Stuck at The Airport is Seattle-based, and we’re planning trips on Alaska to Tokyo, Seoul and, starting this summer, to London, Rome and Reykjavik, Iceland. We can only imagine (and float wishes) where they’ll take off for next.
To make its expansion plans reality, on Wednesday Alaska Airlines announced it largest aircraft order ever.
The airline now has new orders for a whopping 110 Boeing planes to be delivered between now and 2035.
“These planes will fuel our expansion to more destinations across the globe and ensure our guests travel aboard the newest, most fuel-efficient and state-of-the-art aircraft,” said Alaska Air Group CEO and President Ben Minicucci.
The order includes the purchase of 105 737-10 aircraft and options for 35 more of the Boeing’s largest 737 MAX planes. And that’s not all. Alaska is also purchasing 5 additional 787 widebody aircraft.
The future’s so 😎 The first @Boeing widebody 787 Dreamliner ft. our new aurora borealis-inspired global design has arrived. It’s one step forward in our bold vision as the country’s fourth largest global airline. Plus, our fleet expansion continues with 105 Boeing 737 aircraft… pic.twitter.com/7FHr6quV7h
At an event announcing and celebrating this major order, Alaska Airlines revealed this brand new Boeing widebody 787 Dreamliner.
The 787-9’s exterior design draws inspiration from the natural wonder of the Aurora Borealis, the airline said, and features a palette of deep midnight blues and lush emerald greens.
Here’s a great time-lapse video of the livery being applied.
1,000 artist hours. 13 days. 1 epic reveal. Introducing the first @Boeing widebody 787 Dreamliner ft. our new aurora borealis-inspired global design. This stunning aircraft pays tribute to Alaska’s rich history and proudly reflects our bold vision as the country’s fourth largest… pic.twitter.com/nMTG3qKDZa
It’s been a busy week at Stuck at the Airport headquarters with some exciting projects in the works and we’ve been setting aside these travel tidbits to share with you for this Friday round-up.
Airport and airline news
(The Dreams We Carry,” by Kipp Kobayashi, in Concourse G at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Courtesy of the Metropolitan Airports Commission)
“The Dreams We Carry” at Minneapolis -St. Paul Int’l Airport
Artist Kipp Kobayashi’s “The Dreams We Carry” sculpture is now installed in the two-story Concourse G Rotunda in Terminal 1 — near gates G18-22 — at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP).
The 45-foot-wide collection of hanging sculptures interacts with the light and hints at the unique stories represented by the more than 300 suspended objects — from everyday companions like favorite pets, cameras and blue jeans to treasured pieces such as rocking chairs, pianos, guitars, houseplants and a beloved teddy bear.
The choice of objects portrayed represents the items Minnesotans and travelers told the artist they most cherished and would bring on an imaginary one-way trip to a destination of their choice.
Airports helping federal employees working without pay
As the government shutdown drags on, federal workers at U.S. airports must continue to work without pay.
A growing list of airports, airlines and community organizations are doing what they can to help these workers make it through.
We’re holding a donation drive to support our valued federal employees during the government shutdown. 🗓️MCO: 10/18-10/24 & ORL: 10/20-10/24 ⏲️9am to 2pm 📍MCO Terminal C Departures and the ORL Admin Offices at 365 Rickenbacker Dr. 🛍️Non-perishable food, toiletries, & baby items pic.twitter.com/IaFU1UOPyC
We will be holding a public donation drive to support our federal employees during this government shutdown.
Here’s how you can help: Date: Tuesday, November 4th Time: 9am to 2pm Location: Infront of CRW main terminal- Drive by and drop off, or use our free 20 minute lot! pic.twitter.com/6oo7Nexo69
— West Virginia International Yeager Airport (@flycrw) October 23, 2025
Alaska Air celebrates new nonstop from Seattle to Seoul
We’re sad they didn’t invite us to the party, but we’re glad to see Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Alaska Airlines kicking off the airline’s new nonstop flight from Seattle to Seoul with a fun, celebrity-studded party.
N Concourse was K-poppin’ today! Travelers got a surprise performance from Andrew Choi — the singing voice of Jinu in @netflix’s K-Pop Demon Hunters — after he helped celebrate @AlaskaAir’s new nonstop flight to Seoul. pic.twitter.com/Zz5XAnvkpe
No airline ticket is required. But guests will need to register for one of the 200 available slots ahead of time.
Registration opens October 23 at 9 am.
In addition to taking in the airport’s impressive art installations and doing some shopping and snacking, airport visitors will be able to learn about artist Gordon Huether’s new art installation, “Flight.”
