Recently, I flew Alaska Airlines on a transcontinental business trip. These flights were the first I’ve taken on Alaska in many years, the previous flight being on 737-200 Combi from Dutch Harbor to Anchorage. That was during my airline life, so miles and points for that flight were not a thought. For these flights, they certainly were. Alaska is unique in that they have well-developed frequent flier relationships with numerous airlines including American and Delta. I could choose to credit my miles to Alaska Mileage Plan, AAdvantage, or SkyMiles. After some thought, I went with Delta because of the outside chance of an upgrade as a Gold Medallion. In retrospect, I should have gone with AAdvantage. I wasn’t anywhere close to getting upgraded on either flight. There were over 50 elite status holders of some description on my outbound flight, according to the agent, and I don’t know how many there were on the return. However, I did see my position in the upgrade queue in Seattle thanks to Alaska’s gate monitors. I was number 7 of 7 for no available seats. I did appreciate the early boarding opportunity though.

I found the travel experience with Alaska to be quite pleasant. Both flights were operated with newish, wi-fi equipped 737-800s. Ground and inflight personnel were uniformly polite and pleasant. I had an exit row aisle on the way to Seattle, and a row 17 aisle seat on the return. Can’t put my finger on why, but I found Alaska’s coach seats to be more comfortable than most. For the exit row flight, there was more legroom of course, but also the added bonus of normal armrests with the tray in the seat in front of you. The result was no narrowing of the seat to an uncomfortable squeeze. The padding in the seats seemed just right. On a recent exit row flight on a US Airways 737-400, I found myself feeling like I needed to go into traction after a 2 hour flight. After two 5-hour or so flights on Alaska’s aircraft, I was not in any pain. I expect seats are as subjective as food, so this is just my opinion, take it for what you will. Flight attendants did 3 beverage services, and 2 buy on board meal runs in addition to renting digEplayers, an inflight entertainment device. I did not try the digEplayer, since I had plenty of movies to watch on my MacBook, but I couldn’t help but think “what a nice idea…..I wish US Airways would offer that.”

The only “disappointment” if you can call it that was my visit to The Board Room in Seattle. Recognizing I was flying the Wednesday before Christmas, I’m not surprised it was a little crowded….but it was really crowded. I was traveling with a colleague and I did not identify any 2 available chairs in the place. We left after searching both levels.

In summary, Alaska offers a very pleasant coach experience. I did not check luggage so I can’t speak to their baggage delivery times. Checking in online or with my iPhone was a snap. All personnel I interacted with were friendly and personable. Buy on Board food seemed a cut above other airline offerings, and inflight service was frequent. I’ll look forward to my next flights on Alaska Airlines.

OK, not really. More like flying towards the northwest on Alaska Airlines, but I like the title. I’m inflight on AS 1 now, having just departed from DCA enroute to Seattle. So far, so good with my Alaska Airlines experience. However, I erroneously reported last night that this was my first flight on Alaska Airlines. It isn’t. I once flew from Dutch Harbor to Anchorage on an Alaska Airlines 737-200 combi! I can’t believe I managed to forget about that. So we’ll call this my first routine flight on Alaska Airlines.

I’m crediting this flight to my Delta account, and as a Gold Medallion, I was offered a pre-boarding opportunity. Delta Golds are eligible for upgrades on Alaska, but alas, that wasn’t going to happen. I’m comfortably ensconced in seat 14C, and exit row aisle. It’s in the “non-reclining” aisle, but I don’t care as I rarely recline in coach anyway. The seat is quite comfortable, and the tray tables are in the seat in front of me so I have a normal seat width with makes for a much more comfortable flight than the typical Boeing exit row with the tray tables in the armrests.

I checked in online yesterday morning, and sped through TSA this morning. Boarding was easy and there was plenty of space in the overhead bins. The agents offered customers the chance to check their bags at the gate if “they weren’t needed in flight” and a lot of people went for that. Heck, I was even able to stuff my overcoat in the bin above my seat.

Well, the flight attendants are in the aisles starting service now, so I’ll close. But so far, I’m liking my flight on Alaska Airlines. And oh yeah, the Gogo inflight wi-fi helps too!

