Alaska Airlines debuts Seattle Kraken-themed plane

Alaska Airlines paints an airplane with Seattle Kraken logo

By Mark Reif Published October 8, 2024

Alaska Airlines Kraken plane — Alaska Airlines

Part of the fun of air travel is seeing beautiful airplanes, some with special liveries. Southwest Airlines “Lone Star One” livery commemorates Texas with a bold, bright paint scheme. United’s “Friend Ship” graphics turn back the clock with retro-inspired graphics. While there are many others, they have one thing in common: they add fun and wonder to the runway.

Now, to commemorate the start of the NHL season, Alaska Airlines just dropped its latest Seattle Kraken-inspired livery, with plenty of colors and some intriguing details. Not only that, but the airline included some special deals for Kraken fans.

Recommended Videos

Alaska Airlines’ new plane is a dream for Seattle Kraken fans

Seattle Kraken mascot and people — Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines is the official airline sponsor for the Seattle Kraken and went all out in creating a hockey-themed flying machine. The team logo and colors adorn the rear half of the Boeing 737 MAX 9’s fuselage, along with the coordinates of the Climate Pledge Arena. The #N933AK tail number commemorates 93.3 KJR FM, a local sports radio station. However, the plane isn’t only for the show, as Kraken fans can enjoy special promotions throughout the NHL season.

Eric Edge, Managing Director of Marketing and Advertising, Alaska Airlines, commented: “As the official airline of the Seattle Kraken, we’re thrilled to reveal a new design to celebrate our hometown’s NHL team. Whether at 30,000 feet or on the ice, we’ll be cheering the Kraken on this season!”

Jeff Webster, Chief Commercial Officer of the Seattle Kraken, said: “We are incredibly grateful to our partner, Alaska Airlines, for their continued support of both our team and our fans. Unveiling this new design is the perfect way to celebrate the start of our fourth season.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

Travel

With software update, Apple helps airlines track baggage — what to know

Airlines can better find luggage with Apple's iOS update

Sign at baggage claim

Thanks to a software update, Apple AirTag users can share location data with airlines, helping them track luggage. The update includes the feature Share Item Location, which is available in the public beta of iOS 18.2. That allows users to share AirTag or FindMy network accessory location data with third parties like airlines. In the following months, numerous global airlines have agreed to begin accepting FindMy item locations.
How Apple’s FindMy feature works

Soon, owners of iPhone X and newer models can download the free beta version of iOS 18.2. Once updated, users can create a Share My Item link in the Find My app on their iPhone, Mac, or iPad. Then, whoever receives the link can view a website with an interactive map showing the item’s location. The website updates as new location data becomes available, and adds a timestamp.

Travel

Feeling the pressure? Here’s how to unclog ears after flying with a cold

Don't be miserable — try these tips for unclogging ears after a flight

people sitting inside of airplane

Flying with a cold can leave you feeling plugged up and uncomfortable. Fortunately, some effective ways exist to relieve this pressure and get back to feeling normal. Here’s how to unclog your ears flying with a cold.
Why do ears get clogged when flying?

To understand how to unclog your ears, it’s helpful to know why they get blocked in the first place. When a plane ascends or descends, the rapid change in cabin pressure can create an imbalance between the air pressure in the middle ear and the environment. The Eustachian tubes connect the middle ear to the back of the throat and are responsible for equalizing pressure, and when you're dealing with a cold, sinus congestion, or allergies, these tubes can become inflamed or blocked, making it difficult for pressure to balance out.
Effective ways to unclog ears after flying

Travel

This airline is adding a nonstop route from California to Amsterdam

KLM Royal Dutch Airlines has a new flight to Amsterdam

Amsterdam in the sun

On May 8, 2025, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines will add a direct flight from San Diego to Amsterdam. Embarking from San Diego International Airport (SAN) and arriving at KLM’s hub at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS), the route will operate year-round aboard modern Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. The flight takes off three days per week, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays.
SAN to AMS: Flight numbers and travel times
San Diego, California Frank McKenna via Unsplash / Unsplash

Flight KL640 takes off from SAN at 1:55 p.m., and lands at AMS the next day at 9:15 a.m. Flight KL639 departs AMS at 9:50 a.m. and arrives at SAN at 12:00 p.m. Flight time is approximately 11 hours. Travelers can choose from 30 World Business Class seats, 21 Premium Comfort Class seats, and 224 Economy seats.