I had never flown Alaska Airlines until a few years ago. Our 14-year-old nephew was with us on a flight to Seattle and he realized his wallet was missing when we arrived at our hotel. He was convinced it was stolen in the men’s room at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. My husband and I had our doubts but I went ahead and filed a claim with the airport. A few hours later I received a call from Alaska Airlines that while the aircraft was being cleaned in Anchorage, where it had gone after our flight, the wallet was found in the overhead bin. It must have fallen out of my nephew’s backpack. Alaska could not guarantee that the wallet would arrive in Seattle before we returned home to Pennsylvania in four days so I had it shipped to my nephew’s parents. We regrouped and all agreed to put it behind us and enjoy our trip.
Another hour went by, then Alaska Airlines phoned me again. An employee of the company was going to be taking a flight that night from Anchorage to Seattle and offered to bring the wallet with him. We could pick it up at Sea-Tac that evening after he landed or in the morning. Very early the next day Mister Rain and our young charge retrieved the wallet. All $200 cash and the $100 gift card for the Seahawks Pro Shop we gave him for Christmas was all there. We were floored and so grateful.
As we waited at our gate a few days later for our return flight home, an announcement was made for me to report to the Gate Agent Counter. I thought, “Oh, no, we’re getting bumped. Or at least I am.” But the reason for the summons was to tell me I could board the plane now, even before pre-boarding, due to my visual impairment, which I had indicated when booking our tickets.
Fast forward a few years, another trip to Seattle via Alaska Airlines. All goes smoothly on our outbound flight. After a wonderful week in the Pacific Northwest, we headed to Sea-Tac. Once we arrived at our gate, which was packed, seeing my cane, a representative from the airline came by before we boarded to see if I needed assistance. As we pre-boarded, a gentleman on the jetway offered me an arm where the handrail had ended. When I was about to step onto the plane, the flight attendant by the door approached me to help, then asked if I needed aid in finding my seat. Once belted and settled, another flight attendant sought me out, questioning if anyone had spoken to me yet. I replied no, wondering what was going on. Again, I thought I was getting bumped. I have never been bumped so I have no idea why I keep thinking this! He respectfully inquired how much sight I have, then he assured me that someone on the flight crew would get to me in case of an emergency. He reviewed the exits and encouraged me to make my way to one of them myself, if possible, but reiterated that someone would find me to make sure I could evacuate the aircraft.
Thank you, Alaska Airlines. For your exemplary customer service as well as your commitment to air travel and safety for ALL passengers. I can’t see you, but you most certainly see me.
#sisterrain #alittlesightalotofheart #legallyblindtraveler #travel #alaskaairlines
