MUTLEY From United States of America, joined Mar 2006, 26 posts, RR: 0 Posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 8 hours ago) and read 2341 times:
Hello all,
I am new to this board. I am thinking about taking our family to Alaska for a cruise and sightseeing. I have called several airlines where I would fly out of ( EWR,JFK,LGA).
Alaska Air has the best prices, Plus they give a free stopover in Seattle. I just don't know a lot about them and was wondering if anyone can tell me what they think about them?
AeroWeanie From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 1588 posts, RR: 54 Reply 1, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 2323 times:
As someone who lives on the west coast, they are THE way to get places. I've flown them from Seattle to Sitka, Anchorage, Newark, Las Vegas, Reno, LAX, Burbank, etc. I find their service to be much better than the bigger carriers.
Works4boeing From United States of America, joined Nov 2005, 67 posts, RR: 0 Reply 2, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 2316 times:
I've flown them a lot. Probably one of the best airlines on the west coast. Never had a problem with them. Always on-time, never lost a bag, and the in-flight service is usually pretty good.
TK787 From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 3613 posts, RR: 5 Reply 3, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 7 hours ago) and read 2286 times:
Welcome to a.net.
I have flown AS many times all over the west coast and inside AK for the last 20 years. Sometimes they tell jokes and do things only the Alaskans will get, like "there is no place like Nome."
Also if you do a search, you will see that a lot of people here have opinions on AS.
BigGSFO From United States of America, joined Jun 2005, 2581 posts, RR: 7 Reply 5, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2262 times:
Welcome to A.net!
In the past I have always enjoyed my experiences on Alaska Airlines however I have to say in recent times they are not what they used to be. They have been consistently late (and I don't mean 5-10 minutes; I mean 45mins. to 2 hours) the last few times especially in/out of Seattle. It has been highly discussed in the media about their on-time problems at Sea-Tac and their most recent issues with their contracted partner Menzies.
In-flight the experience is nice, but again not what it used to be. The newer 737's are clean and comfortable. The MD80's are older, some interiors look worn and tired, and the overhead bins are older versions and not as wide. If it is a full flight with a lot of rollerbags you might find yourself without a place to stow a bag and will have to gate check it.
Are you going to take advantage of the free stopover in Seattle? Seattle is beautiful city with a lot to do and will make your Alaska trip much more exciting.
Have a great time and I hope you enjoy AS and that my bad experiences are isolated.
MUTLEY From United States of America, joined Mar 2006, 26 posts, RR: 0 Reply 6, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2255 times:
RoseFlyer From United States of America, joined Feb 2004, 7614 posts, RR: 51 Reply 7, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2219 times:
I have flown AS many times to LAS, PHX, LAX, ONT, SNA, PSP, PVR, and others. The best thing about the airline in my opinion is the crew. They have a younger, more energetic and friendlier crew than most US airlines in my opinion. A lot of that has to do with the expansion that airline has undergone. Another one of my favourite things are the inexpensive upgrades at the gate. They are very cheap as they are $40 (I think) for flights within the west coast and more for longer flights. Alaska also still serves free food on some flights. Their slogan use to be "For the same price, you just get more" and I feel it is somewhat true. This was when Southwest was just starting to compete.
Some of the things that I don't like are that the interiors seem old, but that is changing as they are getting refreshed with new leather seats. And as much as I like the 737s, they aren't the most fun to fly on all of the time. First class also isn't that much better. A lot of those first class seats are old and uncomfortable and have no padding whatsoever. Finally the thing I hate the most is on time performance. Usually it isn't something that I attribute to the airlines, but it always seems like things are running a little behind with the airline even when the weather is good at SEA. Things get worse when SEA goes down to single runway operations or worse has snow or ice. Just be careful flying AS, and realize that they have far tighter turns than say United, which means that delays are more common and cascade throughout the day.
If you have never designed an airplane part before, let the real designers do the work!
