Alaska Airlines Leverages Real-Time Data In New Promotion: Just The Facts

On November 4, Alaska Airlines launched its innovative “Swell Deals” promotion, providing discounts on flights to Hawaii from the U.S. and Canada based on the size of ocean wave swells around the islands.

How Does The Alaska Airlines “Swell Deals” Promotion Work?

Alaska Airlines partnered with global surf forecasting website Surfline to offer dynamic discounts based on the heights of forecasted waves in 14 different locations around the Hawaiian islands. From November 4^th through November 8^th, Alaska Airlines will discount flight fares for travel through November 20^th as follows:

• ≤10 ft. swells: 10% off
• 11-15 ft. swells: 15% off
• 16-20 ft. swells: 20% off
• 21+ ft. swells: 30% off

Discounts will change each day around noon and 5pm PT based on Surfline’s forecasted wave swells. According to Alaska Airlines Managing Director of Brand and Marketing Communications Natalie Bowman, "Flyers today have access to so much more information and in turn, are making decisions based on that data…With the start of surf season in Hawaii, we saw an opportunity to further support our flyers' passions by using the power of data to offer better deals as surf conditions improve."

How Is Alaska Airlines Promoting The “Swell Deals” Sale?

Alaska Airlines is promoting the “Swell Deals” sale on its social media channels and running dynamically-updated digital ads featuring current discounts to build awareness and generate interest. The Alaska Airlines landing pages will be updated throughout the promotion to display the live Surfline forecast and corresponding discount.

How Does The Alaska Airlines “Swell Deals” Promotion Impact Marketers?

The Alaska Airlines “Swell Deals” promotion provides a good example of an innovative marketing strategy that can serve as a lesson for marketers. By incorporating real-time data into their promotion, Alaska Airlines has successfully generated buzz and created excitement among their target audience. Alaska Airlines hinted in its press release that it plans to continue using data and experiences in upcoming promotions, “Today it's catching a wave, tomorrow it may be getting out on the slopes when the powder is fresh.”  

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About the Author

Charlene Sterphone, Director of Marketing A focused and highly motivated creative thinker, Charlene Sterphone develops, executes and reports on strategic marketing programs surrounding lead generation, paid search, email, social media, mobile targeting, SEO and compliance as Director of Marketing for Digital Media Solutions (DMS). Throughout her diversified marketing career, Charlene has spent time in both the agency and direct corporate and start-up settings, including positions at Sparkroom, Education Dynamics and CBS Corporation, where she has seen success with digital and traditional marketing campaigns. As an analytical marketer, Charlene enjoys discovering new and innovative tools and techniques and using them to drive growth.

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