Alaska Airlines SURPRISED me!

[@Paul_Lucas]

So we’ve just got: SunCountry Jetblue Amtrak Acela First Class Norwegian 737MAX ...to go in the Round the World Series. After that, I still have 30 more trips under my belt to edit...follow me on Instagram @paulstripreports, and Twitter @pauls_trips, to get all the latest news as I book things!

[@theblacktrainboy373]

Hey Paul last year i went to to Trinidad to Tobago and my mother payed for a flight with a tv and food instead we got on one with super max turbulence and hot water with noodles and this was from Canada to Trinidad😢

[@aviationchannel498]

Emmanuel Charway turbulence is normal

[@theblacktrainboy373]

It was not regular turbulence nothing I've experienced 😶

[@ClassyWhale]

Can't wait for the Acela review! My friend surprised me with a first class ticket once on the absolute shortest route we could take, and it was incredible.

[@wallyklw5]

Paul's Trip Reports ...do you close the loop on this series with a return to the U.K.? Love your stuff. Always waiting for them.

[@jridder89]

There is a reason that Alaska always ranks at the top of the US carriers.

[@1aikane]

They make so much money because they steal yours

[@Omarrh77]

Thats why i like alaska more then united but my family likes united more

[@cancelanime1507]

Alaska is the best with economy and entertainment, American has the best domestic first class, delta is the most comfortable and united sucks

[@JuviaLockser12]

What about Southwest?

[@cancelanime1507]

Southwest is low cost and doesn’t serve any meals cold or hot

[@SeranEI]

When we flew Alaska to Hawaii from Portland they mad our day when they announced free mai tais for us in economy as the third drink service. Great start to our honeymoon!

[@huskyfaninmass1042]

Did you join the Mile High Club on your honeymoon?

[@DevynCairns]

I think they always do this! I remember it too

[@damcoentertainment3956]

@@DevynCairns The mile high club?

[@Powderedsugar]

@Husky Fan in Mass i thought the club is supposed to be kept a secret

[@chanbrim9614]

I live in Seattle and generally always take Alaska. I have never had a bad flight on Alaska. I have flown them many times to MSP in both first class, coach and premium. There is a reason why they have won the JD powers 1st place customer service for the last 11 years. Just fly them and you will see. Also, I think they have the best domestic frequent flyer program. Get their credit card if you can and the miles add up so fast, that I’m able to enjoy first class or premium on miles earned from just everyday purchases.

[@kaziclan4605]

Ya my mom works for Alaska airlines and we always get free seats in first class but I wish they had bigger planes

[@pwrsocket]

@@kaziclan4605 Same but ive never been able to go first class :( Always taken up by other people

[@itsjohndell]

It's an old joke that when someone asks you where something is in San Diego just tell them its next to the airport, as it's dead in the middle of the city. Scary approach and departure though.

[@itsjohndell]

@@jslasher1 Its easy if approaching from the East but prevailing winds usually require coming in from the West over Nobb Hill. It's a steep glide slope and definitly one you want to stay high on until short final.

[@Mark-im8hl]

Lol that’s normal. Planes always fly right over the schools too

[@grahamjohnson7412]

I always enjoyed the noise abatement takeoffs in San Diego. Climbing out like a rocket so the NIMBYs don't complain is kinda fun.

[@damcoentertainment3956]

If you think of San Diego you think of Doug Demuro.

[@tinahale6328]

The napkins in AS first class have a button hole at one of the corners so you may attach your napkin to your shirt so it won't fall down.

[@elliot7753]

Tina Hale what’s AS

[@PaddyMan1988]

Coronavirus it’s airliner code that all airlines use two letters to represent them. Alaska is AS. American is AA. United is UA.

[@elliot7753]

Paddy Man ah ok I’m British in knew AA but the other two I didn’t

[@btube2006]

Lots of airlines have those napkins.

[@macktravels68]

That "cracking weather" is pretty much San Diego (Southern California) all year long.

[@AnteaterCharger]

That is our tourist bureau's slogan

[@jeffmorse645]

I think San Diego has the best weather in the US.

[@bobshaw4063]

What does "cracking weather" mean.? I'm not familiar with UK expressions or words ?

[@sweetwater88]

@@bobshaw4063 Exceptionally pleasant weather.

