Alaska Airlines and Microsoft are making travel a little greener—see how you can reduce your carbon footprint

October 22, 2020
Sustainability
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

Alaska Airlines and Microsoft will fly more sustainably thanks to the use of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) supplied by SkyNRG to cover Microsoft employee travel on the routes they fly most. Microsoft has ambitious sustainability goals, including a commitment to be carbon negative by 2030 and remove all historical carbon emissions by 2050. We’re grateful for the opportunity to support them on this path.

SAF is produced from sustainable resources, including feedstocks and waste oils, and is an important way for the aviation industry to reduce CO2 emissions on a life cycle basis.

“As an airline, we are responsible for reducing the negative environmental impacts of air travel in our community and the communities where we operate. To do that, we’re focused on ongoing efforts to improve our operational efficiency, including growing our use and the market for SAF,” said Diana Birkett Rakow, vice president of external relations at Alaska Airlines. “We believe deeply in the transformational benefits of air travel. It’s what connects people—and helps communities worldwide grow and thrive. We know to continue to deliver these benefits, we must operate sustainably.”

We’re excited about this milestone and remain committed to a long journey of reducing carbon emissions, including creating a marketplace for SAF, especially here in the Pacific Northwest. More than a decade ago, we were one of the first airlines to demonstrate the use of SAF in passenger travel, and by managing a fuel-efficient fleet and using technology to make flight paths most efficient, we have reduced its intensity target of Greenhouse Gas emissions by 16% since 2012. But there is a lot more work to do, and many partners on this journey, from airports like our home hub SEA to California hubs and research institutions.

So today, we also announced a two-year investment with Washington State University to support additional research at the WSU-PNNL Bioproducts Institute to advance the mid- and long-term development of SAF as an economically viable option, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.

What if I don’t work for Microsoft, but want to offset your carbon footprint? Good news! Travelers can invest in carbon offsets from our new partner The Good Traveler, which is then invests in carbon reduction projects that restore the climate balance. Since the inception of the program, more than 667 million miles have been flown and with the help of The Good Traveler – who also partners with airports from SEA to SFO and beyond – and 229 million pounds of CO2 has been removed from the air through funding projects like planting trees, protecting habitats, composting waste and using renewable energy.

Travel Pono with Us (and Our Nonprofit Partners)

October 21, 2020
blog
Hawaiian Airlines
11 min read

In the months leading up to the launch of the state of Hawai‘i’s pre-travel COVID-19 testing program, our airline and many local businesses invested a lot of time and effort to prepare to safely welcome more guests.

We implemented enhanced cleaning procedures at every travel stage, added a new health form to our check-in process, began offering our guests convenient pre-travel testing options, and more. And while we’ve adjusted our services, we still fly with the same award-winning ho‘okipa (hospitality) we’re known for.

We appreciate our guests’ understanding and cooperation observing our new airport and flight protocols as we all share a responsibility to keep each other safe. As Hawai‘i’s hometown carrier, we are also reminding everyone arriving on our islands to travel pono during this new era of exploration.

What does travel pono mean? Debbie Nakanelua-Richards, director of community and cultural relations at Hawaiian Airlines, explains, “Pono, like ‘aloha’, embodies many important meanings. When we specifically say travel pono, we are asking others to travel responsibly and thoughtfully. We are ready to welcome our guests back, but we first ask for their kōkua [help] in taking the necessary steps that protect these islands and preserve its culture, natural resources and communities.”

Our new “Travel Pono” blog series encourages guests to travel responsibly and help them understand their role during these unique times. To kick it off, we asked some of our nonprofit partners to lend their thoughts on what travel pono means to them, and share their wisdom in caring for our island home.

Protect the Coral Reefs

Words from Erica Perez, program manager at Coral Reef Alliance – Island of Hawai‘i

Coral reefs are incredibly important in Hawaiian culture and provide food, protection and income for the people of Hawai‘i, and they have had quite a break from human impacts the last few months. But as kama‘aina and visitors alike begin to adventure back into the underwater world, the Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) encourages everyone to tread lightly and treat these important ecosystems with respect and aloha.

