Alaska Airlines updates inflight procedures in an effort to keep passengers safe
On a flight yesterday on Alaska Airlines from San Francisco to Newark, a flight attendant curtly refused my request for a refill of water. At first I thought she was too busy, but later another flight attendant told me they were no longer refilling glasses in an effort to prevent "cross-contamination."
It's just one part of several new policies and procedures Alaska Airlines has put into place to try and prevent the spread of disease, including the COVID-19 virus (novel coronavirus) currently spreading around the world.
For more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
In-depth: What does the coronavirus outbreak mean for travelers?
In an updated blog post on what the airline is doing to prevent the spread of the deadly disease, Alaska Airlines says it has "always had robust cleaning processes on our aircraft and will continue using disinfectants that are effective against viruses. We're also working closely with health experts from the University of Washington and following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control to help keep our people and guests safe."
Among the measures Alaska is now putting into place:
- Enhanced aircraft cleaning between flights
- Ending drink refills, temporarily
- Some flight attendants may wear gloves
- Suspending warm towel service in first class
- Temporarily ending onboard recycling
- Ending use of fingerprint entry at lounges
- Deploying hand sanitizer at gates and lounges
Alaska had previously announced it was waiving change and cancellation fees on all flights between Feb. 27 and March 12 for travel through June 1, 2020. You can go to Alaska Airlines for complete guidance on changes and cancellations.
Related: Some airlines cut back on inflight service to combat coronavirus. Will those changes stick?
Comprehensive guide: Coronavirus waivers and cancellations at U.S. airlines
In Europe: Coronavirus update: European airlines suspend Italy operations, offer waivers and changes
Full coverage: Complete guide to The Points Guy coverage of the deadly coronavirus
TPG featured card
at Capital One's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 5X miles | Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel |
| 2X miles | Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day |
Pros
- Stellar welcome offer of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening. Plus, a $250 Capital One Travel credit to use in your first cardholder year upon account opening.
- You'll earn 2 miles per dollar on every purchase, which means you won't have to worry about memorizing bonus categories
- Rewards are versatile and can be redeemed for a statement credit or transferred to Capital One’s transfer partners
Cons
- Highest bonus-earning categories only on travel booked via Capital One Travel
- LIMITED-TIME OFFER: Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel
- Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
- Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
- Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
- Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck®
- Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
- Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
- Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
- Top rated mobile app