You’ve gotta give Alaska Airlines credit for trying a little bit harder than competitors when it comes to its soft product, especially on the food and drink front. Not only does the airline feature a lot of West Coast brands, but the selection is just more interesting than on other carriers.
The airline has just unveiled a suite of new offerings that will be available on flights starting in the coming days and weeks, and I’m impressed!
In this post:
Alaska Airlines details new West Coast offerings
Alaska Airlines will soon be offering some cool new drinks and amenities onboard its flights. Let’s start with the drinks, which will debut as of November 20, 2024. These drinks will be complimentary for first class and Premium Class customers, and will be available for purchase in economy.
For one, Alaska will start serving Straightaway Nitro Espresso Martinis. This cocktail is made with espresso from Portland-based Stumptown Coffee Roasters, the same brand behind the carrier’s custom coffee blend.
The airline will also start serving Lagunitas Hoppy Refreshed. Alaska is the first US airline to serve “hoppy water, a non-alcoholic alternative that is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious and craft beverage enthusiasts alike.” It’s made by a Petaluma-based brewery, and is brewed with hops for a crisp, citrusy twist.
Okay, maybe I’m just getting old, but could someone explain to me what that all means? It’s… non-alcoholic sparkling water? Kind of like how I drink non-alcoholic Diet Coke?
In addition to new drinks, Alaska will also be introducing new blankets in first class, in partnership with Pacific Northwest-based outdoor outfitter Filson. These will be available starting in December, initially on some of Alaska’s longer flights, including Hawaii and transcon services.
Alaska will also introduce Salt & Stone soap and lotion in all Alaska Lounges and onboard lavatories. As it’s described, “the bright citrus notes of Italian Bergamot, grapefruit and orange blossom awakens your senses while the earthy warmth of vetiver, hinoki and amber grounds and soothes.”
Alaska is in a league of its own domestically
Personally I’m a huge fan of Alaska Airlines. Admittedly the airline isn’t quite to the level of Delta or JetBlue when it comes to offering seat back entertainment or free Wi-Fi. However, when it comes to onboard food and drinks, I don’t think any US airline can compete, on balance.
For example, Alaska is the only US airline to sell hot meals in economy on domestic flights of over 1,100 miles. Even beyond the hot options, the food for purchase is much more impressive and interesting than on competitors.
Similarly, I find Alaska’s first class catering to be a step above the competition, and the only product with better food is JetBlue Mint (which is only available on a select number of routes).
The drink selection is equally awesome, and these latest additions only make it better. Given how much Alaska tries, the only thing I’d mention is that I would love to see Alaska finally join the trend and introduce cold brew onboard. United is the only US airline to offer cold brew on all flights, thanks to its partnership with illy. C’mon, Alaska, you’re from the Pacific Northwest, good coffee options are important. 😉
I suppose if you want something coffee-ish and cold, there’s always the the Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka. However, maybe that’s not the best way to get your caffeine hit early in the day if you’re hoping to be productive.
Bottom line
Alaska Airlines is continuing to improve its soft product, with new drinks, blankets, and bathroom amenities. These are all minor things individually, but when you add them up, it really makes a difference, especially with how little some competitors try.
What do you make of Alaska’s new onboard additions?
If Alaska had a proper transcon product, they would be the best.
The fact that they downgraded the really nice Virgin America seats to their generic recliner product was a huge loss.
Knowing how Alaska runs and operates, I know it's very unlikely.
AS isn't the only U.S. carrier to sell hot meals in Y - UA does as well.
Youre absolutely right: Hoppy Water is non-alcoholic sparkling water... but it has hints of hops in it. They're delicious. My wife and I are on Keto, and they are a game changer. 0 Carbs, 0 calories.
Ben think of the Hoppy water as beer-flavored LaCroix, but in the best of ways. I held off for a couple years thinking the product was silly, but I absolutely enjoy it, and it will be a nice treat for me on these flights.
While I'm a fan of espresso martinis (and the better version of a Carajillo) I don't think they do well in cans.
Espresso martini? I'm sorry did we all forget our alcohol safety trainings from high school and college. DO NOT MIX CAFFEINE AND ALCOHOL
Sir, they are not serving Four Loko.
The blanket reminds me of the Faribo brand of blankets made by the
Faribault Woolen Mills in Minnesota. Back in the 60’s and 70’s they made blankets for a lot of airlines. The ones they made for Braniff International are highly collectible. I’m glad to see they continue to source from local and regional suppliers.
Now I know which airline does their shopping at Costco.
If only SkyWest/Horizon would get these options too... as someone who flies 90% regional with AS, I've had the opportunity to try Alaska's Stumptown blend... once.
Beer drinkers enjoy the hop flavor in the beers, especially IPAs, so having a non-alcoholic version is "better" for health while still being able to enjoy the hop flavor.
I love Alaska. People I know hate them for the no screens, wifi that's not the greatest, perhaps older cabins.
But it's, to me, the last remnant of what airlines were like in the 90s before cost cutting really started. A comfy big seat up front with enormous legroom, meals on more flights, more customer-friendly options.
Enormous leg room? I like AS too but domestic first is pretty much identical to DL no?
Alaska has 41" pitch in first class on most jets--its a huge difference over other carrier's product.
David, that's great to know. I rarely recline my seat so honestly that might be why I've never noticed lol. Thanks!
I've found the difference in legroom between AS and DL narrowbody F to be significant. On DL, can't even open laptop when person in front reclines.
Hop water is a kind of flavored sparkling water -- it's not for everybody but if you like a sort of savory sparkling water, it can be quite nice. Theoretically it also has some calming/nootropic effect, or some brands claim it. I think it can be appealing for non-drinkers!
I've had local variety put out by one of the breweries in Charlotte (they do flavors like Grapefruit). It's.... interesting. I wouldn't drink it every day, but maybe like now if out with people who are drinking. Kinda hints of what beer tastes like without the alcohol.
It's a positive add for Alaska. As you said, not for everybody, but could be nice for those of us who don't drink when paired with a meal.
You may want to try HopLark hoppy iced tea. They sell several varieties online, at Whole Foods, etc. Different styles of iced tea brewed with hops. It’s a tasty and refreshing non-alcoholic take on craft beer.