Flu Hits Alaska Airlines Crews, Cancelling Flights Alaska Airlines cancelled 24 flights on Sunday and Monday after flu-stricken pilots and flight attendants called in sick. Alaska spokeswoman Bobbie Egan says about 270 passengers were affected by cancelled flights. Another 14 flights were cancelled Sunday due to bad weather. Egan says a "very unusual" cold and flu season hit the airline's Pacific Northwest hub, and the entire region was affected. Egan says pilots and flight attendants who were off-duty have volunteered to work while their colleagues are out sick. The airline forecasts a less-busy Tuesday, and says it probably won't have to cancel any more flights because of illness.