Alaska Airlines Ditches Prayer Cards
What’s that in the sky? It’s a Bird! It’s a Plane! It’s — well…it’s certainly not Christ.
A couple of weeks ago Alaska Airlines announced they were doing away with a 30-year old tradition – offering prayer cards with in-flight meals.
Yes. They jettisoned Jesus.
Seems most passengers nowadays prefer their snacks a little more secular. Much like the separation of church and state, it’s the separation of church and plate.
Personally, I’d much rather have seen the removal of the Sky Mall magazine. I find that much more offensive. Give me a Psalm any day over having this shoved down my throat…
Or, even worse, this…
But there you have it. Materialism trumps Catechism.
The Prayer Card Pickle
I feel bad for Alaska Airlines. They can’t win with this one. Keep the prayer cards, and be seen as a conservative dinosaur. Lose the cards, and be seen as anti-Christ (not the Antichrist, just anti-Christ – see the difference a hyphen makes?)
In times of moral crisis like this, I look to bumper-sticker theology to guide me.
That’s a head-scratcher for sure. If Jesus took the wheel (or in this case, the yoke), what would Jesus do? I’m hoping (dare I say praying) J.C. would come up with a solution that would be suitable for everyone. After all, he was winning friends and influencing people long before that other guy. And hasn’t he had some prior success with feeding the masses? That whole fishes and loaves bit?
Maybe he would have conjured up something like Indonesia-based airline Lion Air has done: multi-denominational Invocation Cards. Every seat pocket has one of these prayer pamphlets, wedged somewhere between the safety instructions and the barf bag.
Catholics, Protestants, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus, and Confucianists are treated to one-of-a-kind prayers (in five languages) imploring their deity to shepherd the craft safely to its final destination.
Muslims get showered with blessings…
…Catholics get good weather…
…and Protestants get a Lord with a “holly” name. Plus the added bonus that they arrive on time and “save”. (I hope I didn’t pay more for the flight than they did.)
Rounding out the Invocation Card are prayers for Buddhists…
…Hindus…
…and Confucianists.
Did I get offended when I saw these? Not in the least. (There was the S.E. Asian equivalent of a Sky Mall magazine to draw my ire). Much like how I don’t get offended when I see where Mecca is on my in-flight screen, or if I see a Gideon bible in my hotel room drawer, I just see it as someone else expressing their faith.
Some people find comfort in those things. I find it kind of folksy. If the airline crew were baptizing people in the aisles, or handing out communion wafers, that might be a different story. But I think a Psalm here, a prayer card there are perfectly okay in my books.
My God. I’m starting to sound a lot like Sarah Palin.
Pray for me?
What’s your take? Do you think Alaska Airlines was right to remove the prayer cards from flights? Is there a better solution?
America 
Canada 
Oman 
Hey, great post. I totally agree with you. I think the better move would have been to offer something for all denominations, or something that could be suitable for all.
A bit of reflection, contemplation or prayer wouldn’t hurt. Just as these Bibles in hotel rooms, or stickers indicating the direction of Mecca. To each his/her own.
Then again, I read that some folks think “How much faith should I have in the pilot if they have prayer cards? Do they expect something to go wrong?” — seems some people find it just plain spooky.
I’ll pray for you.
Which prayer do you want me to use? Really interesting article. I had no idea that any airlines had prayer cards or the like.
Jessica recently posted..An Interview with Nanny in the Clouds
I’ll take a prayer to St. Jude please, with a side of self-flagellation if you’ve the time.
I was prepared not to like this post, given the topic but you rocked it. It’s well done and not at all offensive. I laughed so hard when I got to the Sarah Palin part.
Thanks Lisa — I thought I might alienate or offend some people with this. I guess I’ll have to try harder next time. (Kidding! Glad you liked it!!)
I think those airlines that have a bad track record for turbulence or crashes should definitely have these in there!
You are right through – Alaska really can’t win with this. I’ve flown with Alaska and never knew they did this.
