Latest news with #AlaskaAirlines
Business Journals
a day ago
- Business
- Business Journals
Alaska Airlines Lounge+ memberships help busy travelers relax, refuel
As a business traveler on the road about a third of his time, Brian M. Westbrook has developed a fine-tuned preflight routine. His favorite stop on his checklist: The Alaska Lounge, his 'oasis of calm' at the airport. Westbrook is a longtime Alaska Lounge+ member who regularly enjoys the relaxing environment in Alaska Airlines' West Coast lounges, as well as access to 90 partner lounges around the world. His work as a storyteller, event emcee/producer and technologist includes advocating for the digital guest experience at Alaska Airlines and keeps him flying at the airline's highest level – MVP Gold 100K status. Westbrook's Alaska Lounge+ membership allows him to make the most of his time at the airport before a flight and during connections. 'I know when I arrive early, I can treat myself to an hour in the lounge,' he said. One of Westbrook's favorite stops is the new 11,000-square-foot Alaska Lounge that opened in San Francisco International Airport's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 (SFO) in July 2024. The inviting design includes TalkBox® booths for private calls, as well as zones offering quiet nooks for working, a stylish bar to enjoy a craft beer or specialty cocktail and comfortable 'Signature Loungers' with views featuring floor-to-ceiling windows. Charging outlets are available at nearly every seat. expand As a self-described #avgeek, Westbrook especially appreciates the views of the gates throughout the SFO lounge. 'I love that I can watch the planes from anywhere,' he said. 'It's a fun way to stay connected to the airport.' This year, the Alaska Lounge at Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport also was updated with double the seating, Signature Loungers and a design that takes inspiration from local artists. And a larger Alaska Lounge at Portland International Airport will open in 2026 — part of the airline's commitment to expanding its premium experience across its growing global network. 'Providing an elevated travel experience across all of our Alaska Lounges is just one way to show we care for our guests and thank them for their loyalty,' said Todd Traynor-Corey, vice president of guest products and experience, Alaska Airlines. Here are a few of the reasons that, regardless of his destination, you'll find Westbrook landing in an Alaska Lounge along the way: Fresh foods and thoughtful beverage choices All Alaska Lounge locations feature an inspired selection of fresh foods, along with complimentary local beers and wines, specialty cocktails, non-alcoholic beverages, and barista-crafted coffee. (At SFO, the coffee is roasted by the city's Ritual Coffee Roasters — and Westbrook will take his iced, please.) The SFO lounge also offers sourdough bread and spreads, and candy jars full of San Francisco treats. Westbrook is a longtime fan of the 'pancake printer' found in every Alaska Lounge, but his pro tip is for the lunch and dinner crowd. 'My biggest joy is the soup,' he said, calling out chicken with wild rice and turkey sausage lasagna as his top choices. He regularly posts a #SoupReport on Instagram and X. 'I like knowing I can pick up a good, healthy bite that I've already paid for,' Westbrook said. Exciting network growth and oneworld Alliance access In addition to the Portland lounge expansion coming in 2026, Westbrook is looking forward to new Alaska Lounges coming to Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport and San Diego International Airport, along with an international Alaska Lounge planned for Sea-Tac International Airport in Seattle in the next few years. In the meantime, he's also making the most of his Lounge+ membership, which allows him to visit partner lounges around the world. 'Throughout the oneworld network, I have access,' he said. The most caring service Far and away, it's the concierges and staff in the Alaska Lounges who are the biggest draw for Westbrook. 'These are Alaska Airlines employees who know the system, love to travel and talk about the cool places they've been,' he said. He regularly relies on Alaska employees for travel tips — most recently for a Northern Lights tour out of Fairbanks, Alaska. 'The single most important benefit is the people,' he said. 'They all really care about my full journey.' Become an Alaska Lounge or Lounge+ member: Lounge members can enjoy our Alaska Lounges in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Anchorage and New York (JFK). Lounge+ membership includes access to 90 partner lounges around the world. Both membership levels allow members to bring two guests or family members into the lounge. Learn more.
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Why are airlines changing check-in rules?
