• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  Alaska Airlines  >  Alaska Airlines Hasn’t Got A Prayer
Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines Hasn’t Got A Prayer

Matthew Klint Posted onJanuary 29, 2012December 6, 2016 8 Comments

Is it appropriate for an airline to hand out a prayer card with your meal? After doing so for decades, Alaska Airlines announced this week that it would be ending the practice effective 01 February 2012. Reactions have been mixed—some lament Alaska’s “surrender to secularism” while others express delight that Alaska had ended what they deem an assault on their values. Most don’t care—but I do, and am sad to see the prayer cards go.

I laugh a bit, because this was a very serious decision at Alaska. Last year Alaska summarily eliminated MVP Guest upgrades without so much as a personalized note to their most loyal flyers. But the decision to eliminate prayer cards was announced via e-mail to Alaska flyers in a note signed by the CEO and President.

Dear Mr. Klint,

At Alaska Airlines, we have provided prayer cards to our customers for more than 30 years. A former marketing executive borrowed the idea from another airline and introduced the cards to our passengers in the late 1970s to differentiate our service.

The cards have been provided only to our First Class customers since meal tray service ended in coach six years ago. Beginning February 1, 2012, however, we’ll be eliminating the cards entirely. This difficult decision was not made lightly. We believe it’s the right thing to do in order to respect the diverse religious beliefs and cultural attitudes of all our customers and employees.

Some of you enjoy the cards and associate them with our service. We also know some of you consider the cards to be a tradition that reflects your own spiritual beliefs. At the same time, we’ve heard from many of you who believe religion is inappropriate on an airplane, and some are offended when we hand out the cards. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice.

It’s important that everyone know that this decision does not change our core values nor our care for our customers. We’ll continue to distinguish ourselves through the pride and professionalism of our people on every flight and in our communities.

Our priority at Alaska is to fly our passengers to their destinations safely, on time and with their bags. We thank you for the opportunity to serve you and for the chance to demonstrate this commitment each time you fly with us.

Sincerely,

Bill Ayer
Chairman and CEO, Alaska Air Group

Brad Tilden 
President, Alaska Airlines

Let me draw you to what I view as the key point in the letter—

Religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice.

alaska-airlines-prayer-cards Without a doubt, religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice. But sharing is a choice the airline made in the 1970s and has continued for over 30 years. Now Alaska has made the choice it does not want to share with others. Why the change of heart?

We all have heard the story of American Airlines removing olives from first class salads, saving the company ,000/year. This latest move may have been purely a move to defray costs, but I doubt it.

From working in the world of politics (and the aviation industry [which are often one and the same]) I understand that a few vocal whiners really can bring about changes in policy, but this is where I simply do not understand the intolerance of those who could not be bothered to turn over, crumple, or just ignore a small slip of paper that most passengers appreciated (afterall, the American people continue to overwhelming identify themselves as religious people, primarily Christian).

Some bemoaned the Christian slant of the card, but there were only three variations of the cards, each featuring an innocuous Old Testament Psalm that just as easily could have been found in the Islamic Zabur. No mention of Jesus or some of the more controversial scriptures (like John 3:16, which In-N-Out places on the bottom of their cups).

Does the fact that Alaska catered to their religious flyers suggest they had an animosity toward non-believers? Of course not—that would be as ridiculous as saying Alaska’s gay and lesbian travel page demonstrates animosity toward straight people. The prayer cards simply were a nice sentimental touch meant to remind religious people of the simple truths of their faith, like “give thanks to the Lord for He is good.”

True, Alaska’s choice of translation was not fully accurate (love in Psalm 103:7 is better translated mercy or lovingkindness), but can anyone really tell me with a straight face that these little prayer cards were offensive? Have people no tolerance for views that differ from their own anymore?

It angers me when I get on a United flight and see that overhead movies really are not edited much anymore. Nothing like a flight filled with foul language, violence, and sex for all the youngsters onboard, but I ultimately let it slide because 1.) no one is forcing me to watch the movie and 2.) I can appreciate the fact that most disagree with my viewpoint. I’m not about to jump ship on United because of something as trivial as their IFE choice nor should United cut out IFE that most people seem to enjoy just because I am slightly offended. Do you see the parallel?

America is not a Christian nation—nations cannot be Christian, only people can. America is also in a continued state of evolution, as changing demographics and social mores lead to an ever-tightening tension with religious dogma that has been unquestioned for centuries. But Americans remain a religious people and I don’t see a problem with Alaska recognizing that.

Thankfully, I don’t hear anyone foolish enough to claim Alaska’s distribution of prayer cards should be banned by law or violates the Constitution, but I just kindly ask my traveling brethren who may be indifferent or opposed to Alaska’s prayer cards to remember that no one is forcing you to read them. Please think twice before spouting the odd contention that the distribution of these cards constitutes on assault on your values. Reasonable minds can differ on the sagacity of the prayer cards in the first place (an in all likelihood, Alaska ushered them in under former-CEO Bruce Kennedy merely to pander), but please have a little respect before trying to denigrate the inspiration or solace these cards have provided to many, myself included.

Previous Article Humor: Leaked US Airways Memo on Philadelphia Expansion
Next Article Another Bump on United Airlines!

About Author

Matthew Klint

Matthew is an avid traveler who calls Los Angeles home. Each year he travels more than 200,000 miles by air and has visited more than 135 countries. Working both in the aviation industry and as a travel consultant, Matthew has been featured in major media outlets around the world and uses his Live and Let's Fly blog to share the latest news in the airline industry, commentary on frequent flyer programs, and detailed reports of his worldwide travel.

