Alaska Airlines First Class Impressions

"Apparently the AIRLINE has 41″ of pitch"
If you mind me pointing out gramatical errors let me know and I'll stop, lol.

@ Ben -- Four transcon routes out of TPA? When I search Matrix ITA, I only see TPA-SEA. Did they discontinue SFO and the other two routes? What are/were those other routes?

@Gene - SEA is year-round. SFO and LAX are seasonal I believe. Not sure what the fourth one Ben's referring to is.

@ Gene -- My mistake, should have said three routes. SEA is year-round, and LAX and SFO are seasonal.

Those cookies AS serves in first class are the best.

I had a good FC AS SEA -> LAX experience recently. I still can't fathom why taking your mask off in a closed airspace with 8-16 people around you... who are also unmasked... is a good idea during Covid.

And if you say "but HEPA", you clearly don't work in a hospital. Surgeons wear masks during surgery despite HEPA. In fact, all staff in all locations still wear them.

I've found AS to be consistent, good, and reliable. Some of their airplane cabins could use some updating, but I've always found them clean, well maintained, and the cabin crew are almost always pleasant and engaging. The food is essentially representative of what you get on a US carrier but it is just fine and the cookies are indeed great. Where AS does not compete well is in the transcon market in select markets, notably NYC, where frequency and frills count. It will be interesting to see what they do with the LAX/SFO service out of JFK as the market recovers.

Seat back screens are all that is missing on Alaska.
I will actually choose Delta , just to get one

@Lucky - I agree that these "old style" seats may be the most cushy among US carriers, but I don't think that it's fair to say "So as far as “standard” domestic first class seats go, it doesn’t get better than this." when their is no seat-back IFE.

I'd sacrifice 1" of pitch and a bit of padding in domestic first class for IFE. It's nice to be able to use 2 screens on a flight. I'm sure that I'm not alone in this preference.

One FYI - the UA SFO-TPA route is generally NOT a redeye. Since the route started, it was always with a mid-day or mid-afternoon departure from SFO, with evening arrival into TPA. The redeye is usually the second flight that only operated during peak seasons around the holidays. Suspended at the moment as you said so does not really matter but it's actually quite convenient when operating, especially when it had the 2 or 3pm PT departure time from SFO.

@ Charles -- Whoops, good to know, thanks. When I was looking at it a while back I saw a redeye, but will update post to reflect that.

I believe Alaska has the best domestic first class service. Their food prior to the pandemic was amazing and they have been able to transition to a much more simple product while still being good. FA’s are always nice which makes its feel like they enjoy working for Alaska. Much different vibe when flying the other majors.

Seeing this really makes me miss Virgin America. I've stuck with Alaska because it's still way better than the other alternatives (the main one being United, for SFO), but the Virgin F experience -- with 52" of pitch, seat-back IFE, and good-for-domestic-planefare food -- was worlds better than this. (I also can't STAND the "distinct" (i.e., gross '70s era mom-and-pop shop) bulkhead pattern.)

Just so you know, 41" is considerably shorter than JetBlue's Mint product (58 or 60 inches, depending on the configuration).

I realize they don't serve SFO-TPA and they weirdly don't market the seats as either business or first, but they're just one of probably many with more legroom.

I do agree AS does a fantastic job in every way, and I fly them often.

Good, balanced review. AS continues to do a great job and I'm excited for their entry into OW. I just hope they don't devalue their frequent flier program.

Ben, you got a wine pour? Like, out of a bottle?? For the past year, it’s been not-very-good wine in a can in Alaska First. That’s great news if it’s a permanent change!

@Ben - going for AA Exec Platinum again even with your limited international travel these days?

More padding over no seat-back is a win.

In fact, lack of seatback IFE is a huge plus in a typical domestic seat.

Nobody poking the back of my seat every time they want to adjust the screen, channel or volume. No forced viewing of advertisements. Less light pollution when I'm trying to sleep. No risk of my paperback book being nonfunctional.

Fly Alaska out of Ft Lauderdale if you live in Miami. That’s what we are doing!

Ben would be interested to read a post describing why you’re focusing on American status vs Alaska given the redemption rates for Alaska are better.
Thanks!

