Alaska Airlines
6.9
Overall Score8 days ago
Alaska Airlines
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Alaska Airlines is the seventh largest major carrier in the United States, in terms of passenger traffic. The company offered its service as Alaska Airlines for the first time in 1944, but the airline has its origins in McGee Airways, a company that was formed in 1932. Even though Alaska Airlines suggests that they only service the northernmost destination in the United States, Alaska Airways has over 100 destinations in the 48 contiguous states, Canada, Mexico, and four of the Hawaiian Islands. In fact, they have its largest hub at the Seattle-Tacoma Airport. Alaska Airlines also does well with customer satisfaction. For the seventh year in the row, JD Power and Associates ranked Alaska Airlines as the highest in customer satisfaction in 2014. While Alaska Airlines maintains independence from the major airline alliances, it does have codeshare agreements with some of the major airlines, including Delta and British Airways.
#1  Southwest Airlines › | 9.5 Overall
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#2  JetBlue › | 8.1 Overall
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#3  Delta Airlines › | 7.6 Overall
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| #5 Alaska Airlines › | 6.9 Overall
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The Good
- Incentive program
- Interent
- Pricing
- Food and beverage
- Entertainment
- On-time percentage
First of all, we really liked Club 49, the incentive program for customers who were flying to and from Alaska. Every year, Club 49 members get a certificate for 30% off a one-way flight to or from Alaska. You also get two free checked bags with Alaska Airlines, as well as exclusive deals. We reviewed other major carriers, such as Hawaiian Airlines, and couldn't find a similar rewards program.
We found that the Gogo Internet service with Alaska Airlines was affordable. A similar carrier that we reviewed, Hawaiian Airlines, did not have Wi-Fi in the bulk of its planes as of this time.
We found that prices were a little high across the board with a few exceptions. A one-way ticket from Seattle to Las Vegas cost $99. Alaska Air also expedites the baggage claim process. If your luggage is not at the claim within 20 minutes, you can get a $25 voucher to use towards your next ticket.
We also felt like Alaska Airlines did a good job of providing affordable food and beverages to its coach customers. Most of the meals that we saw for coach clients were priced from $6 to $7, which is slightly cheaper than some of the other carriers we reviewed. However, we did find that Hawaiian Airlines offers free meals for flights that are longer than six hours, something that Alaska does not have. Starbucks Coffee is also available on Alaska Airlines as part of their complimentary beverage service.
We had some questions during our phone-in about the in-flight tablet rental. Initially we weren't sure if movies cost extra, but through our conversation we found out they were included with the rental. We liked how the R-rated movies were edited for the presence of younger customers.
According to Flightstats.com, Alaska Airlines flights are on-time roughly 86%. This is above average when compared to select other top airlines.
The Bad
- Oversized customers clause
- Rewards plan
- Planes
We took some offense to the "oversized customers" clause of Alaska Airlines' seating policy. We felt like some overweight or larger customers may be turned off by the tone of language on the part of their website. It also emphasized that Alaska Airlines has the right to re-seat a client or boot them from a flight if they hadn't booked a second seat. Delta made it somewhat easier for customers and even suggested that a first class seat might be better for a "larger" customer. We would like to see Alaska Airlines be a little bit more sensitive to the needs of its larger customers and make it easier for them to purchase a second seat while reminding them that they are still valued customers.
We did have some concerns with the two-year activity clause on the mileage reward plan. One customer did have a complaint about the inactivity on their account leading to its deactivation.
We also had some concerns with the lack of wide-body planes. The Boeing 737, while a comfortable plane, lacks the comfort of larger Airbuses and larger Boeing aircraft, such as the 767.
The Bottom Line
We recommend Alaska Airlines wholeheartedly. We also liked the fact that while their planes didn't have TVs on each seat, they made it possible for customers to access great movies and other options via an affordable tablet. Another great feature of this company was that they want customers to get their baggage quickly at the claim, offering a $25 voucher if the bags are not off the plane within 20 minutes.
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User Reviews
Enjoyed our trip to Alaska. Clean airplane and friendly staff. Was very helpful with small children. Accommodated our large group well.
I don't know why but Alaska Airlines is always really pricey. I can never find really good deals. I think I've flown with them once, only because it was a last minute flight.
Good airline with nice equipment. Their value to me has gone down since the rift with Delta. That was a good partnership for customers while it lasted.
We have enjoyed flying Alaska Airlines. The flights usually run on time and customer service on the plane an at the airport is very helpful. Prices are usually a good value too.
Flew on Alaska Airlines a few months ago on my first trip to Alaska. It was great! Service was excellent.
