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Tag: Alaska Airlines

  • Olympic Pipeline shutdown forces Seattle flights to make unexpected fuel stops

    SEATTLE – With Tuesday projected to be the busiest travel day of the year, some Washington passengers are already facing detours and delays due to ongoing aviation fuel supply issues linked to a shutdown of the Olympic Pipeline.

    At Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, Alaska Airlines passengers Jeanette and Aly Huckins, traveling to Orlando, learned early Monday their flight would first stop in Pasco to refuel.

    “Today is different,” said Jeanette. “We were hoping to have a straight flight to Orlando to see our daughters and grandkids but now we have to stop in Pasco to fuel so we can get to Orlando.”

    The diversion is particularly stressful for Aly, traveling with her dog, Miles.

    “It’s just his first time flying so I’m a bit worried about the extended stay and no potty break,” she told FOX 13.

    Miles the Dog

    Despite the disruption, Jeanette said Alaska Airlines has handled communications well. 

    “They sent me a text just this morning saying they were stopping at PSC and I didn’t know where that was, so I looked it up and it said Pasco,” she said. “I knew about the pipeline so I thought, okay.”

    Similar diversion chatter has surfaced online, including a flight bound for Fort Myers that reportedly stopped in Pasco as well. Max Chandrasekaran shared a few hours prior to his departure Alaska notified him his flight was diverting to Bozeman. 

    “It was a rapid approach into Bozeman, descending 3,000 feet per minute,” explained Chandrasekaran. “Time was of the essence, and Horizon Air and McGee Air Services teams on the ground did a fantastic job of refueling us within 30 minutes. Nobody left the plane. Some people on the flight flew from BZN to SEA to connect to DCA from Seattle, only to fly back briefly to Bozeman!”

    What they’re saying:

    Aviation expert Scott Hamilton says passengers inconvenienced by the refueling issue might actually be better off stopping over in small airports.

    “So you land in Billings or Pasco, you’re at the terminal in a hurry, you’re filled up in a hurry and you can taxi out quickly,” explained Hamilton. “That’s why I hope the airlines would avoid these hub airports like the plague.”

    He warned the timing couldn’t be worse.

    “Tomorrow and Sunday are the busiest travel days of the year before and after Thanksgiving busier even than the Christmas holidays,” said Hamilton. “You’re going to be looking at the potential for a lot of disruption, a lot of delays. You just have to hope that people will be understanding and they will be patient.”

    Hamilton emphasized that the refueling challenges are beyond the control of the airlines. He pointed to a difficult year for the industry, with multiple IT issues and federal government shutdown impacts further straining operations.

    “This has been a tough year for the airlines and of course for the passengers,” he said.

    Pipeline Remains Shut Down

    East of Everett, crews are working around the clock to resolve the problem. BP reports the Olympic Pipeline remains shut down, with 200 feet of line excavated, but the source of the leak has yet to be identified.

    Olympic Pipeline leak near Everett

    “What the governor has done is he’s created an emergency order to allow truckers to drive longer on the highway to bring in by tank truck as much fuel as they can,” noted Hamilton.

    Along with Gov. Ferguson’s emergency actions, federal lawmakers are now getting involved.

    Senator Maria Cantwell released a statement calling on BP for transparency, saying:

    “The fact that a blueberry farmer, not BP, first identified the spill, and that it is still not known for certain which of the two pipelines is leaking, raises significant concerns about the capabilities of the Olympic Pipeline’s leak detection systems and the adequacy of your inspection and maintenance programs.”

    What’s next:

    Jeanette Huckins summed it up with a hopeful note as she prepared to travel Monday.

    “I’m just glad we’re leaving on Monday,” said Jeanette. “I would feel bad if it impacted anybody. I’m hoping they get it figured out.”

    Sea-Tac Airport officials emphasize that while the airport is the landlord and ensures refueling infrastructure is operational, it does not control airline fueling processes, flight operations, or security line management.

    Hamilton says flight crews are preparing to assist frustrated travelers even though the delays aren’t of their making.

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    To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

    Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

    The Source: Information in this story came from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, BP, Senator Maria Cantwell, and original FOX 13 Seattle reporting and interviews.

    Seattle-Tacoma International AirportSeattleNewsTravelAlaska Airlines

    Lauren.Donovan@fox.com (Lauren Donovan)

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  • Alaska Airlines to cancel flights at SEA Airport starting this Friday

    SEATAC, Wash. – Alaska Airlines is preparing to cancel flights at the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport starting this Friday, per new guidance from the Federal Aviation Administration.

