Q

magnifying glass with dark circle in the middle.

3 takeaways from the Bloomberg Green Festival 

Story by Cameron Greenberg and Shaleese Nuckols

Earlier this month, we joined our colleagues at Alaska Airlines in welcoming folks from around the world to Seattle for the inaugural Bloomberg Green Festival, a dynamic multi-day event dedicated to elevating conversations on sustainability. Supporting Alaska’s role as the festival’s official airline sponsor, we were thrilled to help bring together diverse voices to collaborate on climate ideas and solutions.  

Photos courtesy of Bloomberg

As a communications specialist and an intern who joined the company this year, the event was new territory for us, but we leapt at the opportunity to attend. Over the four-day festival, we listened to talks, attended performances, and brought our perspectives to conversations in our Alaska Airlines lounge space in the festival hall. Here are three of the biggest themes we took away from the event:  

1. We live in an era of consequence 

On the second day of the festival, Washington State Governor Jay Inslee discussed his views on climate policy with Anna Edgerton, the Seattle bureau chief at Bloomberg. Governor Inslee reiterated several times how happy he was to be born now, because we are alive during a tremendously pivotal point in human history, where the future of the planet depends on our actions and the rate of innovation is soaring.

Other sessions at the festival emphasized the long-term impacts of this reality – how the rigor of society’s climate action will ripple across the lives of future generations. On a more micro-level, speakers suggested that while we still have time to make a difference, we have started to see results. This came up in a panel on sustainable aviation fuel, where leaders from Alaska joined Microsoft and SkyNRG, a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) provider, to discuss how successes in wind and solar have enabled us to take our learnings, financial structures and best practices, and streamline our approach to growing the SAF market. 

2. Every business is a climate business 

For some companies at the festival, it was immediately obvious that they were in the climate business, whether it was green building startup BlocPower;  Enso, a company focused on producing eco-friendly tires for electric vehicles; or our partner ZeroAvia, a leading manufacturer of hydrogen-electric engines. But one of the most pervasive themes at the festival was that every company must address climate risk because everybody is affected by climate change. This reality was emphasized by the sheer breadth of festival attendance; over lunch and in the Alaska lounge, we spoke with psychologists, university employees, and investment firm managers.   

The idea that everyone is in the climate business also expanded to the festival food. It was hard to believe that the coconut ice cream from Molly Moon’s was dairy free, or that the fluffy focaccia from Flora Bakehouse was vegan. It not only spoke to the world of sustainable food – how restaurants can take climate action through sustainable sourcing and waste reduction – but also challenged our preconceptions that vegan food needs to taste worse than non-vegan counterparts and inspired us to try more vegetarian and vegan fare.  

3. Next generation changemakers are here 

Gen Z and Millennials are no longer the faceless “next generation”; attendees in their 20s and early 30s flocked to the festival, bringing with them their voices, passion, and innovative approaches to climate action and leadership on sustainability. 

Some took to the Ideas Stage: 22-year-old Xiye Bastida wove parallels between her climate justice activism and her work as an indigenous rights advocate, and Wawa Gatheru, the founder of Black Girl Environmentalist, participated in a fireside chat about the disproportionate effects of climate change on women and girls. We saw others communicate their ideas through performances, such as drag queen, artist and environmentalist Pattie Gonia, who edited in climate-focused lyrics to songs like ‘Hot in Herre by Nelly’ and ‘Rain On Me by Ariana, while highlighting the connection between identity, self-expression, and the planet.  

From our first days at Alaska, the airline has made it clear that showing care is a priority, whether to the places they live and fly, or the planet we share. That focus on care is the reason the company is taking actions to reduce carbon emissions and waste, and to protect local ecosystems.  

It was gratifying to see that sense of care pervade the festival. It went into the thoughtful details of our lounge space and the remarks given by Alaska leaders, and also extended beyond our presence at the event as other attendees embraced the chance to connect and learn from one another.   

There is still much to do in the race against climate change, whether it’s at the scale of our companywide commitment to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2040 or using what we learned at the festival to make more sustainable choices in our own lives, but we can’t wait to return for next year’s Bloomberg Green Festival and see the progress that everyone has made.  

Alaska Airlines unveils stunning lounge, completing transition to renovated world-class terminal in San Francisco 

Summary

We are excited to announce the grand opening of our newest Alaska Lounge at San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1. 

Spanning 11,000 square feet, this modern and spacious lounge embodies our commitment to expanding our lounge network and elevating the pre-flight experience. 

Guests will enjoy a welcoming West Coast atmosphere, with open spaces filled with natural light and warm finishes, creating a relaxing and enjoyable environment before their flight.

We’re proud to announce the grand opening of our newest Alaska Lounge at San Francisco International Airport’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1. The modern and spacious 11,000 square foot space delivers on our promise to enhance our network of lounges and offers an unparalleled pre-flight experience with a welcoming West Coast vibe, open spaces bathed in natural light and warm finishes.

Today’s unveiling of our elegantly designed Lounge at SFO represents the culmination of over two years of dedicated commitment to enhance the way we care for our guests. Our Lounges redefine the premium travel experience, providing top-tier amenities and ample space to escape the hustle and bustle of the airport, whether you’re traveling with Alaska or our oneworld and global airline partners.”

