Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - Alaska sends 737 to MSY to evacuate victims

A 737-400 just left SEA for OKC where it will refuel and head down to MSY to transport storm victims to safe locations at nearby San Antonio or Houston. Crew members are donating all pay to the American Red Cross for this. Alaska is also sending along some calling cards to give to the evacuees on board to make a call to a friend or family member to let them know where they are.

I'm really proud of the company that I work for right now....

Good job, AS. ^

Thank you AS and crew!!

Nice to hear it!

lala

A curious question (and please people, don't start anything inflammatory out of my questions)

In such a situation, would the airline contact the authorities handling rescue operations notifying of available assistance, or was there a call from rescue authorities asking airlines for any assistance they may provide?

How is this all coordinated? FEMA? The State of LA?

Does AS have the possibility of recovery for its out-of-pocket costs from government disaster relief funds, or is the entire thing a donation. (As far as the crew goes, it is above and beyond the call, and really something else that they donate their trip pay ^ )

A curious question (and please people, don't start anything inflammatory out of my questions)

In such a situation, would the airline contact the authorities handling rescue operations notifying of available assistance, or was there a call from rescue authorities asking airlines for any assistance they may provide?

How is this all coordinated? FEMA? The State of LA?

Does AS have the possibility of recovery for its out-of-pocket costs from government disaster relief funds, or is the entire thing a donation. (As far as the crew goes, it is above and beyond the call, and really something else that they donate their trip pay ^ )

I don't know who contacted who first. I beleive that the ATA (Air Transport Association), which is the trade organization of U.S. airlines, gathered commitments of support from their member airlines and then put the offer out there to FEMA. Alaska volunteered one plane and a crew. I understand that there is some remuneration but not enough to cover even a fraction of the costs involved. All of the airlines involved are largely donating their services.

Alaska volunteered one plane and a crew. I understand that there is some remuneration but not enough to cover even a fraction of the costs involved. All of the airlines involved are largely donating their services.

It's also probably a more significant loss for AS than say AA, DL or CO who may have excess short-haul aircraft in a nearby hub (DFW, ATL, or IAH respectively) because they are not currently flying MSY flights.

As of this writing, the plane is scheduled to fly back and forth between New Orleans and Austin Bergstrom Intl airport through the night and into tomorow. Everything is just sort of being decided on the fly so things could change in a moments notice.

http://www.alaskasworld.com/NEWS/2005/09/03_op_Alaska_spirit.asp

As of this writing, the plane is scheduled to fly back and forth between New Orleans and Austin Bergstrom Intl airport through the night and into tomorow. Everything is just sort of being decided on the fly so things could change in a moments notice.

http://www.alaskasworld.com/NEWS/2005/09/03_op_Alaska_spirit.asp
Thank you, Alaska Airlines!

I have felt so helpless this week...a donation to the Red Cross can help, but it is such a tiny percentage of what is needed.

Mike

As of this writing, the plane is scheduled to fly back and forth between New Orleans and Austin Bergstrom Intl airport through the night and into tomorow. Everything is just sort of being decided on the fly so things could change in a moments notice.

http://www.alaskasworld.com/NEWS/2005/09/03_op_Alaska_spirit.asp

This is an awesome effort by AS, and glad to see it being done!! ^

New Orleans and Austin Bergstrom Intl

If they'd have known that, they would've sent a couple Horizon RJ's instead. ;) j/k

Good job to AS and the other carriers participating in this!

An AS employee asked this question of the company and here is the response.

Question: Is it true that Alaska Airlines is being reimbursed by the government for providing the mercy flights for hurricane victims?

Answer: Absolutely not. Alaska Airlines donated the aircraft time and fuel and 22 dedicated employees donated their time and none are being reimbursed.

I too have never been more proud to be an AS employee than now seeing how our company and employees have pitched in to help those who desperately need help.

An AS employee asked this question of the company and here is the response.

Question: Is it true that Alaska Airlines is being reimbursed by the government for providing the mercy flights for hurricane victims?

Answer: Absolutely not. Alaska Airlines donated the aircraft time and fuel and 22 dedicated employees donated their time and none are being reimbursed.

I too have never been more proud to be an AS employee than now seeing how our company and employees have pitched in to help those who desperately need help.

Let's not forget that AS flew supplies into Berlin after WWII and also evacuated Yemenite Jews into Israel between 1948 and 1950 - this was known as Operation Magic Carpet.

Yes, true, but in our lifetime this is the coolest thing we've been able to be a part of. Alaska pre-1950 was a MUCH different airline than what we are today. Apparently, the spirit has survived all these years....