The 6-hour first class trip on Apr 5 was great in terms of service, food, and comfort. The only thing that ruined this particular flight was that there were two lap babies that were noisy. The parents sitting behind us were trying hard to settle the baby. But everything that they did ended up bumping or pulling on the backs of our seats. So while noise cancelling headphones helped, it was the adults that disturbed our experience. So, are there any airlines that do not allow lap babies in first class? I will pay top price to go non-stop with adults only to avoid that experience again.

Very good review of the current first class product. I'm Gold 75K on AS although I haven't been on a plane in 12 months. It seems the current 1st class meals are the previous coach buy on board meals (minus the cookie). Also you commented about the nice cushy 1st class seat. I LOVED THOSE SEATS. Although that's the old 1st seats. The new highly touted 1st class seat in my opinion is rock hard thin seats. Also you mentioned the bulkhead design. Alaska Airlines has always had that carpeted pattern which I've always liked. Unfortunately they are changing that too with a very plain non carpeted bulkhead. And I cracked up about your comment on the dots on the SFO windows. I always complain about airports that have those. It ruins pics. DTW has them too. I do have a question. Did they have coffee? Last time I flew a year ago their was no coffee and no alcohol. Just water bottles. Thank you for posting a trip review of the current product. Great job. Happy Landings

Premier coach for less than half price. You can purchase the same meal as 1st class and still a lot less

I guess the seats are padded and comfortable, I just can't get over how dated the finishes, wrinkled leather, and dated bulkhead pattern make the cabin feel. Almost looks like "big front seats" on Spirit in the cover photo. Also no IFE, but I know Alaska doesn't plan to add it, either.

Anyone know how far along they are in the rollout of the new Recaro seats? Are they only going on the ex-VA aircraft and the ex-Alaska aircraft are keeping the old seats? Or is this just a slow rollout across the fleet?

Now that Alaska is a member of OW, I wonder if they will they become a transfer partner for AMEX Membership Rewards?

@ Canadian Platinum -- I don't see that happening. Just as American doesn't partner with a transferable points currency, I don't think Alaska will either. It seems at odds with Mileage Plan's overall strategy.

Their 'entertainment' (on your phone) looks pretty complicated to get it work. As much as a cheap-ify as it is on AA, it works (most of the time at least). I agree with you on the meal - everything airlines are service for cost savings, ahem, "safety" requires eating with hands. Good observation there.

@ Charlie -- I booked this last minute, and economy was ~$250 cheaper than first class, and Alaska's extra legroom economy was less than $150 cheaper. So definitely not "less than half price."

@ Michael Lashchuk -- Thanks! Yep, coffee was available on request. I believe it's automatically offered on flights before 10AM, but it's available on request the rest of the day, though I didn't have any.

The best thing about Alaska First Class is you can actually get upgraded. My family of 4 MVPs (Alaska's lowest level) all got upgraded both directions SEA-ATL in March.

@ Jill Larson -- Nope, there are no US airlines that don't allow infants in first class.

@ Sean -- Good idea for a post, thanks! Let me see what I can do. The short answer is that ultimately living in Miami I think there's still value in crediting to the airline you fly the most in order to have the best upgrade priority. I'm curious to see what kind of changes we see to Mileage Plan in the coming months.

@ Michael -- Hah, as much as I enjoy Alaska, I avoid flying out of FLL whenever possible, for reasons I shared here:
https://onemileatatime.com/fort-lauderdale-vs-miami-airport/

@ slappychasez -- To be clear, I'm not at all on track to requalify this year. However, I am hoping that American further lowers elite requirements, so for the time being I'm still flying American (or crediting to AAdvantage) when possible.

@ jjmpdx -- Hah, that was for my mom. That's how it was presented, though I'm not sure if in the galley it came out of a can or bottle.

@ Pat -- Indeed, JetBlue is the outlier, and I wouldn't consider JetBlue to offer "standard" first class seating, which is why I added that caveat.

I kind of have to laugh at the ‘European-sized cans’ as a European I can say those are cocktail-sized mixer cans, not the standard by far, European sized cans are 330ml and only slightly smaller than the US standard can.

