Alaska Airlines - by James Hall

16 August 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

SNA-PDX First Class- I upgraded to First Class on this AM trip, expecting a full hot breakfast as I have gotten in the past. While waiting for takeoff, I read an article in the inflight magazine written by the CEO of Alaska boasting "continued full meal service in First Class." When mealtime came, the flight attendant presented me with a bear claw encrusted in sugar and a microscopic cup of yogurt. When I looked at her in shock, she said, "I know. I'm sorry." I wrote a letter of complaint to the CEO of Alaska, but have not gotten a reply (are we at all surprised?). I remember when even the coach passengers got hot food when the other airlines had discontinued it - but now even First Class passengers are victims of out-and-out-greed!

Alaska Airlines - by J Fox

25 July 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

I have never posted anything prior to this but felt obligated since the last posting ended with a comment about the only thing good about his trip was that it wasn't non a CRJ. I travel to LAX 2-3 times per month on business and have enjoyed the non-stop service - until now. Alaska decided to reposition their aircraft and eliminate the 737's for the GEG to LAX non-stop. They now operate two non-stop flights via Horizon and utilize the Canadian Regional Jet. I'm sorry but anything over 1.5 hours on a CRJ is not acceptable. It is not just the cozy quarters, it is the wind, rain, snow etc, you have to endure when you are boarding or waiting for your standard size carry on that needs to be gate checked due to the small size of the overhead compartments. The Horizon staff typically does a very nice job but when you travel every week the basic expectations of the business traveler is that you can board the airplane from a jetway and have room to put your carry on in the overhead bin and have a seat that reclines more than 2 inches. MVP Gold first class upgrades on Alaska have been greatly appreciated over the past few years and made the 2.5 hour flight very enjoyable. After my first CRJ experience last week I see the only current alternative is to book a connection via Seattle; but this obviously adds a few hours to your schedule. One other thing I noticed is that the flights are all pretty full so they are charging a premium price for a ticket for what I feel is an inferior class of service. Alaska has "owned" the LAX/GEG corridor for several years but I think they just opened the door to their loyal customers to see what alternatives are available.

Alaska Airlines - by Jeff Gardner

19 July 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

BOS - SEA. Paid first class 737-900. Flight was oversold to start with, then passengers were bumped due to fuel/weight limitations. As boarding began, ground crew (contract US Air personnel) announced a mechanical problem, which turned out to be a 3.5 hour delay. Ground staff were terrible; clueless, offered no attempt to rebook those with connections, did not have/did not offer Alaska "customer care" kits. We retreated to the US Airways "Presidents Club" based on reciprocal privileges with Alaska's Board Room. Lounge spotless and pleasant. Flight took off almost 4 hours late. We were offered breakfast meals that had been sitting on the plane for 4+ hours. Flight attendants were indifferent and vanished following meal service. Alaska's inflight entertainment system (Dig-e-player) is great (if you use your own headphones, the earbuds are worthless), but the movies, shows, music, etc is dated and without appeal. We arrived SEA four hours late and, contrary to promises, not a single ground agent was at the gate waiting to help those who had missed connections. Did we get from Boston to Seattle? Yes, but then so would have a bus, eventually. As we see things, Alaska's transcon schedule (we have flown on every trans-con flight Alaska has) is merely a "suggestion of behavior" rather than a timetable to be relied on. Not very impressive performance by what used to be a premier regional carrier. About the only good thing we can say about the flight was that it wasn't on a CRJ.

Alaska Airlines - by H Krueger

6 July 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

Seattle to Los Angeles and returned via San Diego. After having flown Alaska a year earlier and experienced a most disappointing flight, we were happy with this year's travel. Flights were on time, reasonably priced and flight crew were most accommodating and friendly. In flight snacks flying economy class were nutritious and tasty at the same time

Alaska Airlines - by Thomas Jacob

4 July 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

First time passenger on Alaska Airlines, Orlando to Anchorage with stop in Seattle. Anchorage to Orlando with stop in Seattle. After loading passengers in Orlando, the flight departed from the gate one and one half hours late due to mechanical problems. On the return flight, I was at the gate 2 hours early, and watched the aircraft sitting at the gate not being worked on for 2 hours. After passengers were boarded the flight was delayed from departing the gate for an hour due to mechanical problems. Twice in one round trip is excessive. The crew was good, but well adjusted to their performance problems, often apologizing in advance for anticipated poor performance.

