Seattle based Alaska Airlines are giving any fan of the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks priority boarding for free, providing they are wearing a No. 3 Russell Wilson Jersey.

While it remains true that you have a better chance of being upgraded if you turn up for your flight wearing a suit and tie, Alaska Airlines will give you priority boarding if you wear a football jersey.

As part of Alaska Airlines continued partnership with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson, the popular northwestern state airline will give priority boarding to Seahawk fans. There is a slight catch, however, and that is it cannot be any old Seattle Seahawk jersey, but Russell Wilson’s iconic number 3.

The Alaska Airlines Seahawk promotion will run until the end of the regular NFL season

This latest promotion by Alaska Airlines kicked off yesterday, September 7th, with a tailgate party at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) C gates.

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The promotion will run until the end of the regular NFL season. Photo: Alaska Airlines

The promotion will run until the end of the regular NFL season on December 29th.

In celebration of the new season kicking off, Alaska Airlines unveiled a Boeing 737-800 featuring images of the former University of Wisconsin star and his signature tagline, “Dream Big. Fly High.” above the aircraft door.

Watch the new Russell Wilson plane come to life: Time Lapse Video.

Alaska Airlines celebrates its hometown quarterback

Natalie Bowman, Alaska Airlines’ managing director of brand and marketing communications was at the event and is quoted in an Alaskan Airlines press release as saying:

“Offering pre-boarding for guests sporting their No. 3 jerseys is just one way we celebrate our hometown quarterback here at Alaska Airlines. We invite all Seattle sports fans to join us in cheering on Russell ahead of his team’s season opener.”

The Seattle Seahawks edged out the Denver Bronco’s 22 to 14 last night at the Mile High Stadium to remain undefeated in the pre-season.

Wilson works with Alaska Airlines to promote charities

With his partnership with Alaska Airlines, Wilson shows his character both on and off the field.

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Russell Wilson visits the Seattle Children’s Hospital every Tuesday. Photo: Alaska Airlines

When not playing football, Wilson works with the airline to promote youth charities and educational programs that include:

  • The Seattle Children’s Hospital that he visits every Tuesday during the football season;
  • Occasional Strong Against Cancer initiative to end childhood cancer;
  • His own Why Not You Foundation empowering kids to dream big, believe in themselves and have a "why not you" attitude;
  • The Russell Wilson Passing Academy, a football camp for developing young players; and
  • The airline's annual There's No Time to Sleep event in South Seattle's Highline Public School district encouraging graduates to define their goals and pursue their dreams.
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Russell Wilson talks to high school graduates. Photo: Alaska Airlines

Before the flight to Denver for the pre-season, friendly passengers were treated to typical tailgate favorite foods, a live DJ and a specially decorated Alaska Airlines/Seattle Seahawks photo booth. Once onboard the aircraft, passengers were given party bags courtesy of Alaska Airlines.

This is not the first season Alaska Airlines has teamed up with the Seahawks offering priority boarding to football fans and is, in my opinion, a great way to market the airline.

What do you think? Please let us know in the comments section.