    According to Alaska Airlines, the FAA directed 40 major U.S. airports to reduce flights starting Friday, Nov. 7, due to air traffic control shortages caused by the government shutdown, which has stretched into its 36th day.

    The directive is expected to remain in effect until further notice, most likely until the government shutdown is resolved.

    Dozens of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Horizon Airlines flights to be canceled

    Why you should care:

    Officials warns this will result in dozens of Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Airlines flights being canceled at SEA Airport starting this week.

    A tip from Alaska Airlines notes they will try to protect flights to and from smaller communities. Officials anticipate to only pull high-frequency flights from their schedule, meaning they can re-accommodate passengers “with as little disruption as possible.”

    What to do if you have a flight booked

    What you can do:

    Customers are encouraged to monitor their flight status if they have booked any trips in the near future, and your airline will contact you if there are any changes.

    For guests whose flights are canceled, Alaska Airlines says they will be reaccommodated on other flights as available or offered a full refund. Those whose flights are impacted will receive communication directly from Alaska and Hawaiian. 

    Alaska also issued a flexible travel policy that allows guests to adjust their travel during this uncertain time. Customers can check flights on the Alaska or Hawaiian app and can use the websites alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com to utilize self-service rebooking options.

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    To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

    Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

    The Source: Information in this story comes from a tip from Alaska Airlines, as well as a memorandum from Delta Airlines and previous coverage from FOX 13 Seattle.

    Alaska AirlinesTransportationNews

    FOX.13.Seattle.Digital.Team@fox.com (FOX 13 Seattle Digital Team)

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  • Alaska Airlines lifts ground stop after IT outage, SEA Airport flights affected

    SEATAC, Wash. – Alaska Airlines issued a system-wide ground stop for all Alaska and Horizon Air flights over an IT outage, causing hundreds of delays and cancellations.

    What we know:

    The ground stop was requested around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday after there was a reported failure at Alaska’s primary data center.

    Alaska said the outage impacted various operations, and a temporary ground stop was issued to keep its aircraft in position.

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport 

    The ground stop was lifted at about 11:30 p.m. PT Thursday.

    The IT outage was not a cybersecurity event, nor was it related to any other event, according to Alaska.

    What we don’t know:

    Travelers are asked to check their flight status before heading to the airport. Alaska is offering a flexible travel policy for customers affected by the IT outage.

    Since Thursday afternoon, Alaska had more than 229 flight cancellations at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, the company said. 

    On Friday morning, Alaska had 83 cancellations out of Sea-Tac, according to FlightAware. 

    Hawaiian Airlines and SkyWest Airlines flights are not affected by the ground stop, apart from those flying into Sea-Tac.

    Dig deeper:

    Alaska previously issued a ground stop at SEA Airport after an IT outage on July 20. It lasted about three hours and caused hundreds of flight delays and cancellations.

    This is a developing story. Check back for details.

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    To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

    Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

    The Source: Information in this story came from Alaska Airlines, the FAA and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. 

    Alaska AirlinesSeattle-Tacoma International AirportNews

    Will.Wixey@fox.com (Will Wixey)

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  • Seattle passengers frustrated with cancelled flights over Alaska Airlines ground stop

    SEATTLE – A ground stop of all Alaska Airlines flights left many passengers stranded for hours Thursday night.

    Passengers described it as a miserable experience, with one man calling the situation “insane.”

    FOX 13 talked to an aviation expert, who says when a fully integrated IT system like Alaska’s goes down, all flights have to be stopped.

    What they’re saying:

    “Flight got delayed, but I’d rather be on the ground rather be here than up there,” said Joe Foxx, whose flight was delayed until Friday.

    “We were about to board and got a text that our flight was canceled,” said Rikki Stenson. Her family’s flight was delayed. “We were supposed to be at Disneyland tomorrow morning.”

    Rikki shared a picture of the family waiting in an airport hallway for information on their flight. 

    Bennett and Finnley Stenson, her sons, said they were disappointed, but were happy that their mom had rebooked the trip on a different airline in order to fly out the next day.

    “I was a little bummed but at least we will get to go tomorrow morning,” they said.

    Lesley Yanak said her flight was canceled from Vegas to Pullman. She says she was on her way to board a plane by bus when the buses in the passenger transport caravans suddenly had to stop.

