Thursday, April 8, 2010
Hawaiian Airlines Position
Passengers trust the impeccable record and diligence of Hawaiian Airlines as a gateway and a getaway to the South Pacific because they ensure that the adventure getting there is as relaxing, fun, and memorable as the destinations.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Virgin Statement
We are a new and upcoming airline that cares about the well fare of our environment, reinventing domestic air travel and making flying good again; all while providing competitive fares in the continental United States.
History of Alaska Airlines-Key Points
For more than 75 years, Alaska Airlines and its people have been guided through thick and thin by a shared commitment to integrity, caring, resourcefulness, professionalism and spirit. Especially spirit - an Alaskan spirit, born in the land the airline is named after - a place where "can-do" and "neighbor-helping-neighbor" are facts of life.
The foundation of this success was laid in 1932, when Mac McGee started flying his three-seat Stinson between Anchorage and Bristol Bay, Alaska (his plane had McGee Airways painted on the side). Finances were tight, but perseverance ruled the day—Mac and his team often worked round-the-clock, even though the next paycheck might be weeks away.
A merger with Star Air Service in 1934 created the largest airline in Alaska. After several more mergers, the name was changed a couple of times—until they found one that stuck: Alaska Airlines.
By the late 1940s, using surplus military aircraft, Alaska had branched into worldwide charter work, including the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and Operation Magic Carpet, the airlift of thousands of Yemenite Jews, to Israel in 1949. Known as the lost tribe of Israel, they had wandered the deserts for at least two centuries after being driven out of Palestine. Ironically, their faith included a prophecy that they would be returned to their Holy Land on the wings of eagles. They thought that the plane was this, so they painted an eagle above the door of the aircraft to reassure the jews as they climbed aboard.
The airlines other great adventure of the late 1940's was the Berlin Airlift. It was a very dangerous operation, planes were often shot at and weren't allowed to land on arab soil as the crew and passangers would all be killed. Days often lasted between 16 and 20 hours and the one-way flights, in twin-engine C-46 or DC-4 aircraft, covered nearly 3,000 miles.
In the late 1960s, Alaska strengthened its operating base by merging with Alaska Coastal-Ellis and Cordova airlines, legendary Southeast Alaska carriers.
When Fairbanks businessmen Ron Cosgrave and Bruce Kennedy came on board in 1972, the airline was in a financial fight for its life. They went to work setting goals and bringing people together. They won back the trust of creditors and improved on-time performance. One break that went their way was the construction of the trans-Alaska Pipeline; carrying supplies, equipment and workers gave Alaska a shot in the arm.
Bottom line, customer service became key in this new era. And it put the airline on course for what would be a nearly unprecedented record in the industry: 19 straight years of profitability.
In 1979, the airline industry was deregulated. For many carriers, this was the end of the road. For Alaska, it was a new beginning. The airline expanded methodically throughout the West Coast and in 1987 joined forces with two carriers similarly committed to outstanding customer service - Horizon Air and Jet America.
By the end of the 80s, Alaska had tripled in size. Its fleet had increased five-fold. And the route map included scheduled service to Mexico and Russia.
In 2001, it set its sights eastward with new service to Washington, D.C., and hasn't looked back since, establishing footholds in other major East Coast and Midwestern cities. More recently, the smiling Eskimo headed west across the Pacific Ocean with new service to Hawaii.
The foundation of this success was laid in 1932, when Mac McGee started flying his three-seat Stinson between Anchorage and Bristol Bay, Alaska (his plane had McGee Airways painted on the side). Finances were tight, but perseverance ruled the day—Mac and his team often worked round-the-clock, even though the next paycheck might be weeks away.
A merger with Star Air Service in 1934 created the largest airline in Alaska. After several more mergers, the name was changed a couple of times—until they found one that stuck: Alaska Airlines.
By the late 1940s, using surplus military aircraft, Alaska had branched into worldwide charter work, including the Berlin Airlift in 1948 and Operation Magic Carpet, the airlift of thousands of Yemenite Jews, to Israel in 1949. Known as the lost tribe of Israel, they had wandered the deserts for at least two centuries after being driven out of Palestine. Ironically, their faith included a prophecy that they would be returned to their Holy Land on the wings of eagles. They thought that the plane was this, so they painted an eagle above the door of the aircraft to reassure the jews as they climbed aboard.
The airlines other great adventure of the late 1940's was the Berlin Airlift. It was a very dangerous operation, planes were often shot at and weren't allowed to land on arab soil as the crew and passangers would all be killed. Days often lasted between 16 and 20 hours and the one-way flights, in twin-engine C-46 or DC-4 aircraft, covered nearly 3,000 miles.
In the late 1960s, Alaska strengthened its operating base by merging with Alaska Coastal-Ellis and Cordova airlines, legendary Southeast Alaska carriers.
