Alaska Air - unfamiliar

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (ginaLA) — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 17:03:03 PST

Thanks guys!

I'm off tomorrow. Am still a bit anxious, but it helps to read your comments. I think this is a necessary meet-the-captain-trip, as my stomach is all full of butterflies.

G

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (lisalisal) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 06:20:43 PST

We just flew Alaska from Boston to Portland Oregon and I have hesitations about the airline also. They were wonderful!! The pilot brought me to the cockpit when the flight landed and was so nice . The pilot on the way back offered to buy me a drink. I declined but it was so nice of him to think of me.

I would not be worried. The plane was new and clean!! Good Luck!

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (tabbygirl521) — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 09:46:18 PST

I don't know if this helps you feel more secure about them, but over half the traffic in and out of SeaTac Airport is Alaska/Horizon Air - they're based here in Seattle. Horizon is Alaska's regional subsidiary (if that's the word I want) for the short hops, like to Portland or Coeur d'Alene. Alaska handles the "real" flights. I've flown Alaska many times and as mentioned above, feel they're in the class of Southwest, with the advantage of being able to reserve your seat.

They've been around a long time. And I can barely look up around here without seeing one of their planes.

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (ginaLA) — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 21:15:08 PST

Thank you so much Cpt Steve for a very clarifying account -

it helps a great deal just knowing the details - I ofte get confused by media recounts and my head starts spinning (especially today) so thanks for this sober and detailed comment. I'm sure it helps others as well. I've started working on my strengthening ex for my trip with Alaska air, and have now booked hotels across Mexico and everything, can't wait to be there (and I will get there ok as well).

Best wishes,
Gina

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (Capn Steve) — Sat, 30 May 2009 17:46:19 PST

Hi, Gina,

You're touching upon several issues here.

First, Alaska Air. Yes, AS got some very bad publicity about their Flt 261 accident in early 2000. The MD-80 stabilizer "problem" was quickly investigated -- and corrected -- by all MD-80 operators. As it turns out, the AS accident was entirely preventable. If the Flt 261 crew had just landed and not tried to "troubleshoot" the problem (I think they must have thought they were doing the Maintenance people a big favor), everything would have been fine.

Which leads into the comparison between "regional" airlines and "mainline" carriers. Actually, as far as I know, there is no official distinction anymore.

(Years ago, there were "first-level," second-level,": and "commuter" airlines. But the distinctions blurred -- or even disappeared -- a long time ago. And the fact is -- now, ALL airlines are required to operate under...

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (Skeptic) — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:57:40 PST

I totally understand that. I feel much more fear when I think about planning a flight for pure pleasure rather than work or obligation. Feels like I'm challenging fate. A la Seinfeld, would God really let me have pleasure AND life? But I really don't think it works that. Good for you. (By the way, I don't know the technical status of carriers, but Alaska Air is pretty common -- I too think of it more like Southwest than Colgan.)

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (ginaLA) — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:39:43 PST

Thanks both of you, I'm calmed by the fact that Alaska is not considered a regional carrier, and I will work it into my exercise. Although I've come a long way, it seems this flight has triggered more than I expected - I wonder if it is because it is for holiday and with someone I love (whom I do not want to suffer or die in a plane crash), as opposed to most my flights which are around the world for work, and hence only concern me. In addition, the fact that this is somehting I'm really looking forward to (it's been forever since we had a romantic holiday), I feel the stakes are higher - this I know is not rational, but nevertheless how I feel about it now.

Ok, but thanks Cpt Tom and OneAnt for your replies!

all the best,
G

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (OneAnt) — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:03:53 PST

Alaska isn't really considered a "regional" carrier. In fact, it's far more like Southwest than Colgan.

So, as far as I'm concerned, NO, the media sensationalism about the regional carriers isn't relevant to Alaska.

Re: Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (Capt Tom Bunn MSW LCSW) — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:58:45 PST

Hi Gina,

First, focus on the moment of empathic connection. Then, pretend a comic book was there when that moment happened. Imagine a cartoon character is thinking about taking a flight, and he imagines (drawn in a "balloon" over his head) an Alaska Airlines flight, and instantly fully return your focus to the moment of connection.

Alaska Air - unfamiliar

feeds@kickapps.com (ginaLA) — Wed, 27 May 2009 15:38:13 PST

Dear all,

I started the SOAR complete relief about a month ago, and since then I've flown from LA to London and around Europe for work and leisure on several different flights. As opposed to before, I wasn't struck by complete and utter fear, but was rather calm about it all. Now I returned to the States and just (a minute ago) booked a trip to Mexico with my boyfriend - just holiday this time. It's on Alaska Air, and now I feel the butterflies and anxious feelings popping up… I've read everything that is on Alaska Air on this sight and find that both Cpt Tom and Cpt Steve say it's fine and that security has improved dramatically. In addition, I know that the planes are newer - I'm flying on a Boeing...