    “We couldn’t get out of the bus. There were probably five buses. We eventually were probably on there for 45 minutes. We pounded on the door so the driver opened the door so we could at least get some air,” she said.

    She gave us this photo of what people could see while waiting to get off the bus.

    “We boarded a flight to get to Kalispell. We were on the plane for two hours. They finally said, ‘Everybody is coming off the plane. Go down and get your bags,’” said Marilyn Stuart, whose husband is disabled. She says he has physical challenges that make the situation even more trying.  “We’ve been waiting for our bags for over two hours.”

    Aviation expert Mike Dunlop says Alaska has experienced similar situations like this in the recent past. 

    The backstory:

    Back in July, there was another system-wide ground stop, also stemming from an IT outage. That ground stop lasted around three hours. Dunlop tells FOX 13 that Alaska passengers could experience delays beyond the initial freeze on flights.

    “The problem is, crews have a maximum amount of time they can spend, then you have to find a replacement crew. Sometimes you have to find a replacement airplane, the logistics of these ground stops, if they last for any time at all, have a lot of repercussions all the way through the network, not even taking into account all the connecting flights,” said Dunlop, founder and CEO of Net-Inspect, a software company. 

    Dunlop says Seattle has a lot of connecting flights that come through the airport, so that is a challenge when there are ground stops initiated.

    He says that Alaska Airlines has grown very fast, and its systems might need to be further updated. 

    A spokesperson for SEA Airport said that the ground stop only impacted Alaska Airlines, and that airport operations and other airlines were not affected. 

    Alaska also said the IT outage was not a cybersecurity event, but was due to a failure at its primary data center. The airline also apologized and said it had a flexible travel policy in place to help passengers. 

    Here’s Alaska Airlines’ full statement:

    “Alaska Airlines is experiencing an IT outage that has resulted in a systemwide ground stop of Alaska and Horizon Air flights across our network, causing delays and cancellations. The IT outage does not affect Hawaiian Airlines flights. The issue began around 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 24, with a failure at our primary data center. The IT outage has impacted several of our key systems that enable us to run various operations, necessitating the implementation of the ground stop to keep our aircraft in position. The safety of our flights was never compromised.

    “The IT outage is not a cybersecurity event, and it’s not related to any other events.We deeply apologize to our guests whose travel plans have been disrupted today. We’re working to get them to their destinations as quickly as we can. For those who have a flight with us, please check your flight status before leaving for the airport. Also, a flexible travel policy is in place to support our guests.”

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    To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter.

    Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.

    The Source: Information in this story came from Alaska Airlines and FOX 13 Seattle reporting and itnerviews.

    Alaska AirlinesNewsTravelSeattle-Tacoma International AirportSeattle

    Jennifer.Dowling@fox.com (Jennifer Dowling)

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  • Alaska Airlines grounds flights across the nation due to IT outage

    Thousands of Americans hoping to get airborne found themselves stuck on the ground Thursday evening as Alaska Airlines experienced an IT outage that prevented any of its planes from taking off.

    “A temporary ground stop is in place,” the airline announced on social media at 4:20 p.m. “We apologize for the inconvenience. If you’re scheduled to fly tonight, please check your flight status before heading to the airport.”

    Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, where the carrier is based, reported 82 Alaska Airlines flight delays and 17 cancellations, according to Flight Aware. Los Angeles International Airport, meanwhile, reported eight Alaska Airlines flight delays and one cancellation.

    The outage marked the second time in recent months that IT issues prevented Alaska Airlines from flying. The airline grounded all flights for a three-hour period in July after a similar outage.

    As of 7 p.m. the outage remained in effect, and the airline said that it was actively working to restore operations. It did not provide any details on what was causing the tech problems.

    Customers have also reported problems with accessing the airline’s website and app.

    The airline flies to 40 destinations worldwide, including 37 states and 12 countries, according to its website.

    Clara Harter

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  • Alaska Airlines grounds all flights nationwide due to tech outage


    All Alaska Airlines flights were suspended Thursday evening due to a tech outage.

    The airline said in a statement provided to CBS News that it was “experiencing an IT outage affecting operations” and had “issued a temporary ground stop.” It did not elaborate on the nature of the outage or how long it might last. The exact number of impacted flights was also unclear. 

    Ground stops are issued by the Federal Aviation Administration, often at the request of airlines. 

