SEATTLE, Jan. 13, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Chasing the
Northern Lights is now within reach. Starting Jan. 13, flyers will have the opportunity to
escape to the winter wonderland of Alaska for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing
and, yes, a chance to see the Northern Lights. Using the
University of Alaska Fairbanks
Geophysical Institute's aurora forecast, Alaska Airlines is
offering up to 35% off airfare for travel between the Lower 48 and
Fairbanks and Anchorage through Feb.
12. The more intense the Northern Lights forecast, the more
flyers will save on flights.
On the blog: Northern Lights myths & tips to make
your aurora adventure lit
The deal taps into a growing trend among U.S. travelers seeking
more spontaneous, experience-based trips while also incorporating
science into the adventure. It also comes at a popular time for
travel planning – with people making their travel plans for the new
year, January is one of the airline's top months for bookings.
"Everyone loves a lighter fare," said Natalie Bowman, Alaska Airlines' managing
director, marketing and advertising. "As the airline that helps
savvy adventurers explore from Alaska to Latin
America, we're excited to harness the brainpower of aurora
researchers to fulfill guests' wanderlust goals. This is just the
start of how we'll use dynamic data in the future to appeal to our
flyers' passions."
Fares will be discounted daily up to 35% depending on the
Kp-index forecast during the travel time period. Scientists use the
Kp-index to help predict how visible the Northern Lights might be.
Alaska will discount fares based
on aurora intensity:
- 0 to 3 Kp = 15% off
- 4 to 5 Kp = 20% off
- 6 to 7 Kp = 25% off
- 8 to 9 Kp = 35% off
"We've been helping people chase the Northern Lights for more
than 25 years by tracking and posting aurora forecasts online,"
said Mark Conde, professor of
physics at the University of Alaska
Fairbanks. "The Geophysical Institute team is thrilled to
see our data come to life through aurora seekers."
Its northern latitude makes Fairbanks the perfect location for greater
night sky visibility – far away from bustling cities and their
light pollution. Travelers who keep an eye on the aurora and
weather forecast and spend a few long winter nights aurora hunting
have a good chance of experiencing the dazzling display.
According to Explore Fairbanks,
January and February are ideal times for winter lovers to visit
Alaska. When not watching the
skies, visitors can explore a snow-capped winter wonderland on
snowshoes, skis or snowmobiles. After a day of activity, relax in
the renowned Chena Hot Springs, one of the best vantage points for
viewing the Northern Lights.
"While many think of visiting Alaska in the summer months, winter offers
travelers a prime chance to experience nature's beautiful light
display with fewer crowds and lower prices," said Deb Hickok, Explore Fairbanks president and CEO.
"Alaska Airlines is opening the doors for guests to explore the
wonders of winter and all that Fairbanks has to offer."
Alaska offers the most flights
of any airline to the state of Alaska, with 68 daily flights to 19
destinations including Fairbanks,
Anchorage and Juneau. Travelers can fly nonstop from
Seattle to Fairbanks on four daily flights and connect
easily from 25 West Coast cities.
Traveling with skis? Alaska
waives the oversize and overweight fees for sports equipment –
meaning guests can fly with a set of skis for just $30 (the price of a regular checked bag). For MVP
Gold 75K, MVP Gold, MVP, First Class
and Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card holders, this equipment
counts towards their free checked baggage allowance.
Onboard, guests can enjoy a three-class cabin, assigned seating,
seatback power, comfortable seats, and food and drinks crafted with
a range of refreshing, bright flavors inspired by West Coast
ingredients. With Alaska's
inflight entertainment, flyers can watch more than 500 movies and
TV shows – all for free on their own devices.
The Northern Lights offer is valid for tickets purchased today
through Jan.17 for travel through Feb.12. To purchase tickets or
find more information on terms and conditions, visit
alaskaair.com/northernlights or call 1-800-ALASKAAIR (800-252-7522
for Hearing & Speech Impaired (TTY): Dial 711 for Relay
Services). Fare restrictions apply.
Alaska Airlines and its regional partners fly 46 million guests
a year to more than 115 destinations with an average of 1,300 daily
flights across the United States
and to Mexico, Canada and Costa
Rica. With Alaska and
Alaska Global Partners, guests can earn and redeem miles on flights
to more than 800 destinations worldwide. Alaska Airlines ranked
"Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers
in North America" in the J.D. Power North America Airline
Satisfaction Study for 12 consecutive years from 2008 to 2019.
Learn about Alaska's award-winning
service at newsroom.alaskaair.com and blog.alaskaair.com. Alaska
Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group
(NYSE: ALK).
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Get up to 35% off airfare between Alaska Airlines cities in the
lower 48 United States and Anchorage or Fairbanks. Discount level is
set based on the highest Kp level in the current University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical
Institute 27 day aurora forecast for Alaska. Kp levels of 0-3 will trigger a 15%
discount, Kp levels of 4-5 will trigger a 20% discount,
Kp levels of 6-7 will trigger a 25% discount, and Kp levels of
8-9 will trigger a 35% discount. Travel is valid from Jan. 13, through Feb. 12,
2020. Valid for new ticket purchases only. Discount code
must be applied towards purchase of ticket by 11:59 p.m. (PT) on Jan.
17, 2020. Discount does not apply to government-imposed
taxes and airport fees. Cannot be combined with other promotions.
Valid for up to six travelers on the same reservation. Not
applicable to Mileage Plan Award Reservations, Alaska Airlines
Vacation packages, tour or contract fares. Discount codes may not
be sold, bought, bartered, auctioned or collected in bulk.
Passenger is responsible for all applicable taxes, fees, and
surcharges, including checked baggage fees. Full terms and
conditions available at alaskaair.com/northernlights.
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SOURCE Alaska Airlines