[@bobshaw4063]

@@sweetwater88 Thank You for your reply

[@JoshDoesTravel]

Probably the reason why first class/priority passengers board first is because it gives them a sense of “priority” over the other passengers. That, and it could be so they have access to more overhead bin space, and more time to settle in before the flight

[@keyonastring]

Pretty much just this. Especially in the US where even people still on the standby list crowd the gate, it is nice to get out of the crowd and take a seat, have room in the overhead, and get a predepature drink.

[@tmiw]

Good news! a) All Alaska flights are going to leave from T2 starting early next year. b) SAN is getting a Priority Pass lounge (primeclass based on the stuff I saw in the airport authority meeting minutes). c) T1 will eventually be torn down and rebuilt, hopefully opening some time in the early 2020s but we'll see. In the meantime though, as someone who lives in San Diego I definitely prefer flying out of T2 if at all possible.

[@cakewithfrosting3596]

tmiw indeed, I work on the ramp for Alaska, we’re about to get ready for the move and I highly prefer t2 over t1. Especially to get lunch and how it’s nicer

[@toemblem]

[Said in Dr. Evil voice] One billion dollars. That is how much they are going to spend on terminal 1.

[@mastanoob593]

Instant like after seeing "History of the entire world, i guess" by Bill Wurtz.

[@scrunglygrungly7305]

Back Rolls yep

[@stevewalker4892]

Regarding priority boarding, I find on smaller planes you almost always find space near at hand in the lockers for carry on baggage. Totally agree with you regarding taking Amtrak arround USA. I travelled on the Pacific Surfliner, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Coast Starlight and Acella Express, first class Washington to Boston. A great way to see the country and meet people.

[@iWrick8111]

Love all of those trains. You need to take the Chief and the Sun Set as well.

[@ginogalante]

I wish amtrak still served fresh food on board there trains. Its a BIG let down for me since I was planning on taking one of the trains. Its enough for me to never take amtrak outside of the northeast corridor, empire service, and Hartford line.

[@ronriesinger7755]

I fly Alaska frequently. As members of their FF program, my wife and I flew home from KEK in Icelandic last year using miles. I also recently flew Condor from LAS to FRA and accumulated Alaska miles in the program. Despite not aligning with one of the big three alliances, I find that they have cobbled together a fairly decent alternative.

[@johnjennings5794]

Flown Alaska Air on 4 trips.. never had a complaint!

[@danielclooney6248]

That meal looked wonderful!! I flew Alaska many years ago from Anchorage to Juneau and the breakfast was out of this world even in economy. Even had shredded hash browns.

[@patrickroy6792]

I'm a ground agent for Alaska Horizon in Seattle and I love working with E175

[@Bywater-S]

Patrick Roy i am really glad that Alaska is replacing all of their dash 8’s. I know it’ll take a while to do this but I’ve never even have had a bad flight on the dash 8’s or the few times I’ve been on the new E175. I fly exclusively from Phoenix to anchorage non-stop on Alaska whenever possible and flown 119000 miles so far just this year and really like the mileage plan. I’m thinking it’s the best program in the states. I’ll really be glad when they go back to being an “ all Boeing aircraft company”. My phrase is’ if it’s not Boeing I’m not going. Lol. I was invited to fly on the painted livery aircraft in support of us veterans and current service members. I’d share photos however not sure how to do that. And thank you for your part of being Alaska/Horizon crew member.

[@joannaswerdlow7426]

S Byh20 cool

[@bjorn3923]

Were you there when the guy hijacked one if alaska’s Q400s?

[@alaiterg]

ERJs are the best! Im used to flying them with Aeromexico Connect when I visit my dad in San Diego, though the lack of a nonstop route kinda blows bc LAX is a shithole

[@ryanfrisby7389]

@@alaiterg Does SWA fly it?

[@carrickbender]

Alaska has been my go-to airline for years, and not just because I lived and worked in Alaska. Their customer service is top notch, their destination listing is excellent, and in any class they offer value and experience. Glad yours was a good one!

[@noreenhewson6933]

Flew Alaska from JFK, to SeaTac, this past February. Damn Solid Airline!

