The Deals and Destinations app also lets travelers browse deals from cities where their friends live. The app is available for free download in the Windows 8 Store on a variety of devices, including tablets and smartphones.

“We’re focused on adapting technology to fit how our customers live, work and travel,” said Curtis Kopf, managing director of customer innovation at Alaska Airlines.

Mobile travelers
The Deals and Destinations mobile app is part of the company’s strategy to adapt and better accommodate on-the-go travelers.

Through the app, consumers can browse a variety of deals and fares and see which one works best for them.

The app implements social sharing and lets consumers search for tickets from their hometown or view fares by city or region.

When consumers are ready to buy a ticket, they are directed to the company’s Web site.

The app features photos and descriptions of the 95 cities Alaska Airlines serves.

Over the last 18 months, the company has ramped up its mobile offerings, which include applications and a mobile-optimized site.

Through its mobile efforts, Alaska Airlines is letting consumers purchase tickets, view and choose or change seats, check-in and obtain an electronic boarding pass, and check flight status, schedules and upgrade and standby lists.

Having a mobile presence is critical for marketers.

Furthermore, mobile is playing a key role for airlines. Not only does it better help consumers buy tickets for upcoming trips, but companies are also implementing new technologies, such as mobile bar codes, to help streamline the entire process.

Past efforts
Alaska Airlines is no stranger to mobile.

In 2010, the company and Horizon Air Flights let high-tech travelers access boarding passes from their mobile device to expedite the airport check-in process (see story).

Last year, Alaska Airlines let travelers access boarding passes, check-in to flights and view other information via added features to its iPhone application (see story).

“We’ve embraced the Windows 8 design philosophy and delivered a high user experience,” Mr. Kopf said.