Jeremy Branham recently posted..How my travel bucket list can change your life
They’ve only had them in First Class since 2006. I guess they figured in the event of an accident, economy class passengers don’t have a prayer…
I think you handled a prickly issue very well, and Alaska airlines should hire you as their religion consultant.
Maybe airlines could have a choice of religious channels on the audio??
Vera Marie Badertscher recently posted..Arizona Centennial Week: Secrets of Southern AZ
Thanks Vera Marie — I hear they pay like hell though.
I think the audio channels are an excellent idea!
What a shame. I’m too late now for Alaska Airlines. I’d have loved a prayer card. I always use boarding passes as book marks, a prayer card would be much more helpful. I wonder if they now become collectors items. As to offensive: how in the world could tolerating other people’s faith or belief (or the lack of same) be offensive? I also like to know where Mecca is, just in case…
inka recently posted..From monuments to sauce – the magic number 7
Yes it’s a better landmark than the North Pole is for sure…
I’ve never seen anything like this on any airline. Still, I guess people can still “bring their own” on board. Now.. if they stop serving alcohol.. there’s a problem.
Laurence recently posted..In photos: Kings Canyon, Australia
That would make even bigger headlines! Let’s pray that doesn’t happen shall we?
Well done, sir!
I think few people could write about an issue like this is such an open-ended, unoffensive sort of way. Seriously impressive.
Now I probably could have done with a few more Michael Stipe references, though…
Sarah recently posted..Failing to Meditate: My 5 days at an ashram in Rishikesh
Haha — thanks Sarah! I glad you are one of the Shiny Happy People!!
I was pleased to hear that Alaska x-ed the prayer cards. As our airline of choice, we always found these to be a bit presumptuous and ill-placed. I was never offended by them (I save my outrage for much more important things), but I always felt a little, er, uncomfortable having my airline promote religion.
For what it’s worth, I can assure you that Sarah Pailin would not have spoken so eloquently.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..A Travel Dream – Show Up at the Airport and Go Anywhere.
Thanks Canaan, I am pretty sure she could not.
Raymond, you’re in my prayers.
I’ve never flown Alaska Airlines — never knew about the prayer cards. I agree that Sky Mall mag should go!
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Introducing Mr. TWS
Thanks Cathy. I need all the prayers I can get.
If Alaska Airlines wants religion, and still wants people to shop, why don’t they offer something like the World Vision Gift Catalog on board?
World Vision Gift Catalog
Perhaps they should package them with the Oxygen Masks. When they drop, so will the cards. Impeccable timing.
adventureswithben recently posted..Guess My Next Adventure, I’ll Send You a Postcard from There!!! Take 2
Haha — that’s AWESOME Ben! Love it!!
I agree with this article 100% – especially the knock against SkyMall magazines and the like. Every time I am flying and I start flipping though the pages of SkyMall, in the back of my mind I curse myself that did not prepare better for my flight. Just think of all the reading opportunities that airlines could foster if they provided a magazine with some good short stories or some well written essays! Or at the very least, they should put those essential documents that people should review periodically – like instructions on giving CPR or rules of the road for driving.
I love the idea of CPR instructions. Or maybe tips/benefits on recycling — something that is going to do our world some good instead of flogging more junk for people to buy.
Spot on, my lad! But…
“My God. I’m starting to sound a lot like Sarah Palin.”
Ummm, shouldn’t that be “My Deity. I’m…”???
(and btw, about that Sky Mall mag? My dear, I dare say that in some societies, the “mall” is their church, and $$$ is indeed their deity.)
Dyanne@TravelnLass recently posted..Happy (Lunar) New Year (Tết) from Vietnam!
I stick by my God reference…lol…
This is a really entertaining and informative article, Raymond. I never realized that Alaska Air even had the prayer cards. I do disagree with you about SkyMall though. I love reading about all that crap!
Michael Figueiredo recently posted..Website Review: EasyToBook.com
It is like consumer goods porn.