My last Alaska Airlines First class flight was in November 2019, so of course pre-pandemic. My GF and I wanted an extra night at the Park Hyatt NYC and I burned a ton of miles to fly JFK-LAX. And I regret it to this day. The seat bottom was thin and uncomfortable and the overall experience was meh. I feel like I could have had better value buying gift cards, It was that bad. Granted we flew in on a 321T in J, which is a far better option outside the onboard food. However outside of international long haul F/J I rarely eat meals provided on an airplane. Domestic catering outside of JetBlue is shit.
Give me a comfy seat and free flowing booze, all the other perks are insignificant.

Wow, they must have changed. I loved Alaska in the 70's and their first class service was stellar. Come the early 2000's, their first class service had deteriorated terribly. When I would get upgraded via Delta (back when they were speaking) I noticed they never gave a pre-departure cocktail, after takeoff they would ask what you wanted to drink, and then bring it out when they brought their meal - always a cold meal. Good, but cold. Then the FA's would disappear into economy and you would see them again only when they cleared your tray for landing. So, glad they have improved. However, that cabin looked kind of dumpy and old to me.

I'm guessing that AS is not offering tablets for streaming in First? They were doing that, of course, prior to the pandemic.

Long term alaska flyer and they are at an all time low continually running out of food and no drinks first class or otherwise. Halfway to million mile club I'm looking at other options. I would not fly alaska over ANY airline right now!

I do know Alaska temporarily got rid of the tablets even in First (I haven't heard if they've brought them back). I can see them permanently getting rid of it. They'll say our research shows people prefer to watch on their own devices. I dont know about you but I prefer watching on a screen in the seat back at eye level. The real reason airlines have taken these out as it saves weight and costs. Alaska charged 8 to 10 bucks for the tablet in coach free in first. They got rid of these pre covid 2 yrs ago even in first on SEA ANC (3.5hr flt).

@Lucky You say you’ll take Alaska over UA any day of the week, is this saying you’d take Alaska first class versus UA’s “new” Polaris class like you did ORD>SFO? It sounds like it but hard to believe you’d pass up on an actual lie flat bed on a transcon.

The old seats are great, they look so dated but they're so comfortable with all the padding. The new ones however are awful, unfortunately. Hard as hell, no padding and my seat cushion kept sliding. I guess I must have flown one of the refurbished Virgin planes (oh how I do miss the Virgin seats!!).

We are fond of Alaska due to our experience. Back in Summer 2019, we flew from SEA to DFW to check on our rental property. Our next door neighbor was supposed to sit for our puppy. Midway in flight, we texted them a reminder, and they realized that they misplaced our house key and the garage door was locked from the inside. We were in a panic, must have been somewhere over CO. We asked the lead flight attendant if they were going to fly back to SEA and they did not, but the captain would. She spoke to the captain, and then the captain himself came out and offered to take our house key back to Seattle. As soon as he landed, he texted my next door neighbor who were already waiting at the airport to pick up the key. No locked out puppy - thanks to Alaska.

I’ve flown a number of AS flights since mid-Feb. F is given choice of fruit and cheese or breakfast / turkey sandwich depending on time of day. You can pre-order in economy with ccard on file. Wine has only been in can and on my flight tonight - now actually - tried for first and likely last time. Coffee is offered in am and available elsewise. Entertainment is only streamed to your personal device - easy to use and intuitive. FAs are friendly and mostly attentive. Agree that hard and soft product better than UA. Will experience AA in a couple of weeks and not sure when on DL as when given a choice I go with AS due to better mileage program. Did have a couple of AA flights this week on my $58 ticket from PHL to FLL - reminded me quickly why I have stuck with AS for economy flights.

You say that Alaska joined OneWorld on March 31st and yet AS is still charging a “partner booking fee” when using Alaska miles to fly on AA metal. What gives?

I dunno, I think I'm cool with paying $12.50 extra to book CX F on AS instead of 40,000 extra miles to book on AA.

Flew 4 Alaska transcons this week (2 in F and 2 in Premium) and generally agree with Ben. The new F seats are not as well padded though. Flight attendants and gate agents are consistently great. Free fast Gogo wifi with T-Mobile is great too, unlike American which is ditching it as they switch providers.

Alaska need to up its food game in (packed) coach now. If you didn't pre-order the meatless fruit & cheese plate a day ahead, it is nothing but chips on the transcon for you.

Also easy pandemic upgrades are over for lower tiers on transcons. Got 2 and missed 2 as a 75K.