    Alaska Airlines also operates Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air. According to the FAA’s advisory, the ground stop included Horizon Air. CBS News has reached out to the FAA for comment. 

    Alaska Airlines, one of the largest U.S. carriers, is primarily centered on the West Coast, but services 140 destinations worldwide, including 37 states and 12 countries, according to its website.  

    Air travel in the U.S. has experienced some stresses as a result of the government shutdown that started at the beginning of the October, with shortages of air traffic controllers causing flight delays at several airports.  

    This is a developing story and will be updated. 

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  • AmEx Offers: Alaska Airlines, Spend $300 & Get $60 Back – Doctor Of Credit

    Offer valid only on flight reservations made directly with Alaska Airlines online only at US website alaskaair.com or through the US Alaska Airlines app.

    Flights must originate in the US, including US territories, and be paid for in USD to qualify.

    Excludes in flight spend and electronic gift cards.

    Excludes hotels and rentals, car services, group travel, packages and travel insurance.

    Not valid on Flight Pass, Alaska trips, Company store, uniform purchases, Alaska Lounge membership, Alaska Lounge merchandise and day passes, purchase of points/miles, Alaska Air Cargo, Corporate managed travel, Alaska Airlines Freight and Alaska Lounges/Boardrooms at various locations.

    Offer valid only on purchases made in US dollars.Offer only valid on purchases made directly with the merchant. Offer not valid on purchases made using third parties, such as resellers, delivery services, or other intermediaries.

    Chuck

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  • Ex-Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut plane’s engines pleads guilty

    SAN FRANCISCO — A former Alaska Airlines pilot who tried to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit pleaded guilty or no-contest to all charges against him Friday, saying in court that he regretted endangering those on board as well as the damage he caused to his former profession.

    Joseph Emerson reached plea agreements with state and federal prosecutors to resolve the cases because he wanted to take responsibility for his actions and avoid further time behind bars, said his attorney, Noah Horst.

    Emerson was subdued by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023, while he was riding in an extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board.

    RELATED: Bay Area pilot indicted for allegedly trying to crash Alaska plane, avoids attempted murder charges

    He was sentenced in state court to 50 days in jail, with credit for time served, plus five years of probation, despite a presumption that the convictions would bring 16 to 18 months in prison. He is due to be sentenced in November in the federal case; his attorneys will recommend probation, while prosecutors will be able to argue for a sentence of up to one year in custody.

    “What Joseph Emerson did was reckless, selfish, and criminal,” Multnomah County deputy district attorney Eric Pickard said in a written statement Friday. “We should remember how close he came to ruining the lives of not just the 84 people aboard Flight 2059, but all of their family members and friends as well.”

    Emerson told Multnomah County Circuit Court Judge Cheryl Albrecht he recognized that he had caused harm not only to those on board, but to society at large by reducing confidence in air travel and to the airline professionals who perform excellent work every day.

    “It should not have happened, and I bear the responsibility for that,” he said.

    Emerson says his mental health and substance use played a role
    Emerson told police he was despondent over a friend’s recent death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadn’t slept in over 40 hours. He has said he believed he was dreaming at the time and that he was trying to wake himself up by grabbing two red handles that would have activated the plane’s fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines.

    The airline has said that other members of the flight crew had not observed signs of impairment that would have barred Emerson from the cockpit.

    A passenger on the flight, Alison Snyder, told the court the “consequences proposed today seem insufficient relative to Mr. Emerson’s choices and actions, regardless of his explanations or circumstances.”

    “Mr. Emerson knew he was not fit to fly, a requirement for sitting in the cockpit,” Snyder said. “Joseph Emerson’s behavior that day showed he lacks the judgment to be a pilot and should never be allowed anywhere near a flight deck ever again.”

    RELATED: Bay Area pilot, wife detail what happened before he allegedly tried to crash plane headed to SFO

    Snyder said she will never again feel as safe flying as she did before, and she called on federal authorities and the airline industry to adopt better policies regarding pilot mental health.

    In court Friday, Emerson reiterated that he had been unable to perceive reality for an extended period after taking the mushrooms, but “that doesn’t make this right,” he said.

    Emerson says the episode spurred him to become a better person

    Emerson also said he was grateful to the flight crew for restraining him and saving his life, along with those of everyone else on board. He called it “the greatest gift I ever got,” even though he lost his career and wound up in jail, because it made him confront his mental health challenges and reliance on alcohol.

