Brenda Song Alleges Alaska Airlines Split Up Her Family on Flight

The actress says the airline gave away her family's seats without warning, separating her and her young kids from fiancé Macaulay Culkin.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 8:19pm

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Brenda Song is accusing Alaska Airlines of giving away her family's seats on a scheduled flight at the last minute, resulting in the group being separated during their trip. Song, who shares two young kids with fiancé Macaulay Culkin, said they had booked first-class tickets for their family of six months in advance, only for the airline to split them up with no warning on the day of the flight. Culkin later reposted Song's message, saying "Hell hath no fury like a Brenda scorned." Alaska Airlines acknowledged the incident was "unacceptable" and "not reflective of the care we strive to deliver," adding that they have reached out to the family to make amends.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the challenges that families can face when traveling, especially with young children, and the importance of airlines providing reliable and accommodating service. It also speaks to the power of celebrity voices in drawing attention to consumer issues and holding companies accountable.

The details

According to Song's Instagram post, she, Culkin, and their two kids Dakota (age 4) and Carson (age 3) had booked first-class tickets on Alaska Airlines six months in advance for a trip. However, on the day of the flight, the airline allegedly gave away their seats without warning, resulting in the family being separated. Song expressed her frustration, saying the airline's actions were unacceptable and that she and her family would never fly with Alaska Airlines again.

  • On March 21, 2026, Brenda Song detailed the incident in an Instagram Stories post.
  • Shortly after, Macaulay Culkin reposted Song's message on his own Instagram Story.

The players

Brenda Song

An American actress best known for her roles in the Disney Channel series "The Suite Life of Zack & Cody" and the film "Wendy Wu: Homecoming Warrior." She is engaged to Macaulay Culkin and they have two young children together.

Macaulay Culkin

An American actor who rose to fame as a child star, most notably for his role in the "Home Alone" films. He is currently engaged to Brenda Song and they have two young children together.

Alaska Airlines

A major American airline headquartered in Seattle, Washington, that provides passenger and cargo air transportation services.

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What they’re saying

“I didn't know when you book your first class tickets 6 months in advanced [sic] for your family of six for your son's birthday- @alaskaair can just give away your seats the morning of with no warning-splitting up you and your 3 and 4 year old kids.”

— Brenda Song

“Hell hath no fury like a Brenda scorned.”

— Macaulay Culkin

“Traveling can be stressful, especially with young children, and we pride ourselves on being a top airline for traveling families. We are deeply sorry for adding friction to the experience.”

— Alaska Airlines representative

What’s next

Alaska Airlines has stated that they have reached out to the family to 'make it right' and address the incident.

The takeaway

This case highlights the importance of airlines providing reliable and accommodating service, especially for families traveling with young children. It also demonstrates the power of celebrity voices in drawing attention to consumer issues and holding companies accountable for their actions.