There's nothing like a crisis to bring out the best in a company. That was the case with Alaska Airlines and their response to "Snowpocalypse" in Seattle last week.
According to Alaska Airlines spokesperson Bobbie Egan, more than 100 employees stayed at airport hotels to accommodate the extra efforts in rerouting passengers and equipment in the midst of the bad weather.
I flew to and from Seattle last week on Alaska without incident, although thousands of travelers ended up with canceled or rebooked flights. Between extra de-icing equipment and extra staff at the airport, Alaska -- and its travelers -- seem to have weathered the storm rather well.
And there's nothing like a little competition to bring out the best prices when it comes to air travel.
Deals for every traveler's interest
Even as Alaska Air deals with the aftermath of Snowpocalypse, "Shush-ageddon," their pricing department was on high alert as JetBlue introduced fares for its seasonal nonstop between Anchorage and Long Beach, starting on May 25.
Between now and May, the lowest published roundtrip fare between Anchorage and Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines is $708. On May 25, Alaska's rate drops to $287 roundtrip. That corresponds with JetBlue's $287 roundtrip fare to Long Beach. US Airways currently offers a fare between Anchorage and Long Beach for as little as $336 roundtrip.
Just like last year, Alaska Airlines is pushing its deeply-discounted fares to/from Anchorage beyond LAX to Orange County ($308), Burbank ($328), Long Beach ($308) and Ontario ($328). All of the fares are effective for travel starting May 25. The last day to fly at these great rates is Sept. 3 -- the same day JetBlue ends its seasonal service.
International travelers should price out their flights from L.A. to Mexico, South America and Asia. The $287 roundtrip fare between Anchorage and LAX on Alaska Airlines now makes some far-flung international destinations more affordable!
JetBlue is offering service to several destinations beyond Long Beach, along with some lower fares: Anchorage-Las Vegas for $376 roundtrip and Anchorage-Sacramento for $407 roundtrip.
JetBlue's flights are not the only seasonal nonstops that compete with Alaska's year-round service. Frontier Airlines starts its seasonal flights from May from Denver to both Anchorage and Fairbanks in May. Right now, Frontier's prices for nonstop service start around $454 roundtrip. That compares with Alaska's rate of $525 during the same time period. I expect those prices to drop.
Keep a keen eye on Sun Country Airlines and its seasonal service to/from Minneapolis. Every now and then, the carrier offers rates as low as $109 each way for its flights that start May 24. Right now, they're asking $300 each way. That will change.
I've almost given up hope on Air Canada's seasonal nonstop to/from Vancouver, BC. Currently, the airline wants $635 roundtrip for a ticket. That's just silly.
Travelers to Europe still can look over-the-top for the best savings this summer. Condor's flights start on May 1 between Anchorage and Frankfurt. The lowest fare right now is $850 roundtrip. I've seen prices as low as $700 roundtrip this year, but those seats are gone. Just for grins, I checked what Delta wanted for air travel around the same dates: $1,260. For an extra $10 ($1,270), you can fly premium economy class on Condor.
I expect United/Continental to add flights during the summer, in addition to its year-round Anchorage-Seattle flights. Watch for seasonal flights Anchorage-Denver, Anchorage-Houston, Anchorage-San Francisco and Anchorage-Chicago.
American Airlines? I don't know whether American plans to offer its Anchorage-Dallas flights this summer. Ask the bankruptcy judge.
Watch for Delta to boost its Anchorage-Salt Lake flights and resume its Anchorage-Atlanta nonstop.
Right now, US Airways has not indicated any plans to reinstate its seasonal nonstop flights between Anchorage and Philadelphia. Stay tuned, though.
On the mileage front, Alaska Airlines has teamed up with Emirates Airlines. Emirates is well-known as a super-premium airline. Starting Mar. 1, the carrier will offer nonstop service from Seattle to Dubai. As part of a new agreement, Alaska is offering double miles for all qualifying fares to Dubai between Mar. 1 and May 31. You have to register at AlaskaAir.com. In addition to quicker access to the Persian Gulf, the new service is particularly appealing for travelers to India.
Alaska travel online resources
Alaska Airlines and "Snowpocalpse" in Seattle
Alaska Airlines and Emirates Airline double mileage registration
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based travel marketing consultant who has lived in Alaska for three decades, spending much of that time traveling the far-flung corners of the state. Visit his website at www.alaskatravelgram.com. And follow him on Twitter at Twitter.com/alaskatravelgrm for breaking updates.