My Alaska Airlines 737-800 flight from Seattle to Palm Springs in Premium Class was pleasant, with a nice lunch from Alaska’s buy-onboard menu and friendly service down the West Coat.
Alaska Airlines 737-800 Premium Class Review
After a long layover in Seattle (SEA), I boarded my flight to Palm Springs (PSP) from gate C18. The aircraft only showed up to the gate 10 minutes before scheduled departure time, but we loaded up quickly and departed only 15 minutes late.
Alaska 510
Seattle (SEA) – Palm Springs (PSP)
Monday, June 1
Depart: 1:40 PM
Arrive: 4:26 PM
Duration: 2hr, 46min
Distance: 987 miles
Aircraft: Boeing 737-800
Seat: 16C (Premium Class)
Onboard, I found my “Premium Class” seat in row 16.
Seat
Premium Class is arranged in the same 3-3 configuration as the rest of the economy cabin, the only difference being the placement in the front o the cabin and four extra inches of legroom.
I really don’t understand how Alaska designed this. I was in row 16, the first exit row, which was designated as premium class. But row 17, which is only 2-2, is not Premium Class, not is 18A and 18F, which I had originally assigned and have the most legroom on the plane…you can fully stretch out since there is no seat in front of you due to overwing emergency exit door.
Why did I give up my prime 18F seat pictured above for an exit row seat that did not recline? Because I wanted a margarita with lunch and cocktails are free in Premium Class but cost $12 in economy class. Plus, I still had plenty of legroom and also enjoyed an open middle seat, so it all worked out.
Despite some refurbishments on this plane, the overhead bins were small…bags had to be placed on their side.
Each seat had a USB-C outlet and there was a universal A/C outlet between seats.
IFE + Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi functioned well on this flight, faster than on the 737 MAX 9 from Chicago to Seattle, and I was productive for most of the flight. The IFE library also include streaming movies and TV shows available without the purchase of internet.
Food + Drink
Alaska Airlines offer food pre-orders in economy class and I ordered an antipasto platter (the other heartier option was a fruit and cheese plate). The cost was $12.99 and this can be reserved between two weeks and 20 hours prior to departure.
Antipasto Platter
Cured meats, kalamata olives, marinated mozzarella balls, candied walnuts, a goat cheese stuffed pepper, roasted red pepper hummus, naan dippers, and sliced veggies.
After takeoff the flight attendants came around the cabin delivering pre-ordered snacks and food to passengers who had ordered it…but skipped me. I figured mine was not loaded, but when flight attendants later reached my row to offer beverages, I mentioned I had pre-ordered the antipasto platter and the flight attendants confirmed and apologized she had not offered it earlier, pulling it out of her cart and handing to me with utensils and a large napkin.
I must give Alaksa Airilnes credit for pulling it off so well…I ate every bite of it (except for the naan) and really appreciated every part of it, especially the candied walnuts and goat cheese stuffed pepper.
As an aside, I had a margarita cocktail from Strat and it was very nice – (just like the Paloma last time). As far as I am concerned, Strightaway offers the best pre-made cocktails by a longshot and uses very simple ingredients, which is greatly appreciated.
Later on in the flight, I ordered a cup of black coffee and was offered some pretzels with it. Alaska’s Stumptown Coffee is excellent.
> Read More: Alaska Airlines Antipasto Platter Beats Most Airport Food
Service
The service was very friendly on this flight, with a crew of seasoned flight attendants who seemed to be in a cheerful mood.
Lavatory
There are three lavatories in the rear of the aircraft for Premium Class customers. I used the restroom as we approached PSP and always appreciate the nicely-scented Salt + Stone soap. The lavatory was also clean.
Upgrade Pricing
I’m always looking to upgrade when the price makes sense, but Alaska oddly priced the upgrade on this segment at $1150, which was more than the entire trip would have cost had I booked it in first class. Can someone explain the logic of Alaska’s upgrade pricing? Was it hoping that as an American Airlines Gold I would pay up?
CONCLUSION
We landed on-time in Palm Springs, were it was 108ºF…a typical summer day in the desert, but this was still spring.
Alaska Airlines offers a nice coach product with excellent food for purchase onboard…flying economy is manageable as long as the Wi-Fi works and I’ve found nothing but excellent service on my Alaska flights this year.
Of the Y+ products, I like Alaska the best. All drinks are free on AA, but they don’t aggressively market it and the product doesn’t feel premium. Delta only gives you beer and wine. UA does nothing.
I like that AS gives you everything’s for free and actually wants you to order stuff. It just “feels” nicer.
Agreed, and if you get the premium snack basket on a transcon it feels even nicer. (Delta has this too.) Definitely a value sweet spot, especially for low-level elites
Minor point, but I don’t understand why AS chose to market this extra legroom (+ free dinks) as “Premium” Class.
As your trip report showed, there is nothing “premium” about it.
I feel they should have stuck w/ HA’s Extra Comfort or even Extra Comfy if they wanted a “cool” West Coast vibe.