PA110 From United States of America, joined Dec 2003, 1932 posts, RR: 34 Reply 8, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 6 hours ago) and read 2214 times:
I've traveled AS quite a few times on business between the Bay Area and SEA/PDX. My own personal observation is that they get the job done reasonably efficiently, with a minimum of fuss and bother. These days, that's the best you can expect from any U.S. domestic carrier.
Argonaut From UK - Scotland, joined Dec 2004, 413 posts, RR: 1 Reply 9, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2186 times:
Welcome!
I have flown AS quite a number of times, and always the on-board experience has been excellent. I agree wholeheartedly with the previous posting about how great the crews are. Without exception, all of those I've encountered, including cockpit crews, are very friendly and professional--not surprising, as Alaska is a far more "personal" place than most. In fact, they're some of the best I've ever met. The 737 cabins are very comfortable. On top of everything, the experience from the flying enthusiast's point of view (although this is arguably more about the place than the airline) is something you just won't find anywhere else in the USA. Try the approach to Juneau, for instance, or the descent into Ketchikan...and it's all included in the fare!
You might like to check out the article in the latest (April) issue of "Airways" magazine; I really recommend it strongly.
My impression of AS on the ground, however, is not as good. Staff and organization at smaller stations are just fine, but at Anchorage it's more hit and miss. In summer 2004, I had an early morning departure to Sitka that was delayed, delayed again, delayed yet again, and finally cancelled--but not until the late afternoon (the flight had been supposed to leave at 8.30 am or so!). I was put on the only remaining flight of the day. Bang went my day in Sitka, as the flight arrived late at night and I was heading out to SEA at dawn the next morning (on the very same plane!).
My problem with all this was that the information we were offered was pitiful. We were led to believe we were going to leave eventually, when it seems obvious the flight ought to have been cancelled far sooner, when there were still re-booking options available. BUT...one single bad experience does not make AS a bad airline by itself. I still say it's good over all.
You might want to do some other flying while in AK...if so, try out ERA Aviation, a fabulous carrier with great service and fantastic staff at all levels.
Tango-Bravo From United States of America, joined Jun 2001, 3702 posts, RR: 34 Reply 10, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 5 hours ago) and read 2168 times:
Over the past several months Alaska has rated at our near the bottom in on-time performance. Historically, Alaska's on-time performance has seldom been their strong point, which is understandable given the weather environment in which many of their flights operate.
Since Summer 2005, however, much of the poor on-time performance can be attributed to a succession and combination of self-inflicted causes, from the TANGO pipedream, to the Menzies fiasco, to the wishful thinking that outsourced maintenance would make more aircraft available more of the time.
ATCT From United States of America, joined Mar 2001, 1899 posts, RR: 48 Reply 11, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 2 days 3 hours ago) and read 2111 times:
I love AS.
Ive flown them throughout Southeast Alaska many times (well...the only carrier I could fly) and every trip was great. Ive been on the 732's and 734's. Service was great, flights were on time, and the food was excellent.
Hopefully with DGS (my company) picking up some slack from Menzies, the recent problems with AS's ramp will improve. (Ive debated going to SEA as a Supervisor...)
But yea, AS as far as Im concerned is a great airline. I wouldnt think twice about booking them!
ATCT
Real pilots fly planes that take and measure oil in gallons
Qqflyboy From United States of America, joined Oct 2003, 2065 posts, RR: 15 Reply 12, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 19 hours ago) and read 1992 times:
Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I absolutely hate AS's "everyone boards at once" policy. I've been subjected to that four times and each time it leads to back-ups on the jetway and people seated in the back of the plane place their belongings in the bins in the front of the plane, so that if you're seated in the front you may have to walk to the back to put your bag up. It's annoying and unncessary. I don't know why an "everyone boards at once" policy leads to this carry-on debacle, but it does and I haven't quite experienced it that way on other carriers with traditional boarding policies.
I am also totally turned off by the bible passages on their meal trays. There is a time and a place, but an airplane is not it.
Neither of these are reasons to not fly AS, just some of the things I don't like about them.