– Sangita Woerner

Senior Vice President of Marketing and Guest Experience at Alaska Airlines

Download press kit for images

Upon entering our SFO Lounge, guests are transported to a tranquil retreat. Savor hand-crafted espresso beverages from our barista station or enjoy a refreshing local craft brew and a glass of West Coast wine from our contemporary bar. The space exudes sophistication with sleek, stylish details balanced with an inviting atmosphere for travelers to unwind.

For our guests who have time to refuel, they’ll be able to indulge on our complimentary selection of food and beverages designed to satisfy every palate, including our popular sourdough bread & spreads and candy jars that carry local San Francisco Bay Area favorite sweets. Our made-to-order pancake machine has become such a beloved attraction for travelers of all ages that we’ve added one more for a total of two in our space.

SFO Lounge Highlights:

The SFO Lounge stands as our largest in California with 55% more seating compared to our previous Lounge at Terminal 2.

Complete with plug-in outlets for charging devices at nearly every seat.

Each nook is thoughtfully designed, including a space for travelers with just a few minutes to recharge and our Signature Loungers positioned by floor-to-ceiling windows for relaxation with a view. 

For the first time, we’ve installed TalkBox® booths to provide the ultimate privacy for calls or meetings.

In partnership with William Duff Architects, our Lounge is designed to secure LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) Gold certification, reflecting our commitment to sustainability. The Lounge will achieve certification through water-efficient measures and the use of low-emitting materials to reduce energy use.

Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at SFO

The opening of the SFO Alaska Lounge marks the completion of our two-year, $30 million relocation project to Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and aligns with our $3 billion investment to enhance our infrastructure and guest experience at our major West Coast hubs.

Last month, we officially began operating out of Harvey Milk Terminal 1 and debuted SFO’s first automated bag drop technology, streamlining the travel experience and supporting our long-term goal of reducing congestion in our lobbies. This move positions us as the largest carrier at the terminal and sets us up for long-term growth in San Francisco where we proudly serve approximately 5 million guests each year.

 

As we roll out our largest summer schedule in company history—including the most flights of any airline from SFO to some of the largest cities on the West Coast with up to eleven daily flights to Seattle, six daily flights to Portland and as many as seven flights to San Diego—guests can now enjoy seamless connectivity to our fellow oneworld Alliance members and global partners for their next domestic or international flight. From SFO, Alaska and our partners offer over 130 weekly flights to 18 international destinations. 

Experience the sophistication and comfort of the new Alaska Lounge at SFO by becoming a Lounge member or purchasing a single-entry Lounge pass with a valid Alaska, oneworld or global airline boarding pass. Lounge membership provides access to all Alaska operated Lounges—including Seattle, Portland, Los Angeles and Anchorage. Lounge+ membership provides access to Alaska operated Lounges and nearly 90 partner lounges. Learn how to become an Alaska Lounge member here.

Additonal details for media:

Download our press kit, which includes photos and b-roll of our newest Lounge.

Press Kit

Explore alaskaair.com

Related News & Stories

View all

Feel the Vibes! Sub Pop Records curates new boarding music for Alaska Airlines

Starting this month, enjoy boarding music from Sub Pop Records on all Alaska Airlines flights departing from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Seattle Paine Field International Airport.  

Boarding music is one of the first things our guests experience when they step onto our aircraft. It’s their soundtrack as they stow their bags and take their seats. But it’s more than just music to us. Airline boarding music is meant to convey a vibe.

Crafting a mood can be challenging. What elicits nostalgia from one guest might send another guest digging for their earplugs, and what might sound fresh to a brand-new flier could irritate a crew member who has heard the tracks a dozen times.

To David Scotland, inflight product & experience director at Alaska Airlines, those considerations fold up into the broader question of how to provide an integrated guest experience.

  “Boarding music doesn’t exist in isolation—it’s a core component of the premium experience we provide to our guests. The music, the lighting, and the care shown by our amazing crew members all work together to create a great first impression for our guests when they board, said Scotland. “The airport and boarding process can be stressful; settling into your seat and hearing thoughtfully curated playlist can start to put your mind at ease as you prepare for your flight.”

Our latest playlist is inspired by summertime and West Coast vibes: it’s upbeat, catchy, and uniquely memorable, without being intrusive.

A hometown power duo

While boarding music was new territory for us and Sup Pop, our two iconic Seattle brands are long-time partners and have worked together for years.

Back in 2016, we introduced Sub Pop as one of our very first complimentary music offerings on our inflight entertainment. Then, in 2018, we celebrated Sub Pop Records’ 30th anniversary in style by launching a commemorative aircraft dedicated to them.

“Music is powerful and can transport you to another place. Any time I hear a Sub Pop song, it reminds me of the time, early on in our partnership, where they dropped off a dozen CDs for me to listen to. I drove home, popped in a Beach House disc and fell in love immediately,” said David Scotland, inflight product & experience director at Alaska Airlines. “I hope our guests can experience something similar with our Sup Pop playlist.”

The team behind the melodies

While the selection of boarding music is a tried-and-true process for our in-flight entertainment team, this was Sub Pop’s first time producing music for the airline industry.

For Nick Duncan, Sub Pop’s artists and repertoire (A&R) manager, the process was at once alien and oddly familiar.

Before his ten-year tenure at Sub Pop, Duncan honed his skills in radio, where curation was always a key part of his job. In radio, he had to know his audience inside and out. When pitching projects, he built relationships, figuring out who would be most receptive to each project and how to reach listeners most effectively.