If you're traveling this summer, brace yourself for an important shift in airport check-in rules. Airlines are updating their check-in deadlines in real-time, signaling a new era of tighter airport schedules in hopes of improving on-time departures. But what exactly do these new check-in policies mean for you as a traveler? Why are they happening now? And what can you do to make sure you don't miss your flight? Earlier this year, Delta Air Lines adjusted its domestic check-in cutoff from 30 minutes to 45 minutes before departure for most U.S. flights. International flights still require check-in at least 60 minutes before departure, but the window to check bags has also tightened in some airports. This week, United Airlines silently updated their check-in policy: passengers must now check in no later than 45 minutes prior to takeoff for domestic flights. The airline said the change aims to bring greater consistency across its operations and align more closely with other major carriers. These aren't isolated updates. Other carriers, including American Airlines and Alaska Airlines, have also been reinforcing existing policies or sending reminders to travelers about the importance of early arrival, indicating a broader industry push toward punctuality. The move to stricter check-in policies isn't arbitrary. Airlines are facing mounting pressure to improve on-time performance and reduce costly delays, especially as travel rebounds post-pandemic. Here's why it matters: Tighter schedules, bigger crowds: With more flights and fuller planes, a few late passengers can trigger a domino effect of delays, costing airlines money and frustrating travelers. Gate congestion: Airlines want to avoid last-minute baggage drops and rebookings that cause congestion at gates and customer service desks. On-time performance metrics: The Department of Transportation (DOT) tracks and publishes on-time arrival rates. Poor performance can damage an airline's reputation and customer loyalty. In short, when passengers check in late, it doesn't just affect their own flight; it can ripple across the entire day's schedule. With airlines enforcing stricter policies, it's more important than ever to arrive early and understand the fine print of your carrier's rules. Here are a few traveler-friendly tips from Gate Access: Most airlines allow online check-in 24 hours before departure. Doing this ahead of time reduces time spent at airport kiosks and lets you spot any travel alerts. Try setting a calendar reminder on your phone to send you a notification to check in early. Doing so can also improve your boarding group for some airlines. Airlines recommend arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. This is especially critical if you're checking bags. And don't forget: TSA screening lines can be a major variable. Even with TSA PreCheck, some airports report wait times as long as 30–45 minutes during peak hours. Regular security lines can take even longer. To avoid surprises, visit your airport's website ahead of your flight; most now offer real-time TSA wait time estimates. Knowing this data can help you better plan your arrival time and reduce stress. Even if you're checked in online, bag drop counters close at the same time as check-in deadlines. Showing up late with a bag means you could be denied boarding. These apps often send push notifications with updates on gate changes, boarding times and policy changes. Ultimately, early arrival isn't just about airline check-in deadlines — it's about building in margin for TSA and other variables that can't be controlled once you step into the terminal. Awareness is key The worst time to find out you've missed the check-in window is when you're standing in front of a closed bag-drop counter. With check-in rules becoming stricter across the board, travelers can no longer believe in 'airport theory'. If you're flying Delta, United or any major U.S. carrier this year, assume you need to be checked in at least 45 minutes before departure — and ideally, much earlier. The days of rolling up to the airport 30 minutes before your flight are officially over. For families, seniors and those who need extra assistance, services like TSA Cares can help smooth the experience, offering personalized security support and expedited help through the airport. Ultimately, being informed is your best defense against delays. A few extra minutes in arrival can mean the difference between a relaxing trip and a travel nightmare.
