I spent the weekend in Seattle, flying up on Friday and back on Sunday. Oddly, for me at least, the weekend included no flights on United. It was strangely liberating to fly from Burbank to Seattle on Alaska on...
I Simply Don’t Understand Alaska Airlines…
Alaska Airlines has debuted its new first class seat to replace the spacious seats on the ex-Virgin America Airbus fleet. Frankly, the seat is disappointing and Alaska’s strategy is perplexing. Alaska will refresh the interiors of the Airbus fleet in...
My First Meal On Alaska Airlines
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. Remember when...
John Kasich Poaches First Class Seat After Involuntary Downgrade
A comedian has alleged that former Ohio governor John Kasich poached her first class seat and refused to get up after being involuntarily downgraded on an Alaska Airlines flight. Comedian Julie Klausner claims that Kasich was downgraded after Alaska needed...
Why Alaska Airlines Objected To A Local Fashion Show
Alaska Airlines is happy after a Juneau fashion show changed the theme name of its upcoming event. Each year, the Juneau Arts and Humanities Council stages a fashion show in the Alaska capital of Juneau. Alaska Airlines is a...
The Great Oneworld Mystery
Wednesday will be a big day for the oneworld alliance, as it announces a new member in New York. But which carrier(s) will oneworld welcome into the club? Royal Air Maroc? The safest assumption is that Royal Air Maroc...
My 1st First Class Meal On Alaska Airlines
Each week, my Meal of the Week feature examines an airline meal from my travels over the years. This may be a meal from earlier in the week or it may be a meal served over a decade ago. This week’s...
Miniature Horses Are Welcome On Alaska Airlines, Possums Are Not
Alaska Airlines’ updated onboard animal policy has entered into effect and the list of approved animals has been substantially narrowed down. Your dog and cat are still welcome as service animals. So is your miniature horse. That’s it. Miniature...
United Wants Fewer 1Ks, I’ll Oblige
United announced on Friday afternoon that they would increase the spending requirement for their 1K (100,000-mile elite) members from $12,000 per year to $15,000. This is an effort to thin the herd as they have too many top-tier elite...
Pittsburgh Quietly Losing Routes Despite Additions
Pittsburgh has made big headlines over the last five years as they try to grow their footprint back from near obsolescence. However, as announcement after announcement comes from Steel City, the airport is quietly losing routes too. If you...
Alaska Airlines Cuts Pre-Flight Alcohol in First Class…For Now
If you want to enjoy an alcoholic beverage before your flight, it may be best to avoid Alaska Airlines. At least for now. In fact, complimentary alcohol has been missing since August 01st. Spokeswoman Ann Johnson told USA Today this...
Horizon Airplane Stolen – Imagining The Investigation
On Friday night a Horizon Air (Alaska Airlines commuter subsidiary) was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. While details remain incomplete, I imagined the investigation that would follow such an event, here are my thoughts of what has taken place....
Commercial Aircraft Stolen From Seattle, F-15s Pursue, Pilot Commits Suicide
A Horizon Air Q400 turbojet was stolen from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport then crashed 25 miles away as it was being pursued by F-15s. Sadly, this is not a joke. Alaska Airlines, of which Horizon is a subsidiary, initially issued this...
Let’s Give Alaska Airlines The Benefit Of The Doubt
Alaska Airlines has taken a lot of heat this week over an allegation that it deliberately separated a gay couple onboard a New York to Los Angeles flight so a straight couple could sit together. But I’m ready to...
Sun Country Airlines Challenges Alaska Airlines in Portland
Sun Country Airlines is continuing its expansion beyond Minneapolis with service from Portland, Oregon to five new cities, including Honolulu. If Portland sounds far from Minneapolis, it is…1,426 miles to be exact. But the “new” Sun Country is looking...
Exchanging Free Business Class For Paid
Though we already had our Christmas tickets purchased, a change in the plans thanks to Hotwire.com had us swap in our “free” (paid with miles) tickets for reasonably-priced business class tickets. If you are considering booking travel or signing up for...
Alaska Airlines Is Ditching What Made It Special
Alaska Airlines is praised for its customer-friendly policies and lack of nickel and diming. But that unique position continues to erode. Starting on June 05, 2018, Alaska Airlines will make three major fee changes. 1. 24-hour free change/cancellation policy...
Latest Alaska Devaluation Was Bizarre Overreaction
Have you ever heard the old adage, “Don’t throw the baby out with the bathwater?” That’s what Alaska Airlines just did in its latest Mileage Plan devaluation. Alaska Airlines now blocks partner redemptions on Cathay Pacific and JAL within...
Prosecutors Allege Alaska Airlines Pilot Flew Drunk for 20 Years
A former Alaska Airlines pilot will plead guilty and serve one year in prison for flying a plane while under the influence of alcohol. But prosecutors paint a grim picture of what could have happened. David Hans Arntson, 62, flew...
Disgusting: FAs Indifferent to Sexual Harassment on Alaska Airlines
The recent wave of sexual harassment allegations is transforming the U.S. landscape and emboldening more every day to come forward with their stories. But such treatment, generally against women, persists…and some practices die hard. Like on Alaska Airlines… I...