It’s the same thing here,” said Duncan, referring to Alaska’s playlist. “I had to think about the people who would be at the airport – about what kind of music could make their eyes light up and make them want to learn more.  Finding things that fit in with the inflight environment while also representing our ethos and roster of artists; that required some threading of the needle.”

Sub Pop helped us thoughtfully craft the playlist, steering clear of songs with profanity or those that sounded too much like elevator music. Rather than relying solely on top hits, Nick and his team focused on showcasing a diverse range of talent, shining a light on hidden gems and emerging artists.

 “I want to help people find more art they can connect with, to make their eyes light up a little bit and find out what they’re listening to. That lightbulb moment is my favorite part of my job,” said Duncan.

Nick Duncan, A&R manager and Carly Starr, VP of marketing, at Sub Pop Records HQ

Alaska Airlines’ custom playlist

After months of hard work, Alaska and Sub Pop put together a playlist perfect for your travels, now available on Spotify. Give it a listen and keep an ear out for it on your next flight out of Seattle!

Listen here ♫

On all of our other flights beyond the Seattle area, guests can enjoy curated playlists carefully selected by our team.

The gift of travel: Alaska’s Maui CARE Flights program sends wildfire-impacted families to Disneyland Resort

The gift of travel: Alaska’s Maui CARE Flights program sends wildfire-impacted families to Disneyland Resort

Before Kaleo and Miriam Keo knew it, their children were entering their teenage years when they realized they’d never traveled outside their home of Hawai‘i.

That changed for the entire family last Thursday.

The Keos, along with 36 other Maui families, boarded a special charter flight sponsored by Alaska Airlines and Marriott International from Kahului, Maui to Los Angeles. Their destination: the Disneyland Resort in Anaheim, Calif.

In partnership with Hawai‘i Gov. Josh Green, M.D., Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen and the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, the flight kicked off Alaska’s Maui CARE Flights program to provide hope and much-needed mental health breaks for families and individuals affected by the Aug. 8, 2023 Maui wildfires. Following this special charter flight, Alaska Airlines will donate up to 180 roundtrip tickets (equivalent to one airplane) every month from August 2024 through December 2025. Last year, Alaska donated 32 million CARE Miles (many donated by employees and guests) to help over 650 impacted Maui residents with travel support as they began the rebuilding process.

The resilience of the Maui community since last year’s wildfires has truly been inspiring,” said Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci. “All of us at Alaska Airlines are humbled to continue building on our support for the people of Maui with this new Maui CARE Flights program. Alaska is all about people and care, and we know that travel can offer a break from the mental toll of recovery. We hope that this gift of flight provides a bright spot for Maui families as they navigate the rebuilding of this incredible community.”

Kaleo Cabreros and his family lost their home, cars and their two pets in the devastating wildfire that leveled the community of Lahaina. He and his wife told their four children they were going to Oʻahu before surprising them with the truth that they were one of the families chosen to go on the trip to Disneyland.

“They didn’t know how to respond! I’m just grateful for everybody involved and all the hard work put in to organize an event like this; mahalo, mahalo, mahalo,” said Kaleo Cabreros. “This was the perfect opportunity to unplug and put a pause on the daily routines and spend time with my family. The number one thing I really wanted was just to see the smile on their faces and their joy.”

“The ability to travel is important to Hawai‘i residents—travel connects us. It has continuously afforded me the opportunity to travel to Maui to grieve with wildfire survivors and provide them support,” said Gov. Green. “Yet the Maui CARE Flights program is about more than travel—it’s about healing. By giving our wildfire-impacted families opportunities to joyfully bond through these shared experiences together, we’re fostering recovery and resilience. This initiative, made possible by the generosity of Alaska Airlines and our partners, embodies the spirit of aloha and our commitment to supporting the well-being of our community.”

There were many other firsts on the Maui CARE Flights inaugural trip to Disneyland last week. For some, this was their first time flying. For others, their first visit to Disneyland.  

For Lono Cabanilla and Janel Pagdilao-Bala, the trip marked a new beginning in their lives after the fires when Lono surprised Janel by getting down on one knee at the theme park and asking her to marry him.

“After everything, I figured now is the time to seize every opportunity that comes our way,” said Lono who’d been holding onto the ring since Mother’s Day. “I was waiting for the right opportunity and this trip came up spontaneously.”

This gift of travel will give our survivors, who have gone through so much, a chance to reconnect with loved ones, see new places and create new memories together,” said Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen. “The generosity of Alaska Airlines and partners is a wonderful example of the compassion that our residents need as they continue to recover from the devastation of the wildfires.”

The Maui CARE Flights program is supported by Alaska Airlines, administered by the Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement (CNHA), and in collaboration with the State of Hawai‘i and the County of Maui. To apply, interested individuals and families can fill out a short application form online at helpingmaui.org/mauicareflights or in person at CNHA’s Kākoʻo Maui Resource Center. Applicants will need to provide their FEMA assistance number and pre-wildfire address. Those who do not have a FEMA assistance number can verify eligibility through other methods.

Mahalo to our partners for their support – Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement, Marriott International, Boys & Girls Club of Maui, Maui Pono Foundation, Roberts Hawaii and HMSHost.