[@seanwhite9193]

My best mate flew from Los Angeles to Seattle with Alaska last year he was on he said it was absolutely fantastic.

[@ryanching612]

San Diego is one of my favorites and Alaska is phenomenal! Glad you had a similar experience

[@andreworiez8920]

At 5:23 you have a wonderful view of Naval Air Station North Island. Home of three Nimitz class Aircraft carriers and the site of the first flight of a military aircraft.... Ever.

[@Catboy.]

Alaska airlines is amazing, I used to live in Alaska and I would always fly Alaska airlines to everywhere and they just seem a little better then the rest of the American Carriers

[@bobshaw4063]

I agree

[@bk2342]

I second that. I fly Alaska exclusively.

[@Guantar90]

I’m a pilot for Horizon and have flown this route before. We at Horizon appreciate the glowing review. You are right our first class meals are top notch.

[@MarksTournaments]

Breakfast yes, dinner no

[@davidthaler7018]

It's not "Minna-sota", it's "Minna-sohhhhhhhda". Yaaah...that's right...you betchaaaaaah. :-)

[@roseluke7148]

Enjoyed a beautiful, cloudless, very smooth, 5 hour non stop flight on Alaska Airlines, from DIA to Anchorage, 2012, coming in over The beautiful, coral colored, snow covered Alaskan Range in full daylight, at 10pm, Aug. 21st....WOW, what a blessed, first time flight!! 💞

[@Xaivin]

@6:45 I've primarily flown Southwest, and there are plenty of times where they don't serve nuts, but serve bagged mini pretzels instead. Generally this happens when a passenger has notified the flight ahead of time (generally at booking) that they have a nut allergy.

[@toemblem]

San Diego is my home airport. Terminal 1 is way too small considering the number of flights that depart from there daily (mostly Southwest). Good news on two fronts. A. Alaska has moved their terminal 1 gates to terminal 2. B. Terminal 1 is getting a billion dollar renovation and expansion. One note on Alaska Airlines: these guys rock. I take them as often as I can because they have old school customer service. Cheers.

[@Slayershoop]

Glad you had a great experience, by far my favorite US airline. Looks like you flew on Horizon. All regionals for Alaska are Horizon or Skywest, Horizon flies E175 and Q400 and Skywest E175 and CRJs. They keep their high standards on their regionals for the better

[@bradmcmahon3156]

When I went to the States 18 months ago, I flew economy on Alaska from San Diego to San Francisco. I had read some poor reviews online but things went absolutely smoothly on the Airbus A320 which interestingly had Virgin America livery. I think soft drinks were complimentary even in economy. The aircraft was very clean and the crew very polite and helpful.

[@danielle7292]

Thanks for the great trip review. We flew Alaska a couple of months ago from LA to Vegas and Vegas to SF on the Virgin American planes which Alaska had acquired and hadn't yet repainted. We flew Economy and were pretty impressed. What stood out for me was their cleanliness and the dramatic mood lighting. From SF to NY we finally got a plane with the Alaska livery.

[@QFSAviation]

That’s a nice meal! Whenever I’ve flown Alaska in business I’ve been given this “hummus plate” 🙁

[@sethrobins1569]

QFS Aviation I fly Alaska exclusively and never have been served just a hummus plate

[@doktor_kumpel958]

Hey quintin, yeah i‘ve seen that, not the worst, but compared with what paul was served definitley a downside😬

[@imjustaboiwitharocketlaunc6066]

You should do a alligant airline As a review! 😏

[@robyoungquist5803]

Q ... perhaps the reason you’ve not received a full meal on Alaskan is because, from what I’ve viewed on your presentations, you fly at night. Specifically your trips to Atlanta and I believe New York? Next time book a flight around breakfast, lunch, dinner time on one of their longer flights and you’ll get a full meal. 👍🏻

[@QFSAviation]

Rob Youngquist thanks for the info!

[@BrandanTheBroker]

I fly Alaska frequently, that airline is leaps and bounds over the rest in America. Their first class is amazing!

[@albertomolina3264]

I've never had anything but great service from Alaska. And even though they don't have an formal alliance they do have partnerships with many international and domestic carriers to build miles/status such as Icelandair, American Airlines, and British Airways which I've used to build my Alaska status. Since I live on the west coast of the US, Alaska pretty much takes me to wherever I need to be.

