Dreamliner Experience

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The Hawaiian Airlines 787-9 Dreamliner offers premium amenities:

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Business Class Features (34 suites):

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• Enclosed suites with privacy doors

• Industry-leading lie-flat seats

• 18" HD entertainment monitors

• Wireless charging capabilities

• Premium dining and service

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Aircraft Improvements Coming:

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• Ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi installation planned for 2026

• Enhanced cabin pressure and larger windows

• Quieter engines for better rest

• Superior fuel efficiency

Maximize Rewards with Alaska Airlines Credit Cards

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Alaska Airlines has recently rebranded its loyalty program to Atmos Rewards and launched new credit cards perfectly timed for this Seoul route launch.

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1. Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card

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The Premium Option - $395 Annual Fee

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Welcome Bonus:

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• 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award after you spend $6,000 in the first 90 days

• Value: Approximately $1,600+ in flights

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Key Benefits:

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• Annual 25,000-point Global Companion Award (works on Oneworld partners, including American Airlines)

• 100,000-point Global Companion Award after spending $60,000 annually

• 4 Alaska Lounge passes annually

• 3x points on dining worldwide and foreign purchases

• 2x points on gas, EV charging, and shipping

• Hotel transfer partners (1:1 ratio to select programs)

• Point sharing network with up to 10 other members

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Seoul Route Value: The Global Companion Award can significantly reduce the cost of bringing a travel partner to Seoul, especially valuable for premium cabin bookings.

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2. Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® Credit Card

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The Mid-Tier Option - $99 Annual Fee

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Welcome Bonus:

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• 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days

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Key Benefits:

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• Annual $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes/fees from $23)

• Valid on Alaska Airlines AND Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America

• 3x points on Alaska/Hawaiian purchases

• 2x points on gas, EV charging, shipping, local transit

• Free first checked bag for cardholder and up to 6 guests

• Priority boarding

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3. Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business Card

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For Small Business Owners - $70 Annual Fee

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Welcome Bonus:

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• 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare after spending $5,000 or more on purchases within the first 90 days

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Key Benefits:

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• Annual $99 Companion Fare

• 3x points on Alaska/Hawaiian purchases

• 2x points on gas, EV charging, shipping, local transit

• Employee cards for $25 each

• Same travel benefits as personal cards

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[[ SINGLE_CARD * {"id": "20940", "isExpanded": "false", "bestForCategoryId": "15", "bestForText": "Global Travelers", "headerHint": "3x at Alaska Air, Hawaiian Airlines"} ]]

Strategic Credit Card Usage for Seoul Travel

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Earning Points Strategy:

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1. Sign-up Bonuses: The Summit card's 100,000-point bonus alone covers 2.5 round-trip tickets to Seoul at promotional pricing
2. Everyday Spending: Use 3x foreign transaction categories on the Summit card for purchases in Seoul
3. Positioning Flights: Earn 3x points on Alaska/Hawaiian flights if connecting through Seattle

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Maximizing Companion Benefits:

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• Summit Card: Use the 25,000-point Global Companion Award to reduce a partner's ticket cost significantly

• Ascent/Business Cards: The $99 Companion Fare works on domestic flights to position yourself to Seattle

Why Seoul Should Be Your Next Destination

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Seoul offers an unmatched blend of ancient traditions and cutting-edge technology:

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Cultural Highlights:

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• Historic palaces like Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung

• Traditional markets in Insadong and Myeongdong

• Modern districts like Gangnam and Hongdae

• UNESCO World Heritage sites

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Culinary Scene:

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• Authentic Korean BBQ and street food

• Michelin-starred restaurants

• Traditional tea houses and modern cafes

• Night markets and food districts

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Technology & Innovation:

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• World-class public transportation

• Free Wi-Fi throughout the city

• Advanced shopping and entertainment districts

• Smart city infrastructure

Booking Tips and Strategies

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For Cash Bookings:

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1. Book by September 12 to secure BOGO pricing
2. Use a travel rewards credit card for additional points
3. Consider positioning flights if not near Seattle

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For Award Bookings:

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1. Transfer Bilt Points at 1:1 ratio if needed to top up account
2. Book quickly - promotional award space is limited
3. Remember you still earn status points on award tickets

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Positioning Flight Options:

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If you don't live near Seattle, consider connecting flights from major Alaska/Hawaiian hubs:

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• Los Angeles (LAX)

• San Francisco (SFO)

• Portland (PDX)

• Anchorage (ANC)

Alaska Airlines' Bigger Picture

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This Seoul route is part of Alaska's ambitious plan to make Seattle the "West Coast's premier global gateway." By 2030, Alaska plans to serve 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle using up to 17 Dreamliner aircraft.

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Other International Routes Coming:

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• London (Spring 2026)

• Rome (Spring 2026)

• Enhanced Tokyo Narita service (January 2026)

Final Thoughts

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The combination of Alaska's aggressive promotional pricing, new premium credit cards, and the convenience of nonstop service makes this an exceptional opportunity for travel to Seoul. Whether you're using the BOGO cash deal or the discounted 20,000-point awards, this represents significant value for experiencing one of Asia's most dynamic cities.

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The timing is particularly strategic - with Alaska's new Atmos Rewards credit cards offering substantial welcome bonuses, travelers can potentially earn enough points for multiple trips while building towards elite status benefits.

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Action Items:

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1. Apply for an Atmos Rewards credit card to maximize welcome bonuses
2. Book Seattle-Seoul flights by September 12 for promotional pricing
3. Plan your Seoul itinerary for travel between September 12 and December 15, 2025
4. Consider this route for holiday travel during Chuseok season