A pair of swimmers snorkeling along the reefs of Hanauma Bay Nature Preserve on Oʻahu.

Coral reefs are living animals, so if you’re out snorkeling be sure to take safety precautions, follow all local guidelines, and never stand on corals or touch any marine life. Make sure to wear reef-safe sunscreen, or even better, minimize sunscreen use by wearing a rash guard or sun-protective bodysuit. Also, be mindful of any toys or rubbish, and don’t let waves wash items into the ocean.

Photo credit: Coral Reef Alliance

Coral Reef Alliance volunteers collecting water samples on the Island of Hawai‘i in an ongoing research effort to preserve Hawai‘i's delicate coral reef ecosystems.

While the islands have missed welcoming visitors during these trying times, we have had a rare opportunity to gain a better understanding of how oceans change when human-use decreases. We continue to work around the world to address the biggest threats to coral reefs—overfishing and coastal pollution—and help corals adapt to climate change. On Maui, our organization is focused on restoring degraded stream beds to reduce the amount of sediment entering the marine environment and smothering coral reefs. On Hawai'i Island, we partner with local communities to reduce the amount of wastewater runoff. Visitors can learn more about this important work and support it by visiting coral.org or hawaiiwaiola.com.

Trek the Trails Safely

Words from John Leong, CEO of Kupu

Hawaiʻi is truly a unique place, known the world over for our culture of aloha. But our islands’ limited size requires us to be mindful about protecting all that makes our home so special, and this beckons an understanding of the importance of acting pono — or doing what is right and fair to all.

Photo credit: Kupu

Kupu's workers trek to both trafficked and remote areas of the Hawaiian Islands to care for the land and its native species.

Kupu, Hawai‘i’s leading conservation and youth education nonprofit organization, has worked since 2007 to steward people and preserve Hawai‘i’s land. Here are our tips on how to travel pono when exploring our islands’ trails and outdoors during the pandemic:

Carry your mask with you. We share the trails with other people, and to keep each other safe and protected during the pandemic, it’s best to carry a mask in your daypack in case you come in the vicinity of other people.
Pack out what you packed in. Whatever you bring to a beach or park, take it back to where you are staying and dispose of it there; don’t overflow the public rubbish cans. Leave a place better than you found it. If you see something that’s not supposed to be on the sand or in the water, remove it.
Respect what is closed. Some of Hawai‘i’s outdoor attractions are still closed due to the pandemic. Please heed these closures as those areas take a regenerating break.

Photo credit: Kupu

Kupu workers overlooking a scenic area while working on a restoration project. The nonprofit's work spans state-wide, with restoration projects taking place on every Hawaiian Island

Learn about the culture. Find ways to truly learn about where you are. (Waimea Valley on the North Shore of O‘ahu is a good start for visitors!) I also recommend volunteering during your stay. Several nonprofit organizations and eco-tours will allow you to immerse yourself through life-changing service while giving back. Check our website for opportunities as well.
Hike only on marked trails and prevent the spread of invasive species. Hawai‘i is home to endemic and native flora and fauna vulnerable to invasive species. Staying on trails prevents erosion, invasive seed spreading, and of course, prevents you from getting lost. Remember to also clean your outdoor gear and boots before you pack your bags, leave your hotel, and enter and exit a trail.

Reduce, Reuse and Be Pono

Words from Rafael Bergstrom, executive director of Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i

Sustainable Coastlines Hawai’i (SCH) is a local nonprofit working to inspire communities to care for our coastlines, but our mission expands globally — which means that anyone can be a part of it. Hawai’i is a unique and beautiful place with extraordinary culture, coral and marine ecosystems, mountains, and streams. All of these are interconnected — from the wildlife to the people — and this means that all of our actions matter in protecting this place we love.

Photo credit: Rafael Bergstrom/Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i

Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i volunteers huddling for a group photo after a cleanup event on Moloka‘i, hosted prior to the pandemic.

