Ben's Air Blog

A Trip Through Micronesia Saving the best for last - this was my biggest aviation adventure of 2018: the United Island Hopper .    

The Story of Copper River Salmon If you are a foodie, Memorial Day weekend this month marks the official start of the summer grilling season. For seafood lovers, the month of May also marks the opening of Alaska's famous Copper River Salmon fishing season.  Last year, I was given an unique opportunity to trace the salmon's journey from Cordova, Alaska to dining tables worldwide.  It was a journey made possible by Alaska Airlines Cargo.

Flying on Virgin America’s Farewell Flight April 25, 2018 marked an important milestone for Virgin America (VX) and Alaska Airlines.  On that day, the airlines conducted Passenger Service System (PSS) Cutover , an important milestone of the airlines' merger.  Ticket counters, reservations, VX flight numbers, website, apps, call centers – all elements that a passenger would face – became one under Alaska Airlines.  The hip, playful, and edgy brand with the red motif was officially no more.

VIA Rail’s Jasper – Prince Rupert Train used to be a named train – The Skeena – after the river it runs alongside with for about 170 miles on its journey.  Now simply known by a boring name, it is nevertheless a specular ride: through the Rockies, along three different rivers, across dense forests, lumber mills, towns small and large, right down to individual outposts.  The westward journey ends at the Pacific Ocean at Prince Rupert, an important port in northwestern British Columbia.  More than a scenic ride, the Jasper – Prince Rupert Train is also a flag stop train that provides a crucial lifeline to those that live in the remote areas along the way. The 1160 km (721 mile) trip takes two days, making an overnight stop at Prince George, British Columbia, making it a day-time only train.  The train offers simple coach seating (“Economy Class”) and snack/bar service in the winter.  In the summer, on certain days, the train picks up a Pa...