Related Posts

  • Bankman-Fried Alaska Airlines

    Poor Sam Bankman-Fried “Downgrades” From American Airlines Business Class To Alaska Airlines First Class

    February 20, 2023
  • Black Muslim Men Alaska Airlines

    Black Muslim Men Sue Alaska Airlines After Being Removed From Flight For Arabic Text Messages

    August 10, 2022
  • Fighting Alaska Airlines Pilots

    Update: What Were Alaska Airlines Pilots Fighting About?

    July 22, 2022

8 Comments

  1. David Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 12:57 am

    wow, so opinionated and so off base. I did not fly Alaska and one of the reasons was those prayer cards. It’s indoctrination and preaching, that’s how I felt about it, and it offended me. My choice was to not fly them. I don’t want people attempting to tell me how to think, how to believe, how to pray or not, or whatever. I expect a US based airline to fly me from point A to point B.

    Was I super offended by the prayer cards. No. But it did bother me.

    So are you saying that I was wrong to feel the way I felt about those prayer cards? There’s no way you can say that, because then you would be telling me how I should feel and how I should think, and what’s the difference, Mathew?

    Personally, I’m glad they announced what they announced.

    I don’t begrudge anybody’s private beliefs. I do begrudge those that attempt to tell me how to think or how to feel or how to believe, in any form.

    -David

    -David

  2. Stephan Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 8:29 am

    A well thought out discussion. I find it sad that we have turned into a society that can’t accept other viewpoints without becoming instantly offended at the littlest things. Political correctness has made us less tolerant.

  3. LarryInNYC Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 4:17 pm

    When you say:
    .
    “Does the fact that Alaska catered to their religious flyers suggest they had an animosity toward non-believers? Of course not—that would be as ridiculous as saying Alaska’s gay and lesbian travel page demonstrates animosity toward straight people”
    .
    you are incorrect. A more apt description would be if every passenger were handed a copy of Out Magazine upon boarding. Of course, they could choose to crumple or discard it, as you say. But I doubt we’ll see it happen any time soon and, if we did, I doubt you’d consider it a desirable, or even permissible, intrusion into each passenger’s life.

  4. Matthew Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 10:56 pm

    @David:

    I don’t want people attempting to tell me how to think, how to believe, how to pray or not, or whatever.

    But people tell us what to do or think all the time. Cable news, politicians, advertisements. Tis life…

    So are you saying that I was wrong to feel the way I felt about those prayer cards? There’s no way you can say that, because then you would be telling me how I should feel and how I should think, and what’s the difference, Mathew?

    No, I am not telling you were wrong to hold the convictions you do. You admit that you were not super offended by the prayer cards but they still bothered you because you do not want people preaching to you. That’s fair.

    But a little tolerance goes a long way (not to say you are intolerant). I don’t think Alaska meant the prayer cards as an attack on anyone’s faith–but rather as an affirmation of many people’s faith. In our pluralistic society, I prefer that to a crusade attempting to extinguish anything and everything that may be controversial from the public square.

    I don’t begrudge anybody’s private beliefs. I do begrudge those that attempt to tell me how to think or how to feel or how to believe, in any form.

    Again, how do you avoid life?

  5. Matthew Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 10:57 pm

    @Stephan: Thanks for your comments.

    Political correctness has made us less tolerant.

    I agree.

  6. Grant Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 11:01 pm

    I prefer prayer cards or Out Magazine over being subjected to loud in-flight credit card offer announcements.

  7. Matthew Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    @LarryInNYC

    A more apt description would be if every passenger were handed a copy of Out Magazine upon boarding. Of course, they could choose to crumple or discard it, as you say. But I doubt we’ll see it happen any time soon and, if we did, I doubt you’d consider it a desirable, or even permissible, intrusion into each passenger’s life.

    I understand the analogy you are trying to draw, but I don’t think drawing such a conclusion is valid.

    First, the point I was trying to make is that supporting religious folks and non-religous folks is not mutually exclusive, just as supporting LGBT and straight travelers is not mutually exclusive.

    To your point–a prayer card is different than a magazine, though even a magazine would not give me cause me to avoid the airline. Starbucks just came out swinging as the gay marriage debate moves to Washington State. What if Starbucks included a little “prayer card” on all trays making the case for same-sex marriage? My argumentation would be exactly the same.

  8. Matthew Reply
    January 30, 2012 at 11:04 pm

    @Grant: LOL. Me too!

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • United Airlines MileagePlus CEO
    United Airlines Names New MileagePlus CEO March 25, 2023
  • Spirit Airlines Gate Agent Threatens To Sue Passenger For Filming Him March 25, 2023
  • Lufthansa A320neo Business Class Review
    Review: Lufthansa A320neo Business Class March 25, 2023
  • United Polaris Lounge LAX Review
    Review: United Airlines Polaris Lounge Los Angeles (LAX) March 24, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • American Airlines unaccompanied Minor Predator
    American Airlines Flight Attendant Freaks Out After Man Offers His First Class Seat To Child February 25, 2023
  • Kayleigh Scott United Airlines
    The Tragic Death Of A United Airlines Flight Attendant March 21, 2023
  • United Airlines Domestic First Class Menu
    United Airlines Refreshes Domestic First Class Menu February 28, 2023
  • Southwest Airlines Wife Slap
    Enraged Husband Attacks Man On Southwest Airlines Flight After He Bumps Wife March 8, 2023

Archives

March 2023
M T W T F S S
 12345
6789101112
13141516171819
20212223242526
2728293031  
« Feb    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.