The views expressed are mine alone and do not necessarily reflect my employer’s views.
ZCHANNEL From United States of America, joined Jan 2006, 181 posts, RR: 0 Reply 13, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 18 hours ago) and read 1955 times:
I have to agree with some of the responses on this forum about AS always being late. I have had several experiences with them where a flight is delayed 45 minutes, then another 30 minutes, then they need to bring in a replacement plane. When all is said and done, you've ended up waiting 3 hours. This always seems to happen trying to get OUT of SEA. However, once the plane does get off the ground, the service is great and the flight attendants usually go the extra mile. The times I have been delayed I have been on the clock, so that of course helped. Once in the air, though, I think you will find that they provide a pleasant flying experience...
ASFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2005, 756 posts, RR: 4 Reply 15, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 1910 times:
Quoting Simpilicity (Reply 14): only bitch is why can't u earn/redeem QF frequent flyer tickets on AS, especially as QF codeshares on services such as LAX/YVR.
ASFlyer From United States of America, joined May 2005, 756 posts, RR: 4 Reply 16, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 1905 times:
Quoting Qqflyboy (Reply 12): Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I absolutely hate AS's "everyone boards at once" policy. I've been subjected to that four times and each time it leads to back-ups on the jetway and people seated in the back of the plane place their belongings in the bins in the front of the plane, so that if you're seated in the front you may have to walk to the back to put your bag up. It's annoying and unncessary. I don't know why an "everyone boards at once" policy leads to this carry-on debacle, but it does and I haven't quite experienced it that way on other carriers with traditional boarding policies
Look for changes in the boarding process that will eliminate the "all aboard" approach and, hopefully, make everyone happier in the process. You should start seeing some changes in late March/early April in the "hubs" and it should be rolled out system wide by May or so. We will be going to a group system and will board by groups instead of all at once.
FlyingNanook From United States of America, joined Jan 2004, 830 posts, RR: 16 Reply 17, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 16 hours ago) and read 1891 times:
I am, as are many Alaskans, not a fan of Alaska Airlines at all. Even without going into their pricing issues within Alaska, I have many reasons to complain. On time performance is my biggest beef. Not once in the last four years have I been on an AS flight that left within 10 minutes of scheduled departure. Only a handful of those flights were due to weather in the city that the flight was arriving from, or the city that I was in. Also, when looking at the DOT statistics, about 1/3 of their delays in January were due to weather. The rest were within Alaska's control.
I have never had my baggage lost with them, but it has shown up on the baggage belt smashed on several occasions, both before Menzies and now. I understand that bags do get thrown around and that's why I only check things that can get squished and smashed.
I won't go into details at this time (you can search for past posts of mine) but I have also had some really crappy flights on Alaska for various reasons, all within their control.
With all that negative being said, Alaska does have its good points. Their flight attendants are great, even though I nearly burst out laughing upon every arrival in Fairbanks when they say "we know you have your choice of airlines, and we thank you for choosing Alaska." Also their denied boarding policy is one of the best: a free ticket anywhere they fly.
All in all, I would have to say that Alaska is an average airline that can't ever seem to leave on time. If you find a better deal on another airline, take that. Also, regardless of whether you take Alaska or not, arrive in your cruise departure city at least a day before your cruise starts because cruise ships will not wait for delayed flights.
Chugach From United States of America, joined Dec 2004, 1041 posts, RR: 3 Reply 18, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 1873 times:
Quoting ASFlyer (Reply 16): Look for changes in the boarding process that will eliminate the "all aboard" approach and, hopefully, make everyone happier in the process.
Thank God for that. For the last couple of years, I think one of the best perks about being MVP/Gold on AS is being able to get on ahead of that damn line.
I made Gold last year for the first time, and in doing so I would say I had a positive experience about 80% of the time. Anytime you fly that much, especially in the weather conditions of Alaska, you are going to get a few delays and cancellations. It's just the nature of the beast.