Alaska Airlines announces major expansion of First Class and Premium seating  

This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to our mainline fleet, providing guests with even more opportunities to upgrade to a premium experience 

At Alaska Airlines, we’re always looking for new ways to make your travel experience even better. We believe in giving you choices that fit your needs, whether you’re all about the comfort and perks of Premium and First Class, or you appreciate the value and flexibility of our Main Cabin and Saver Fare options.  

Starting in September, we’re excited to begin rolling out additional First Class and Premium Class seating across more than 200 of our aircraft, including 900ERs, 800s and MAX9s. This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to our mainline fleet. Earlier this year, we successfully retrofitted our entire regional fleet, adding 400,000 Premium Class seats to our E175 aircraft. 

More First Class and Premium seating  

By increasing the number of seats available in these classes, we are making it easier than ever for our guests to upgrade while also meeting the growing demand for premium seating. 

Aircraft First Class Premium Class Number of aircraft being retrofitted Timing 
737-800 Increasing from 12 to 16 seats 30 seats will remain 59 Conversions will begin in early 2025; to be completed by summer 2026 
737-900ER  16 seats will remain Increasing from 24 to 30 seats 79 Conversions will begin in fall 2024; to be completed by summer 2025 
737-9 MAX 16 seats will remain Increasing from 24 to 30 seats 80 Conversions will begin in spring 2025; to be completed by summer 2026 

First Class 

For years, our guests have loved our industry-leading First Class experience. In partnership with RECARO, we’ve further enhanced this offering to provide our guests with ultimate comfort. Our new First Class seats installed on the 737-800 fleet will continue to boast the most legroom and features include a calf rest, new seatback device holder, 6-way headrest with neck support and USB-C charging capabilities. 

Premium Class & Main Cabin 

In Main Cabin and Premium Class of our 737-800 fleet, guests will continue to experience comfort and convenience at every seat with improved features, including new device holders with built in cup holders, USB-C charging and a 6-way headrest with dedicated neck support. 

As we modify the 737-900ER fleet to increase Premium Class by converting six of our Main Cabin seats, these aircraft will receive an interior refresh, bringing modern touches like device holders in the main cabin to the backbone of our fleet. All MAX9 aircraft, among the newest in our fleet, will also get six additional seats converted to their Premium cabins, enhancing the comfort and luxury that our guests enjoy. 

Meeting demand and enhancing availability 

The decision to increase the number of First Class and Premium Class seats comes in response to growing demand from our valued guests. We understand that many travelers seek the added comfort and benefits of these classes, and we are committed to meeting this demand. Whether you are traveling for business or leisure, upgrading your seat will now be more accessible than ever.  

Our Premium Cabin performance continues to support what we believe to be a structural shift in higher demand for premium products. First Class and Premium Class revenues finished up 8% and 6% respectively, during this quarter, with our First Class load factor hitting 71% for the quarter, up 4.3 points. Our paid premium capacity has come a long way from the days of paid load factors in the 40% range for mainline and all-coach regional fleet. 

Maintaining convenience with four lavatories 

We are happy to share that even with the introduction of additional premium seats, our Boeing fleet of aircraft will maintain four lavatories for use. We recognize the importance of convenience and accessibility during your flight, and maintaining four lavatories ensures all guests, regardless of their seating class, have ample access to restroom facilities. 

Premium perks when you fly with us 

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can enjoy our premium offerings on any Alaska flight, such as no change fees, extra legroom in First Class* and Premium Class and the most generous Mileage Plan with the quickest path to elite status. 

Onboard, treat yourself to our industry-leading food and beverage service, featuring high-quality West Coast-inspired meals and a premium selection of drinks. Our tech-savvy travel experience, airport investments and remarkable employees ensure you’re well taken care of every step of the way. 

And if you haven’t heard, we’re making it easier for our guests to upgrade! Now you can pay to upgrade to First or Premium Class up to 50 minutes before departure on www.alaskaair.com under Manage on www.alaskaair.com or through the Alaska Airlines mobile app.   

For Media:

Download our press kit, which includes high resolution photos of our premium seating and seat map configurations. 

Press Kit

*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats 

Alaska Air Group reports second quarter 2024 results

Summary

Achieved a completion rate of 99.5%, among the highest in the industry

Expected to lead the industry with adjusted pretax margin of 15.8%

Reached tentative agreement with Alaska flight attendants represented by AFA

Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) today reported financial results for the second quarter ending June 30, 2024, and provided outlook for the third quarter ending September 30, 2024 and full year 2024.

It’s clear that premium airlines are rising above the rest of the industry, and Alaska’s product and performance put us in that top tier, with a strong long-term outlook to grow and compete. That’s how we brought in record quarterly revenue and achieved a 15.8% adjusted pretax margin that should lead the industry. Thank you to our 23,000 employees for being safe, operating well, and taking care of our guests through our biggest summer travel season ever.”

– Ben Minicucci

President & CEO of Alaska Air Group

Earnings at a glance:

View Alaska Air Group Q2 2024 Earnings

Financial Results

Reported net income for the second quarter of 2024 under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) of $220 million, or $1.71 per share, compared to net income of $240 million, or $1.86 per share, for the second quarter of 2023.

Reported net income for the second quarter of 2024, excluding special items and mark-to-market fuel hedge accounting adjustments, of $327 million, or $2.55 per share, compared to net income of $387 million, or $3.00 per share, for the second quarter of 2023.

Reported adjusted pretax margin of 15.8% for the second quarter.

