Alaska Airlines Hawaii news today as the carrier will be returning to their regular Hawaii service in August. That’s good news for us as we have both been flying them for years to see family in the Pacific Northwest. Brad Tilden, CEO, shared news of their return to Hawaii this week:
“If you have a COVID test before you go, you can travel to Hawaii… Effective August 1, we will start bringing back the Hawaii schedule and communicating to customers that you can go to Hawaii. It’s a little more hassle, but if you get a C0VID test before you go, you can go to Hawaii… Hawaii is starting to open up.”
Alaska Airlines Hawaii news: flight updates coming soon.
At the same time, we expect to see deep discounting to get people back to Hawaii again. Stay tuned for that and fare wars between carriers.
Here’s what’s to expect now on Alaska Airlines Hawaii flights.
Alaska has implemented what they are calling, “Next Level Care,” that has nearly a hundred measures to help keep passengers safe. These include longer turnaround times so planes can be deep cleaned between every flight, mandatory mask-wearing, and wellness checks. Regarding the initiative, Tilden said, “We want our customers to get on the airplanes and say oh my gosh, this airplane is spotless! I feel that I am safe, and I feel safe on board.”
See Alaska’s Next Level Care video below.
What happens if you don’t comply with the new safety measures on Alaska Airlines?
Passengers not following the new protocols can expect a yellow card. This serves as a “final notice” and mentioned in a written post-flight report. From there, if a passenger continues to refuse, it will be noted in the report and a decision could be made to ban the offending passenger from future flights. Refusing to wear a face mask during boarding and before takeoff, also means being denied access or removed from the plane.
“Overwhelmingly, those who fly with us understand and appreciate the importance of wearing masks and face coverings during this time of C0VID-19,” a statement Tuesday on the airline’s blog said. “We also rely heavily on our guests to do the right thing for the greater good of everyone onboard our flights. Our flight crews encounter moments when some travelers disregard or disobey our mask requirement. It creates tension and anxiety for many of our passengers who do have their face coverings on. So, a change is needed.”
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Is everyone able to get tested and have the results back in the required time. I would appreciate any feedback. Have reservations for September and still unsure! Thanks ever so much.
Hi Mabel.
We will update you about September as soon as we know more.
Aloha.
The list of positive steps doesn’t say anything about empty seats. So it looks like they are planning to jam the planes as full as usual, and hope that somehow C19 won’t be an issue. They don’t say if you will be allowed to eat and drink, which of course will require removing the mask from the mouth area. Good luck with that.
Unfortunately Alaska Airlines has discontinued their direct flights to maui from SFO. So while they may sell you a flight on one of their sales, they will change the itinerary and route you through Seattle. They aren’t advertising at part. Pretty sure they no longer want the virgin SFO hub.
Hi , can you please tell me will you be honoring the Companion fares? Thank you
Hi Nancy.
Not sure to whom you are asking that question.
Aloha.
My husband and I plan on traveling September. My question is the testing. Will their be a test we can take that will fulfill the 72 hour deadline before we board? It’s been mentioned CVS would be used – just waiting on how this will work.
To make it a bit harder, we are traveling the day before to San Diego then onto Maui the next day. Just hoping we are able to have test results in order to fly to maui.
Hello Irene S.,
You might want to read the “read this first” under the “Leave a Reply” when asking a question. They will pretty much always answer a question, with a “Please”, “Aloha”, “Mahalo or “Thank You” attached.
To be honest, it is very hard to know how your area does testing and how long the results will take. I found that places like CVS will typically take longer than the 72 hours for a test result. It really depends on which lab your test is sent to. It will be much better to contact your personal Doctor, and explain your situation, travel dates, and the timeframe you have to get the results in. They will likely be able to help you and coordinate getting it on a timely manner, if possible. My doctor has stated that it is much faster to do a blood test result, and it would be a 24-48 hour (at most) turn-around time. I also was told that Kaiser also has a quick turn-around, recently (next day), but I did not confirm that. Talking to your Doctor as soon as possible and planning ahead, is the best way to find out, if you can meet the requirement deadline.
Mahalo,
Jim R.
Hi Jim.
Thanks again. Also, we appreciate all of your fifty comments!
Aloha.
Aloha Guys!
Much respect for what you do, as always! …really looking forward to this trip coming up! Take care!
