Review: Alaska Airlines (Horizon) E-175 First Class Burbank To Seattle

My regional jet experience on Alaska Airlines (operated by Horizon) proved to be one of the best regional jet experiences of my life. Great service and a hot meal? Check, check.

I could have flown out of Los Angeles for cheaper, but it was so convenient to leave my office at 6:30 PM, arrive home at 6:40 PM, grab my bags and arrive at Burbank Airport by 7:00 PM, clear security and be at the gate by 7:05 PM, and finally board the aircraft at 7:15 PM. LAX on a Friday night would have been a nightmare.

Alaska has a single gate in Terminal B at Hollywood-Burbank Airport (BUR). The Friday evening flight to Seattle would be full.

Alaska 2259 (operated by Horizon)
Burbank (BUR) – Seattle (SEA)
Friday, March 8
Depart: 07:15 PM
Arrive: 09:55 PM
Duration: 02hr, 40min
Aircraft: Embraer E-175
Seat: 2A (First Class)

I love that Burbank still uses ramps and stairs instead of jet bridges. While not great on a rainy day, I appreciate the old-school touch.

Alaska Airlines E-175 First Class Seating

The first class cabin features 12-seats (four rows of 1-2 seating). I love the solo seats on this plane and find them more comfortable than standard first class seats on many mainline aircraft. Power outlets are present at every seat.

Alaska Airlines E-175 First Class Dining

It seems I was fortunate to get a Horizon-operated E-175 instead of a SkyWest-operated E-175. That’s the difference between a hot dinner and cold dinner since only the Horizon-operated aircraft have larger galleys with oven.

Prior to meal service, a hot towel was offered. Choices for dinner were a protein plate or hot turkey sandwich. Apparently, it has been ages since Alaska has rotated out this meal, but it was the first time I had tried it.

Drinks came with mixed nuts (not warmed). I tried a Moscow Mule, which was refreshing.

I ordered the turkey sandwich for the main course. The sandwich could have been warmed up a bit longer, but it was very tasty and served as a perfect dinner. A large bag of potato chips was served on the side, but no other appetizer or salad.

No dessert either, but I was offered a couple of delicious Biscoff cookies with my coffee.

Interestingly, there was a first class menu of sorts in my seatback pocket that detailed the beverages and snacks available in first class.

Alaska Airlines E-175 First Class IFE + Wi-Fi

Streaming in-flight-entertainment, as well as wireless internet, was theoretically available on this aircraft, though it did not work for me.

I was able to bring up the homepage and connect to Gogo (I used one of my complimentary passes from American Express Platinum), but the internet simply would not work once connected. The movies/TV shows worked (and are complimentary) but I spent the flight working and chatting with my seatmate across the aisle, who noticed I was putting the finishing touches together on my presentation for FTU Seattle and started asking questions.

Alaska Airlines E-175 First Class Service

The star of the flight was Salvatore (“Sal”), the first class flight attendant. He was simply amazing.

Before takeoff, Sal offered champagne, followed by coffee, followed by water. Special requests were granted. I just had water and he seemed so disappointed!

He kept everyone’s glass full throughout the flight and went out of his way to make everyone comfortable. For example, when I asked for coffee after dinner he insisted on making a fresh pot for me.

He was also quite humorous. When making the in-flight welcome announcement, he stated:

There are two flight attendants here to serve you this evening. I’m the prettier one up front.

Everyone laughed. You can see him in my cabin picture above. What a great guy.

Alaska Airlines E-175 First Class Lavatory

Not much to say about the lavatory. I used it once and it is tiny…at least first class has its own lavatory. With all 12 seats occupied, the lavatory stayed occupied for most of the quick journey to Seattle.

CONCLUSION

While the non-functioning internet meant it was not a perfect flight, I do not think you can get much better on a regional jet. The meal was appreciated, Sal was wonderful, and the seats on the E-175 are comfortable. I really enjoyed this flight.