Alaska Airlines introduces premium West Coast perks

Alaska Airlines introducing perks inspired by the West Coast

By Mark Reif Published November 13, 2024

Alaska Airlines Filson Blanket — Alaska Airlines' First Class Filson Blanket Alaska Airlines

This fall, Alaska Airlines is introducing several West Coast-inspired perks for flavor and comfort at 35,000 feet. By collaborating with local brands, the airline brings the West Coast lifestyle to the skies, and gives passengers something unique on their journey. From curated drinks to cozy amenities, the offerings make for a fun, comfortable flight.

Alaska Airlines’ West Coast-themed offerings

Lagunitas Hoppy Water — Lagunitas Hoppy Water Alaska Airlines

The perks include products from noted West Coast brands, such as hoppy water, an espresso martini, a cozy blanket, and premium soap and lotion. Each has a distinct, quality feel and make air travel an upscale experience. Here are the details.

Recommended Videos

Noted brewery Lagunitas — based in California — brings its non-aloholic hoppy water to the skies. With zero alcohol, carbs, or gluten, it’s as healthy as it is refreshing. Since it’s brewed with hops, it offers a beer-like crispness. Beginning November 20, it’s complimentary in First Class and Premium Class, and available for purchase in the Main Cabin.

Stumptown Coffee Roasters, from Portland, offers its ready-to-go cocktail in a can, the Straightaway Nitro Espresso Martini.

Pacific Northwest-based outdoor company, Filson, brings its premium materials and craftsmanship to the First Class cabin with the First Class blanket. A design partnership between Filson and Alaska, the blanket is soft and warm, for a cozy long-haul flight.

Lastly, soaps and lotions by Salt & Stone are available in all onboard restrooms and Alaska Lounges. Made from natural ingredients, each offers upscale self-care.

Todd Traynor-Corey, Managing Director of Guest Products at Alaska Airlines, said: “Our guests value unique, high-quality experiences, and these new products allow us to elevate their journey while bringing a bit of regional pride to every flight. Partnering with Lagunitas, Filson, Salt & Stone and other West Coast companies is reflective of our commitment to support local brands and provide the ultimate premium guest experience.”

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.