Airlines

5 things Alaska Airlines flyers can expect in 2023 & beyond

Alaska last week held the first-ever “Flyer Forum” in Seattle to interact with Mileage Plan members on impending worthwhile oneworld perks, new fleet additions, and innovations to enhance the passenger experience. A few Alaska leaders and President and CEO Ben Minicucci spoke about what lies ahead in 2023 and beyond during the live event, which was hosted by Seattle Kraken Play-by-Play Announcer Everett Fitzhugh.

1. Growing with largest aircraft order, ever.

For Alaska and its regional partner, Horizon Air, 2022 was a significant year. And ratified 5 labor deals, announced the transition to a single fleet of aircraft and hired more than 6,000 new employees. By 2026, it will have a fleet of more than 400 aircraft, and one of the youngest fleets in the industry —the average age of mainline and regional fleet is 9 years as of November 2022.

2. Upgrading the airport experience.

Over the next 3 years, They are investing $2.5 billion in overall improvements to enhance the airport experience within hubs and focus cities, including Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Alaska.

3. Goal is to get through the lobby in 5 min or less.

At Alaska, their goal is to have guests get through the lobby in 5 min or less through innovative technology and self-serving tools like electronic bag tag program and mobile app.

4. Oneworld elite benefits are worth crowing

If you’re a Mileage Plan elite, one of the best things about joining oneworld is that your elite status automatically carries over when you fly on other oneworld partners, a group of world-leading airlines with connections to more than 900 destinations in 170 territories. The more you fly with Alaska, the more benefits you’ll unlock on not only us, but internationally.

5. Committed to making care count.

We have survived and thrived for 90 years by creating value for everyone who depends on us – employees, guests, our stakeholders and our communities. Connecting with our guests at events like these is just one of the ways we are demonstrating care and making sure our amazing guests learn what we’re all about and the good work our employees are doing.

Care is more than our legacy. It’s also the key to our future. Working in some of the most unforgiving conditions in the world, we understand what matters most: keeping our guests and each other safe, doing what’s right, and creating meaningful connections. As we continue to grow, we are committed to making care count.

Airlines

British Airways Unveils Its Brand-New First Class Cabin for the Airbus A380

British Airways has introduced its brand-new First Class seat, blending sleek design with expert British craftsmanship. Reflecting modern British luxury travel, this new cabin is part of the airline’s Airbus A380 retrofit plans, set to take flight in mid-2026.

The updated First Class cabin has been crafted to feel like a modern luxury hotel in the sky, complete with cozy touches and thoughtful British details.

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Designed by top experts from across Great Britain and Ireland—including London, Glasgow, West Yorkshire, Kilkeel, and Dublin—the seat reflects the best of British design and quality.

Features and Comforts
The new First Class seat is ultra-wide at 36.5 inches, with a bed length of 79 inches for ultimate comfort. It includes:

A multi-purpose ottoman and stowable table.
A 32-inch 4K TV screen.
Adjustable mood lighting with modes like “relax,” “dine,” and “cinema.”
A cocooned 60-inch curved wall for privacy while maintaining a spacious feel.

Passengers traveling together can enjoy a shared experience with a sliding divider that creates a lounge-like space. The stowable tables also allow for “buddy dining,” where two people can dine together.

The cabin’s flowing curves, inspired by the iconic Concorde wings, create a welcoming and stylish environment. Additionally, passengers can now wheel their luggage directly into their personal storage space, making settling in easier.

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British Airways carefully considered customer feedback when designing this cabin. The seat includes practical storage and features like a fully rectangular bed for home-like comfort. Every detail, from usability to elegance, has been designed to enhance the travel experience.

British Airways is proud to be the only UK-based European airline offering a First Class product across the Atlantic. british airways premium economy and First Class travelers enjoy exclusive perks such as stylish seats, access to luxury lounges, fast-track security, and the First Wing at Heathrow. The airline ensures a premium experience from booking to landing.

This cabin upgrade is part of British Airways’ £7 billion investment in improving customer experiences. The airline has already introduced over 120 initiatives, including new short-haul seats, free onboard Wi-Fi messaging, and refreshed lounges worldwide.