Originally Posted by gcv

I went on line to Alaska’s web site today to check on how Alaska is addressing the pandemic as it pertains to the COVID-19 pandemic. I never noticed it before, but Alaska is now referring to paying passengers as “guests” on its aircraft. Prior to that we were passengers and customers.

I don’t know if designating passengers as guests is intended to make us feel better about flying during the pandemic, or make us feel appreciate more by Alaska, or if legally there is a distinction between a “passenger” and a “guest” that somehow limits Alaska’s liability should a guest - but not a passenger according to Alaska - have some sort of issue related to COVID-19.

It just seems odd to me. When I get on a flight I typically don’t feel like a guest, but someone who is paying for a seat to get between two points. I am skeptical because even though airlines are legally required to give passengers a full refund without a fee should a flight be cancelled, many airlines are coercing passengers to take a voucher for a future flight in lieu of a refund. Some airlines intentionally have been misleading customers about their rights.