Traveling pono means understanding this connectivity, respecting, and acting with care in every step we take. As you and I return to exploring this incredible Island Earth, it is important to remember that the places we go to are also the homes of other people and creatures.

In Hawai’i, we see the growing impact of consumerism as plastics wash up on our shores, coming from both our own home and afar, and impact our islands' marine life. Education on how to stop plastic pollution at the source is what leads to change; this is where you can make an impact. Before you leave, pack a reusable water bottle, your own utensils and bags, and bring them with you wherever you go. These daily actions by all of us can change the way business is done and prevent plastics from polluting our oceans.

Photo credit: Rafael Bergstrom/Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i

Common single-use items found last year during Sustainable Coastlines Hawai‘i's annual beach cleanup on Moloka‘i.

You all can be part of the SCH ʻohana by following along with us on Instagram and Facebook and our website. We also encourage you to sign up for our Clean Beaches Start at Home movement and share your stories of how you are reducing plastic use. Actions in your own life, from anywhere in the world, can help protect Hawai’i’s coastlines from being covered in plastic. Mahalo for traveling with care and love for this wonderful place we call home.

Mālama our Land and Waters

Words from Ulalia Woodside, executive director, The Nature Conservancy, Hawai‘i

While COVID-19 continues to negatively impact our health and economy, we have, at the same time, seen some benefits to nature from reduced traffic in our parks and other outdoor areas. In June, honu (Hawaiian green sea turtles) were documented nesting on Bellows Beach on O‘ahu for the first time in decades because the campground was closed due to the pandemic, and August saw the hatchlings of this threatened species emerge. On Maui, researchers have observed more fish in Molokini’s waters due to less commercial boat traffic. And on Kaua‘i, we have seen a rebound of native vegetation on our trails, and a reduction in backcountry rescues. This opportunity to see nature rebound gives us a new perspective on what sustainable tourism could look like.

Photo credit: Alison Cohan/The Nature Conservancy

A pair of birders exploring the Waikamoi Preserve on Maui.

The Nature Conservancy has been working in Hawai‘i for more than 40 years to protect the lands and waters on which all life in these islands depend. From our deep experience, we have become attuned to the pulse of our forests and reefs, which harbor plants and animals that exist nowhere else on Earth. With the knowledge gained nearly a half-century, combined with recent observations during this unprecedented time, we offer the following tips on how to stay safe and preserve the nature you have come to see and enjoy:

Have a light footprint. Seek ways to limit or offset carbon emissions resulting from your travel to the islands and your activities while visiting. Learn about what we and our partners are doing to sequester carbon in Hawai’i.
Avoid high-traffic times at crowded sites. Large crowds scare off wildlife, can damage habitat and are less enjoyable.
Read signs at hiking trails and beaches and follow their guidance. Stay on authorized trails and avoid areas where access isn’t allowed. This is to safeguard you from hazardous conditions and to protect our unique wildlife and natural areas.
Give wildlife—such as sea turtles, native birds and monk seals—space. These are wild animals that may act unpredictably, so keep a safe distance.
Use water wisely. All of our fresh water comes from rain and mist captured by our native forests. Learn about our work to protect watersheds throughout Hawai‘i.
Tend to your trash. Animals can suffer by eating package wrappers or plastics left behind (plus it’s unsightly!). Remember to bring a bag so you can carry trash securely until you can place it in proper waste receptacles.
Hawai’i is steeped in culture and tradition. Take time to read the interpretive signage at parks and other outdoor attractions. Balance your nature excursions with visits to cultural sites such as Ulupō Heiau, Puʻu o Mahuka Heiau or Keāiwa Heiau on O‘ahu. Visit GoHawaii.com for more cultural activities to add to your list.
Seek volunteer opportunities to learn more and give back to this special place. Volunteering deepens your connection with the people and places you came to visit, creating memories and helping Hawai‘i maintain its natural and cultural beauty.

Mahalo (thank you) for your efforts to mālama (take care of) our precious islands, and enjoy your visit! Learn more at nature.org/hawaii.

