Alaska Airlines Operations Go On Snow Alert in Preparation for Adverse Weather

Business Wire, Dec 24, 1998

SEATTLE--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 23, 1998--Alaska Airlines late this afternoon issued a level one snow alert for Seattle and Portland in advance of adverse winter weather expected to hit both cities this evening and through Christmas Eve.

The alert signals that forecasted weather conditions may impact normal operations.

"We're asking our customers to be aware that there may be some flight delays due to the storm despite our best efforts to prepare for these conditions in advance," said Ed White, vice president of customer service.

The alert is part of a three-tier winter operations alert system Alaska Airlines instituted after snow and freezing rain severely impacted the airline's operations in Seattle and Portland the day after Christmas 1996.

In addition to a Level 1 alert, a Level 2 alert signals that actual weather conditions require special operating procedures and that some operational disruption may occur, while a Level 3 alert signals that weather conditions have started to or are expected to severely impact or prohibit continued operations.

Customers traveling on Christmas Eve through New Years Day are asked to take the following steps:

Call ahead. If you booked your flight well in advance of your travel

date, check to make sure your flight time has not changed.

Otherwise, for general flight delay information, tune in to local

news and weather reports. Pack smart. Alaska allows customers to carry two carry-on bags that

together are no larger than 10 inches by 17 inches by 24 inches.

Large purses, briefcases and laptop computers all count toward

your carry-on limit. Don't pack wrapped gifts in carry-on

baggage. Do pack valuables and medications in your carry-on

baggage. Be sure to pack fragile items securely with foam peanuts

or bubble wrap. Don't drive. Airport parking is extremely limited during the peak

holiday travel period. Expect roads to and from the airport to be

more congested than usual. Ask a friend or relative to drop you

off, or better yet, take a shuttle, a taxi or a bus to the

airport. If you must drive, plan on parking at nearby secured

lots. Arrive early. Plan on checking in at least 1 1/2 hours before

departure time. If your seat is unclaimed 20 minutes before the

schedule departure time for domestic flights or 30 minutes for

international flights, it most likely will be released to another

passenger. Identify yourself. Have photo identification ready when you check in

at the ticket counter or gate. Put ID tags on the inside and

outside of carry-on and checked bags. Have your baggage claim

tickets readily available and collect bags promptly in the

baggage claim area.

Together, Alaska Airlines and its sister carrier, Horizon Air, serve 75 cities in eight Western states, Canada and Mexico. For flight status and information, call Alaska's toll-free reservation line at 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522).