Having just returned from South America I didn't hear about the incident til yesterday. While down there, I called Alaska and booked a flight for today from SNA to OAK.

When I arrived today at SNA there wasn't any joking around at the counter like there usually is. Every Alaska employee I saw had blue ribbons pinned on in remembrance. On the plane, the FA's were very pleasant, but again, no joking around.

I never thought about cancelling my flight as I have the utmost confidence in Alaska. I renewed my support for Alaska as I watched the baggage crew loading a Continental plane next to ours. They dropped a bag on the tarmac and they never noticed it til they ran it over with tractor. They brushed the tire tracks of the bag and tossed it aboard the plane.

I'm flying back to SNA tomorrow hoping the staff spirits are a little brighter. Does anyone have any ideas for a gift or something to make them feel better?