[@fritzpohl5451]

In Europe there is usually no border between "Business Class" and the regular Couch Class, so when boarding first you will always have empty overhead bins. When boarding late those bins are usually already full loaded. I had it a few times that I had to keep my trolley in front of my feet. Really uncomfortable.

[@analucas3634]

Alaska Airlines is amazing, one time my flight to Chicago was delayed for 2-hrs in LAX, and I got free snacks and drinks, but I got to say I love their chicken sandwich delicious :D

[@cindyravine8261]

Better and better ! You really help travellers,and give bonus bits too . I've always wanted to try Alaska Airlines and now I think I will!

[@Paul_Lucas]

Thank you Cindy!

[@rollingtroll]

Lovely clear weather! With winter knocking on our mutual doors these sunny images are somewhat alien feeling. I can't quite catch the name of that KZbin channel you're watching. What was that again? I do like how the flight attendant is squatting down, makes it friendlier and less formal. I can tell by your expression that she's friendly. Nice flight. I'd gladly trade the Lounge for this kind of experience. 9:26: Oops "we'll edit that out" ;).

[@Paul_Lucas]

The Rolling Troll the channel is Bill Wurtz - definitely on the weirder side of KZbin. ;-) Yeah, that’s something I edited out but for some reason the clip seems to have extended itself when uploading. Oh well!

[@marcusdamberger]

Clearly when you look out the window starting at 8:20 you can see green leaves and green grass, so this must have been taken in summer or very early fall, also looks like a storm had just past the airport, lots of puddles on tarmac.

[@rollingtroll]

@@Paul_Lucas Hah, I already was following Bill Wurtz, it's genius weirdness though. I love the little accidental 'behind the scenes'. Including your frustrated face. i know exactly how it feels to have to start over, and over, and over again. Also; Annual bloopers video maybe?

[@rogerjeeves7963]

Two of my favorite places. I went to U of Minnesota in Minneapolis so love the city. And then I moved to San Diego for my first job. Loved living in San Diego. Best place ever.

[@simplelife6663]

Having only flown American internally (being a Qantas code share) I found that cabins where passengers walk through first class the first class overhead lockers get filled by economy passengers and the crew don't seem to care, so I make sure I am ready to go as soon as they start boarding. On a flight from LA to Vegas my hand luggage had to go in the hold because the lockers were full and seated in 1A I was not allowed to have my bag against the bulkhead. Another great video Paul!

[@heatheralisa8658]

Simple Life that almost happened to me but we had priority boarding so we had enough room thankfully because I had to sit in the front to

[@PompeyJimmy]

Loved this one, never been able to fly Alaska but it was great to see how fresh and clean that cabin looked! My opinion on your question within the video is that for me, early boarding wouldn't be a thing I was that interested in, even if it came as part of a booking. I have to use this service because of a disability so I always find myself onboard first, but as i stated, it wouldn't be something I went for if I had that choice! On a side note, that chicken meal looked amazing!! Hard to believe there is only 4 trip reports to go!! Especially excited about the Amtrak report though!! :D

[@Paul_Lucas]

PompeyJimmy the Amtrak one should be a belter!

[@joanhaughton3391]

The cabin may have looked clean but take a look at the dirt build-up to the right of the seat's power socket (@ 3.52) - that has been there for some time.No excuse for that.

[@ecclestonsangel]

It doesn't matter much for me, either, Pompey Jimmy, for the same reason. I'm wheelchair bound, so I'm first on, last off. Mostly, I fly Delta because they take such good care of me, and I frequently get free upgrades. Wouldn't mind trying Alaska; unfortunately, it's not available on the East Coast that I know of, unless it's at JFK, and I'm not being dragged 4 hours just to try it out.

[@PompeyJimmy]

Jeff Ster I've been so ill lately I guess I wasn't paying attention.. now people have mentioned this, I retract my clean statement!! 😂

[@ecclestonsangel]

@@afcgeo882 Really? That's great! Thanks for the info.

[@maryharte2550]

I've flown Alaska several times now and what I do is order my food on line when I purchase my First Class or Main Cabin seat. I do perfer First Class on Alaska and as you point out, excellent service on board and on line. The food is very good. I really don't care to watch television on a plane anyway. I love the pricing for Alaska and the record they have with ON TIME flights is hard to top. Thanks Paul for this great video. Really enjoyed it and will be flying Alaska again next week!

