Not since 1918 has a total eclipse of the sun crossed the continental United States. But on August 21, 2017 history will again be made when a total solar eclipse is set to travel coast-to-coast for the first time in nearly 100 years.
An estimated 12 million people live in the path of totality, with millions more expected to travel to these areas for the event, which will last for a matter of minutes. But as with any natural phenomenon, a perfect view is not always a guarantee.
Alaska Airlines has been busy behind the scenes looking for ways to make the travel experience as seamless as possible for our guests. And knowing that adventures are even more fun with the right gear, we’re reducing the charge for most sporting equipment starting today.
Creating an airline people love is a bold goal, but if anyone is up for the challenge, it’s Alaska Airlines and Virgin America.
Today, Virgin America was named the “Top Domestic Airline” 2017 in Travel + Leisure “World’s Best Awards” for the 10th year in a row. In May, Alaska Airlines ranked highest in airline customer satisfaction among traditional carriers for the 10th consecutive year in the J.D. Power 2017 North America Airline Satisfaction Study.
As for the next ten years and beyond, the future is bright as these two airlines, with their innovative spirit and award-winning customer service, combine efforts and continue to push the status quo.
Here are 10 ways Alaska and Virgin America have shaken up the airline industry:
Living life by the California Bay with her family in tow, Madeline Lu isn’t afraid to add a touch of decadence to her photo feed. From cityscapes to epic crepes, Madeline captures exactly what we’re hungry for. She just returned from an Instagram takeover in Sitka, Alaska as part of Alaska’s Weekend Wanderer series. For more Weekend Wanderer posts, be sure to follow Alaska Airlines on Instagram.
Alaska Airlines is growing. Over the past five years alone, Alaska has added over 110 new markets, and with the acquisition of Virgin America late last year, now has more than 1,200 daily flights to 118 destinations across the United States, Mexico, Canada, Costa Rica and Cuba, plus an extensive portfolio of global partners.
As a result of this growth, Alaska and American Airlines have agreed to make some changes to their partnership beginning Jan. 1, 2018. American Airlines has been and continues to be a valued partner, and many of the benefits guests have come to enjoy will continue to be available.
As a native to the City of Angels, Mark Miller, won our hearts with endless photos of adventure, love, and delicious eats. Together with his boyfriend, Ethan, the two have mastered the element of exploration and taken Los Angeles by storm. Mark and Ethan just returned from an Instagram takeover in San Francisco, California for the Pride Parade as part of Alaska’s Weekend Wanderer series. For more Weekend Wanderer posts, be sure to follow Alaska Airlines on Instagram.
It used to be that a mile flown was a mile earned — and it still is with Alaska Mileage Plan. However, many other loyalty programs have switched to new models that issue miles based on the price of your ticket. Which is more rewarding to frequent travelers? I (and the powers that be at Alaska) believe it is the former, but to fully answer this question, I need to start by clarifying a few terms:
- Miles flown are straightforward. Most airlines will list the distance next to the ticket you’re looking to purchase.
- Elite qualifying miles are used to determine your elite status. You will typically earn EQM based on the miles flown, plus a bonus for certain fare classes.
- Award miles can be redeemed for a future flight. You will typically earn elite qualifying miles based on the miles flown, plus a bonus for certain fare classes and another for your elite status.
Daydreamer and San Luis Obispo, California native, Karen Grubb knows just how to bring adventure to our small screens with her amazing photography. From epic mountain scenes to dreamy deep forests, we’d follow her to any adventure. She is being featured as part of Alaska’s Local Wanderer series. Follow Alaska Airlines on Instagram as Karen gives you a glimpse of San Luis Obispo through her lens.
This Father’s Day, a special pair of pilots is scheduled to fly together for Alaska Airlines: Captain Nick Cosmakos and First Officer Niclina Cosmakos plan to work as a father-daughter flight crew on Sunday.
They are scheduled to fly together all month.
Niclina credits her love of flying to her father, and fondly remembers flying with him when she and her brother were kids.
“He had us in small airplanes flying out of Paine Field as far back as I can remember,” she said. “I really enjoyed the sensation of operating an aircraft, it was fun and challenging. I knew at 16 it was what I wanted to do as a profession.”
Alaska Airlines CEO Brad Tilden is one of more than 160 U.S. business leaders to sign a “diversity and inclusion pledge” this week, the latest effort by the company to embrace diversity in all its forms.
In signing, Tilden is committing Alaska Air Group to “to cultivate a workplace where different points of view are welcomed, where employees feel empowered to discuss tough issues at work, and where successful—and unsuccessful—practices can be shared across organizations.”
“Fostering diversity and inclusion is not only the right thing to do, it has the power to improve performance, drive growth and engage employees,” says Tilden.