New York Post
3 days ago
- New York Post
Ailing grandpa on ‘bucket list' trip gets heartwarming note from flight attendant: ‘Grace and kindness'
An Alaska Airlines flight attendant moved people to tears after giving an elderly man a heartfelt note on his last trip before he passed. The touching sendoff was detailed in a Reddit post that the deceased's granddaughter penned to the carrier. 'Just wanted to say thank you — and to let you know how much small gestures really mean,' she wrote. Advertisement According to the post, the 87-year-old traveler suffered from 'late-stage heart failure' and wanted to visit Alaska before he passed. 3 'He didn't get to see everything, but he made it to Alaska,' gushed the Redditor while recounting her grandpa's (not pictured) final hurrah. 'And Alaska Airlines helped get him there with grace and kindness.' Getty Images '[He] had always dreamed of seeing Alaska,' his bereaved grandchild wrote. 'It was #1 on his bucket list.' Advertisement As her grandfather realized he didn't have much time left, the stalwart senior reportedly told his granddaughter that he wanted 'to see the mountains one last time.' So, determined to honor his final wish, the dying man and his progeny booked an Alaska Airlines trip from Seattle, Washington, to Juneau. 3 Alaska Airlines reps said they are working to confirm the moving saga and also identify the flight attendant who wrote the letter. Anadolu via Getty Images The Redditor wrote that the flight was 'quiet' and that her grandpa spent 'most of it staring out the window, holding my hand.' Advertisement Their trip took a unique turn when a perceptive flight attendant 'noticed how emotional he was.' She 'gently asked if everything was okay,' prompting his granddaughter to fill her in on his last hurrah. Upon hearing this, the conscientious crewmember smiled, nodded and disappeared down the aisle, before returning with a pair of Alaska Airlines wings and a handwritten note. It read, 'We're honored to fly with you today. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey.' 3 '[He] had always dreamed of seeing Alaska,' his bereaved grandchild wrote. 'It was #1 on his bucket list.' ImageHit – Advertisement The elderly traveler was so moved by the gesture that he held onto the note for the whole trip. After the adventurer 'passed away peacefully' three weeks later, the family placed the note in his coat pocket during the funeral. 'He didn't get to see everything, but he made it to Alaska,' gushed the granddaughter. 'And Alaska Airlines helped get him there with grace and kindness.' Alaska Airlines reps told Newsweek that employees are working to confirm the moving saga and also identify the flight attendant who wrote the letter — whom they hope to honor for her 'service and compassion.' 'We are deeply moved to hear how this moment resonated with the family,' they said. 'At Alaska, we are incredibly proud of our flight attendants and all employees who lead with heart and empathy.' The air carrier added, 'While we can't speak to this individual moment without further verification, we can say that recognizing acts of kindness is core to our internal culture.' Advertisement The post also elicited waterworks across Reddit. 'What a positive memory for you, so glad the attendant made the small gesture that meant so much to your grandpa,' wrote one. 'Good on you for taking him to see Alaska [to] make that bucket list trip come true!
Newsweek
3 days ago
- General
- Newsweek
Man, 87, on 'Bucket List' Trip Not Prepared for Note He Gets From Flight Attendant
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. When an elderly man boarded an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to Juneau, Alaska, his travel companion knew the journey carried special weight. The 87-year-old passenger, facing late-stage heart failure, had long dreamed of visiting the state, telling his granddaughter, "I just want to see the mountains one last time." According to the original poster (OP) on Reddit, the quiet flight soon took a touching turn thanks to one observant crew member. Touching Note The granddaughter wrote that her grandfather spent the flight holding her hand and gazing out the window. A flight attendant—possibly named Tara or Taryn—noticed and approached them gently to check in. After hearing that the trip was part of the man's bucket list, she returned with a set of Alaska Airlines wings and a handwritten note. It read: "We're honored to fly with you today. Thank you for letting us be part of your journey." Stock image: Elderly man in an airport. Stock image: Elderly man in an airport. ajr_images/iStock/Getty Images Plus According to the OP, the man carried that note for the rest of the trip. He passed away peacefully three weeks later and the family buried him with the message in his coat pocket. Approached for comment, a spokesperson for Alaska Airlines told Newsweek that while the carrier's staff members are working to confirm the details and identify the flight attendant involved, "We are deeply moved to hear how this moment resonated with the family and your readers. "At Alaska, we are incredibly proud of our flight attendants and all employees who lead with heart and empathy," the spokesperson continued. "While we can't speak to this individual moment without further verification, we can say that recognizing acts of kindness is core to our internal culture. "We have several programs in place—from peer-nominated awards to leadership shout-outs—that celebrate employees who live our values of service and compassion." Reactions from fellow users on Reddit were swift and emotional. One wrote simply, "Wow! Goose bumps!" Another added, "I'm chopping onions again." A third shared, "I am so sorry about you losing your grandpa... but what a beautiful memory you gave him." Another contributor, reflecting on her own experience, commented, "[Alaska Airlines] has many, many lovely flight attendants and I'm getting to know more now. Not surprised to hear about this gesture. "Many good days to you and thank you for sharing." 