[@cardiffflyer]

I've flown with Alaska a few times and i've always had a good flight! Transited MSP as well and it's international concourse ( G i think it is ) is very nice!

[@JD-nt3zm]

Another great video. My wife and I took Amtrak from Sacramento to Chicago and on to the east coast and back again ending up in LA. It is a great way to see the country for sure.

[@flyboysaviation8822]

Cool video again! That Alaska livery is pretty awesome as well

[@orionwesley]

It and Hawaiian have to coolest liveries in the U.S. if you ask me!

[@alexanderjacobsen7382]

Paul, I saw you were flying to Malta in February. Our national airline used to be up there with national carriers, but the last decade has seen it struggle badly. It’s going through a restructuring plan at the moment and should be fine. You can expect thick seats with not very good legroom, a nice inflight magazine and very decent food options. The landings with Air Malta are always fantastic, the pilots are very well trained. Enjoy!

[@malahammer]

SPOILER ALERT :)

[@scottvernon9413]

That is the only US Carrier I have not flown, and wow! I had no idea that they were that good... Wonderful vid!!!

[@michaelbampton7114]

I recently flew Seattle to Anchorage to Fairbanks and back with Alaskan and also could not fault their service, seats and food in first. You could have whatever you wanted as pre-Departure drinks, including Starbucks coffee! They do have some alliances with carriers e.g. Qantas, which is my FF programme, but here you can earn points and not status credits. Great video, loved the 1-2 configuration on the Embraer , especially as a solo traveller.

[@SPTSuperSprinter156]

Shame that the fedex planes at 4:34 weren't any of the fleet's DC-10 or MD-11s; there's still lots flying but I've not yet been lucky to see any at the airport and take a picture of one. Brings back fond memories of seeing trijets at airports in the 90s and early 2000s before they went by the wayside.

[@danburrito3343]

I've always had a good experience with Alaska. Years ago they had a bomb ass Angus beef mushroom swiss burger. It was a delightful burger.

[@kareng3847]

Love Minneapolis it's a great City and love the state of Minnesota lived there for 5 years never regretted it great people

[@Britishkid91]

super glad you enjoyed your trip on my airline Paul! I do have to say that the food looked super good, much better than some of the meals I have seen; cannot wait to see the rest of your world tour!

[@aidanchen3611]

I like getting on early before the rush so I can sort my bags in overhead luggage. A cheeky drink in biz/first before departure whilst waiting for everyone to board is also nice way to start a trip.

[@thomasnuckols]

Im fairly certain you can use Alaska miles with American miles and back but that its a poor deal. I fly every week and Alaska is my prime choice when traveling.

[@Petertjeehh]

Embraer flights never seem to disappoint. I like them being just that little bit smaller then their competitors like the 737 and a318-319-320. Two by two seat configuration in economy is a big plus in my opinion and they feel just quicker and more agile for some reason. Also with having less seats the inflight catering is coming to you quick, no matter where you're seated. Although I've never flown an Embraer first class, but I totally agree with your positive opinion and experience on this aircraft! May I suggest to try the KLM Embraer 190-std one day, I think you won't be disappointed ;) Looking forward to the next one already Paul!

[@jimmygee3219]

I’ll take an Embraer or MD-80/90/717 over a 737 or a318/19/20 any day. I’m a tall guy, generally find a lot of the regionals far more inviting

[@caspervankerschaver9974]

I am a gold member on star alliance because I fly very often. Having priority boarding for economy and economy+ can be very useful sometimes because you don’t have to worry about having space for your hand luggage in the overhead compartments, they are always empty. You are also not rushing to get into your seat so that other passengers can find their seat. It has many benefits.

[@rae1957tn]

Nice and I love that you narrate rather than lines across the screen. That’s why I subscribed to your channel

[@WBTravels]

@8:40 GREASED THAT WOW! especially or an E175 which in my opinion are quite hard to land perfectly that was he did it so well that he rocked the wings to touch down instead of just idling

[@resedabear]

I was curious how a 1,500-mile flight was on an Embraer 170 Series. That approach looked familiar (I live in the Twin Cities). Saw you did this on IG and was glad you can hit our area on your world tour! WTG, Paul!