I normally wouldn’t get caught traveling this coming week, at least not for work, but that’s what I’m about to do. There are some pressing last-minute needs with a project I’m running at work, and frankly, I’m under the gun to finish the “road work” portion of this project before the end of the year. Therefore, Sunday morning at 5:45am, I’ll be in a cab heading to DCA to catch Alaska Airlines to Seattle.

As much as I don’t want to travel this week, I’m actually looking forward to sampling Alaska Airlines’ product (coach unfortunately). I’m also looking forward to returning to the W Seattle. I really enjoyed my last stay there, and I’m sure this one will rock too! Though I understand the lobby area is being renovated which is unfortunate as that was one of my favorite parts of the hotel.

In any event, look for a full review of my experiences with Alaska Airlines and the W Seattle this week. Wish me luck!

No, I really haven’t retired from writing about miles and points, but obviously, I’ve been a little focused on my 14 nights of cruising aboard Allure of the Seas. The cruise ends on Sunday, and I promise to return to my regularly scheduled programming shortly thereafter. That said, cruising is a big part of my travel adventures and stories about it will always appear here from time to time.

In the meantime, I have been keeping up with the news a tiny bit and was pleased to see that American Airlines is expanding its relationship with Alaska Airlines to include new benefits for AAdvantage elite members. For all elite members, these benefits include priority check-in, priority boarding, and waived baggage charges on up to 2 checked bags. Not bad. Platinums and Executive Platinums receive priority security access as well as preferred seating. I’m glad to see American and Alaska taking a positive step towards improved service. This moves American more in the direction of Delta’s already close relationship (which offers reciprocal benefits to elites) with Alaska Airlines. Wonder if they’ll explore upgrades which Delta and Alaska offer to their members? You can read more here.

I’m on vacation this week, so here’s a little “Best of” content based on your searches of the blog. Alaska Mileage Plan is a great program and I can certainly understand why you’re interested!

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had people mention to me about how they fly American a little and Delta a little….and occasionally they have to go to Seattle or somewhere on the west coast a little and then look me in the eye and say, no mileage program is ideal.  I always respond with the same question, “have you thought about Alaska Mileage Plan?”  Usually, I get strange looks, or in the case of one close family member…..a look of “are you stupid?”

Well, the answer to that question, like all questions is…opinions vary.  That said, I’m right about this one.  I never cease to be amazed by the number of people who refuse to think ever so slightly out of the box when it comes to mileage earning.  Alaska’s Mileage Plan has a list of partners that is nothing short of impressive.  Become a member of Mileage Plan and earn miles on American, Delta, British Airways, Air France, and several more.  Better yet,burn those miles on the same partners.  And of course, Alaska has a pretty nice network on the west coast all on its own.

I have to admit, the Alaska Mileage Plan option is something I think about often.  I haven’t been able to justify a move from Delta and American into Mileage Plan just yet, but this is certainly something I think about every year….heck…..every day.  Right now, I fly Delta enough to justify crediting to SkyMiles to earn elite benefits with Dela.  I’m not sure that will last forever.  Alaska Mileage Plan is a viable option for many travelers, probably many more than are even aware that its a good option.  When you’re evaluating your options for mileage earning, don’t forget about Alaska Mileage Plan, no matter where you live.

OK, two words. It sucks. How’s that? As you may have heard, Delta recently made a change to its SkyMiles award ticket policies that leaves me shaking my head. In summary, as of August 15, 2011, Delta is disallowing any changes to tickets paid for with SkyMiles within 72 hours of departure. Plans change 2 days before it’s time to go? Lose your miles, period. According to Delta’s post on Milepoint, they are doing this because fliers are booking gargantuan numbers of seats with SkyMiles that they never fly and that this will actually free up award space for those of us who have miles to spend and solid travel plans. I’ll believe that when I see it. If I’m wrong and Delta turns out to be right…well, I’ll admit it here first.

Now, Delta’s post on Milepoint goes on to say that they “understand that extenuating circumstances do happen” and their agents are equipped to make some case-by-case exceptions. I assume something drastic like family emergency might make the grade, but who knows for sure? One thing I know for certain is that I do NOT like this policy even though I can count on one hand (make that 2 fingers) the number of times I might actually have been dinged by a similar policy in 20 plus years of earning and burning miles.

You won’t hear anything else resembling a rant from me, or any threats about never flying Delta again. Not sure they’d miss me all that much anyway, and as you know, I really do like to fly Delta. That said, there are things you can do to protect yourself. Of course, you can status match to another airline that works for you and be done with it, but what if that’s not an option? I’ve said this before, and I’ll keep saying it until everyone listens…… three words this time…. Alaska Mileage Plan.