When Fairbanks businessmen Ron Cosgrave and Bruce Kennedy came on board in 1972, the airline was in a financial fight for its life. They went to work setting goals and bringing people together. They won back the trust of creditors and improved on-time performance. One break that went their way was the construction of the trans-Alaska Pipeline; carrying supplies, equipment and workers gave Alaska a shot in the arm.
Bottom line, customer service became key in this new era. And it put the airline on course for what would be a nearly unprecedented record in the industry: 19 straight years of profitability.
In 1979, the airline industry was deregulated. For many carriers, this was the end of the road. For Alaska, it was a new beginning. The airline expanded methodically throughout the West Coast and in 1987 joined forces with two carriers similarly committed to outstanding customer service - Horizon Air and Jet America.
By the end of the 80s, Alaska had tripled in size. Its fleet had increased five-fold. And the route map included scheduled service to Mexico and Russia.
In 2001, it set its sights eastward with new service to Washington, D.C., and hasn't looked back since, establishing footholds in other major East Coast and Midwestern cities. More recently, the smiling Eskimo headed west across the Pacific Ocean with new service to Hawaii.
Some Testimonials of People I know
I've been flying Alaska with my family for more years than I can remember now; mostly because they are the only airline that offers a nonstop flight from Seattle to Ontario, CA (the flight we make most often, visiting relatives when I was growing up, and now visiting home). I also generally find their prices as low or sometimes even lower than the best competitor, Southwest. In the earlier years the food offered was always better than most of my other airline food experiences. I also liked that they seem to support local businesses and/or organic/non main brand foods (e.g. they serve Jones cola). Of course now all any airline gives you is pretzels and soda. The service is always very good, I've never had any significant problems with delays, and they were one of the last airlines to start charging for bags (besides Southwest and I think Jet Blue).
Theses are the questions I asked them:
Do you have an affinity to Alaska Airlines? If so why?
Why do you choose to continue to fly with them?
What do you think about the service?
Is there a spirit that the airline conveys?
Is there anything you would improve?
What do you like or dislike about flying in general?
Can you pinpoint your best memory of flying? What airline was it?
Answers:
1) Yes, I feel more comfortable with Alaska Airlines
2) We earn Air miles.
3) They have very good Customer Service.
4) I think they convey that they go direct more than any other airlines.
5) I agree with Jerry on this one bring back the first class certificates.
6) Again I agree with Jerry being on time, cleanliness, and short lines and unloading in a timely fashion.
7) My best memory was when we where delayed for hours at SeaTac heading to Las Vegas and we complained and received 4 roundtrip first-class tickets to anywhere Alaskan Airlines fly’s. They went over and above to accommodate us.
1. Yes, I think because when you are a member you have an Affinity because of perks like $50 companion certificate and 1st class upgrades help
2. The main hub is here so you do get the best deals and options
3. Service is usually good although everyone has bad days, I have had no bad experiences with them
4. Spirit of outdoors and the Alaska region mountains, water, Ice and snow is what I think of.
5. Bring back the first class certificates
6. Being on time, cleanliness, and short lines.
7. Going to Maui on Hawaiian air was most likely my best experience, clean on time, good flight with drop down movie screens
Theses are the questions I asked them:
Do you have an affinity to Alaska Airlines? If so why?
Why do you choose to continue to fly with them?
What do you think about the service?
Is there a spirit that the airline conveys?
Is there anything you would improve?
What do you like or dislike about flying in general?
Can you pinpoint your best memory of flying? What airline was it?
Answers:
1) Yes, I feel more comfortable with Alaska Airlines
2) We earn Air miles.
3) They have very good Customer Service.
4) I think they convey that they go direct more than any other airlines.
5) I agree with Jerry on this one bring back the first class certificates.
6) Again I agree with Jerry being on time, cleanliness, and short lines and unloading in a timely fashion.
7) My best memory was when we where delayed for hours at SeaTac heading to Las Vegas and we complained and received 4 roundtrip first-class tickets to anywhere Alaskan Airlines fly’s. They went over and above to accommodate us.
1. Yes, I think because when you are a member you have an Affinity because of perks like $50 companion certificate and 1st class upgrades help
2. The main hub is here so you do get the best deals and options
3. Service is usually good although everyone has bad days, I have had no bad experiences with them
4. Spirit of outdoors and the Alaska region mountains, water, Ice and snow is what I think of.
5. Bring back the first class certificates
6. Being on time, cleanliness, and short lines.
7. Going to Maui on Hawaiian air was most likely my best experience, clean on time, good flight with drop down movie screens
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Alaska Airlines testimonials via YELP
"I love Alaska Airlines!!!. Mostly I love it because their policies are flexible and I can earn free flights very easily. The website is superb and easy to get your business taken care of.
The flights themselves are on par with any other domestic airline. I take plenty of short flights and it is a breeze. they are flying many more places now which is great."
"Customer service: Good. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I liked the staff here.
Punctuality: Nonexistent, but out of their control most of the time (weather, national security, whatever.)