'Share feedback' While the moment described might have been brief, it left a lasting impact, capturing how frontline airline workers can leave deep impressions with small acts of attention. As highlighted in Alaska Airlines' feedback portal, the company actively encourages passengers to share stories of both praise and concerns. Their site states: "We are always striving to be better. "Share feedback on what we did well, what we could have done better, or any ideas that will make Alaska Airlines the best place to fly." The airline invites notes not only for general travel experiences, but also for accessibility and mileage plan suggestions. Airplane Etiquette Broader conversations about in-flight conduct and courtesy often take off on the forum. A Newsweek article exploring a YouGov poll on airplane etiquette found that 45% of Americans believe passengers should remove headphones when speaking to crew, while a strong majority expect basic civility during flights. That survey revealed a desire for kindness from both crew and fellow passengers, echoing the respect shown in this story. A Redditor shared with the OP in the thread that they can, "Only imagine the mountains and wonders," that the grandfather is now experiencing. "It's great that Alaska was able to give him a quick glimpse of even bigger things to come," they mused. Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via Reddit. Newsweek's "What Should I Do?" offers expert advice to readers. If you have a personal dilemma, let us know via life@ We can ask experts for advice on relationships, family, friends, money and work, and your story could be featured on WSID at Newsweek. To read how Newsweek uses AI as a newsroom tool, click here.
New York Post
3 days ago
- General
- New York Post
Cause of failed Alaska Airlines landing gear that sent passengers screaming revealed
Nearly two years after passengers screamed while sparks flew down a runway during the landing of an Alaska Airlines flight, the cause has been revealed. A final report by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) released on Tuesday points to 'incorrect' maintenance work. Advertisement The flight, which departed from Seattle, Washington, made a hard touchdown in Santa Ana, Calif., during Tropical Storm Hilary after the left main landing gear collapsed on touchdown. Video recorded by a passenger captured the plane slamming into the ground at high speed. Sparks were seen flying as the plane appeared to drag its left wing along the tarmac. Investigators revealed that the incident was caused by a 'fatigue crack' of a metal trunnion pin, which is part of the left landing gear. The fracture formed from excessive grinding during a 2018 maintenance overhaul, which introduced heat damage to the metal. While the crack was initially not visible, it grew over time and ultimately 'caused the pin to fracture during landing,' the NTSB report said. Advertisement 5 First responders help passengers disembark the Alaska Airlines 737 after the rough landing at John Wayne Airport on Aug. 20, 2023. Orange County Fire Authority 5 Alaska Airlines flight 1288 sits on the tarmac after Orange County Fire Authority 'Results of this examination and previous NTSB investigations demonstrate that even relatively mild heat exposure from grinding and/or machining during overhaul can lead to cracking, which can lead to fatigue crack growth and failed landing gear components, as occurred in this accident,' the report stated. The report added that the pin had endured more than 4,000 landing cycles since undergoing the 2018 maintenance work. Advertisement The crack itself had likely been present for approximately 800 landing cycles, the NTSB found. 5 A passenger aboard the flight captured the moment the plane sparked during the landing. bhi Amineni/Youtube 5 Sparks and smoke shoot off the plane after the landing in Orange County, California. bhi Amineni/Youtube Although the aircraft sustained substantial damage from the hard landing, all 112 passengers and crew members were able to deplane safely and without injury. Advertisement Alaska Airlines previously said, 'our focus is taking care of our guests who were on board, including retrieving their checked bags.' 'We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate their patience during this situation.' 5 Although the aircraft sustained substantial damage from the hard landing, all 112 passengers and crew members were able to deplane safely and without injury. Orange County Fire Authority Alaska Airlines did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Fox News Digital. Fox News' Chris Pandolfo contributed to this report.