    “This difficult journey has made me a better father, a better husband, a better member of my community,” he said. “Today I get to be the dad I was incapable of when I had to use alcohol to deal with life as life is.”

    Emerson, of Pleasant Hill, California, was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew. A state indictment in Oregon separately charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft.

    He previously pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and in December 2023 he was released from custody pending trial, with requirements that he undergo mental health services, stay off drugs and alcohol, and keep away from aircraft.

    On Friday, he pleaded guilty to the federal count and no-contest to the state charges, which carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

    The conditions of the state agreement include five years of probation, 664 hours of community service – eight hours for each person he endangered – and $60,569 in restitution, nearly all of it to Alaska Air Group.

    Half of his community service can be performed at a pilot health nonprofit Emerson founded after his arrest. He must also undergo assessments for drug and alcohol and mental health treatment, refrain from using any non-prescribed drugs, and keep at least 25 feet (7.6 meters) away from operable aircraft unless he has permission from his probation officer.

    ___

    Johnson reported from Seattle.

    Copyright © 2025 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.

    AP

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  • Ex-Pilot Accused Of Trying To Cut A Passenger Flight’s Engines Reaches Plea Deals – KXL


    Photo Courtesy Heather Roberts

    PORTLAND, Ore. – A former Alaska Airlines pilot accused of trying to cut the engines of a passenger flight in 2023 while riding off-duty in the cockpit entered guilty and no-contest pleas in federal and state courts on Friday as part of agreements with prosecutors.

    Joseph Emerson reached the plea agreements because he said he wants to take responsibility for his actions.

    He was subdued by the flight crew after trying to cut the engines of a Horizon Air flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco on Oct. 22, 2023, while he was riding in an extra seat in the cockpit. The plane was diverted to Portland, where it landed safely with more than 80 people on board.

    Emerson told police he was despondent over a friend’s recent death, had taken psychedelic mushrooms about two days earlier, and hadn’t slept in over 40 hours. He has said he believed he was dreaming at the time and that he was trying to wake himself up by grabbing two red handles that would have activated the plane’s fire suppression system and cut off fuel to its engines.

    Emerson, of Pleasant Hill, California, was charged in federal court with interfering with a flight crew. A state indictment in Oregon separately charged him with 83 counts of endangering another person and one count of endangering an aircraft.

    He previously pleaded not guilty to all the charges, and in December 2023 he was released from custody pending trial, with requirements that he undergo mental health services, stay off drugs and alcohol, and keep away from aircraft.

    On Friday, Emerson pleaded guilty to the federal count and no-contest to the state charges, which carries the same legal effect as a guilty plea.

    He will be sentenced for the federal charge in November.

    As for the state charges, a Multnomah County judge sentenced him to 50 days in jail, with time served, and 5 years probation. He must also serve 664 hours of community service and pay about $60,000 in restitution.

    Half of his community service can be performed at a pilot health nonprofit Emerson founded after his arrest.

    He must also undergo assessments for drug and alcohol and mental health treatment, refrain from using any non-prescribed drugs, and keep at least 25 feet (7.6 meters) away from operable aircraft unless he has permission from his probation officer.

    More about:


    Grant McHill

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  • The shortest flights in the us and why they exist

    When you picture air travel, you probably think of long waits, layovers that drag on and hours spent in the air. But not every flight covers hundreds of miles. Some routes are so quick that by the time you settle into your seat you are already preparing to land. These are some of the shortest commercial flights in the United States, why they operate and what makes them worth knowing.

    Kalaupapa to Ho‘olehua, Moloka‘i – about 9 miles

    Airline: Mokulele Airlines

    Often considered the shortest scheduled commercial flight in the country, this hop covers roughly nine miles. It links the isolated Kalaupapa community with Ho‘olehua on the same island. The alternatives are either a demanding hike or a boat ride, so this flight provides a practical and scenic solution. My friend Cranky flew it and wrote a report about the experience.

    Saipan to Tinian, Northern Mariana Islands – about 10 miles

    Airline: Star Marianas Air

    This inter-island service in the Northern Mariana Islands takes only about 10 minutes. With limited ferry access, the flight is a critical connection between the two islands. There is also a trip report available for this route.