Repurchased 663,177 shares of common stock for approximately $28 million in the second quarter, bringing total repurchases to $49 million for the six months ended June 30, 2024.

Generated $580 million in operating cash flow for the second quarter.

Held $2.5 billion in unrestricted cash and marketable securities as of June 30, 2024.

Ended the quarter with a debt-to-capitalization ratio of 45%, within the target range of 40% to 50%.

Operational Updates

Reached a tentative agreement with mainline flight attendants that recognizes their outstanding contributions. Voting on the agreement is expected to conclude by mid-August.

Certified substantial compliance with the U.S. Department of Justice’s second request for information regarding our proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, maintaining open communication with the DOJ during its review process.

Finished the second quarter with a completion rate of 99.5%, among the highest in the industry.

Received six 737-9 aircraft and three 737-8 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the totals within the Alaska fleet to 70 737-9s and four 737-8s.

Received one E175 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the total in the Horizon fleet to 44.

Finished the second quarter with a completion rate of 99.5%, among the highest in the industry.

Added a second 737-800 freighter to Alaska Air Cargo’s fleet and expanded the freighter network with twice-weekly service to Los Angeles.

Purchased a 600,000 square-foot facility in Renton, Washington to serve as the new home for Alaska’s training programs and operational teams following completion of renovations in 2025.

Moved Air Group operations at San Francisco International Airport to Harvey Milk Terminal 1, which will improve guests’ travel experience with advanced technology in the lobby and convenient proximity to our partners.

Enhanced onboard offerings with the return of hot meals to the inflight menu within the Main Cabin.

Began expansion of our lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport to offer more than double the seating and improved amenities.

Network and Commercial Updates

Announced 20 nonstop routes to provide guests with more winter travel options, including new service to Vail, Colorado as well as La Paz and Monterrey, Mexico.

Announced seasonal daily service from Portland to New Orleans beginning January 2025, our 55th nonstop destination from Portland.

Expanded partnership with British Airways to offer guests the ability to book nonstop flights between London and multiple U.S. cities directly at alaskaair.com or via the Alaska Airlines app.

Received six 737-9 aircraft and three 737-8 aircraft during the quarter, bringing the totals within the Alaska fleet to 70 737-9s and four 737-8s.

Sustainability Updates

Released our 2023 Sustainability Report, sharing the company’s progress on its goals for sustainability, safety, and our people, as well as highlighting accomplishments and ongoing initiatives.

Launched option for guests to reduce their environmental impact by purchasing sustainable aviation fuel credits in the flight booking path, while also providing Mileage Plan members the ability to earn up to 5,000 elite-qualifying miles annually for their contributions.

Awards and Recognition

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan named best U.S. airline frequent flier program by WalletHub for 2024.

Named to Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity list, receiving the highest ranking of all U.S. airlines.

Received the highest satisfaction score for 2024 among all U.S. airlines from the American Customer Satisfaction Index.

As recently released by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Alaska generated the fewest customer complaints per 100,000 guests of any U.S. airline in 2023, finishing 75% better than the industry average and 35% better than the second-ranked airline.

View full financial data
View additional investor update

Explore alaskaair.com

Related News & Stories

View all

Man on a mission: Alaska Airlines flies Vinton Smith to 49th state for blood donation

Vinton Smith was 17 when he donated blood for the first time. That was 36 years ago.

Today, Vinton has donated blood 138 times and is just one state away from completing his mission to donate blood in all 50 states. Last month, we flew him from Pennsylvania to Anchorage, bringing him one flight closer to achieving this remarkable goal.

It’s an overwhelmingly good feeling, thinking about all those donations that I’ve made and the impact it’s had. It’s not just about the donation, it’s also about inspiring someone else to give. I have no idea how many people have been influenced and encouraged to give because of my story,” Vinton told Alaska Airlines.

Vinton’s quest started more than ten years ago. But his inspiration began when he was a young boy when he would watch his parents give blood regularly.

Vinton recalls the first time he gave blood, chuckling at the memory of his classmates filing into their high school gymnasium—many of whom were happy to offer their arm for the prick of a needle to avoid sitting in class.

Vinton, however, knew his blood donation would change someone’s life because of what he’d learned from his father and mother. At the time, Vinton just hadn’t fully grasped the ripple effect blood donors have on their recipients.

“I understood that it meant it was going to save people’s lives, but I didn’t really understand the full impact,” Vinton told Alaska Airlines. “What I think about today is—it’s so much more than saving somebody’s life. It’s about giving others longer lives to fill with moments that they would’ve lost forever. And it’s not just that person either—it’s their family, friends, and their experiences and how many more holidays they get to celebrate, and years they get to hold their grandchildren.”

Vinton continued to donate regularly throughout college. After graduation and landing a job, he had a routine of donating blood every other month at the local firehall.

But then Vinton landed a new job that required him to travel and miss one of his upcoming blood drive appointments. That’s when he decided he’d donate in the state his job was sending him.

That became his new routine when he couldn’t make it to the firehall.

“After three years, I counted that I’d donated blood in 16 different states and that’s when I thought, ‘Wouldn’t it be a fascinating goal to donate blood in all 50 states? Can I actually do that?’ Well, yeah, you know I guess I could. It’s going to take a while, but that would be something unique,” he said.

