Today, Alaska Airlines announced it will no longer place in-flight prayer cards on its first-class meal service beginning next month.
The move - which was made in response to customer complaints - is making national headlines. According to the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, Alaska Air Group Chairman and CEO Bill Ayer and Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden told customers that it was not an easy decision to make:
Some of you enjoy the cards and associate them with our service. We also know some of you consider the cards to be a tradition that reflects your own spiritual beliefs. At the same time, we've heard from many of you who believe religion is inappropriate on an airplane, and some are offended when we hand out the cards. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice.
Here is the full statement that Alaska Airlines posted on its Facebook page:
At Alaska Airlines, we have provided prayer cards to our customers for more than 30 years. A former marketing executive borrowed the idea from another airline and introduced the cards to our passengers in the late 1970s to differentiate our service.
The cards have been provided only to our first class customers since meal tray service ended in coach about six years ago. Beginning February 1, however, we'll be eliminating the cards. This difficult decision was not made lightly. We believe it's the right thing to do in order to respect the diverse religious beliefs and cultural attitudes of all of our customers and employees.
Some of you enjoy the cards and associate them with our service. We also know some of you consider the cards to be a tradition that reflects your own spiritual beliefs. At the same time, we've heard from many of you who believe religion is inappropriate on an airplane, and some are offended when we hand out the cards. Religious beliefs are deeply personal and sharing them with others is an individual choice. Our priority at Alaska is to fly our passengers to their destinations safely, on time and with their bags.
It's important that everyone know this decision does not change our core values nor our care for our customers. We will continue to distinguish ourselves through the pride and professionalism of our people on every flight and in our communities.
The news prompted a backlash from some customers on Facebook.
"Stand by your beliefs and principle Alaska...don't turn your back to appease others. You should have never caved in on this one!," wrote user Michelle Lamontagne-Martino.
So we put the question to you, Woodinville, take our poll or tell us in the comments section below.
