As a “guest” to a dinner, party, show, or any countless other activities, I am grateful and appreciative to the other person. This term in my opinion implies a mutually considerate gratitude and appreciation. It need not imply any inherent debt , liability or responsibilities on the part of the host of a party or event.

The term customer and or passenger is indeed mechanical and transactional in which as some have reiterated that because payment was rendered that the responsibility and liability is all one sided- in this case all on the part of Alaska airlines moving people from point A to point B.

As such it’s a fine line as many who have posted expect to be treated like a “guest” when wanting the convenient privileges and amenities at the lowest possible transactional cost. Then in short order will also want to be viewed and treated as a “paying customer or passenger “ when things don’t go perfectly such as weather delay, safety checks for a light indicator in the cockpit or the requirement or need to change the schedule for long term financial viability of a business in an unprecedented pandemic situation in which nearly the entire nation’s retail and hospitality business are ordered to shut down or alter business proceedings.

So in conclusion I’m fine with being called a guest and thankful for the service Alaska is able to provide during flush times and challenging times. Let us be reminded that it’s easy to be nice when times are good, but our true colors and a organizations true culture become evident in times of stress.