Amazing post. I agree: of all the things to ditch…
Abby recently posted..Chanel: Exclusive look at Numeros Prives
Thanks Abby. Maybe now they can afford extra legroom? You know, now that they’re saving a bundle on printing…
I had no idea that prayer cards even existed on airlines. I don’t really see the point, if someone wants to pray (in whatever religion) surely they can do it without prayer cards?
Laurel recently posted..Germans Aren’t Romantic and Other Misconceptions
Good point Laurel. Although, ironically, on Alaska Airlines that may cause some ruckus as well. Read this story: http://religion.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/15/airline-apologizes-for-plane-prayer-scare/
I’m “on board” (HA!) with you – whatever – hand it out if you want, I don’t have to read/believe it. Like the entire idea of organized religion, it does have a folksy charm (when people aren’t killing each other over it – that is less charming and never the subject of a Normal Rockwell. Well, there was that dark period, but they don’t let the public see that side of him.)
Amy recently posted..Signs you may be a chocoholic…
Yes, I remember hearing about his lesser known “Blood and Guts” collection. Didn’t go over well at Vanity Fair…
I had no idea these were even still given out!!! We can’t lose SkyMall though! I would have nothing to roll my eyes at while in flight !
dtravelsround recently posted..Does travel change a person? Science says “yes”
There are plenty of passengers you can roll your eyes at too…
BTW – Alaska Air does not provide SkyMall. Shocking, I know.
Caanan @ No Vacation Required recently posted..Stop the Hate, Spread the Love
Praise be to Jesus!! I know they used to…good for them though!
I agree with Vera.
I must be sheltered because I had no idea airlines were doing things like this. I do not really understand the need for it unless they are trying to actually convert people. If you’re religious, you should be able to pray or do whatever without a prayer card being handed to you.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..When a Hostel Defines Your Travel Experience
I think it was more about the religion of Alaska Airlines than of its passengers. I thought it was kinda cute and folksy though — like a denominational fortune cookie.
There is so many ways to make good image and I agree, this prayer card thing won’t work. It’s really up to the passengers if they want to pray or not. Just a thought.
Angel Collins recently posted..With New Jobs Comes New Safety Training
Well done Sarah… ahm, Raymond!!!
I was laughing really hard reading this
Bummer I’ll never get a AA prayer card!!!
Sebastian recently posted..Photo Of The Day: Heart in San Juan Del Sur, Nicaragua
They’ll be collector’s items now!
You would think that with all the tragedies in the world, people could come up with some worthy cause to go after! I enjoyed your post. And I like the multi-denomination prayer card. But, then I’m sure someone could find something wrong with it. I thought the prayer card tradition was cute. Too bad.
Michaela recently posted..How To Lose Your Travel Virginity
Yeah I liked it because I know my Mom would.
Sounds kinda bizarre to me that they were ever offered since other airlines don’t do that. I’m about to fly with Alaska this summer for the first time. I wonder if there will be any other surprises?
Scott – Quirky Travel Guy recently posted..State of the blog at one year
I think they have been doing it since the early 1970s. Old traditions die hard…
I am sure you will enjoy their folksy demeanour nonetheless…
Hey, I never saw that the inflight tv screen points to Mecca! Well thought and written article I might add.
Federico recently posted..How to Save Money on Accommodation
Federico!! With all your travels I thought for sure you would have seen this!
And thanks for the compliment!! Much appreciated…
Ba ha ha! I’m clearly not investigating the depths of the back-of-seat pocket thoroughly enough! I’m sure Sarah Palin loves that you are channelling her.
Oh you find all sorts of goodies back there — pens, gum, litanies to the Lord — tons of useful stuff!
I think we need to hang on to a few traditions these days even if they are stupid… especially one that involves hurling through the atmosphere at 600 mph and seems to have worked pretty well for the past 30 years.Political correctness can be so disconcerting…
Margo recently posted..Recipe for Panna Cotta: Recreating and Remembering
It can be disconcerting indeed…
Hmmm I think I would be shocked (and maybe a little offended) if I was given a prayer card with my airline meal. I hate it when I feel religion (or any strong opinion) is being forced at me, and even more so when I am trapped in a confined space and also paying quite a bit of good money to be there.