Amenities: Negligible in both First Class and Economy. After experiencing both, I am ok with the Economy (it is "Economy," after all) but really disappointed with 1st. The First Class seats are bigger than Economy, but not nicer. The food sucks: melon-heavy fruit salad, apathetic frozen pizza, pretzels. I see the Yelp photos of warm, chubby omelets and verdant spinach salads in First Class, but those must be pre-cession or perhaps longer distance flights. It's helpful to have one bathroom for fewer people but that was the only real benefit.
Planes: Do not assuage my nervousness about flight. Cleanliness was OK but something about the finish and upholstery choices screamed "Red Flag" to me. The red flag being that the company doesn't care too much beyond the bare minimum, and instead chooses the cheapest possible everything. If this is true for upholstery, is it also true for mechanics... insulation... bolts?
Overall: Frugality is a trait I appreciate in, say, a Costco, but not in a machine that carries me 35,000+ feet above the earth. The experience actually resembles being trapped inside a small Costco in its material finishes and atmosphere. Except you cannot buy a coffin, digital camera, or 50lb sack of potatoes here. You know why? Alaska Air doesn't even have SkyMall in the seat pouches. No SkyMall?!?! That is the suck.
Advice: Stick to economy because 1st is not worth it. First Class Perks = skipping lines, lounge with (low quality) free food and alcohol, free alcohol on planes. The price difference between First Class & Economy is a few hundred or thousand $. Buying your own Yoplait, bagel, and box-level booze if you want it is like $20. Do the math.
Conclusion: I will only fly Alaska when it is substantially cheaper than other airlines, or when it is the only airline to a particular destination. Seating, amenities, and food in economy class in airlines like Virgin America and Continental (not to mention Swiss, British, Virgin Atlantic...) are still better than the First Class of Alaska."
"Another star for Alaska. Their customer service ninjas got in touch with me based on my Yelp review. I like that they take customer satisfaction seriously. Good for you Alaska, for stepping up to the plate and trying to make a not-so good situation better."
"The counter guy was rude and stuck-up, but the flight crew was friendly, humorous and offered great customer service.
I'm usually a fan of Hawaiian airlines, but in all honestly the customer service that Hawaiian is praised for has a new competitor (in my opinion) .
I really appreciated the fact that Alaskan is attempting to be eco-friendly and recycle as much on-flight trash as possible."
The flights themselves are on par with any other domestic airline. I take plenty of short flights and it is a breeze. they are flying many more places now which is great."
"Customer service: Good. Everyone was friendly and helpful. I liked the staff here.
Punctuality: Nonexistent, but out of their control most of the time (weather, national security, whatever.)
Amenities: Negligible in both First Class and Economy. After experiencing both, I am ok with the Economy (it is "Economy," after all) but really disappointed with 1st. The First Class seats are bigger than Economy, but not nicer. The food sucks: melon-heavy fruit salad, apathetic frozen pizza, pretzels. I see the Yelp photos of warm, chubby omelets and verdant spinach salads in First Class, but those must be pre-cession or perhaps longer distance flights. It's helpful to have one bathroom for fewer people but that was the only real benefit.
Planes: Do not assuage my nervousness about flight. Cleanliness was OK but something about the finish and upholstery choices screamed "Red Flag" to me. The red flag being that the company doesn't care too much beyond the bare minimum, and instead chooses the cheapest possible everything. If this is true for upholstery, is it also true for mechanics... insulation... bolts?
Overall: Frugality is a trait I appreciate in, say, a Costco, but not in a machine that carries me 35,000+ feet above the earth. The experience actually resembles being trapped inside a small Costco in its material finishes and atmosphere. Except you cannot buy a coffin, digital camera, or 50lb sack of potatoes here. You know why? Alaska Air doesn't even have SkyMall in the seat pouches. No SkyMall?!?! That is the suck.
Advice: Stick to economy because 1st is not worth it. First Class Perks = skipping lines, lounge with (low quality) free food and alcohol, free alcohol on planes. The price difference between First Class & Economy is a few hundred or thousand $. Buying your own Yoplait, bagel, and box-level booze if you want it is like $20. Do the math.
Conclusion: I will only fly Alaska when it is substantially cheaper than other airlines, or when it is the only airline to a particular destination. Seating, amenities, and food in economy class in airlines like Virgin America and Continental (not to mention Swiss, British, Virgin Atlantic...) are still better than the First Class of Alaska."
"Another star for Alaska. Their customer service ninjas got in touch with me based on my Yelp review. I like that they take customer satisfaction seriously. Good for you Alaska, for stepping up to the plate and trying to make a not-so good situation better."
"The counter guy was rude and stuck-up, but the flight crew was friendly, humorous and offered great customer service.
I'm usually a fan of Hawaiian airlines, but in all honestly the customer service that Hawaiian is praised for has a new competitor (in my opinion) .
I really appreciated the fact that Alaskan is attempting to be eco-friendly and recycle as much on-flight trash as possible."
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