But for me personally, I have always been treated far better by AS than by any of the other majors. I almost always enjoy flying with them. And if you're going much past ANC, you're probably going to take them regardless
Lono From United States of America, joined Apr 2004, 1298 posts, RR: 1 Reply 19, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 15 hours ago) and read 1864 times:
I am new to this board. I am thinking about taking our family to Alaska for a cruise and sightseeing. I have called several airlines where I would fly out of ( EWR,JFK,LGA).
Alaska Air has the best prices, Plus they give a free stopover in Seattle. I just don't know a lot about them and was wondering if anyone can tell me what they think about them?
Welcome....
as a poster who has 3 majors worked with in his past past WC, WA, DL..... they are the best for your plans... go for it... enjoy one of the best remaining airlines left in this sorry industry... AS Rocks for sure...
Cessna172RG From United States of America, joined Aug 2000, 733 posts, RR: 0 Reply 20, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 1837 times:
Alaska...
Good airline. Good service. However, any flight after 9 AM is usually running late. Doesn't matter if it's from a hub or an outstation. During this season, deicing causes delays. But, so does other factors...connecting bags/passengers, broken lavs, Menzies towing planes into jetways...
Here's some advice...if you're looking at drinking alcohol, bring money. A few $5 bills will work...they charge, even on international flights. Also, if you can, carry on your luggage. I refuse to check luggage unless I absolutely have to...Menzies busted a few things in my suitcase that were packed with cushioning and were guaranteed to be break-proof. Anything other than clothes should go in the overhead bins. Clothes go under the plane. Until they find a way to break them too.
SSTsomeday From Canada, joined Oct 2006, 1250 posts, RR: 1 Reply 21, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 1 day 14 hours ago) and read 1825 times:
Quoting RoseFlyer (Reply 7): The best thing about the airline in my opinion is the crew.
Yes - I have flown them about 3 round trips and the crew and check in people are what I like about them the best. They upgraded my seat selection (breaking some rule to do it) once. Once they allowed me to change flights on the same day without charging a fee that would normally apply. They several times made me feel special or well handled in some small way. On a trip to Cabo the pilot pointed out some interesting things outside along the way, and the tone was like we were an exclusive private group and his guests, not just another bunch of passengers like the last bunch... I haven't felt that way since I took a little trip on a commuter with (now defunct) Mahalo Airlines in Hawaii and the flight attendents were pointing out whales to us...
It's just a feeling - but with Alaska I get the impression that they try to make the answer "yes" if they possibly can - that they have gone the extra mile for me - which I so appreciate since when I fly THESE days - I EXPECT it to be AWFUL.
Ckfred From United States of America, joined Apr 2001, 4175 posts, RR: 1 Reply 23, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 18 hours ago) and read 1707 times:
My wife flew AS last December for a trip to Seattle from Chicago and was impressed. AS still has free food, and breakfast flights have a hot breakfast sandwich. Considering that AA charges for a box of snack food and charges a higher fare and offers no IFE, free or other wise, AS is a step up.
QXatFAT From Israel, joined Feb 2006, 2364 posts, RR: 6 Reply 24, posted (6 years 2 months 3 weeks 17 hours ago) and read 1698 times:
As a proud employee of AS/QX, you will be extreamly happy with the service! Welome to A.net. AS/QX offers service better then most american carriers. It will be one of the best experiances you will have. Many people on here like AS and many people dont. It is just preference. Please let us know what you thought about your trip Oh and take advantage of SEA. It is one amazing city
Don't Tread On Me!
25 F9Animal: Don't check your bags, and certainly bring an oxygen mask with you. Also, be careful of what colors you wear. Otherwise, it is an airline with many pr
26 QXatFAT: F9Animal is the worst ever! Get a hold of yourself! What an AS basher you are! No respect F9Animal. Your problem is with the ex. and not anything els
27 DesertAir: I flew Alaska monthly for 5 years between Oakland and Portland. My experience was always positive. Their coach cabin service declined after 9/11 but c
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