Hawaiian Airlines Welcomes Back Boston and New York Travelers Looking for Winter Getaway

October 21, 2020
releases
Hawaiian Airlines
4 min read

HONOLULU – Hawaiian Airlines, Hawai‘i’s hometown carrier, will reinstate its long-awaited East Coast flying in December with twice-weekly nonstop service between Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and thrice-weekly service between HNL and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

At the same time, Hawaiian will resume daily nonstop service between HNL and Long Beach Airport (LGB), offering guests access to its entire 13-city U.S. mainland network. The state of Hawai‘i last week began exempting travelers from its 14-day quarantine with proof of a negative COVID-19 state-approved test within 72 hours of the final leg of departure.

Hawaiian will also bring back nonstop flights between Kaua‘i’s Līhuʻe Airport (LIH) and Los Angeles and Oakland, and between Maui’s Kahului Airport (OGG) and San Diego and San Francisco, utilizing its narrow-body Airbus A321neo aircraft.

“We’re pleased with increased demand for travel to Hawai‘i, and we’re excited to once again offer our East Coast guests the convenience of our nonstop flights as we welcome them to the islands with new health and safety measures,” said Brent Overbeek, senior vice president of revenue management and network planning at Hawaiian Airlines.

To view a full schedule and purchase flights, please visit HawaiianAirlines.com.

As a state of Hawai‘i trusted testing partner, Hawaiian is offering guests departing from any of its U.S. mainland gateway cities a 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.

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 requires all guests to complete a health acknowledgement form during the check-in process indicating they are free of COVID-19 symptoms and will comply with the company’s updated mask policy for the entirety of their journey.

All travelers to Hawai‘i or flying between the islands must follow the state’s travel procedures and complete its 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 offering an adjusted schedule of daily flights within the Hawaiian Islands, and between Hawai‘i and the U.S. mainland as well as Japan.

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.

Experts say airplanes are among the safest indoor environments in the world

October 21, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

Is it safe to fly on airplanes during the pandemic? Yes, according to science.

While we understand everyone will travel when they’re ready, we’re pleased to share that a recent expert study has shown the transmission of COVID-19 on airplanes to be nearly non-existent (even when seated next to someone).

Mask-wearers are at near zero risk of being exposed to the virus.

According to the most recent study of aircraft air quality conducted by the United States Department of Defense (DoD), even if every seat is occupied on an aircraft, travelers who are wearing a mask are at 0.003% risk of being exposed to the virus.

The DoD study, which simulated a packed plane using mannequins—both with and without masks seated around the cabin—released 180 million particles into the air (the equivalent of 300 to several thousand coughs) to mimic the amount needed to transmit the infection. The results showed only 0.003% of airborne contaminants reached the breathing zones of those wearing a mask.

The DoD research also concluded it would take at least 54 hours of sitting next to someone with the Coronavirus to be exposed to an infectious dose. Currently, Alaska’s longest nonstop flight is 6 hours and 46 minutes from Boston to San Francisco.

Aircraft air filtration systems help reduce the risk onboard.

As part of Harvard’s Health Aviation Initiative, current research recommends taking a multi-layered approach (like Alaska is doing) to minimize the risk of infection, such as:

Wearing masks and practicing good hand hygiene.
Health agreements and/or screenings to exclude symptomatic people from travel.
Using advanced ventilation and filtration systems in airports and on aircraft.
Cleaning high-frequency touch surfaces on aircraft between flights such as tray tables, seatbelts and armrests as well as high-touchpoint areas in airports like check-in kiosks and countertops.

Alaska’s Next-Level Care includes over 100 ways to make you feel safe and confident while traveling, from enhancing our cleaning measures to offering sanitizing wipes and touch-free travel options and so much more.

Every Alaska aircraft is equipped with air flow systems that use HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filters—the same kind of filters used in hospitals—that remove 99.9% of infected air particles in the air. Air flows from the ceiling to the floor and creates completely new air in the cabin every six minutes on every flight. There is a full exchange of cabin air with outside and HEPA-filtered air every 2-3 minutes.

Very few COVID cases have been linked to air travel.