Vinton was so committed to giving blood and inspiring others to donate he adjusted his business trips so he was able to give blood (you must wait 56 days between whole blood donations). When it came time to plan vacations with his wife, he’d slyly suggest states that were on his list. His wife always knew what Vinton was up to – she’d smile and call him out before saying “yes” to support the cause.

Vinton’s 49th state

Last month, when we heard Vinton’s 49th state was the state of Alaska—our namesake state—we agreed to fly him and pay for his travel expenses so he could donate to the Blood Bank of Alaska.

Recognizing the critical need for blood donations, we also donated $10,000 to the Blood Bank of Alaska to help the organization to continue its essential services across the state.

Booked the 50th State

After Vinton checked off his 49th state, Alaska Airlines flew him to Honolulu, where he met with the Blood Bank of Hawai‘i. During this visit, he pledged to donate to the organization next year, which would officially complete his mission of donating blood in every state. In 2025, we plan to fly Vinton back to Honolulu to support his remarkable journey.

He also plans to have his mother there to witness the culmination of his mission. After all, his mother is the reason Vinton is on this journey in the first place. He said he knows that his father, who has since passed away, is proud of his accomplishments.

“Vinton embodies kindness, selflessness and genuine ethic of care, which are the reasons why lives are saved by blood and blood products each day,” said Nick Perih, spokesperson for The Blood Bank of Hawaii. “As a result of his pursuit to donate blood in all fifty states, Vinton has positively impacted the lives of countless people, families and communities across the United States.”

It is only fitting that Vinton’s journey will be completed next June in Hawaii, the 50th state,” said Perih. “The Blood Bank of Hawaii is excited to celebrate Vinton’s accomplishment as well as to use this milestone to amplify the larger message that continues to drive his mission: by taking a few moments from our own lives to donate blood, we can give back a lifetime of moments for other people. On behalf of the Blood Bank of Hawaii, I’d like to both recognize and thank Vinton for a lifetime of giving and service to the larger community.”

Even when he reaches his goal, Vinton says he will continue to donate blood and encourage others to save lives as he can. He is also now on a journey to donate platelets across the country. To date, he has donated platelets 40 times in 23 different states.

“It won’t be the end of a journey, it’ll be one step to the next level,” Vinton said. “Big efforts like this that Alaska Airlines is doing can make a meaningful impact on peoples’ lives. I want to commend Alaska Airlines for all they have done to step up to the plate. It truly will inspire others to give blood and save countless lives! We may never know how many, or who, where, or when – but I’m confident it will.”

Alaska Air Group announces webcast of second-quarter 2024 financial results 

Alaska Air Group Inc., the parent company of Alaska Airlines Inc. and Horizon Air Industries Inc., will hold its quarterly conference call to discuss 2024 second quarter financial results at 11:30 a.m. EDT/ 8:30 a.m. PDT, Thursday, July 18, 2024.  A webcast of the call will be available to the public at www.alaskaair.com/investors. An archive of the call will be posted on the website later that morning. 
 

With Global Getaways, redeem fewer Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles to travel to incredible international destinations 

Travel is great, but it gets even better with a good deal. Like fewer miles to take you a lot farther around the globe. 

You can enjoy significant savings by redeeming your valuable Mileage Plan miles for flights to aspirational international travel destinations with Global Getaways. 

Starting today, we’re offering a new round of savings of up to 50% on award redemptions to selected worldwide destinations with us and our global partners. Mileage Plan members can redeem miles between July 10-31, 2024, at alaskaair.com for reduced award travel between Oct. 1, 2024, through Jan. 31, 2025.   

These one-way redemptions can be enjoyed later this fall into mid-winter in economy and premium economy cabins with our various partner airlines: 

Rome (Italy): 

Now starting at 27,500 miles instead of 35,000 

Delhi (India):

Now starting at 30,000 miles instead of 42,500

Taipei (Taiwan):

Now starting at 25,000 miles instead of 37,500

Athens (Greece):

Now starting at 25,000 miles instead of 35,000 

Guadalajara (Mexico):

Now starting at 12,500 miles instead of 17,500  

Muscat (Oman):

Now starting at 25,000 miles instead of 42,500 

We first introduced Global Getaways this past April. During that month, Mileage Plan members booked nearly 1,000 flights using reduced miles to fly to exotic, sunny beach escapes. Now it’s time for destinations that offer tremendous cultural experiences around the world. 

Global Getaways ↗

We’re making it easier to book redemptions and buy tickets with our partners on alaskaair.com. Our new award charts provide improved simplicity, value and availability for our guests who are looking to use their Mileage Plan miles for travel on our partners. The streamlined charts give a better idea of how many miles are needed to fly to and within regions of the world.  

Partner award travel now starts as low as 4,500 miles one-way for short trips, down from 7,500 miles. More than 60% of nonstop economy and business class redemptions start at a lower price. We’ve unlocked even more award flight availability, including additional options when connecting from an Alaska flight to a partner flight. Plus, premium economy seating with our partners now starts at just 30% more than an economy ticket.  

Alaska Airlines expands winter travel options with 18 exciting new sun and ski routes

This expansion offers our guests warm-weather escapes and a range of dream winter getaways, including our first-ever service to Vail, Colorado

Alaska Airlines is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing the travel experience this winter with 18 new nonstop routes to sun-soaked international destinations and winter wonderland retreats that will offer our guests a blend of adventure and relaxation. Tickets are available starting the evening of July 10, 2024 on alaskaair.com.