I flew on Alaska Airline from San Diego to Seattle in 2010 and it was a very pleasant experience. The seats were comfy and there wasn't much delay for take off.
Terrible airlines! I recived my lagguage damaged. It took me mounths of fighting and hours of calling to get my money back! The operators and manegers have no respect to the costumers and dont want to take responsibilities! Will never use ur service again!
I used to fly Alaska Airlines exclusively when I lived in Boise, Idaho. I always appreciated the family like environment of the smaller airline.
I really like how much legroom you are able to get on an Alaska Airlines flight, I would recommend to a friend!
My family flew from Seattle to Oahu on Alaska airlines and it was great. The flight attendants were awesome!
Love using Alaska Airlines to travel to the Northwest. Great prices, great service.
Alaska airlines is a dependable airline with friendly welcoming staff. We've never had any issues with the flights themselves and their phone representatives are always helpful.
On time, on schedule, safe, comfortable, and luggage usually follows me!
I've flown with Alaska airlines a few time. They are curtious and punctual.
I like the seats in their new airplanes. Not fancy but comfortable. Friendly service
I have flown a few times, the price was pretty good. The flight was safe. No frills. I enjoyed the onboard movies offered on my phone. The staff was friendly. I had a few calls to make arrangements as I had 21 people booked and there were a few issues, but they were resolved. Hope to fly Alaska Air again
Alaska Airlines offers competitive rates. However, their planes are often cramped, and I’m not very comfortable in my seat. Some of their planes have phone chargers, but not all.
Alaska Airlines are very understandable with all the situations there costumers have before during or after there flight. My family has had some mistakes in the past with seating but was quickly resolved. I would recommend flying with Alaska Airlines.
decent pricing and membership perks. little pretentious on class of services.
When we were headed on our family vacation this year the lady at the check in counter was so kind and helpful. There were 5 of us traveling and some of our bags were overweight. She helped us rearrange the bags and gave us suggestions on how we could avoid paying extra fees. She was a lifesaver!!
Alaska Airlines aircraft are very clean and new. I like their seats they are very spacious to me. I am a big person and i mostly need a seat belt extension. when I travel on Alaska I never have to ask for an extension.
My experience with Alaska Airlines was fantastic! Price was great and service was amazing. No complaints here!
Flying out of Seattle, Alaska has the best prices and service.
Alaska Airlines provides the cheapest fare for flights to Hawaii! The seats are comfortable, and the service is what is expected. But, their fares are better than all competitors.
Nothing but good things to say about Alaska Airlines. Great prices, awesome service, and a positive experience. Will definitely fly with Alaska Airlines again!
I've flown with Alaska Airlines several times mostly because they offered a great deal for the flight I needed. I thought they were an ok airline, nothing overly fancy or outstanding. I don't know if I would pick them over other airlines with better seats.
I love how roomy and comfy their seats are. They also have great customer service.
great value for the flight. just wish they didn't charge for every bag...and no free drink...?
I have only flown Alaskan Airlines once because our plane was delayed so we were bumped to their airline. They were very accommodating and the customer service was wonderful and I would highly recommend flying with them. I will be flying with them in the future.
Alaska Airlines is a fantastic airline that is comfortable and enjoyable on a long plane ride. A great flight for an affordable price.
I only have positive things to say about this airline. They seem to have their "act together." Every time we have used this airline, they have been prompt and friendly.
We used to live in Seattle and Alaska Airlines was always the most convenient airline to use when flying out of there. They always had the shortest and most direct flights. Our hometown was Santa Barbara and they had a direct flight right into Santa Barbara which almost no one does, so that was so nice for us when we were going home.
This airline is definitely not the nicest airline I have ever been on. However, you cannot beat the customer service. Not once have I had issues with my baggage or flights being delayed.
I had to fly Alaskan to Seattle as it was one of the only flights with no stops. The flight was very comfortable, plane was clean. Service was good, a short flight that went very smoothly.
Alaska Airlines provided a very smooth trip without any major flight delays. Very reliable
Flew to Hawaii and back on Alaska Airlines. Our return flight was delayed causing us to miss a connection. The provided us with a generous meal voucher.
I have used Alaska Airlines for years when my family goes to Hawaii. The pricing is the best and they have plenty of flights to chose from. They seem to be on time and they are friendly.
The flight attendants are really nice to us and get us whatever we need.
My daughter's volleyball team flies Alaska Airlines when they travel to Washington or Oregon. The employees are friendly and helpful, and the planes are clean.
I have flown Alaska Airlines many times. I had one bad experience where they measured my luggage and said it was too big and charged me a crazy amount of money. They later refunded me after I had to complain