Alaska Airlines Upgrades First Class Dining and Brings Back Aviation Trading Cards

Alaska Airlines is leaning hard into flavor and nostalgia this spring. This spring, the Seattle-based carrier is expanding its premium meal offerings with the help of award-winning chef Brandon Jew and introducing new plant-based options in Economy Class.

At the same time, it’s bringing back a nostalgic perk that many seasoned travelers—and aviation geeks—remember fondly: pilot trading cards.

Chef Jew’s Menu Expands Across the U.S.

Alaska is doubling down on its celebrated partnership with Michelin-starred chef Brandon Jew, bringing his distinctly modern Cantonese cuisine to more First Class routes.

Initially introduced in August 2024 between San Francisco and New York, Jew’s signature dishes will now also be served on flights from San Francisco to Boston, Washington D.C. (both DCA and IAD), and Orlando.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Jew, the James Beard Award-winning chef behind San Francisco’s Mister Jiu’s, blends bold flavors and heritage ingredients into each dish, including local favorites like Wycen Foods’ Lap Cheong sausage and sustainably sourced meats from Stemple Creek Ranch.

“I’m grateful to Alaska Airlines for partnering with me in honoring my roots and continuing to bring Chinese food to guests traveling from coast to coast,” Jew said. “These ingredients bring incredible flavor and showcase the Bay Area’s culinary heritage.”

Photo: Breakfast, Hong Kong French Toast. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines / Molly J. Smith

This spring’s menu features several highlights, starting with the Hong Kong French Toast, which is brioche bread soaked in spiced cream and topped with rose-water strawberry compote, coconut-cashew butter sauce, and Chinese Lap Cheong sausage.

Another standout dish is the Stemple Creek Ranch Braised Short Ribs, marinated in shio koji and served with broccolini and Chow Fun rice noodles. 

Photo: Lunch/Dinner, Stemple Creek Ranch Braised Short Ribs. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Lastly, the Tea-Smoked Soy Chicken includes crispy chicken thigh accompanied by lotus root and sticky rice, featuring Lap Cheong sausage.

Photo: Lunch/Dinner, Tea-smoked Soy Chicken. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

According to Todd Traynor-Corey, Alaska’s VP of Products and Experience, “Chef Jew’s innovative approach and ability to craft dishes that appeal to a wide range of tastes make him the ideal partner — and this is just the beginning.”

Traynor-Corey teased that a new culinary chapter is on the horizon: “Later this spring, we’ll be revealing what’s next on the horizon and exclusive to our First Class guests. Get ready for more innovation, more flavor, and more culinary artistry at 35,000 feet.”

Plant-Based Dining in Main Cabin

Alaska isn’t leaving economy passengers out of the culinary upgrade. Starting April 30, Main Cabin travelers on flights over 1,100 miles can pre-order a brand-new 100 percent plant-based, gluten-free grain bowl.

Created in partnership with Seattle-based Evergreens, the “Best Laid Plants” bowl features chimichurri tofu, avocado, quinoa, and a mango habanero dressing — all designed to bring bold, healthy flavor to the skies.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines / Molly J. Smith

“This fresh, flavorful dish is not only a healthy choice — it’s good for the planet,” said David Rodriguez, Alaska’s Food and Beverage Planning and Programs Manager. “Even the most dedicated carnivores agree: it’s a winner.”

Evergreens’ head chef David Kairis added, “This is about proving that healthy food can be bold, satisfying, and something travelers will actually look forward to.”

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Guests can pre-order this and other chef-crafted meals — including hot options and Alaska’s popular Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter — through the airline’s industry-leading inflight meal pre-order program.

Alaska’s Trading Cards Return

In celebration of World Pilots’ Day, Alaska Airlines is reintroducing a beloved piece of aviation nostalgia: pilot trading cards.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines / Joe Nicholson

For the first time in over a decade, Alaska is rolling out a new set of eight holographic cards celebrating its most iconic modern liveries. Once simple cardstock souvenirs, the refreshed versions now feature holographic film and lenticular coatings for a multidimensional look.

Originally designed to inspire future aviators, the trading cards became sought-after collectibles among aviation fans. Pilots like Scott Day — now system chief pilot for Hawaiian Airlines, but previously with Alaska — were instrumental in their return.

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

“These cards are not just cool keepsakes, but also educational tools,” he said. “Each one features details about the aircraft and its unique story.”

Alaska is joining the trading card trend, following Delta Air Lines, which also announced the relaunch of this fan-favorite feature last month.

Day sees the cards as more than souvenirs. “It’s nice for someone — especially a kid — to leave the flight with something meaningful, whether it’s a memory, a set of wings, or, in this case, a one-of-a-kind card.”

He added, “When recruiting pilots, we often ask, ‘What first sparked your interest in flying?’ So many tell us it was sitting in a cockpit as a kid. That small moment meant everything.”

Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Alaska’s first trading cards debuted in the 1990s and have been redesigned several times since. Their return is a nod to the airline’s commitment to community, connection — and a little bit of fun.

A Taste of What’s Next

Alaska’s latest updates reflect a broader trend among U.S. carriers to differentiate through thoughtful onboard offerings rather than gimmicks. By focusing on culinary partnerships, dietary inclusivity, and small touches that resonate with both frequent flyers and aviation enthusiasts, the airline is quietly refining the domestic travel experience—one meal, and one seatback, at a time.