    San Francisco to Oakland – just over 10 miles

    Airline: Occasionally part of a multi-leg trip

    This is one of the shortest distances between two major airports in the U.S. While it rarely runs as a standalone flight, it sometimes appears during repositioning or connecting operations. It is a stretch to include but it does happen.

    Kahului to Hana, Maui – around 33 miles

    Airline: Mokulele Airlines

    Driving the Road to Hana can take over two hours thanks to one-lane bridges and sharp turns. By air, the journey is about 15 minutes with sweeping views of waterfalls, cliffs and rainforest. A trip report covers the experience.

    Wrangell to Petersburg, Alaska – about 35 miles

    Airline: Alaska Airlines

    Part of the famous “Milk Run” in Southeast Alaska, this short hop connects two towns without road access. It takes about 15 minutes and offers rugged views of mountains and waterways. A video documents the entire flight.

    St. Thomas to St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands – about 40 miles

    Airline: Seabourn Airways

    This seaplane service between the Virgin Islands takes about 20 minutes. It is a key link for locals and visitors and comes with incredible views of the turquoise Caribbean Sea. A firsthand account of the flight is available.

    Juneau to Haines or Skagway, Alaska – about 45 miles

    Airline: Alaska Seaplanes

    These routes fly over glaciers and fjords with mountains all around. Traveling by car would mean a day’s journey plus a ferry, but the flight takes less than 20 minutes. The scenery is breathtaking.

    Hyannis to Nantucket, Massachusetts – about 30 miles

    Airline: Cape Air

    This popular summer route gets travelers from Cape Cod to Nantucket in about 15 minutes. Ferries run the same stretch but the flight is faster and offers great views. I’ve taken this flight myself on Cape Air and shared a trip report.

    Key West to Miami, Florida – about 125 miles

    Airline: American Airlines

    Although longer than some others here, this route still comes in under an hour. Driving the Overseas Highway can take four hours so the flight often saves time. I flew this trip years ago when US Airways still operated it and wrote about it.

    Los Angeles to San Diego, California – about 109 miles

    Airlines: United and American

    Flights between LAX and SAN last about 40 minutes. Sometimes driving is quicker but during heavy traffic or when passengers are making connections the flight makes sense.

    Bonus: helicopter transfers from Manhattan to JFK or Newark – about 17 miles

    Operators: Blade, Uber Copter and others

    These helicopters cut the trip to the airport down to under 10 minutes. They are expensive but they avoid traffic and offer a unique look at the city skyline. I have taken this ride a few times and shared a funny story from one of the trips.

    Why these flights exist

    Most of these short hops serve communities that are otherwise hard to reach. Mountains, islands or long stretches of road make flying the most efficient option. In other cases the flights simply save travelers hours while offering unforgettable views.

    The shortest flight I have personally taken was either between Papeete and Moorea or in Kenya where we made seven stops on the way to Tanzania which felt more like a bus service in the air.

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  • (Update) Bank of America Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card 100,000 Point Bonus – Doctor Of Credit

    Update 8/28/25: you can also get the extra 5,000 points bonus (105,000 total) with the same spend requirement by applying by phone at 800-392-2775 with priority code GAATB2. (ht MEAB)

    The Offer

    Direct link to offer

    • Bank of America has launched the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card with a 100,000 point bonus after $6,000 in spend within 90 days of account opening. Also includes a 25,000-point Global Companion Award

    Card Details

    • Receive a Global 100K Companion Award every year you spend 60,000 or more on purchases in that anniversary year
    • 8 Alaska Lounge passes (a $500+ value) and 8 Wi-Fi passes (a $60+ value) every year (2 of each per calendar quarter). Each pass is valid for your entire travel day and includes entry for up to two accompanying children.
    • A free checked bag and preferred boarding for you and up to six guests on the same reservation when you pay for your flight with your card
    • Receive an exclusive signature cocktail or elevated bar offering every time you visit an Alaska Lounge location (through 2026)
    • Up to a $120 Airport Security Statement Credit every four years in connection with the TSA PreCheck® or Global Entry trusted traveler programs
    • Same-day confirmed change fee waiver (excluding Saver fare)
    • Partner award booking fee waiver — Save up to $25 per person on every roundtrip flight. For a family of four, that’s $100 in savings
    • Travel delay protection — receive a $50 voucher for a same-day cancellation or delays of 2+ hours good for a meal or drink on us at the airport
    • Card earns at the following rates:
      • 3x points on Alaska/Hawaiian purchases
      • 3x points on dining
      • 3x points on foreign transaction purchases
      • 1x points on all other purchases
    • 10% rewards bonus on all points earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America® account
    • 20% back on all Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your qualifying card
    • 1 status point per $2 spent, and beginning with your first card anniversary, 10,000 status points awarded annually