Alaska Airlines - by I Scott

25 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

LAX-Spokane via Portland and Spokane-LAX direct. First time I've flown with Alaska. Flights were on time but not used to the idea of checking in at a machine, going to a desk to get the bags checked and then having to take them to the security are, but that only happened in LAX. Staff in GEG checked my bags in for my next flight, even though it was with a different airline and the tickets weren't on the same itinerary. Saved a lot of hassle during my 7 hour layover in LAX

Alaska Airlines - by Paul Gatto

19 June 2007  Customer Trip Rating :

SEA-JNU return first class. Flight left on time on both the outbound and return sectors which is not always the case with this flight. Outbound flight was full in first class and as a passenger in row 4 I had the misfortune of being a passenger who did not receive the full meal service due to a catering mix-up. Catering put meals aboard for the 12 seat F class 737 series instead of the 16 seat series. However, the crew were very apologetic and were empowered to offer compensation which was more than the value of a small pastrami sandwich. What I did receive in the way of lunch was very nice, a large chef's salad with Maui onion potato chips. At least Alaska still uses china and large glassware in their first class section when other carriers have started to use plastic domestically. The return flight left on time. Small bottles of water are handed out before takeoff followed by a hot breakfast consisting of a fruit plate and an egg casserole and bar service. Crew on both flights were friendly, helpful and smiled. Will continue to fly Alaska I only wish they flew to more places in the USA.

Alaska Airlines - by Gregg Hillier

14 June 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

PDX-SJC in First. Flight left Portland right on time on an ancient but clean MD-80. Seats comfy - no meal service even though flight was at 12:30pm, but plenty of drinks. I normally fly AA but Alaska continues to be my airline of choice on the West Coast - particularly when they smile and say Thank You, which is rare on AA these days

Alaska Airlines - by R Knecht

11 June 2007   Customer Trip Rating : n/a

SNA-SEA return, economy. There was a problem with my travel agent not paying for the e-ticket, but the agent at the SNA was terrific. SNA-SEA became SNA-OAK-SEA due to a mechanical at SNA. The SNA gate agents did a fine job of advising everyone on the continuing delay, and offering help to everyone with connections at SEA. When requested, bags were removed from the aircraft. When the flight was canceled, three agents immediately offered assistance, and repeatedly gave out the 800 number as an alternative to waiting in line. The telephone agent rerouted me quickly. I had to retrieve my bag from baggage claim and check in at the counter, but the bag was waiting for me and check-in and security went quickly. When the SNA-OAK was delayed due to lack of two cabin crew, we were repeatedly advised. Cabin crew for SNA-OAK and OAK-SEA excellent. However, it took 45-minutes for the bags to deplane at SEA, and the only explanation provided was "see how busy we are". The bags did arrive, but two carousels over. The poor SEA service continued with a delay in departure SEA-SNA, and not a word of explanation or apology from the gate agent. Again, the in-flight crew excellent.

Alaska Airlines - by L Cabrera
24 March 2007

I have been flying on Alaska Airlines for all my West Coast travel since moving to Los Angeles 6 years ago. I have found the service to be overall quite good, with the occasional sub-par experience. I've only had one delayed flight (2 hours) and that also occuring during holiday travel. The majority of my flights have left on time, if not several minutes early. I've never had a lost bag, but the 2 times I've flown from LAX - GEG (Spokane) my suitcase was pretty damaged on the Spokane side. I was told that this was considered normal wear and tear, even though my bag was literally shredded. Using a kiosk to check in, I've never had to wait more than a few minutes, even when there were long lines. Additionally, I have only flown first class the last 3 or 4 years, and there are rarely lines to check in at first class. If you are flying coach use the kiosk -- it is a lot faster. The food in first class is average. The fruit plates are sometimes good, sometimes not. The breakfasts aren't the best but the dinners are pretty good - especially the salads and sandwiches. My husband is a finicky eater and has no problem with what they serve him. Overall I am happy with Alaska and would recommend them to anyone.

