Alaska Air Group, now incorporating the Hawaiian Airlines brand, is set to transform Seattle into a global transpacific hub, with plans for extensive international and domestic expansion.

Alaska Airlines has introduced electronic bag tags for general purchase, following a successful trial that began in December 2022. Priced at $89, the tags aim to streamline the baggage check-in process, allowing travelers to skip the need for traditional printed tags at the airport.

Alaska Airlines is set to enhance its Mileage Plan program in 2025 by introducing milestone perks for members who reach specific thresholds between elite status levels. These perks, which include bonus miles, free meals, WiFi, lounge access, and even the ability to roll over Elite Qualifying Miles (EQMs), will offer added rewards for members beyond standard elite status achievements.

Alaska Airlines is set to reconfigure its narrowbody aircraft fleet to introduce more first-class and extra-legroom seats. The airline will reduce the space between economy seat rows from 31 inches to 30 inches, adding more premium seating options without reducing overall capacity.

Seattle, WA – Alaska Airlines has announced plans to increase the number of first-class and Premium Class seats on its Boeing 737-800, 737-900ER, and 737-9 Max aircraft. This initiative will see more than 200 planes retrofitted, with work starting this fall and expected to conclude by summer 2026.

Alaska Airlines welcomed guests to its new, state-of-the-art location in San Francisco International Airport's Harvey Milk Terminal 1 today, following a two-year, $30 million relocation project from Terminal 2. This move solidifies Alaska Airlines' position as SFO's largest carrier in the terminal, bringing a premium and enhanced guest experience to its approximately 5 million annual passengers.

New Facilities and Technology

Boeing has agreed to pay $160 million in compensation to Alaska Airlines for a significant incident that occurred on January 5, involving an exit plug blowout on a flight departing from Portland, Oregon. This compensation amount mirrors the pre-tax profit losses reported by Alaska Airlines due to the incident and the subsequent three-week grounding of its fleet of 65 Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft.

Incident Details and Aftermath:

Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, en route from Portland to California, was forced to make an abrupt turnaround on Friday afternoon due to a depressurization issue. This emergency situation occurred after a window and part of the fuselage appeared to tear off the aircraft, a Boeing 737-9 MAX.

In response to this alarming incident, Alaska Airlines has temporarily grounded its entire fleet of 65 Boeing 737-9 MAX planes to conduct comprehensive safety and maintenance inspections.

Alaska Air Group has announced a significant acquisition, agreeing to buy Hawaiian Airlines in a deal valued at $1.9 billion, including debt. This strategic move will see the combined entity retaining both airlines' distinct brands, deeply rooted in the U.S.'s 49th and 50th states.

Under the terms of the agreement, Alaska will pay $18 in cash for each share of Hawaiian, a notable increase from Hawaiian's closing stock price of $4.86 on Friday. The deal also encompasses $900 million in Hawaiian debt, bringing the total value of the acquisition to $1.9 billion.

West Coast travelers gain nonstop access to the Bahamas, plus expanded service to Mexico, starting this winter.

Get ready to swap your winter coats for beachwear! Alaska Airlines is brightening up your winter travel plans with its debut flights to the Bahamas, boasting nonstop journeys from both Los Angeles and Seattle. The airline is also expanding its service to Mexico, announcing new routes between Las Vegas and both Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. All these international flights are slated to begin operation in mid-December.