    Our Verdict

    We’ve known about this card launching for some time, if you signed up for the 500 free miles last year you can also get another 5,000 free miles by applying through a link they will send you. Overall I don’t think this card is a keeper for most people due to the high annual fee, but could be attractive for the initial sign up bonus. The other Alaska cards also have a 80,000 point bonus currently as well. We will add this to our best credit card bonus page. Read these things everybody should know about Bank of America before applying. 

    William Charles

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  • Sign Up for Atmos Rewards Text Alerts and Receive 15% Discount Code

    Atmos Rewards 15% Discount Code

    Atmos Rewards 15% Discount Code

    Sign up for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines promotional text messages before Wednesday, August 27, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PT, and you will receive a discount code for 15% off a flight. Your code will be delivered via SMS on Thursday, August 28, 2025. 

    Just text FLY to 252752 to opt in now

    Important Terms

    Discount code provides 15% off published coach base fares available at alaskaair.com. Discount does not apply to taxes, fees, or surcharges. First Class fares and select Economy Class fare types are excluded. Valid only on flights operated by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines within North America, excluding service to or from Prudhoe Bay, Alaska (SCC). Discount is limited to published fare routings and subject to market availability; certain origin or destination cities may not be eligible. Flight schedules vary and service may not operate daily. Offer does not apply to codeshare flights. See full terms here.

    HT: Mark via email

    DDG

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  • Bank of America Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards Ascent 85k Points – Doctor Of Credit

    The Offer

    Direct link to offer (hat tip to US credit card guide)

    • Bank of America is offering 85,000 Alaska miles and a $99 companion fare after $4,000 in spend within the first 120 days 

    Card Details

    • Annual fee of $95 is not waived
    • Card earns at the following rates:
      • 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines tickets, vacation packages, and cargo purchases
      • 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit (includes ride share) purchases
      • 1x miles on all other purchases
    • Free checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account
    • Priority boarding benefit
    • 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases
    • $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card
    • Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year
    • This card will not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period. This does not apply to the business credit card product.

    Our Verdict

    Previously this card was often 70,000 miles or 70,000 miles + $100. This link is supposed to be in flight, but working elsewhere as well. Standard bonus on this card is currently 80,000 miles so this is an extra 5,000 really. Will be added to our best credit card bonuses. 

    William Charles

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  • Leaked Designs For Alaska Airlines Atmos Credit Cards (Ascent, Summit & Business) – Doctor Of Credit

    Reddit user Daninjorts has found the test shopping portal for Alaska Airlines and it contains the card names and art for the new Alaska Airlines credit cards. There will be three cards:

    It’s possible this is not the final card art, but the card names and Atmos branding tie in together so I wouldn’t be surprised if it is. 

    William Charles

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  • [Targeted] Bank of America Alaska Airlines 100,000 Mile Offer – Doctor Of Credit

    The Offer

    No direct link to offer, sent out via e-mail. Subject line is ‘Earn up to 100,000 bonus miles + Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare™’

    • Bank of America is offering up to 100,000 miles + companion fare on the Alaska Airlines card.
      • 50,000 miles + companion fare after $3,000 in spend within the first three months
      • Additional 50,000 miles after $8,000 total spend in the first six months

    Card Details

    • Annual fee of $95 is not waived
    • Card earns at the following rates:
      • 3x miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines tickets, vacation packages, and cargo purchases
      • 2x miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, cable, streaming services and local transit (includes ride share) purchases
      • 1x miles on all other purchases
    • Free checked bag for you and up to six other passengers on your reservation
    • No foreign transaction fees
    • Earn a 10% rewards bonus on all miles earned from card purchases if you have an eligible Bank of America account
    • Priority boarding benefit
    • 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases
    • $100 off an annual Alaska Lounge+ Membership when you pay with your new card
    • Get Alaska’s Famous Companion Fare from $122 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) each account anniversary after you spend $6,000 or more on purchases within the prior anniversary year
    • This card will not be available to you if you currently have or have had the card in the preceding 24 month period. This does not apply to the business credit card product.

