Alaska Airlines First Class Review: Washington Reagan to Los Angeles

I hope you enjoy this Alaska Airlines First Class review. I got 5% off my trip thanks to SELECT — just by being a member, you get 5% all US and Canada fares on Alaska!

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Being an east coast flyer, I don’t usually fly Alaska Airlines, since they only fly to Seattle, Los Angeles and Portland from Washington DC. I really wish I could fly them more, not only because they’re a great airline, but also because they have a good frequent flyer program.

Usually, the Washington Reagan to Los Angeles flight is full up front in First Class, and that was no exception on this flight. Award availability on this specific segment isn’t plentiful, so if you find it, I’d highly recommend grabbing it while you can. Alaska’s paid First Class fares are traditionally higher than that of American, Delta and United, even though the product isn’t anything to write home about.

Alaska boards their flights 40 minutes prior to departure, unlike the 30 minutes most other domestic airlines use. Boarding was smooth and efficient and started on time, first with pre-boards and then with First Class.

First Class on the 737-800 is laid out in a 2×2 style, with traditional recliner seats in 3 rows.

The seats on this plane have more legroom than American, Delta and United, which is noticeable when your seat mate is trying to get up to use the bathroom.

During boarding, hot coffee was offered as a pre departure beverage.

Followed by a flight attendant placing individual bottles of water at each seat.

Menus were also distributed.

After boarding was completed, the usual safety announcements were made and we pushed back.

In the air, menu orders were taken — I asked for a cranberry juice, followed by the omelet. I have to say, I’m impressed with Alaska’s food offerings – not only with the printed menu, but also the quality of the meals. They’re not the best, but certainly better than the usual stuff I have on American.

The blueberry scone was tasty and the fruit tastes very fresh. Alaska doesn’t serve the entire meal on one tray like other airlines. Instead, the first course is removed before placing down the main course.

For me, I had the omelette. It was stuffed with cheese, and wasn’t overlooked. After serving the meal, the flight attendant came around with ketchup and hot sauce, which I took to help spice up the meal a bit.

Following meal service, digital media players were distributed, which are free in first class. While I only watched a few television shows, it’s great to not have to worry to bring your own entertainment.

Just prior to landing, warm nuts were distributed, and it was a nice pre-arrival snack that wasn’t a packaged bag of chips, which is the norm elsewhere.

My Take

I really like Alaska First Class. I wish I could fly them more, but being on the east coast sort of prevents that, save for the occasional transcon flight. The service was warm and friendly, and the food certainly better than other domestic carriers.

I’d certainly fly them again, though wouldn’t pay the steep fares that are often found for their up-front cabins on their planes. If you want to save 5%, SELECT has partnered with Alaska where you can get 5% off any domestic or Canadian Alaska fare, just for being a member.