We got so excited we opened registration a day early 😅
Three “CHS Goes Pink” stations are now installed at pre-security, on the way to baggage claim, at Charleston International Airport (CHS) to surpport the fight against breast cancer.
Airport guests can take selfies at the pink balloon display, leave a note on the Memory Wall and purchase merchandise with the proceeds benefiting the Susan G. Komen Foundation.
Charleston International Airport, in partnership with local vendors, has installed three CHS Goes Pink activations pre-security on the way to baggage claim.
If you’re traveling through CHS, be sure to stop by one (or all three!) to engage with our team and support the fight… pic.twitter.com/NA5i6zO0K3
Big headaches Wednesday night for United Airlines and its passengers due to a major system outage that led to widespread delays and ground stops across the country.
The airline said the issue was related to a technology glitch.
The issue was resolved late in the evening, but it may take days for all travelers on delayed and canceled flights to get to their destinations.
Alaska Airlines announces new flights and a new livery
Alaska Airlines is making news left and right. This week, the carrier announced new routes to London and Reykjavik from Seattle starting in Spring 2026, adding to previously announced new service to Rome, also set to begin in Spring 2026.
The airline also unveiled a new livery for its 787-9 aircraft and announced that by Spring all Dreamliners in its fleet will be flying with this new design.
Already, there’s debate over the new livery.
Some people love it. But others are disappointed because the smiling face of the Inuk man known as “Chester” – which has been a staple on the tail of Alaska Airlines’ aircraft for years – is nowhere to be seen.
What do you think?
London. Reykjavík. Rome. A bold new global aircraft design. A premium experience. And endless possibilities for international travel! Be the first to book this fall by joining our early-access list: https://t.co/wr6S8d9j8w
There used to be a couple of vending machiens filled with fun and unusual Asian treats in the waiting area outside international arrivals at Seattle-Tacome International Airport.
An equally cool – maybe cooler – concession has taken its place.
Sunday evening turned troublesome for Alaska Airlines and thousands of its passengers when the carrier experienced an IT outage and issued a system-wide ground stop for Alaska Airlines and Horizons Air flights to address the issue.
The ground stop lasted just a few hours, but it may take days to get all affected passengers to their destinations.
“As we reposition our aircraft and crews, there will most likely be residual impacts to our flights. It will take some time to get our overall operations back to normal,” the airline said in a statement.
As of 4 am EST, Alaska Airlines had not posted a travel advisory on its site for affected travelers, but if you’ve got a flight booked on Alaska Airlines or Horizon Air this week, be sure to check on the flight status before leaving home.
Alaska Airlines has resolved its earlier IT outage and has resumed operations. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience, and encourage guests to check your flight status before heading to the airport.
In June, Hawaiian Airlines, which became part of Alaska Airlines last September, reported a cybersecurity event that affected some of its IT systems, but no word yet if these incidents are related.
Hawaiian Airlines is addressing a cybersecurity event that has affected some of our IT systems. Our highest priority is the safety and security of our guests and employees. Flights are operating safely. We will share updates as available.
This week there was news about new planes with upgraded interiors and a bevy of “let’s go!” new routes.
Earlier this week we shared photos and notes about the new seasonal Edelweiss Air flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Zurich.
Alaska Airlines also announced that flights between Seattle and Rome will begin in May 2026. The carrier points out that the ‘Emerald City; will be connected to the ‘Eternal City’ for the first time.
With Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines recently launched flights to Tokyo Narita and in September will begin flying to Seoul, South Korea.
Now boarding: CLT to ATH! 🇬🇷 Today, @AmericanAir launched its new nonstop service between #CLTairport and @ATH_Airport! ✈️ This seasonal route (June–September) is CLT’s longest nonstop flight yet—and it’s already making a meaningful difference for local families. Read how this… pic.twitter.com/qYx2XUDxgW
American Airlines woos with the ‘premium’ Boeing 787-9 aircraft
And this week, to much hoopla, American Airlines began flying one of its new 787-9P ‘premium’ aircraft, with an inaugural flight on June 5 from Chicago O’Hare (ORD) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
Sadly, the Stuck at The Airport team, sadly, wasn’t on that first flight. But we look forward to hopping on board soon to experience all the new creature comforts.
Here’s a short video of the new interior that the airline shared a few weeks back.
And here’s an important public service announcement
The foundation was created to honor Sami Josephson, a young woman kidnapped and murdered by a fake rideshare driver in 2019. The campaign uses the letters of Sami’s name to spell out the tips that could save your life.
Here are the tips to remember:
S: Stop before you get in a vehicle and go over the safety rules in the app
A: Ask your driver “What’s my name?” to confirm that they are the driver assigned to you. (Don’t say, “Are you ….”)
