Alaska Airlines launches its new “Alaska Beyond” inflight entertainment service

Alaska Airlines (Seattle/Tacoma) today issued this statement:

Starting today, Alaska Airlines customers can enjoy free* entertainment directly on their personal electronic devices. The new entertainment service, available today on 50 of Alaska’s 737 planes, will be available at no extra charge through January 31, 2015. Alaska will equip nearly all of its all-Boeing fleet by April 2015.

Above logo: Did you notice the subtle change in the Alaska titles? The jagged lines have now been smoothed out a bit and the “k” no longer intrudes on the “a”. No, the Eskimo is not going away but the aircraft titles are now likely to change to this updated and cleaner look.

Alaska’s inflight entertainment launch marks the debut of Alaska BeyondTM, a new flight experience that highlights what sets Seattle’s hometown airline apart from other carriers. In addition to entertainment, Alaska Beyond is further defined by its artisan food and beverage program, and its in-cabin comforts including Recaro seats with personal power at every seat.

Alaska Beyond Entertainment lets customers catch up on their favorite television shows and watch recently released movies using their own Wi-Fi-enabled tablet, smartphone or laptop. *All content, including premium movies and TV shows, will be complimentary through Jan. 31, 2015. Starting February 1, customers can still enjoy access to a wide selection of complimentary custom curated content and purchase premium movies and TV shows starting at $1.99.

With Alaska Beyond Comfort, Alaska customers power-up with standard and USB personal power outlets at every seat. The custom-designed leather seats, made by Recaro, feature 6-way adjustable headrests, enhanced personal space and three inches of recline. Access to power outlets is conveniently located in the seatback in front of each passenger. Today, more than 95 percent of Alaska’s fleet of Boeing 737-800s, -900s, and -900ERs have power outlets at every seat. Many of Alaska’s aircraft also feature the Boeing Sky Interior which creates a lighter and more spacious cabin. Later next year, Alaska will be the launch customer of Boeing’s innovative Space Bins , which provide 48 percent more overhead bin storage.

Alaska Beyond Delicious offers travelers locally-sourced, artisan food and beverage from iconic Northwest brands, including signature entrees designed by award-winning chef Tom Douglas. The popular Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter features Beecher’s Flagship and Tillamook cheeses are available on all flights, as well as hand-poured Canoe Ridge wines, Sun Liquor hand-crafted liquors, Alaskan Amber and other local micro-brews, and in First Class, Chateau Ste. Michelle wines.

Launching Beyond Entertainment

Customers will know entertainment is available on their device by reviewing the Flight Amenities seatback card located at each seat on equipped aircraft. Programing available through Alaska’s inflight entertainment is powered by Gogo Vision, a service that wirelessly streams content from a server onboard the aircraft to customer tablets and smart phones.

Customers can begin viewing content after the aircraft reaches an altitude of 10,000 feet. To connect, customers go to the Gogo Inflight network, launch their browser and click on “Entertainment.” Further instructions and a list of supported devices is available at http://www.gogoair.com . Customers traveling without a device can rent a video player with pre-loaded content on many longer flights. Prices vary depending on the length of the flight and start at $8.

Top Copyright Photo: Michael B. Ing/AirlinersGallery.com (all others by Alaska Airlines). Boeing 737-890 N560AS (msn 35179) “Spirit of the Islands” now has Aviation Partners Boeing Split Scimitar Winglets.

Alaska Airlines aircraft slide show: