SNL Mocks Alaska Airlines’ Response to Flight Blowout in Hilarious Skit
During the first episode of the new year, “Saturday Night Live” took a humorous jab at Alaska Airlines and its response to a recent flight blowout incident that occurred over Oregon. The sketch featured Heidi Gardner, Jacob Elordi, and Kenan Thompson in a mock commercial for the airline, showcasing their new slogan and marketing campaign following the near-catastrophic incident.
Alaska Airlines: You Didn’t Die and You Got a Cool Story
In the skit, Gardner humorously states, “Alaska Airlines, you didn’t die and you got a cool story.” Elordi adds, “On other airlines, you can watch movies, but on Alaska, you’re in the movie.” The commercial then proceeds to show a dramatic reenactment of the flight with screaming passengers and a large hole on the left side of the fuselage.
The Flight Blowout Incident
Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 departed from Portland International Airport on January 6 but had to return only 35 minutes later due to depressurization caused by a blown-out side panel on the Boeing 737 MAX 9 jet. Fortunately, there was only one reported injury during the frightening ordeal.
Changes and Safety Measures
In response to the incident, Alaska Airlines announced preliminary inspections that revealed loose hardware on some aircraft. The airline humorously addresses these safety concerns in the skit, with Thompson jokingly stating, “You know those bolts that hold the plane together? We’re gonna go ahead and tighten some of those.” The commercial also showcases new safety features, such as an updated safety brochure, deploying the emergency slide before take-off, and handing out life jackets to passengers as they deboard the plane.
Referencing Past Incidents
The skit also references a previous incident involving an off-duty pilot who attempted to turn off the engine mid-flight while under the influence of mushrooms. Thompson humorously remarks, “We’re the same airline where a pilot tried to turn off the engine mid-flight, while on mushrooms. And now we are so proud to say, that’s our second worst flight.” The commercial concludes with the narration, “Alaska Airlines, still better than Spirit.”
Despite the humor, Alaska Airlines is taking the incident seriously and has grounded its fleet of MAX 9 jets for further inspections and necessary repairs.