Click to download route map

We’re thrilled to offer convenient connection for guests across our network with this expansion—whether checking destinations off their bucket lists or setting off to their favorite winter getaways, we’ve put together an exciting range of options from tropical destinations across Mexico to the most popular ski slopes in North America,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines.

📍Vail | 📍Kelowna | 📍Reno

We’re delighted to offer guests more access to some of the world’s best ski destinations this winter, including our first-ever service to majestic Vail, Colorado from San Diego and Seattle.

Snow sports enthusiasts can also look forward to new nonstop service from Los Angeles to Kelowna for central British Columbia’s popular ski resorts; and nonstop service from San Diego to Reno for easy access to Lake Tahoe ski resorts.

Vail, Colorado
Kelowna, British Columbia
Lake Tahoe

📍Bozeman | 📍Santa Ana | 📍Orlando

For our guests who love adventure and exploration, we’re adding new winter-seasonal service between Boise and Bozeman, a gateway to Yellowstone National Park; and adding year-round service between Boise and Santa Ana, which is located near California’s most-loved theme park.

We’ll also start flying to Orlando from Boise and Sacramento for those who want to escape the winter blues and bask in Florida’s warmer weather while amusement park hopping.

Yellowstone National Park, Montana
Santa Ana, California
Orlando, Florida

📍Liberia, Costa Rica

We know our guests love sun-soaked destinations too, especially during the colder months. This winter, we’re thrilled to reaffirm our position as the largest U.S. carrier between the West Coast and Latin America with new nonstop service to Liberia, Costa Rica from San Francisco and Seattle—making this our 104th nonstop route out of Seattle. We began flying to Liberia in 2015 and are excited to connect even more West Coast guests with Costa Rica’s Gold Coast.

Liberia, Costa Rica
Liberia, Costa Rica
Liberia, Costa Rica
📍Guadalajara | 📍Los Cabos | 📍Puerto Vallarta

To cater to increased leisure demand to warm weather destinations during winter, we’re also adding new service to our most popular vacation spots in Mexico: we’ll become the first U.S. carrier to connect Fresno and Guadalajara with daily flights on our mainline aircraft; we’ll expand our presence in Los Cabos with five weekly nonstop flights from Sacramento; we will offer the only nonstop service between New York state and Puerto Vallarta; and more!

Guadalajara , Mexico
Los Cabos, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

📍La Paz, Mexico | 📍Monterrey, Mexico

Just last week, we announced we’ll become the only U.S. airline to offer La Paz, Mexico service and the only U.S. airline to fly between Monterrey, Mexico and Los Angeles.

La Paz, Mexico
Monterrey, Mexico

New Winter Routes in Order of Start Date:

Click table to enlarge

New Winter Routes in Order of Start Date: 

*Frequency varies—see AlaskaAir.com for the latest schedule information

Whether traveling for pleasure or business, our guests can take advantage of a premium travel experience on any Alaska flight with no change fees, the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class, the most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status, high-quality West Coast-inspired food and a premium selection of beverages.

Our guests can also buy tickets and earn Mileage Plan miles with our domestic and Global Partners directly at alaskaair.com.

*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats

Alaska Airlines is making it easier for you to plan your next trip while saving money and earning Mileage Plan™ miles.

Bundle flights, hotels, car rentals and experiences at Alaska Vacations, find deals on car rentals through Alaska Car Rentals and book your next adventure while earning 4 miles for every $1 spent on GetYourGuide.

Alaska Airlines honors US military with newest aircraft and Fallen Soldier Cart 

As the nation comes together to celebrate Independence Day, we’re proud to introduce two new tributes to the brave service members who protect our country: our fourth “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft and 16th Fallen Soldier Cart. 

The Fourth of July is a time to reflect on the freedoms we enjoy and to recognize the sacrifices made by military members. At Alaska, we are dedicated to honoring these heroes and their families in meaningful ways. We take seriously our responsibility to care for our military guests, and we prioritize it with every flight. 

Honoring Those Who Serve Aircraft 

We are proud to unveil our specially designed “Honoring Those Who Serve” aircraft. The design, which is almost identical to three of our other jets, features a new patriotic paint scheme with symbolic imagery representing all six branches of the US Armed Forces: Air Force, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Space Force.

From its star-spangled design to the heartfelt message emblazoned on its side, this aircraft is a flying tribute to the courage and dedication of those who serve today, and those who served in the past. 

Every time this aircraft takes to the skies, it serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by US military personnel. We hope our guests, employees and aviation enthusiasts alike will feel a sense of pride and appreciation when they see this aircraft in the air and on the tarmac. 

Fallen Soldier Cart 

In addition to our new aircraft, we recently delivered our 16th Fallen Soldier Cart to Nashville International Airport (BNA) on June 26. These dedicated carts, designed and crafted by Alaska’s Maintenance and Engineering department, are a solemn and respectful symbol that transports the remains of fallen service members, ensuring they are treated with the utmost dignity and respect. 

Alaska has dedicated this special cart to BNA for shared use among all airlines, as a gesture of respect and remembrance. The cart, in its first mission, transported the cremated remains of US Navy Vietnam veteran, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate, Roy Campbell. 

Alaska maintenance & engineering employees drove eight days, across 10 states and 2,632 miles to deliver a Fallen Soldier Cart to Nashville on June 26, where it will serve to honor military heroes at Nashville International Airport (BNA). 

