How Consistency Helped Alaska Airlines Ascend From Pandemic Turbulence

A hard line on masks and soft touch with marketing helped the air travel industry navigate Covid-19

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How do airlines protect passengers during a pandemic without sacrificing their company’s spirit? It’s a delicate safety dance.

Since Covid-19’s arrival, Alaska Airlines has banned more than 700 people—including an Alaska state senator—from flights for violating safety policies. It’s also made playful distance markers, choreographed ’80s parody videos and extended frequent-flyer perks.

As the holiday travel season approaches amid growing uncertainty about air travel’s future, industry experts say Alaska Airlines is a case study in navigating turbulence, and competitors are following its path.

“They do a fantastic job, year in, year out, and they’re extraordinarily consistent,” J.D.

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This story first appeared in the Sept. 13, 2021, issue of Adweek magazine. Click here to subscribe.