According to insights from the International Air Transport Association (IATA), nearly 1.2 billion passengers have traveled since January, in that same period only 44 cases of COVID-19 were reported in which transmission is thought to have been associated with air travel. Even if 90% of those cases were unreported, the risk is 1 in 27 million.

*IATA graphic published on Twitter, see IATA’s original tweet.*

As for the low number of confirmed cases, IATA’s findings, combined with joint research conducted by aircraft manufacturers Airbus, Boeing and Embraer point to aircraft airflow systems as the reasoning, limiting the spread of viruses by controlling the movement of particles in the cabin.

Airflow systems like HEPA filters, and the natural barrier of the seatback and downward flow of air, plus high rates of air exchange reduce the risk of airborne disease transmission on board. The addition of mask-wearing also adds a further and significant extra layer of protection, which makes being seated in close proximity in an aircraft cabin safer than most other indoor environments.

Some of the ways our Next-Level Care is making travel safer:

Mandatory masks
No mask? No travel. Per Alaska Airlines policy, a cloth face mask or covering is required for the duration of your flight, including boarding and deplaning. This is for the safety of all guests and employees.
HEPA filters
Alaska Airlines has one of the newest fleets in the country, which ensures our aircraft have the latest filtration technology in use. Every aircraft we operate is equipped with HEPA filtration systems that are 99.9% effective or greater in removing infected air particles, including viruses like COVID-19, from the cabin air. The air flows from the ceiling to the floor and creates completely new air in the cabin. 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.
Electrostatic disinfectant sprayers & enhanced cleaning
We’re using electrostatic disinfectant sprayers, which emit a safe, high-grade EPA cleaning solution that sanitize surfaces (overhead bins, armrests, tray tables, seatbelts, lavatories, etc).
No change fees. Ever.
That’s right, we’ve sent change fees on a permanent vacation. Your peace of mind is always top of mind, which is why we’re permanently eliminating change fees. Fare differences may still apply.
Complimentary hand-sanitizer wipes
We partnered with EO products to provide hand sanitizing wipes that are 99.9% effective at killing germs.
Touch-free options
To help create more distance between guests, we’re providing our agents with the ability to scan a boarding pass from six feet away—if the conditions are just right. And, with the Alaska Airlines app guests can print their boarding pass(es) at airport kiosks touch-free from their mobile device. Learn more.
Social distancing stickers
To better allow for personal distancing, boarding procedures have been updated so guests board by row numbers in smaller groups from the back to the front.
Plexiglass shields
Plexiglass shields are being installed in all stations throughout our network. The shields will be placed at multiple touchpoints, including the ticketing and customer service counters, the gate areas and our Lounges.
Learn more about how we’re making it safe to travel on alaskaair.com.

From a plane to a helicopter employee Terri goes above & beyond the mountains to help an Alaska guest

October 20, 2020
Stories
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

Last year, Terri Gamble-Potter arranged for a helicopter to deliver a delayed bag to a guest who had arrived in Anchorage from the East Coast on his way to a remote area outside Talkeetna, Alaska.

“Knowing that logistics can be challenging for delivery to a remote location, I researched options and was able to have the bag driven to Talkeetna and then airlifted directly to the guest,” says Gamble-Potter, who has been an Anchorage-based customer service agent (CSA) since 1983. On a video of the helicopter’s approach, the guest enthuses: “That’s my freakin’ bag. … Thank you, Alaska Airlines. How ’bout that, huh? That’s service—customer care!”

Terri Potter, Customer Service Agent, 36 years

On another occasion, when a film crew had a tight connection through Anchorage on their way to Nome, she accompanied their checked luggage through security and arranged for a ramp agent to grab it the minute it was cleared so that he could race it to the aircraft.

Gamble-Potter is dedicated to providing excellent service. If someone’s bag is lost, she’s determined to find it. And she not only helps direct guests at baggage carousels, she also assists travelers with offloading their bags.

“Success in service comes from having empathy for people, and follow-through, and doing the very best you can for them,” she says.

