In an attempt to lure back the flying public, Alaska Airlines made a stunning announcement on Sunday: starting February 1st, window seats on all of its flights will be priced at just $25, far below what is typically charged.
“We think this is the right thing to do, given what happened last Friday on Flight 1282 from Portland,” said Ben Minicucci, the airline’s President and CEO. “Let’s face it. We can’t guarantee that customers in window seats will get to spend as much time on the flight as other passengers; it’s clear that they could be sucked from the aircraft at any time if a window blows out. These folks shouldn’t have to pay as much as the ones who actually make it to their destination.
“Also, we’re going to stop charging window-seat passengers for checking baggage, since there’s a decent chance they’ll never use that stuff again. And these customers will get to board the plane first, ahead of families with small children, active members of the military, and the handicapped. They will use an exclusive, roped-off, red-carpet lane at the gate labeled Welcome aboard…for now. We want to show people that Alaska Airlines hasn’t lost its sense of humor. Once on board, window seaters will be offered complimentary beverages and snacks right after the plane takes off, because…you know.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has praised the airline for its quick, proactive response to Friday night’s near-tragedy. At a press conference Monday morning, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker commented, “I’m glad to see that Alaska Airlines ‘gets it’.”
Great photo to go with the article!
There’s flying, and then there’s flying.