I’m on vacation this week, and may even do a little blogging from Royal Caribbean’s Majesty of the Seas.  But just in case, take a look at today’s Best of MJ on Travel post about Alaska Mileage Plan, a program we should all at least run the math on from time to time….even if you don’t live in the Pacific Northwest or the rest of the west coast.

I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had people mention to me about how they fly American a little and Delta a little….and occasionally they have to go to Seattle or somewhere on the west coast a little and then look me in the eye and say, no mileage program is ideal.  I always respond with the same question, “have you thought about Alaska Mileage Plan?”  Usually, I get strange looks, or in the case of one close family member…..a look of “are you stupid?”

Well, the answer to that question, like all questions is…opinions vary.  That said, I’m right about this one.  I never cease to be amazed by the number of people who refuse to think ever so slightly out of the box when it comes to mileage earning.  Alaska’s Mileage Plan has a list of partners that is nothing short of impressive.  Become a member of Mileage Plan and earn miles on American, Delta, British Airways, Air France, and several more.  Better yet, burn those miles on the same partners.  And of course, Alaska has a pretty nice network on the west coast all on its own.

I have to admit, the Alaska Mileage Plan option is something I think about often.  I haven’t been able to justify a move from Delta and American into Mileage Plan just yet, but this is certainly something I think about every year….heck…..every day.  Right now, I fly Delta enough to justify crediting to SkyMiles to earn elite benefits with Dela.  I’m not sure that will last forever.  Alaska Mileage Plan is a viable option for many travelers, probably many more than are even aware that its a good option.  When you’re evaluating your options for mileage earning, don’t forget about Alaska Mileage Plan, no matter where you live.

I noticed today that Alaska Airlines is offering a double miles promotion much like the one Delta started a few weeks ago.  Simply fly Alaska/Horizon and Delta on the same ticket and receive double miles.  Registration is required, and travel must be completed between 9/15/10 and 11/15/10.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan is an interesting program, and a great alternative for many.  I’m especially attracted to the ability to earn miles when flying not only Alaska but Delta AND American.  I briefly considered switching my Delta accumulation to Alaska this year, but elected to give SkyMiles one more try for the forthcoming program year based on several improvements they’ve made.  I’ll be watching.

The post title says it all. Apparently some enterprising folks have seen fit to take airlines to court over the checked luggage charges. I’ll let you read the details in the article I wandered across. When you do that, come back here, and let’s talk about this for a few minutes.

OK, welcome back. I’ve often said that I do not have a problem with airlines charging extra for those things that can legitimately be considered an enhancement to the travel experience. Early boarding, better coach seats, and certainly edible food are some of those enhancements. On the subject of checked baggage, I’m a bit less clear. While I’ve long felt that buying an airplane ticket did not equate to renting a moving van, I tend to think that one piece of checked baggage should be considered an integral part of the travel experience. JetBlue, to their credit, agrees with me. Southwest does one better and goes with 2 pieces of checked baggage as part of the fare.

That said, I feel that an airline that is going to charge you an extra fee to transport your checked baggage is at least morally obligated to adjust that charge, or at least offer you something in return if they do not deliver that baggage with you. Alaska Airlines seems to be the only airline that charges for the first checked bag which actually “gets” the idea of doing the right thing when they fail to live up to their end of the baggage bargain. Check out their “Baggage Service Guarantee.” While I’m sure the other airlines come through with a refund of checked baggage charges when they fail to deliver on a case by case basis, Alaska appears to be the only airline to really put its money where it’s “what can we charge for next” brain is and attempt to do the right thing by its customers.

Things like holding on to baggage charges when they don’t deliver your bag with you is just one reason why airlines are under the gun from their customers, and more importantly, Congress. If these companies don’t get it together and learn to do the right thing by their customers, they’ll have no one to blame but themselves when they rediscover the watchful eye of re-regulation. And no, I don’t think re-regulation is a good thing for anyone.

I guess Delta wants to pump up interest in its partnership with Alaska Airlines, because they’re offering double bonus miles between September 15 and November 15, 2010, when you fly Delta (or certain SkyTeam partners) and Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air on the same ticket.  Click here for details and registration.