I am going to be the odd man out here and disagree. I have flown AS transcon in F about 10 times this year, mostly SFO-EWR and back. I've found the FAs mostly and consistently childish and umprofessional, gathering, giggling and gossiping in the galley while ignoring passengers. They act like high school girls without adult supervision. Then the fact that no hot entree is served on a 5+ hour flight in First class is imo unforgivable. That fruit plate and stale cold sandwich just does not cut it. The food served in first class on UA has been mentioned here. I have had it. At least it is a hot food.

I've got minimum status (MVP) on Alaska, but since September have managed to get an upgrade to First on four of six flights. I'm sure that will change as more flyers with status get back in the air.

My experience was very similar to Lucky's. Excellent service at check in, at the gate, and on board. Choice of fruit/cheese plate or turkey sandwich. I'm a beer guy, so definitely appreciate the AS tie in with Seattle's Fremont Brewing, which offers a choice between the pilsner and an IPA. I don't think they were serving any mixed drinks. The hot cookie and the snacks were also served.

With minimum status I can book an exit row at time of booking (not valid for saver fares). I'm flying with a non-status friend to Anchorage in early May, so not eligible for an upgrade. Flying with my wife from ATL to Bozeman later in May, so hopefully we'll have a shot at an upgrade since she is also MVP.

One point about first, which may be true for most airlines - the bulkhead seats have much less leg room, so I can't completely stretch/straighten my legs.

Hi Ben, I happen to be flying Alaska soon internationally and I have sensitivity to scents/smells… It would help greatly if you would comment on any strong smells… Did the place smell of coffee fumes, I am flying after breakfast to avoid a coffee cart down the aisle because of my sensitivity…anyone seen sick from insecticides or Disinfectants?…I also read their marketing on an Alaska scent branding… No scents or Fragrances circulating? Thanks for your feedback

IMO, Alaska Airlines' First Class domestic is good: lots of legroom, reasonably priced when bought far enough ahead, mileage plan more generous than most. First Class International: not so good. It's essentially the same as domestic. And on a long international flight, having a seat that hardly declines is problematic.

Your review is nice although, I flew FLL-SEA 2 days ago. Last minute. Cheated on my airline I LOVE. But my experience was far from yours. I paid 1490 one way and it was the most uncomfortable flight ( even in first I’ve been on in years ) and attendant rude and out right mean when I’d ask for a water. Got cheese plate, which was good but tossed at all passengers. I don’t like too use call button, but after three hours I want water. Biggest overrated airline. Delta simply best. Or fly private. I got home safe on quick note and Alaska is typically great, but many bad apples. They lost luster. And 6:45-7 hours in air. Add a good seat for paying customers. Blah. I’d take a connection before having too fly that again. ( And Alaska..... as u read this..... upgrade ur premium cabin on your longest routes. ). God forbid economy on that flight as first was awful.

And that’s after a 3 million miler on Delta at young age and not in the points game with Alaska status matching me last 8 years 75k when I don’t fly them.

Fll Sea flight worst ever. Two days ago. Shitty workers, service and mean too all first cabin. After I paid 1490 one way. Go Delta

I think this was a very big 1 off. But had awesome flight back on Delta. Flat seats. And they constantly knew my name. And never wavered. I’ll take the limited covid service vs ignored. And Yoshi even loved flight in blanket. Cuddling. Go delta. All others are awful. FA even gave Yoshi water. Delta best.

I primarily fly first class with Alaska throughout the year for the last 10 years. My one and only gripe is that the head rests on all their first class seats don’t stay positioned up when you adjust them higher, they just fall back down. Being 6’6” it makes for a bit of discomfort having my shoulders hunched forward for hours at time. Aside from that, always happy with the flights and service provided.

One night they had a service representative run through the door as soon as it opened on arrival, (I had a connecting flight and the one I was on was delayed) asking for me to come with her. “Sir your bag is being tracked down in storage right now and will be loaded onto your next flight.” We crossed a couple gates outside and she boarded me to my connecting flight. (Last flight of the night). so many thanks to them. If that isn’t the most incredible service.