M: Match the make, model and license plate of the car with the one displayed in your rideshare app.
I – Inform a friend or family member of your ride details. Rideshare apps offer a real-time tracking app. Use it.
LAS Airport is partnering with the #WhatsMyName Foundation to honor Sami Josephson, a University of South Carolina student who was kidnapped and murdered by a fake rideshare driver in 2019. Remember these safety tips next time you take a rideshare. https://t.co/JDBA6LBjYBpic.twitter.com/yNRupPehAQ
— Harry Reid International Airport (@LASairport) June 5, 2025
In March 2024, Orlando International Airport (MCO) joined the Pin Trading world with its very own line of collectible “MCO Icons” pins.
Since then, travelers have picked up pins (and pairs of the airport’s snazzy socks) through occasional giveaways and pin exchanges online and onsite.
Here’s another chance to get those goodies.
There’s an MCO Pop-Up Pin Exchange scheduled for Tuesday, May 20, between noon and 2 pm.
Travelers who stop by Level 3 – by the fountain – can trade their enamel pins for pins from the MCO Icons Collection and some new edition pins.
As a nice bonus, extra prizes – including some snazzy new MCO socks – will be awarded to those who spin the prize wheel.
(Note: the pin exchanges is limited to 3 pins per customer, while supplies last).
It's another Pop-Up Pin Exchange event! On Tuesday, 5/20, stop by and trade for our MCO Icons Collection & our MCO and ORL new logo pins! Plus, spin the wheel for extra prizes like our new MCO socks! *3 pins per customer (while supplies last) 📍Level 3 by the fountain ⏰noon-2pm pic.twitter.com/uIic3WI9P0
— Orlando International Airport (@MCO) May 14, 2025
One grand prize winner will receive two Alaska Air roundtrip vouchers from any major US city to Tokyo, Japan, plus four nights at a premium double-occupancy hotel in Tokyo. The prize also includes $500 for incidentals and ground transportation and a Westland travel kit.
(The sweepstakes is open to all 50 U.S. states plus D.C.; entrants must be 21 or older.)
While you’re waiting to win, you might want to try the new Narita Banana cocktail being offered exclusively at the Alaska Airlines lounge on the N Concourse.
Created in collaboration with Tokyo’s celebrated cocktail bar Tokyo Confidential, the cocktail features Westland’s Flagship American Single Malt, banana liqueur, pineapple juice, rich simple syrup, milk and a pinch of salt.
The new daily flight, operated by Hawaiian Airlines, which Alaska Airlines acquired in September 2024, is on an A330 aircraft and is the first of 12 international wide-body flights Alaska plans to roll out by 2030.
Next up: Seattle to Seoul, starting on September 12, 2025.
Welcome to a new era of travel. We’re wheels up to Tokyo! 🇯🇵 Today marks the inaugural flight from Seattle to Narita, operated by @HawaiianAir. This daily nonstop kicks off @alaskaair's very first intercontinental route, opening the door to Tokyo and beyond. pic.twitter.com/xwt2MCvAx6
Any place United’s updated 787-9 Dreamliners will fly
(Courtesy United)
When United Airlines begins taking delivery of its new 787-9 Dreamliners, sometime before the end of the year, there will be a slew of snazzy nose-to-tail upgrades throughout the aircraft.
Especially in the business class cabin.
As part of what the Chicago-based carrier is dubbing the United Elevated interior, these new Dreamliners will sport two business class suites in the first row of each business class section.
The suites will be 25% larger than standard United Polaris seats and have privacy doors, an extra ottoman seat for companions, special entrée options, wireless charging, a huge 27-inch, 4K OLED seatback screen and a host of other amenities, including hoodie pajamas and slippers, new noise-canceling headphones and amenity kits, playing cards, a velvet throw pillow on the ottoman as well as Saks Fifth Avenue bedding that includes a duvet, day blanket, large pillow and cooling gel pillow.
Standard United Polaris seats will also get upgraded to suites with the addition of sliding doors and larger, 19-inch 4K OLED screens, multiple charging options for gadgets and the option to choose between seats that face the window or the center of the aircraft.
Premium Plus, Economy Plus and Economy seats are also getting some updates with the Elevated interior, including Bluetooth connectivity.
United Aircraft with the “Elevated” interior will also be among the first United widebody planes to have free Starlink connectivity for United MileagePlus members.
The carrier expects to take delivery of the first 787-9 Dreamliner with the Elevated interior before the end of 2025 with the first international passenger flights planned in 2026 from San Francisco to Singapore and San Francisco to London.
