July 26
Alaska Airlines #703: LAX-Vancouver (YVR)
Boeing 737-400
First Class
After I breezed through US Customs, I made the short walk from the Tom Bradley International Terminal to Terminal 3 at LAX where Alaska Airlines departs from. The morning sun was just what the doctor ordered, having been in an airport or airplane for the last 24 hours.
I found a dedicated check in line for first class passengers, but there was no attendant at the desk, however there were at least 5 other Alaska Airline agents checking in economy class passengers. As I stood, waited and stared, multiple passengers were checked in and on their way to the gate. I am sure you aware of the saying: “You never get a second chance to make a first impression.” Well, this was my first impression of Alaska Airlines, and it was not exactly an impressive one.
Finally, an airport employee approached me and asked if I needed to check bags or just needed a boarding pass. The airport employee escorted me to an Alaska Airlines agent and explained that I was flying first class and not being assisted. The agent gave me a blank look and asked where I was flying to; no apology or recognition what-so-ever. She finished checking me in and wished me a good flight. I began to ask if there was a lounge I could utilize, but before I could finish the sentence, she sarcastically interrupted me and said:
“Yeeeesss, there is a lounge you can use…”
Almost as though she was waiting for me to ask, so she could deliver her stupid response. Apparently, either I was ignorant for asking or I inconvenienced her by asking.
By the looks of it, Terminal 3 at LAX has not been updated since roughly 1970. Limited dining option are available, including Burger King, Starbucks and a seafood joint.
The highlight of Terminal 3 (and also what would turn out to be the highlight of Alaska Airlines for me) was the lounge. There is a large “U” shaped bar with a dedicated bartender; soda and coffee is self serve. Wi-fi internet was available for a fee. Bagels, yogurt and pastries made up the food spread and I noticed cheese, crackers and vegetables being rolled out of the kitchen when I left. The Alaska Airlines lounge is spacious, clean and provides great views of the tarmac and runways.
Boarding was cluttered and a bit chaotic due to passengers overcrowding the gate; to be expected I suppose. Unfortunately, the gate agent did not announce Alaska Airlines boarding process until after the crowds formed.
Here is the part that really irked the heck out of me: The agent who was swiping the boarding passes at the gate was thanking passengers by name: i.e. “Thank you Mr. Smith, enjoy your flight”
What a thoughtful gesture, right? She could not pronounce my last name (few people can, it is 10 letters and I help people through it with a smile every day) but when I helped her pronounce it, she looked up at me and said a bunch of mumbo jumbo; something to the effect of “Mr. Blah, blah,blah, blah” essentially mocking me. Now, why in the world would you try to address people by name if you really do not care? Kind of defeats the purpose of someone that is trying to be customer service oriented. Why not just say “have a nice flight” like 75% of the other gate agents in the United States? (of the other 25%, 20% address you by name and the other 5% don’t even look up)
After all passengers boarded, the gate agent came on the plane and asked for volunteers to be bumped to the next flight. Surely they knew the flight was oversold before they boarded…? Water and juice were offered before push back. After we were airborne, drink orders were taken and shortly after, lunch was served (complete with prayer card):
The food was a mixed bag consisting of a fresh wonderful salad in addition to a mediocre, greasy chicken cordon blue wrap. I only bit into one tendon, which is not terrible when eating chicken breasts that are part of a meal which is mass produced. I can’t give Alaska Airlines 100% of the blame for a nasty piece of chicken.
Needless to say, the cabin staff were friendly and attentive; the plane, dirty and dated.
Here is the window at my seat; appalling. I can only guess what this was; hint: it was not food.
I am quite disappointed with Alaska Airlines. My colleagues on the West Coast swear by them, but with so many uncontrollable head winds that face the airline industry, I find it hard to believe when airlines fail to “control the controllables”