Throughout her career at Alaska, she has worked in positions ranging from reservations to the ticket counter to training, as well as bag-gage claim, and she says that Anchorage CSAs are “a very dedicated and caring group of people.”

Gamble-Potter, who was previously a travel agent, joined Alaska Airlines because airline salespeople calling on the travel agency were always talking about how wonderful their jobs were, and how great Alaska Airlines was, and how it was like a family, she says. “I felt the airline had the same values I did, and I thought, ‘I’ve got to work there.’ ”

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

What is important to you at work? Giving 100%. We have a responsibility to help each other as co-workers, and to do things safely, and also to put ourselves in the guests’ shoes. I love everything about my job, including being a cheerleader for colleagues and for customer service.

What do you like to do outside of work? I was born and raised in Alaska, and I love living here and being active in the out-doors. I have cruised the Inside Passage and explored other areas of this beautiful state. Outside Alaska, I have traveled to wonderful destinations such as Portugal and the East Coast, and I was even on the first flight from Anchorage to Honolulu on Alaska Airlines. I enjoy organizing community service and volunteering with charities. Each September, my family hikes in Yosemite National Park in support of the Histio Cure Foundation.

What’s most important to you in life? My husband, four children and five grand-kids, who all reside in Alaska.

KUDOS FROM TERRI’S CO-WORKERS

“Terri goes above and beyond for guests. She is a baggage expert and is always there to help new employees learn. She shows compassion to our guests, and is a valuable and important part of our airline family.” — Misty V., CSA Manager, Anchorage

“Terri puts a smile on everybody’s face. She turns a difficult situation into a posi-tive one. She always has positive things to say. She does what she does, not be-cause she is trying to impress anyone, but because that’s just who she is.” — Nathan H., CSA Station Supervisor, Anchorage

“I can go to Terri if I need anything, and she knows exactly where to go so we can help guests out.” — Duane G., Ramp Service Agent, Anchorage

“Terri is passionate about her family, her friends and her airline guests, and that is why she excels in her job.” — Dana S., CSA (retired), Anchorage

Mandy praises flight attendants, says “they are my true heroes in this pandemic”

October 16, 2020
Stories
Ali Garbino
3 min read

You’ve heard the term “walk a mile in my shoes.” Mandy Mundy, onboard product & services senior specialist, is a shining example of that. Although she traded flying the skies as a flight attendant for a job behind the scenes, she makes it her mission to continue to walk in the shoes of Horizon Air’s flight attendants, supporting them in their jobs.

“Everything I learned from all my experiences flying set me up for the role I have now,” Mundy says. “I work for an incredible group of flight attendants that remind me every day the reason I am here,” she says.

Mundy, who has been with Horizon for 15 years (12 years as a flight attendant) makes it her mission to listen—a lot. She’s always looking for ways, large and small, to make inflight processes better for her flying colleagues.

“Flight attendants can go weeks, if not months, without seeing their inflight leaders. We are always observing for opportunities to improve their work and work environment based on the data we receive from their feedback,” she says.

Those that work with Mundy know that she spends as much time with flight attendants as she can. You can regularly find her in the PDX Village and attending as many recurrent ground school classes that she can, which she finds incredibly valuable.

“We have had a lot of great discussions. I am given the opportunity to explain the ‘why’ behind our decisions,” Mundy says.

An example of Mundy’s commitment is when we brought on the E175 aircraft and there were differences between the Q and E galleys so mock galleys were created. She took it upon herself to provide over 20 flight attendants one-on-one training on the jet. She helped film videos to explain service expectations, and often stayed long hours to ensure the training was in place to make our employees successful while aiming to deliver award-winning service to our guests.

“No one had to tell Mandy what needed to be done. She knew the destination needed to be reached and found a path to get there. She truly is a Pathfinder,” said Matt Prainito, VP of Horizon Air station and inflight operations.

Leading the way to help others is a theme in Mundy’s life. A self-described horse-lover, she founded a nonprofit organization for mounted search and rescue. She also recently welcomed a baby girl to her household.

Mundy truly loves her job, because she loves people, especially the flight attendants she supports.