Alaska Airlines - by Raina Stern
19 January 2007

My last 4 flghts with Alaska in early January 2007 proved disappointing. The first leg leaving Alaska failed to provide blankets for any passenger but first class. The second leg failed to provide any sustenance save for a five dollar mediocre breakfast. The first return leg provided an even less appealing meal for charge and the flight attendant refused water requests, despite the recent prohibition on passenger liquids. Then on the last leg, they lost several pieces of luggage from our connecting flight and refused to provide any information or customer service on recovery, despite the fact this was a Seattle to Anchorage flight, which they service multiple times daily and had ample opportunity to do so.

Alaska Airlines - by Jonathan Reed
9 January 2007

LAS-YVR. Unlike some airlines which reserve exit row seats for elite passengers, my family and I were able to request and receive exit row seats even though this was our first ever Alaska flight. Leather seats are very nice; FAs attentive. A positive experience. Although Alaska Airlines is not a member of a major airline alliance, miles can be earned with a number of partner airlines.

Alaska Airlines - by Greg Benson
15 December 2006

DFW-SEA on new 737-800. Upgraded to first, I found the seat to be comfortable and ample legroom. A warm pastrami sandwhich and side salad was served, and was fresh and tasty. My drink was replenished frequently and the FA's very friendly. I found this to be a big improvement in service over the past year. With new aircraft and FA's with a good attitude, Alaska should surge far ahead of the competition.

Alaska Airlines - by Hakon Soreide
7 December 2006

ORD-SEA on a 737-400. Due to strong headwinds they asked some passengers to take a later flight to keep weights down, maybe this should be upgraded to an -800 flight which has better range in adverse conditions. Very nice cabin with what seemed as brand new leather seats. Compared to the AA flight I connected from, these seats were heaven. Free drinks, had to ask for the whole can of Diet Coke though, but frequent trips around the cabin with more drinks, they came round at least 4-5 times with drinks. Buy on board burger with chips for $5, very tasty, well worth the money. My seatmate went for the digiplayer where you pay $10 to rent a portable movie player, I had the window seat and with the added hassle of using the lavatory I wouldn't go for one, but seems reasonable for what you get. I wouldn't hesitate to fly Alaska again, one of the better airlines in America.

Alaska Airlines - by Dennis Freeman
22 September 2006

Travelled first class, Anchorage to Seattle. Other than a bit larger seat and a 'first class' restroom; Alaska first class service is deplorable. The staff are flippant and lack any sense of quality customer service. It didn't help the situation by boarding an ancient MD 80 aircraft. This is the same aircraft type that spiralled into the ocean several years ago off California. Alaska has got to get rid of these planes !! We were served a small cup of peanuts; but will admit they were at least warm !! There are far better choices in both the domestic and international marketplace; especially if you want 'real' First Class Service. I have been flying Alaska for over 30 years; but will be switching to a company that has a higher regard for their customers and understands what First Class air travel really means.

Alaska Airlines - by Drew McLean
15 August 2006

SEA-MIA in First. Boarding efficient and 5 month old 737-800. Comfy seats with adjustable headrests. Not much legroom but as much as you are going to get in domestic first. No pre flight cocktail but water provided. Nice snack followed by distribution of DIgi Players for those who wanted in flight entertainment (a true rarity in domestic first. Light and tasty breakfast served prior to landing. Overall as good a domestic product as I have experienced. Drawbacks are very remote gate (Alaska only has one flight a day to MIA) and poor signage for baggage. Given the good price (and nonstop service) I would not hesitate to fly them on this route again.