Meet the new United Elevated interior on the all-new 787-9 Dreamliner.
🚪 A redesigned United Polaris business class (yes, with doors!)
🥂 United Polaris Studio, 8 all-new front-row suites with 25% more room, an ottoman and caviar service
Now Alaska Airlines has issued a new set of trading cards that you can collect too.
On World Pilot’s Day (April 26) the carrier debuted a new 8-card collection of commemorative trading cards celebrating current liveries.
The carrier last issued new trading cards more than a decade ago and those cards were printed on cardstock.
These new cards are more snazzy, with a holographic film and lenticular coating that transforms the aircraft image into what the airline promises will be a “multi-dimensional experience.”
Want some of Alaska Airlines’ new trading cards?
So how do you get your hands on these cool new airline trading cards?
According to the airline you just need to ask the pilot or a member of the flight crew on your next flight if they have cards on hands. Keep in mind though, that limited quantities of the cards are being produced and are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
Let us know what you score.
Aircraft Trading Cards are taking off on World Pilot’s Day. 🛫 Which card are you most excited to collect? Drop your pick below.👇 pic.twitter.com/27ytsBQ9mB
For a full history of all of Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air pilot trading cards, take a moment to visit the World Airline Historical Society site, which traces the airline’s collectible cards back to 1966.
Where we’d go: Kinectic Sculpture Race in Baltimore at AVAM
The American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, Maryland is a whimsical, magical museum that collects, displays and celebrates art produced by self-taught individuals.
AVAM also hosts some wonderful and wacky events, including a Kinetic Sculpture Race, which is celebrating its 25th running on Saturday, May 3.
According to AVAM, for this race, “Kinetinauts and their multi-terrain machine wonders brave 15 miles of seemingly impassable obstacles, from water circuits and pits of mud to the city’s bumpy byways…FOR NOTHIN’ BUT THE GLORY.”
Here’s what’s inside Alaska Airlines new lounge at SFO Airport
Alaska Airlines debuted its new lounge in Terminal 1 (by Gate B6) at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) this week and we visited for a preview.
This new lounge has 230 seats, a wide variety of seating options, upgraded food and drink options, plenty of charging spots and some welcome bonus extras.
Alaska’s popular lounger chairs are here and they’re lined up in front of floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the airfield. This is also the first Alaska Airlines lounge to install TalkBox phone booths for private conversations.
The lounge has two barista-staffed coffee stations serving espresso drinks made with San Francisco’s Ritual Coffee, a buffet food section, a bread station, and a candy station with jars of Ghirardelli chocolate square, Jelly Belly jellybeans and multi-colored Oakland Fortune Factory fortune cookies.
Love pancakes? Print them here
Pancake-printing machines are a highlight of all Alaska Airlines lounges. The new SFO Lounge has two!
If the complimentary food items aren’t quite enough for you, there’s also a food-for-purchase menu with pizza, cheeseburgers, chicken tenders, chicken teriyaki potstickers and taters tot or fries.
And of course, there’s a bar serving complimentary local craft brews, West Coast wines, cocktails and creative mocktails, along with premium wines and top-shelf spirits available for purchase.
Alaska Airlines has a long-running and very popular Wine Flies Free program that allows members of its mileage plan program to check a case of wine without having to pay an extra baggage fee when flying from 32 West Coast cities in Washington, Oregon, Idaho and California.
As a great and valuable bonus, in Oregon, Washington and Idaho your Alaska Airlines boarding pass gets you free wine tastings at participatng wineries.
Now Avelo Airlines is joining the wine-flies-free bandwagon with its own version of the program.
The airline doesn’t service as many cities as Alaska does, but beginning on National Wine Day (May 25), Avelo customers can begin checking a case of wine for free from the Bay Area’s Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa, CA.
Avelo currently offers nonstop flights from Sonoma to Salem, Oregon (SLE), Bend/Redmond (RDM), Boise (BOI), Glacier Park International Airport (FCA) in Kalispell, MT, Las Vegas (LAS), Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR) and Palm Springs (PSP).
“We know that visiting the vineyards and sampling Northern California’s world-famous wines is one of the most appealing reasons for visiting the Sonoma County region,” said Avelo Airlines Founder and CEO Andrew Levy, “It is our hope Avelo’s new Wine Travels Free program will make our Customers’ trips to California Wine Country that much more enjoyable and memorable.”
On both Alaska and Avelo, you must be at least 21 years of age to take advantage of this perk. And on both airlines one case of wine is considered to be a single box or case containing up to 12 bottles and weighing 50 lbs or less.
Let’s raise a glass to airlines that let wines fly free.