“They are incredible, stepping up to the task at hand and willing to adjust to everything that keeps coming at us as we navigate COVID-19.,” says Mundy. “My heart goes out to all those that have essential roles—but flight attendants, they are my true heroes in this pandemic.”

Hawaii welcomes you back and to malama (care for) the Aloha State

October 14, 2020
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
4 min read

Hawaii is eager to welcome visitors to paradise. Starting Oct. 15, Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program will allow anyone entering the state who tests negative for COVID-19 in advance to bypass the current two-week mandatory quarantine (details below).

Test or no test, it’s important to visit safely and thoughtfully. Everyone is invited to experience the destination on a deeper level—connecting with the community, its culture and taking care of each other and the land itself.

Malama: take care of yourself and Hawaii.

Malama, meaning “to nurture” or “care for,” is a core value of the Hawaiian culture, and it relates to preserving the land and taking care of all those living there as well. As tourism starts to recover, the islands encourage travelers to be open-minded and respectful of Hawaii’s beauty and leave with a better understanding of what it means to care for the earth, each other and ourselves.

“We believe our visitors care about perpetuating the uniqueness of this place,” explains Jay Talwar, chief marketing officer at the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (which is part of the Hawaii Tourism Authority). “If even a small portion of Hawaii travelers took part in such activities, the effect would be enormous.”

Here’s how you can help:

Fly to Hawaii with either a negative COVID-19 state-approved test or prepare to quarantine for two weeks upon arrival. Learn more.
Follow the state’s recommendations to stay safe while in the islands (wear a mask, social distance etc.).
Be alert at all times in or near the water, don’t take the sea for granted. Avoid turning your back on the waves. If you or others in your party are not an experienced ocean swimmer, select beaches with lifeguards.
Exercise good-judgment when hiking in the islands like carrying essential gear, check the weather and be watchful that you only enter lands that are open to you and respect the landscape and its history.
Seek experiences that enhance your knowledge of natural and cultural history. Try booking a tour to hike hillsides to learn about Hawaii Island’s volcanoes or the history of local sugar cane farming on Maui and more.

Fly to Hawaii

Starting Oct. 15, Hawaii will allow travelers from out-of-state to proceed without the 14-day quarantine if they test negative for COVID-19 before they arrive in the islands.

Travelers who are five years of age and older must be tested for COVID-19 within 72 hours of your departure flight to Hawaii. Only test results from trusted testing partners approved by the Hawaii Department of Health will be accepted.

Everything you need to know before you go to Hawaii

Guests can enjoy a safe and relaxing flight to the islands thanks to Alaska’s Next-Level Care, which has more than 100 different ways we’re preventing the spread of COVID-19, including mandatory masks, enhanced cleanings between flights, electrostatic disinfectant spray and more.

Alaska is offering you convenient and reliable testing options.

COVID-19 testing options for Alaska Guests

We’re making it simple and easy for our guests by providing testing options that guarantee turnaround times for results within the state’s required 72-hour timeframe. All tests meet the requirements of the State of Hawaii’s pre-travel testing program.

We’re partnering with Carbon Health to offer rapid COVID-19 testing in pop-up clinics — starting in Seattle on Oct. 12, 2020, and expanding in the coming weeks as we resume nonstop service to Hawaii from other cities on the West Coast.
We’re also working with Bartell Drugs to offer PCR-based COVID-19 testing at select locations in Seattle, with guaranteed results within 72 hours.

Learn more about flying to Hawaii here.

Alliance countdown: Alaska joins oneworld in six months

October 12, 2020
Destinations
Alaska Airlines
3 min read

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

October 10, 2020
releases
Hawaiian Airlines
4 min read

*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

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.

For media inquiries, please visit Hawaiian Airlines’ online newsroom.

8 ways Alaska Airlines is committed to making travel more accessible

October 9, 2020
Community
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

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

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.

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

October 7, 2020
Community
Alaska Airlines
5 min read

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

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.’

October 5, 2020
Company
Alaska Airlines
2 min read

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.

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.’”