How far ahead of your flight do you need to get the covid 19 test. Thanks
Hi Sherrie.
We are awaiting clarification on that point.
Aloha.
This is the best news ever. Going to our Kauai home September 2nd. Been holding my breath as my 90+ lbs “puppy” has to fly in the hold. Can easily get a free c0vid test here with 48 hr results. Did it last month.
Thank you Alaska and Beat♡
Hi Jacqui.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thanks
Alaska is the best! It’s the only choice when going to Hawaii
I feel like I am beating a DEAD HORSE, WHERE in the SEATTLE area CAN a future Passenger get a Covid 19 TEST that you get the RESULTS in the unrealistic 72 hours before your FLight??
How about not waiting 72 hours prior 🤔
I thought the requirement was that the test had to be within 72 hours of the flight. Is that not correct?
It has to be within 72 hrs to enter Hawaii!
Hello Debra P,
When Leaving a reply, you might want to check the “Read this first:” section, as leaving a “Please” and “Thank You”, will likely get a response.
Personally, I would suggest that you do some research in the Seattle area, and it would actually be smarter to talk to your Doctor, to figure out your options for testing.
Hi Jim.
Thanks so much!!
Aloha.
No problem! My doctor was able to help me and schedule my testing a few days before I leave, as well as guarantee a 24-48 hour turn-around for results. I was told a blood test nets the fastest results, you can ask your Doctor, if that would be the case for you…Good Luck!
Our 50th wedding anniversary is Aug 8th and we want to spend it in Hawaii. How difficult will this be as far as testing and getting flights and being free to enjoy our trip? Thank you for your help.
Hi Mrs. J.
We are releasing all information on reopening as quickly as we get it. So stay tuned for more on the testing. You can check your area for availability as well. Once you’re here, you’ll be free to enjoy your trip.
Aloha.
http://www.seattle.gov/covid19testing
I called 206-477-3977 which is a King County call center and they told me they will test asymptomatic people at their 2 drive up sites. Need to make appointment online before you go. Call the number above next week and get the details, but after my conversation, i felt we could get a test before our trip (unless things change before August, which, of course, could happen)
Congrats on your 50th Anniversary, Mrs. J!
If you contact your Doctor, they will likely be able to determine how fast you can get your test results. Then you can plan your trip accordingly. Mine was able to confirm a 24-48 hour turn around. If you plan to go in early August, I would book soon. I’m not sure about all the Airlines, but flights on Hawaiian seem to be booking fast, and that first week was already very pricey!
Again it’s really cool that you are celebrating 50 years of Marriage!
Aloha,
Jim R.
You guys do a GREAT job of keeping us informed. But Canadians fly Alaska too, lots of them, coul you please try to find out how Canadians can get a antibody test that would work for flying purposes. So far, I find it doubtful that this kinds of ‘flight testing’ will “fly” in Canada — so what do we get to do? – not fly?, or quarantine = no solution there. Thanks.
Hi Lyn.
We’ll stay on the lookout for the answer to your question.
Thanks.
Jeff
Please let us know about soc. distancing on flights. I will not sit with another person two inches away from me. Thanks
Hi Ellen.
As far as we are hearing, as soon as airlines have the traffic volume to sell all seats they will do so. It is of economic necessity.
Aloha.
Alaska is not selling middle seats on any of their flights and you are required to wear a mask while onboard
Any updates on the CVS testing program that’s being discussed? My sister and her husband would like to go to Hawaii, but said getting tested in their state is currently impossible (like most states).
It’s great that airlines are increasing their scheduled flights, but without passengers it may be short lived.
I am so grateful to all of you at Beat of Hawaii. Because of you I was able to get all my airfares (4 airlines) to refund my money for June flights. I knew my rights because of the education you provided. I am now itching to get to Hawaii as soon as safe. I read every post and learn something every time. Thank you for your important work.
Hi Sandy.
Thanks very much!
Aloha.
Do we know how many days prior to the flight that a COVID test will be acceptable? I had seen earlier that Hawaii might require a test with results 3 days prior to takeoff. But the speed of test results, as we are seeing, is NOT quick!
Hi Barb T.
Have you contacted your Doctor directly and discussed your plans? Mine was able to confirm they would get my test result within 24-48 hrs. It’s worth a try!
Aloha!