Seattle, Wash. — After causing a bit of turbulence with some passengers, Alaska Airlines will no longer serve prayer cards with in-flight meals, the company announced Jan. 25.
The cards, which take a line or two from the Book of Psalms, have been an Alaska Airlines trademark for 30 years, uplifting some flyers but annoying others.
“This difficult decision was not made lightly,” wrote Alaska Air Group Chairman and CEO Bill Ayer and Alaska Airlines President Brad Tilden, in a letter to frequent flyers.
While some passengers appreciated the prayers, “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,” the letter continued.
The prayers, printed over a dreamy depiction of a mountain range or sunset, were all taken from the Psalms, which is read by both Christians and Jews. One Alaska Airlines favorite came from Psalm 107:1: “Give thanks to the Lord for He is good; His love endures forever.”
With the Alaska Airlines decision, no major U.S. carrier provides prayer cards.
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