In 2011, the Fallen Soldier Program was created to ensure military protocols are followed when handling the remains of fallen service members being flown to their final resting place on Alaska Airlines. The cart plays a pivotal role during the dignified ceremonies of loading and unloading the remains of fallen soldiers onto aircraft. 

This cart begins its most important duty today—doing what is on the side of our beautiful liveries—honoring those who serve, transporting our fallen heroes home to their final resting place with honor and dignity,” said Carlos Zendejas, Horizon VP of flight operations and Air Force veteran attending the delivery service. “Our hope is that this cart will also bring comfort to the family, friends and loved ones during that very difficult time.” 

Adorned with the American flag, the insignia of the six military branches, and a plaque honoring the fallen, our carts are a powerful tribute to those who have served our country. 

Alaska has Fallen Soldier Carts at the following airports: Anchorage, Dallas Fort-Worth, Fairbanks, Honolulu, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Nashville, Phoenix, Portland, San Antonio, San Diego, San Francisco, San Jose, Seattle, Spokane, Washington Reagan. 

This Fourth of July, as fireworks light up the sky and people gather to celebrate, we invite you to join us in paying tribute to our military heroes. At Alaska, we believe it is our duty to honor those who serve and are committed to doing so with the respect and gratitude they deserve. Learn more 

Alaska Airlines launches historic routes to La Paz and Monterrey, Mexico from Los Angeles 

This winter, we’re expanding our guests’ options with nonstop service to two exciting international destinations 

Alaska Airlines is excited to announce an expansion of our international network with two new Mexico destinations starting this winter. We’ll soon start flying between Los Angeles and breathtaking La Paz, as the only U.S. carrier serving the coastal Mexican destination. We’ll also become the only U.S. airline to offer daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and the bustling city of Monterrey when we begin service in February. 

During the winter months, our guests search for warm-weather travel destinations. Our new nonstop service to La Paz (LAP) and Monterrey (MTY) caters to that demand by offering our guests the perfect escape to sunny skies, a vibrant city experience and warm hospitality. It’s never too early to start booking your winter vacation. Tickets are available starting the afternoon of July 3 on alaskaair.com.  

We recently celebrated 35 years of service to Mexico and are proud to connect travelers with the rich culture and natural beauty of the country. We look forward to continuing to serve as the carrier of choice from the West Coast, especially as we prepare to start service to these popular destinations in Mexico,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning at Alaska Airlines. 

 

We’re proud to be the #1 U.S. carrier with the most flights, seats and nonstop routes to Mexico from the West Coast. This announcement continues our longstanding commitment and plans for growth in the region.

Our new nonstop service to LAP and MTY from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) enables guests to easily connect from cities across our network. From our hub at LAX, we continue to offer the most flights to the most destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean of any carrier – which includes almost 16 average daily departures this winter to 15 cities throughout the region. 

Click to enlarge table

La Paz, Mexico 

This year, we will become the only carrier offering nonstop service between the United States and La Paz where you’ll find some of the world’s best diving and sport fishing. We’re excited to offer flights year-round with service up to three times weekly. 

“We appreciate Alaska Airlines’ confidence in investing in the virtues of La Paz and providing it with the opportunity to expand its borders by connecting with the United States. Especially with its flight to Los Angeles, California, which we are sure will be a success,” said Maribel Collins, minister of tourism and economy of Baja California Sur.  “For the Government of Baja California Sur, tourism is one of the pillars that drives the state’s economy. Therefore, we are highly committed to promoting actions that benefit this important sector through our tourism trusts, which day by day seek alliances for the benefit of all.” 

“Connecting La Paz with Los Angeles is an important step for internationalizing this airport which has grown passengers significantly over the past three years.  We thank Alaska Airlines for offering this flight to one of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico and look forward to welcoming travelers to La Paz and continuing to provide greater ease for foreign tourists to visit this city,” said Raúl Revuelta Musalem, CEO of the Pacific Airport Group. 

Monterrey, Mexico 

We’re adding daily service from Los Angeles to Monterrey, Mexico’s second-largest metro area. The popular destination offers dramatic peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range and a vibrant food scene, including several Michelin-starred restaurants. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to one of the city’s many museums or satisfy your love for the outdoors with a visit to the Huasteca Canyon, a popular rock climbing area located on the outskirts of the city. 

We are pleased to announce that Alaska Airlines will begin operations from Monterrey Airport to Los Angeles, expanding its services from our airports along with Mazatlan and Zihuatanejo,” said Ricardo Dueñas, CEO of Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte. “Through LAX, this new route will offer access to new destinations on the West Coast, as we continue to increase international connectivity from Monterrey to meet both business and leisure travel demand.” 

Whether traveling for pleasure or business, our guests can take advantage of a premium travel experience on any Alaska flight with no change fees, the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class, the most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status, high-quality West Coast-inspired food and a premium selection of beverages. Our guests can also buy tickets and earn Mileage Plan miles with our domestic and Global Partners directly at alaskaair.com.  

Alaska Airlines is making it easier for you to plan your next trip while saving money and earning Mileage Plan miles. Bundle flights, hotels, car rentals and experiences at Alaska Vacations, find deals car rentals on Alaska Car Rentals and book your next adventure while earning 4 miles for every $1 spent on GetYourGuide. 

*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats  

Loading...