For three decades, aboard Alaska Airlines
You got food trays that featured some prayer-lines
But the passengers spoke
And the owners awoke,
And the Psalms become no-longer-there-lines
Headline: Alaska Airlines Ends Prayer Cards On Flights
The idea to distribute the cards in the first place came from a marketing executive who borrowed the idea from another carrier as a way to differentiate Alaska’s service, according to the airline’s statement.
But that view has now changed. “A business that aspires to be diverse and inclusive shouldn’t have a religious agenda. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and vary greatly among our customers” Egan said in an emailed statement.
3 comments
feralboy12
January 26, 2012 at 5:49 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Not to mention that handing out prayer cards upon boarding doesn’t exactly inspire confidence in the airline.
But rest assured, marketing executives; I’m sure prayer cards will be handed out when you board the B-Ark.
Trebuchet
January 27, 2012 at 11:17 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I used to fly a lot on Alaska Air, years ago. The CEO at that time was Bruce Kennedy, who was a devout Christian. He was also a good businessman, the airline went downhill a lot after he retired early to do missionary work. I remember the prayer cards well; can’t say they ever particularly bothered me.
Cuttlefish
January 27, 2012 at 11:29 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I find it interesting that this was simply a business decision, with the purpose of being cognizant of *all* their customers, and wishing not to offend. Gives me hope that some folks can keep their beliefs and recognize that they might not be for everyone.