We know that Alaska Airlines is currently expanding globally out of its hub at Seattle-Tacoma (SEA), with plans to serve a dozen long haul destinations by 2030. This growth is enabled by the transfer of Hawaiian Airlines Boeing 787s, given that both airlines now belong to Alaska Air Group.
Continue reading: Alaska Airlines’ New 787 Business Class Suite Experience Unveiled
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
AS is certainly capable of putting on a very decent quality experience and I am sure they will.
AS' international route growth already was looking to slow down from the initial route announcements before the Iran crisis sent fuel costs soaring.
AS has said that its losses in the first quarter will double and it is now paying much more for fuel in part because west coast fuel is much more expensive and in part because it gets 20% of its jet fuel - mostly for Hawaii - from Singapore where fuel costs have soared and supplies are getting thinner and thinner.
AS is a well-run company but they, like UA, understand that disproportionately high costs, esp. relative to their largest competitors, means they simply cannot grow as much as they previously expected given that their costs will be as high or higher than competitors, not a great situation for a carrier that is trying to break into markets.
Absolutely seems like a great product but only if award availability is on the 'reachable' end with points; 150k to Tokyo or Seoul? I rather fly JAL across for 60k.
Why don't you make an article critiquing the Alaska's marketing team the same way you do with Delta or Marriott? And how it's so over the top. This is something you've dedicated significant mindshare to calling out before, so why not here?
Alaska claims this is "setting a new standard for long-haul travel", but this is clearly just a standard product that doesn't move the bar very much.
@ yoloswag420 -- Yeah, setting a new standard is of course a ridiculous claim. Most airlines do it, and it annoys me. Other than that, though, the press release seems reasonable?
When I've called out Delta and Marriott marketing in the past, it's because of the number of absurd claims being made. I can deal with one or two things, but when the entire press release is an exercise in hyperbole, that's when I take note.
Totally agree. If award availability does not cost you an arm and a leg, JAL would still be my go to airline for low cost award booking. Right now, AS international award bookings on their own metal (not partner awards) are not affordable for me.
This sounds nice. But the Ex-Hawaiian 787's are designed with a tiny number of premium seats, see: https://www.aerolopa.com/as-789. No amount of prettying up helps me until the premium cabin is sized for non-liesure routes such that award seats might be available at decent prices.
Meh. When US airlines roll stuff like this out, it's always done as a loss leader sort of way. They want to get initial hype and are willing to spend for it, but then they'll inevitable cut it back.
Polaris's debut being the ur-example
Looks nice. I'm a sucker for a sundae, too. Wish Alaska operated more out of NYC. I still see the Hawaiian flights at JFK T8, usually morning arrival/departure to HNL.
Yes, but beware: these JFK-HNL flights are on Jurassic Park era aircraft. I was recently stuck on one of these, in a broken seat in J to make things worse.
Filson, known for its waxed cotton, is not exactly what I think of when I think of comfy bedding, but it's a very cool, uniquely American supplier for an amenity kit bag!
Remember that wine tasting experience which was just three full glasses of wine lol
Early on it was a lot easier to find availability to ICN for 75K. That availability dried up but hopefully it's just a demand thing with spring/summer travel to Asia
I tried SEA-ICN and back and it was a pleasant experience. Probably the friendliest flight attendants I've ever had on the route (including the Korean airlines)
100%. Remember the "upgraded AAdmirals lounge" experience to justify the $595 Citi card? The Kimchi fried rice was a crime against taste buds, tacos consistently undercooked, everything max level Sysco cost cutting for the past year.
What do you think is a reasonable (AS) miles cost for a one-way TATL (LHR/FCO) or a TPAC (TYO/ICN) biz class flight on AS miles? Current prices over the next 11 months is between 150k/210k each way, which seems ridiculously high.
Each airline will face different headwinds from the fuel crisis; Alaska retains a much smaller international footprint than the Big 3 and generally has a younger fleet. Delta has the oldest (and least fuel-efficient) fleet in the country, while United has tons of Pacific exposure. Everyone is impacted in different ways.
In regards to Alaska "trying to break into a market" you have to remember their goal in SEA is specifically to push Delta out. Delta's Seattle network was already marginal, with huge losses on the domestic side offset by some international profitability - now that international operation has a new (highly motivated) competitor AND much higher fuel costs. Remember Delta's refinery is on the east coast so no benefit to them in Seattle or in Asia when they're refueling on the other side of the ocean. If it was already questionable for Delta in SEA before, it's gotta be looking pretty dire now. No wonder they're pouring all their long-haul growth into LAX, which is the correct decision btw.
The reusable water bottle is the only unique element that stood out to me, and I like the concept as Alaska really struggles in the giving out bottles/boxes of water department compared to Delta. Do the HA 787's have espresso machines? That could be another differentiator with Stumptown.
So will all the flights to FCO and LHR have this new refreshed on board experience immediately upon launch, or not until later in the year?
Wait a second - there's no wifi on long haul planes flights till Fall 2027? So two years of brutal reviews and negative feedback from presumably their most loyal customers?
I just flew jfk-hnl and the economy seats were half broken, it was a disaster from all around seating. The entire plane feels prehistoric. They must upgrade all these planes asap. I will try to stay away from Hawaiian airlines planes due to this issue.
Certainly not fault on AS's part. It's a certification issue with all 787-9s, no?
was that on the A330? I think Alaska took all the new 787s for themselves for Seattle routes. Kinda sucks for people from Hawaii imo.
I share that sentiment that won't be going out of my way to fly Hawaiian anymore.
Sounds promising but are these flights actually going to be staffed by Alaska flight attendants or will it continue to be Hawaiian flight attendants working these 787s?
I took a look at the price for a rt. To Rome and was shocked! 10k. Seems a bit high
Off the hook Alaska well done I am flying first time Alaska first class Easter Sunday I am very excited to be a part of the Alaska airlines experience from PDX to psp non stop I'm sure I won't be disappointed have a wonderful day Alaska airlines a loyal customer.
FCO and LHR get it at launch, ICN gets it in April, NRT transitions to 787s in fall
You can often find 95k closer in, which is higher than the saver rate which IIRC is 75k. I wouldn’t pay over 100k, 75k and 85k exist but they’re super rare
At least it sounds a lot more generous than that 100 year anniversary commemorative "Contriva" chocolate square offered on select UA flights and just for April !
Doubt any US airline could realistically compete with JAL or ANA as far as the soft product ... and even the hard one ...
"There will also be a custom reusable water bottle developed in partnership with PATH Water" ......... will these be filled with the unsanitary tank water from the belly of the aircraft????
That bottle Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars – Armillary Cabernet Sauvignon looks expensive.
Alaska has a way to go to become a premier "International" carrier. It's one and only market is SEA, while the other big 3, has markets all over the US continent to help support it financially.
I find it a bit difficult to get excited about chicken with pasta and such. The featured wine is nice, the rest is meh. None of this will convince me to choose Alaska over, say, United to Europe at comparable price.
Because they are all Hawaiian flight attendants (and pilots) operating the (Hawaiian) 787. The only thing "Alaska" about this flight is the paint job.