+ who wants to unwind (uncork) in wine country. Fly to: Santa Rosa/Sonoma County or Sacramento.

Oregon

If you love rugged coastlines and vast forests, Oregon is the place for you. There are plenty of great escapes to peak your interest and falls to wash away any worries. Camping (or glamping, no judgment here) is also an easy to-do, just secure your spot ahead of time. Fly to: Portland, Eugene, Medford or Redmond/Bend.

Hawaii

If you’re able to work from home, why not make paradise your office for a week or two? It’s stunning beaches, local shops and assurance that visitors are COVID-negative upon arrival sounds like the place to be! Fly to: Maui, Kona or Honolulu.

Alaska

Visit the state where our airline got its roots. Packed with small towns and rich history, this vast, beautiful state will leave you wanting more. Being the largest and most sparsely populated state in the U.S., you can bet to find gems like Ketchikan or Cordova, and potentially a glacier or two! Fly to: Anchorage.

Washington

As our hometown state, Washington is an incredible escape from it all. We might be a little biased but you can’t beat coffee shops on every corner and the city combo of water and greenery. Plus, boundless bike paths, gorgeous mountain hikes and kayaking Puget Sound are just minutes away. Fly to: Seattle.

Book now at alaskaair.com. Mask up. Let’s go!

All of us at Alaska are here to bring you the best care in the air—and answers to your burning travel questions—check out our tips so you can travel well and plan those long-awaited trips for spring and summer!

1. Should I wait to get the vaccine before taking a trip?

If you’re able to get vaccinated for COVID-19, we highly encourage you to do so. However, Alaska Airlines does not require it. Before your flight with us, you will be asked to fill out a health agreement, which simply confirms you will wear a face covering on board/at the airport and that you have not shown any COVID symptoms in the past 72 hours and have not been in proximity to someone who has tested positive.

2. What is the safest type of trip to plan right now?

Wherever you’re planning to go, Dr. John Lynch from UW Medicine says it’s important to protect yourself & others by wearing a mask, avoiding large crowds and washing your hands often. Also, double check any special travel rules in place for the destination.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), flying remains one of the safest travel alternatives during the pandemic. Adding multiple layers of safety are key to combat the virus—i.e. Alaska’s Next-Level Care—which includes mask-wearing, rigorous cleaning programs and strong air circulation.

3. Am I more at risk sitting next to someone on a plane?

While it seems like sitting on a plane with other people could be risky, analysis of air travel shows viruses don’t spread easily on aircraft because of a number of things. One study concluded people wearing masks have a near zero (0.003%) chance of contracting COVID-19—even while seated next to someone.

You’ve covered by:

• High air exchange rates (fresh air every 2-3 min in the cabin)
• HEPA filtration
• Forward faced seating
• High-back seats
• Mask-wearing *this one is SUPER important*
• Enhanced cleaning
• Contactless features (pre order meals, mobile boarding pass)
• Complimentary sanitizer

4. What if I tested positive for COVID-19 or recently recovered from the virus? Can I still fly on Alaska Airlines?

For your safety and for the safety of others around you, guests who have exhibited COVID-19 symptoms 72 hours before their flight or who have been in close proximity to someone who has tested positive are not allowed to fly with us. This is for the safety of all guests and employees. Our current Peace of Mind waiver covers change and cancellation fees for all flights booked through March 31, 2021.

For those who have recovered from the virus (yay!) you are welcome to fly with us after the CDC-recommended quarantine period has passed: 10 days after a positive test or symptom onset, no fever for 24 hours, and all other symptoms not getting worse.

5. I don’t like tests. Do I need a COVID test before I fly?

It depends. Some of your favorite destinations, including Hawaii, Alaska, Chicago and New York, require negative Covid-19 test results taken no more than 72 hours before your flight, or you’ll need to comply with a 10-day self-quarantine. Be sure to schedule your test early, as appointments fill up in advance. Find a testing location.

6. I can’t fly without snacking, can I still eat or drink on board?

Yes! We don’t want any hangry or parched passengers. We just kindly ask, after you sip or snack, please put your mask back.

7. So, masks. Does everyone have to wear them? Can I take mine off in my seat?

No mask? No travel. Per our policy, Alaska guests must wear a cloth face mask or covering for the entire flight, including boarding and deplaning. Your mask or face covering must cover your nose and mouth—and cannot have valves, mesh material or holes of any kind.

Exceptions apply only to children under the age of two (in alignment with CDC age guidelines). Guests who repeatedly refuse to wear a mask or face covering will be given a final warning—in the form of a yellow card—and may be suspended from flying with us for a period of time. Read more about our mask enforcement.

8. How is the quality of Alaska’s cabin air?

The cabin air is very clean and safe, says Josh Nice, the Director of Quality Assurance at Alaska Airlines. We have one of the newest fleets in the country which means our planes have the latest air filtration technology. Our planes are equipped with two hospital-grade HEPA filters that remove 99.95% of airborne particulates. There is a full exchange of cabin air with outside and HEPA-filtered air every 2–3 minutes and 100% fresh air every 6 minutes. Learn more.

9. You sure we can trust the cleaning of aircraft and airports?

Our planes have never been cleaner, says Nice. Alaska’s enhanced aircraft cleaning procedures exceed CDC cleaning guidelines and was developed/validated with infectious diseases experts at UW Medicine. We’re taking cleaning to the next level to reduce the already low risk of onboard transmission. Here’s how:

Onboard
Between every flight, we’re using high-grade EPA disinfectants and electrostatic disinfectant sprayers to sanitize the most critical areas (overhead bins, armrests, tray tables, seatbelts, lavatories, etc).

Please note: If you wipe the leather seat with your own cleaning wipe, the blue leather dye color may come off. This doesn’t mean it’s dirty, it’s the active ingredient that is causing the color to come off on the wipe.

At the airport
We’re working closely with airport services to ensure the highest level of cleanliness. We’ve instituted a cleaning program for the check-in lobby counters and gate counters where the surfaces are wiped down with a disinfectant more frequently.

10. It’s been almost a year since I traveled. What’s it like now?

Travel is a little different but Alaska has thought through every step of the way—from booking to boarding, and beyond—and implemented nearly 100 ways to keep you safe.

Here are some travel tips:

• Pack enough masks and hand sanitizer. TSA now allows you to bring one 12 oz. bottle in your carry-on until further notice.
• Masks must be worn at all times (except to briefly eat/drink).
• Prep ahead of time to minimize interactions at the airport:
• Check in online or via Alaska’s mobile app.
• Print bag tags from home or with Alaska’s app at any airport self-service kiosk.
• Fill out applicable health forms or requirements (per the destination you’re traveling to, i.e. Hawaii).
• Security checkpoints will be as contactless, spread out and efficient as possible.
• Expect deeper and more frequent cleaning of surfaces at airports and on Alaska aircraft.
• You’ll probably notice floor decals to maintain distancing, hand sanitizer stations and plexiglass dividers at counters.
• Catering procedures on board will be simplified to lower crew movement and interactions between guests.
• Please remain calm & respect physical distancing when boarding/exiting the aircraft, at baggage claim and customs.

We’re all in this together and can’t wait to travel with you!

Book now at alaskaair.com. Mask up. Let’s go!

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!

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.

Rural communities run the risk of getting hit harder by the virus.

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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• You’ve got mail: Alaska sends flight carrying nearly 30,000 lbs of cargo on passenger jet
• Video: Alaska Airlines rushes mask materials to healthcare workers treating COVID-19
• Alaska Airlines flies medical workers to fight COVID-19