Alaska Airlines - by Drew McLean
18 July 2006

PDX-LAX in First. Smooth check in and priority security check at PDX. Clean and newer 737-700. Seats as roomy as any in domestic first. A cooked breakfast (a rarity these days on short haul, even in First) of "sausage quesadilla" offered. Outstanding FA and very attentive service. The best I have had in domestic first in some time. Well worth the (nominal) premium.

Alaska Airlines - by Tanya Bailey
1 July 2006

SEA-ORD. Check in very smooth and the clerk was able to check our bags right through to Manchester, UK even though it was not part of their group & he had to do it all manually. Seats comfortable in coach and flight left 5 mins early. Snack of Egg & Ham Bagel was hot & tasty & were given drinks every hour of the 3.5 hour flight. Given some kind of snack cracker a couple of hours after the main snack. Entertainment system poor value at $10 as there was just enough time to watch about 1 film so we didn't bother & just enjoyed the great views. Cabin crew very attentive and friendly and good crew ratio to passengers. First time I have flown with this airline and would use them again given the opportunity.

Alaska Airlines - by Robert Clark
13 May 2006

ANC-ORD. Checking in at Alaska Airlines is quite simple at Ted Stevens Int'l. However, I have a common name so it is always red-flagged, so it took me an add'l 20 minutes before I could get my tickets and ID back. I don't blame this on the airline, I blame this on NSA. The check-in lady was very friendly, and apologetic in regards to the red-flagging. The flight was an overnighter 6 hours and 6 minutes into Chicago. My flight was to continue from ORD to CAE (Columbia, SC) via UA, but Alaska said I would have to go to the United desk for that. Once on board the aircraft, it was maybe 10 minutes from the door closing till they taxied and took off. The pilot claimed we would have a tailwind which would put us in ORD earlier, which was not the case. Unless they are sure, they shouldn't make mention of getting into an airport early. This was the first time I had ever had to pay for IFE. $10 for movies that can't make you laugh, like Big Momma 2. The music videos were of obscure artists I've never heard of, but having a choice in IFE is a tad better than being subjected to whatever movie the airline would like you to view. The seats are very uncomfortable with little pitch in economy. Sitting in the aisle seat subjected me to waking up to allow the two to my left to use the bathroom. I had no pillow and no blanket on my flight, and the FA said they ran out. Apologetic of course. We landed at ORD a few minutes behind - not good when you consider having to get to the United terminal. Alaska AIrlines gave no instructions for those planning to continue on other airlines. Overall, I'd say the airline is typical of American airlines - meaning average at best. Nothing to write home about. At least they still serve Alaska Amber on board.

Alaska Airlines - by Adam Lazar
6 May 2006

LAX - DCA First Class. Began with bottle of water, no other pre-flight drinks offered. FA actually introduced herself (Alyx I think, a 40 year veteran!) and gave us the entree options: hosin bbq chicken or beef burgundy. Note the absence of the salmon - a first for me on an alaska F flight. Just as well since it wasn't very good. I chose the beef. 20 mins in our first round of drinks served. Alaska F has excellent regional wines from the Northwest US and this was no exception, they served a delicious Syrah. Not-warm peanuts served with. F passengers get a Digiplayer to watch films on, but the fold-out tray is too small for meal and player. The problem is really that the trays aren't full- width, but regardless the FA advised us to eat without the serving tray. Salad course was a mixed greens in a small portion with an italian dressing pre-mixed, along with a single warm roll. The dinner entree was smaller than most first entrees, and the potatoes were delicious but the vegetable served with it was celery and carrots-- hardly first class fare. The beef was quite tasty though. Dessert was a caramel pie, and it was surprisingly good. Coffee was uneven, using "Seattle's Best" brand can't compensate when the FA makes it too weak. 20 mins prior to landing the FA passed out warmed mini bowls of nuts. Overall a 7 out of 10 for domestic F, not as good as CO transcon but better than CO regional, and of course better than UA and AA. Alaska's F seats on its 737-700 do not recline more than 2", know before you upgrade. Knee room is limited so try to get a bulkhead. Also the digiplayer was showing last month's films, and I have noticed the quality of films on these players going way down.