Jade – OurOyster.com recently posted..Scotland Largest Island – Skye
Maybe they could offer a choice a check-in? Like window or aisle, secular or non-secular…
I get really frustrated at how PC the world has become. It’s getting to the point that companies (and people) need to be sterile and generic to avoid offending people.
A good read. I had no idea Alaskan Airlines did this – and I’ve flown with them :-/
Chris recently posted..My Top 15 Travel Blogging Crushes
Alaskans are full of surprises now aren’t they?
I’ve never flown Alaska (though I’ve written for their mag and I have their Visa card), but this is hysterical!
Camels & Chocolate recently posted..Photo Friday: Vail, Colorado
A religious themed safety card? That does not instill confidence in the pilot ha! He/She must need all religions praying for some reason. Joking aside, these things don’t bother me. I think as long as you say they aren’t baptizing people in the aisle, what does it really matter.
Suzy recently posted..Bled, Slovenia Wishes You Were Here
Thanks Suzy — I thought it was sort of cute in a way…
I didn’t know they did something like this, but I have to agree with some of the others- the SkyMall magazine is sacred!
Laura recently posted..Hagia Sophia: Istanbul’s Architectural Masterpiece
For shame!! Shopping should be done with your feet on terra firma!
How interesting! I’ve never flown with Alaska airlines, but I have to admit that prayer cards would probably have bothered me a little. I think if faith/spirirtuality was important to a company, they should probably go the non-demoninational route. Doing away with it completetly? I guess if their company philosophy has changes… but you’re right, they probably made some frequent flyers angry.
Sabrina recently posted..Lubbock Prairie Dog Town in Pictures
I can’t say I had any knowledge of airlines passing out prayer cards, but color me informed now! I loved this post – you had me laughing multiple times!
Amanda recently posted..Pack Your Boots – We’re Goin’ to Iceland!
Thanks Amanda! I love comments like this!
As an atheist I find it refreshing that Alaska airlines is finally abandoning its pandering to believers in mythology.
Haha…I think most of the believers at Alaska Airlines were in the board room, not on its planes.
Thanks for stopping by Rob!
How the heck did I not even know anything about this??? They definitely needed to lose them!
Andi of My Beautiful Adventures recently posted..My Father’s Beautiful Misadventures
Oh Andi. I pray for you. (kidding!)
But I still hope you are doing well!!
I would like an atheist one printed: “Dear God, I’m sorry I didn’t believe. Now would you please stop this plane hurtling towards the earth!!!”
LOL…that might just scare a few folks.
I’m guessing you were cracking the hell up while writing this. Seriously man, freaking hilarious.
Erica recently posted..CONTEST: Bossy the Llama – Meme Caption
Thanks Erica!
I do love all the cards in here..I like all..Thanks for featuring here..
Francine recently posted..The Collector
I have never flown with Alaska Airlines which would explain why I had never heard of these. But now I’m left wondering what other airlines have these… I clearly need to start looking through the pocket seat in front of me.
p.s. Love the first image you used.
Such a great idea! It’s really good that they are spreading the word of the Lord.. For that they will have a blessed trip. Thanks for sharing this.. good job!
I agree that most passengers really prefer to have their snacks a little bit secular and I even have that kind of attitude too…
I know doing prayer is a big help to protect our self..
It is really a great to have blessed trip..
While I’ve done my share of traveling, and on Alaska, no less, I have to confess (pun intended) that I’ve never seen these prayer cards on the flight before. Nonetheless, I think it’s a good thing they’re scrapping the whole tradition. I mean, the last place most people want to be reminded of their mortality is 35,000 feet in the air…
I don’t mind if they want to put them in the seat pocket, but I don’t want a one-sided prayer card with my meal. Now, if the card had prayers from different faiths, that wouldn’t bother me as much.
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