Liquor is back as of Tuesday. I flew BNA-SEA and had missed the news until after being handed a second can of the red blend. Unfortunately no Sun Liquor. Tito’s, Tanqueray, Woodford Reserve, Jack, Bailey’s, and the two Fremont Brewing beers (Lush IPA and a Pilsner). The canned red and Chardonnay are actually okay, but I’m sick of the breakfast or turkey sandwich at this point. Upgrades are getting tougher, and I’ve missed a few on cheap fares flying with my 75K SO. 263% EQM (now 225%) on abundant, cheap I fares didn’t help. I will renew MVPG and he 75K on our next trip. I’ve also seen abundant recent examples where booking 5-10 days out, F is available on transons for only $60-180 more than the cheapest main cabin fare.

By-the-way, the trick with the cookies is to order them unheated before the FA starts heating them up. Pairs great with a fresh coffee with Baileys. That way they aren’t such a mess, and they still get a little warmed by the others in the basket. Heated, those cookies are so comically messy they should have been replaced with something else by now.

I tell you about AA. Guy gets sick as we're boarding on Fargo. Arrive late in MSP and will miss only flight into Mexico from LAX by AA. Have to stay overnight in LA reschedule. AA sticks for another 300. This was absolutely chickens---.

*Erling - but AA does not operate between Fargo and MSP so I am not sure why AA would be responsible for the delay on .... DL

As an Alaska elite (mid-tier) I have to say that some experiences are good and others not so much. I easily get upgrades on short flights like SAN-FAT. But what i have noticed is that it is nearly impossible to use your status (i.e. book ahead of time, not wait and hope there is space) to get an upgrade on ANY flight that is longer than 2 hours. I have looked at availability from SEA-DTW or SEA-MSP (and various other longer flights) and there is literally NO first class upgrade seat availability. I really think that ahead of the Oneworld partnership, they went in and quietly removed it on longer flights. Also - as to the comment about the food - one thing Alaska really needs to work out is the ability to pre-order food. You literally cannot get food in the main cabin unless you pre-order and their system has been a nightmare. Even calling customer service ahead of the flight will not help. The food itself is decent, but not being able to pre-order it on flights that are 6-7 hours long is just inexcusable.

My wife and I flew first class on an Alaska Airbus from SeaTac to Milwaukee and back. I personally have flown over 1 million miles and believe I have some basis for informed observation.
Our seats were exceedingly hard and uncomfortable and the arch of the back may fit someone but not ours. The uncleaned trapped food in the hinge of the tray was disgusting; when pointed out to the attendant, she said she was sorry--not I'll make a report to housekeeping upon arrival. We have loved flying Alaska. What is going on??

I WILL NEVER FLY WITH ALASKA AIR AGAIN. I bought a ticket on Friday morning leaving from PDX to MSP. I got an email confirmation at 9:16 am from Alaska confirming my flight with which was supposed to take off May 16th at 7:00 am From PDX to MSP. Saturday morning, I realize I make a mistake on date of birth. So, I called Alaska customer care so ask them to change the date of birth and the agent inform me that “it is not a big deal, they only check the Name, not the date of birth.” Now, this cause me a lot of headaches when I got to the airport. Of course, they check the DOB and they made us wait for long time to change the DOB on the ticket. I would like Alaska air to educate their employees the rules of airport. So, they don’t lie to anyone else again.
Saturday night around 10:30 PM pacific time I logged in to my email to do early check because I didn’t had time to do that earlier during the day. To my surprise the link said to call customer service which I did to find out why I wasn’t able to do early checking. Now the agent informed me that my flight has been cancelled. She says’ “I can’t help you but let me transfer you to my supervisor.” Now, the supervisor informs that “I have forfeited my flight” that sounds ridiculous to me because I would not do that to myself and to my kids. I was ready to fly out in the morning because I needed to get to work the next day. AA SUCKS.

So YOU make the mistake and it is Alaska’s fault? Furthermore, your timeline makes no sense as it is written. If you are going to make mistakes, don’t blame the airline. Also, during this day and time, expect schedule changes.

We were disappointed in our first class trip from Seattle to Pittsburgh on 6/27. Plane was freezing , no meals., A very cold frittata with fruit that was served in a pizza box, boxes of water. Everyone from coach used the restroom especially when we had to use it. Flight was delayed , waiting for a crew to arrive. The flight attendants were friendly . I rarely comment but for 899 a seat... It was not worth it.

Alaska Airlines does not suck!!! Just because you messed up does not make an airline suck.......period

My first time to fly first class and i deserve it

Alaska… please DISCONTINUE the canned wine