Alaska Airlines - by Chris Vert
7 April 2006

LAX-SEA in Economy. Flight delayed 2 hours, attentive ground staff, were given a $6 voucher to use in the terminal food court, very nice. Full flight on a new 737-700. Clean leather seats though very tight pitch. On board service was ok, with cold and hot drinks offered twice along with a small snack. After that a FA offered water to all paxs. FAs attentive but no smiles. I was quite impressed having heard bad comments about US domestic flights. Bags arrived quite late after a 20 minute wait. Well done Alaska! In overall a good experience.

Alaska Airlines - by David Hernandes
30 December 2005

SEA-SMF on Christmas Day. Brand-new 737-900 (the FA said it had only been in service for 3 days). Nice gray leather seating. The flight left SEA and arrived in SMF on time. Flight attendants were very cheerful and accomodating. Just a bag of peanuts and a can of Coke whereas on previous trips we received a "lunch box" with a small sandwich, chips, and fruit. I wasn't very impressed with their "all rows" boarding procedure, as it created a long line down the jetway as passengers with assigned seats in front of the plane holding up those of us seated towards the back. But all in all a pleasant experience and I would travel with them again.

Alaska Airlines - by J Banuelos
27 October 2005

LAX-DCA. I fly this route every week and the service is comparable to a major international carrier. In the climate of bankruptcy amongst airlines, Alaska still manage to provide passengers with great personal service and occasional tasty meal in FC. From check in till my landing, service is efficient with a smile. I would continue to recommend this airline to my clients and family. On the comment about OneWorld service being consistent, not if you include AA.

Alaska Airlines - by J Boyce
30 August 2005

We travelled to Alaska from Phoenix, AZ on Alaskan Airlines on August 17th and returned to Phoenix on August 25th. We flew first class both ways and found the service/flight just wonderful. This was our first time to use Alaskan Airlines and our first trip to Alaska, both were the best. We found the psalms just so special and we thank you for them. We will certainly fly Alaskan Airlines whenever possible.

Alaska Airlines - by Gracie Weigall
23 August 2005

Puerto Vallarta to La on Alaska on 23rd Aug and had a really great flight. The flight was memorable for the commentary from the senior attendant - he made us laugh out loud and we were hanging on his every word. The rest of the crew made our experience comfortable, we both agree it's a shame Alaska Airlines don't fly to the UK - as the trip from LA to London was hard work. We would definitely choose to fly Alaska when we can in future.

Alaska Airlines - by Sally Griffin
17 August 2005

Unfortunately, after trying to call Alaskan Airlines to ask just one little question for 6.75 hours, I was finally able to reach the automated answer line. Then I was told to call later because all lines were busy. Just how many hours do they want me to tie up? I didn't find any location on their website to ask general questions. In the past, I have been very happy to fly with Alaskan airlines, and I believe the flight staff are all very helpful, but the communications with the Alaskan ticket and answer people is terrible. I would like to book a ticket, but I need my question answered first and I can't do that if I always reach a busy signal. I can't do that, if I can't reach a "real" person to answer my question.

Alaska Airlines - by Rene Jacobus
15 August 2005

My wife and I flew to Anchorage on August 3rd, and returned on August 10th, 2005. At the beginning I was worried service was going to be bad, but I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the service, flights where on time. In Vancouver the person on the counter was very helpful, he changed our seats for us to seat together. We will fly Alaska Air again.