    Our Verdict

    Incredible offer, unfortunately it’s targeted. Hopefully we see a public bonus like this soon.

    William Charles

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  • French bulldog dies on Alaska Airlines flight after downgrade to coach, lawsuit alleges

    French bulldog dies on Alaska Airlines flight after downgrade to coach, lawsuit alleges

    Tips for traveling with your pets


    Tips for traveling with your pets

    04:27

    A French bulldog died on an Alaska Airlines flight from New York to San Francisco earlier this year after the pet and its owner were moved from first class to coach just before takeoff, a lawsuit alleges. 

    The plaintiff, Michael Contillo, claims his nearly four-year-old French bulldog, Ash, died “as a direct and foreseeable consequence of the wrongful conduct” of the airline after he was moved to another part of the plane, according to the complaint.

    Contillo had bought first-class seats for himself and his father on a February 2024 flight so that his two French bulldogs could board early and have more space, alleges the suit, which was filed in San Francisco County Superior Court on Oct. 16.

    Along with purchasing tickets, Contillo had reserved space in first class for both dogs for an additional $100 each, according to the suit. He alleges that, although his dogs’ carriers complied with airline policies, just before the flight was set to prepare for take-off airline personnel asked him and his father to move from the fourth row in first class to a row in the main cabin “for safety purposes.”

    Contillo protested, saying that moving the dogs would make them “very anxious,” leading to “extremely dangerous” breathing and heart problems, according to the complaint, which alleged that he told airline staff that the change could be lethal. The suit claims the pair’s new seats gave the dogs less space to breathe and that airline employees ignored their concerns. 

    Ash, the dog who died, “started breathing very quickly and heavily, with noticeable anxiety” just before takeoff, according to the lawsuit. The airline told Contillo that the dog’s carrier needed to be closed, and he complied with the request.

    Contillo said he noticed Ash had stopped moving, but that he had to wait for the plane to ascend to a certain altitude before he could check on his pet. By the time Contillo disembarked in San Francisco, Ash was in rigor mortis, suggesting that he had died hours earlier, the suit claims. 

    “The entire flight crew, including the pilot, deboarded the plane and showed no sympathy for the plaintiff’s dog’s loss. No one stopped to show concern, offer condolences or show the slightest bit of compassion,” the lawsuit alleges.


    Tips for reducing pet stress and anxiety while traveling

    03:22

    Prior to the flight, Contillo had the two dogs evaluated, and both were determined fit to fly, the suit claims, noting that Ash was “a very healthy and active dog with no history of illness or surgeries.”

    Contillo, who blames his dog’s death on the airline’s “unjustifiable” seat change, is suing Alaska Air for breach of contract, negligence, negligent hiring and supervision, and negligent infliction of emotional distress. He is seeking punitive damages to be determined at trial. 

    “Alaska Airlines employees should have known the requirements needed to avoid that happening,” the lawsuit states. 

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  • Alaska Airlines Sale with Flights from $49 or 4,000 Points One-Way

    Alaska Airlines Sale with Flights from $49 or 4,000 Points One-Way

    Alaska Airlines Sale

    Alaska Airlines has launched a new fare sale today, offering discounts for cash and award bookings. 

    All guests can land fares from $49 one-way, while Mileage Plan members can also book flights starting from just 4,000 mile.

    In order to take advantage of this sale, you need to book your flights by October 10, 2024. Travel must take place between October 29, 2024–March 5, 2025. Restrictions apply.

    You can see the promotion page here. Just select your departure city to get started, and you will see a list of deals available.

    Important Terms

    • Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days.
    • These fares are nonrefundable and are only available on flights marketed by Alaska Airlines for travel on Alaska Airlines, Horizon Air, or SkyWest. 

    DDG

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  • [Fixed] Hawaiian/Alaska Transfers Not Working If You Have A 2 Letter First/Last Name – Doctor Of Credit

    [Fixed] Hawaiian/Alaska Transfers Not Working If You Have A 2 Letter First/Last Name – Doctor Of Credit

    Update 9/27/24: This has now been fixed.

    Yesterday Hawaiian/Alaska transfers went live. Some users reported receiving the following error:

    You are not eligible for this exchange. Please check the FAQ section for more details or contact your Loyalty provider

    According to datapoints collected on reddit this appears to be occurring if you have a two letter first OR last name. I assume this will be fixed but it’s good to know for those that are affected by this.

    William Charles

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