Alaska Airlines - by Jeffrey L Riehle
19 July 2005

GEG-SEA route - Morning flight. In Spokane AS is always fast check-in and fast boarding and for every flight I have been on it has been full, I have never encountered a delay or been late leaving Spokane (GEG). Its the beverage service that gets me - I mean only coffee, water or orange juice? Even Horizon can serve pretzels and drinks on the same route? Other than that service was exceptional.

Alaska Airlines - by Greg Newby
3 July 2005

Living in Fairbanks, AS is a frequent experience. As the comments in this forum reflect, "uneven" is a good description of this airline. Often late -- and often, flights from ANC to FAI or elsewhere in Alaska are cancelled for no reason (but I strongly suspect it's so they can combine two half-empty flights). During the summer tourist season, flights are jam-packed. Flights to and from Alaska outside of tourist season are more likely to have a few empty seats, and also seem to have somewhat friendlier service (maybe the employees aren't so harried during the winter. Also, winter in Alaska tends to have very helpful attitudes among the residents). Meals are miserable (there are no special meal requests permitted, even in 1st class); the bible verse, when you get a meal, is offensive. There are no pillows or blankets any more, even on overnight flights. There is no entertainment other than the DigEPlayers on cross-continental flights. The airline recently sent an email apology for their frequent lateness to their frequent flier members, saying they would work to fix the baggage delays and make their schedule less aggressive (so it's less sensitive to domino effects). Overall, the relative lack of amenities makes it a second choice for cross-continental flights. For flights to or in Alaska, there is often no alternative. One bright spot is their non- stop service from SEA to Mexico travel destinations. I've flown about 70,000 miles on AS in the past two years, and have had both excellent and miserable experiences.

Alaska Airlines - by Chad Koehnke

6 June 2005

EWR-SEA Roundtrip I was pleased with Alaska's transcon product. AS is handled by Continental on the ground in EWR. They have two flights a day. CO agents didn't say anything when I checked in using the ITM, but were not rude either. Seattle agents were very pleasant and efficient with no waiting. I flew a 737-900 to Seattle after a last minute equipment change outbound and a -800 on return. Both planes had the new leather seats. It looks nice, but doesn't add much to the experience. The DigEPlayers were great and well worth the $10. My first one didn't work, so I rang the FA call button and they were not at all reluctant to come see how they could help. Second one operated fine. Flight attendants on first flight were quite senior but pleasant and efficient. Return FA's were much younger and a bit more bubbly but nice. Both flights departed within about 5 minutes of schedule, and arrived early - admittedly rare with AS, but maybe not with the longer flights. Meal outbound was dinner with a hot chicken sandwich, and a very small pasta salad and brownie. Return was breakfast with a hot-pocket type egg, bacon and cheese sandwich with a very small fruit cup and a decent muffin. There were a substantial 3 beverage services on both flights and FA's seemed to be happy to provide extra drinks between for those who asked.

Alaska Airlines - by Dan Grant

6 June 2005

Alaska Seattle to Denver 11:45 AM flight. Just like every other flight leaving Seattle on Alaska Airlines, this one was almost two hours late. First we had something go wrong on the plane and they towed it from the gate, then we had another delayed flight coming in and the plane was switched out to our flight. I do not know what is happening, but between the mechanical problems that seem to develop instantly or the horrendous baggage service and delays due to continuing labor problems, the airline seems to be doing everything it can to drive away its loyal customer base. It reminds me all to well of Eastern before they went belly-up. Once we finally got off the ground, the flight itself was rather pleasant. The first class flight attendant was superb, and kept all of the glasses full and the service was marvelous. The meal was a choice between a chicken salad and a chicken sandwich, which is quite typical for Alaska these days. There seems to be no clear rules regarding how the orders are taken, and I guess it just depends which way the flight attendant combed their hair that morning. My return flight the next day was also delayed by about an hour, with the usual mix of mechanical and other miscellaneous problems that are driving the passengers crazy and the crews nuts with customer complaints. I don't know whether I will ever use Alaska airlines again. The fact that ALL of my flights on them in the last three weeks have been delayed by at least one hour each is simply intolerable.