[@neillthornton1149]

Hey Paul! So I am a status carrying Alaska flyer, who lives in San Diego... we FINALLY moved over to Terminal 2! YAY! That means the Lounge is ours again! Spirit, SunCountry, and Allegiant (I think) took over the gates in Terminal 1 that Alaska had.

[@azmike1956]

I performed maintenance services for Alaska since they were Wien Air Alaska back in the 80's. (APU O/H). Their equipment (appliances) always came back in much better condition than most others. I guess that shows in their airborne services also.

[@armv6981]

I’m from Alaska! I love when other youtubers and internet stars talk about our great state! Thank you! Awesome video!

[@robertwarren-edenshaw3796]

Fr same!!

[@jovin_sucks]

same

[@LifeofRaff]

Same. I love my state!

[@joannaswerdlow7426]

Alasaka airlines is based in seatelle sfo anchorage lax Portland and has focus cities at San Jose and San Diego

[@steelepls]

Paul, posting almost a year late but I just found your channel and subscribed. I flew Alaska once and it was a surprise because I flew from Charleston AFB, SC to Howard AFB, Panama and back for Jungle School prior to my deployment to Vietnam. We flew on a B727 and imagine my amazement to see the aircraft on the tarmac and my further surprise when we got on it. Alaska still has a daily flight from Seattle to Charleston. Keep up the good work and God bless.

[@b.m.5616]

Mate, “Priority” is great with the busy Holiday travel season upon us, especially during a business travel week. Here in the states a ton of folks prefer carry-ones and it can be a real battle for bag space later on during the boarding process. Over the years, I’ve even seem folks in the back of the plane put their overheads in the 1st class section whilst boarding, though airlines seem to be clamping down on that now.

[@timothyhill1461]

Hey Paul.. love your trip reports!! I've flown a couple of times recently, and I love priority boarding for one big reason: people and their carry on baggage!! With more and more people avoiding checked in baggage, I find that If you can be one of the first people boarded, you can avoid standing around what seems like forever waiting to get to your seat while everyone tries to put their bags away in the overhead compartments.

[@ralphchrist2911]

I flew Alaska from PDX (Portland) to SAN (San Diego) on one of there 737-900 and was really impressed with the plane, service, and just all around the general flight. Got to give it a two thumbs up.

[@craigwillis3372]

Alaska Airlines looked great Paul and I love flying the Embraer 175 or 190...great aircraft! Well done on another fantastic review! I await your next flight! Eagerly!

[@Andy_M986]

I took the Texas Eagle from Chicago to L.A,there is so much open space and it takes so long to get through,night comes before you can see anything,i missed seeing so many places due to napping and night time,so it's not that much of a scenic opportunity,maybe getting a sleeper cabin would make it better. but night time is till night time,and vast open spaces still appear the most.

[@edgarm198020031]

I love flying Alaska. That's always my first choice.

[@JohnBrown-gm1yc]

Hey Paul, just a useful travel tip, tsa will let you through other checkpoints that aren't connected. So you could go through terminal 2 checkpoint, visit the lounge, exit and go through security again in terminal 1. Just thought I'd let you know. I do this all the time at Phoenix Sky Harbor airport.

[@hughporter5234]

Paul, When you fly first class and board first, it allows you to store you bags in an empty overhead bin, get settled into your seat and enjoy a beverage. You may notice on some US carriers that the cabin staff is not very efficient at making economy passengers stow their bags in the economy section. If first class passengers were to board last, they would find no overhead storage at all. I am glad you had a lovely flight on Alaska flown by Sky West. Most US carriers don't do anything to manage the food or drink on their non-owned regional carriers so you are lucky to get anything to eat in first class. You and Alaska did well.

[@lilkorea27]

I like flying first because sometimes the overhead compartments are full and I would have to check my bag in, in First you have your own compartment and you're first on so you dont have to worry about checking in your bag

[@davidbarnett9312]

Times have changed. In the early 70's, I worked at a radio/TV station in Fairbanks. When it came to Alaska Airlines, the common slogan was this: Alaska Airlines: 3 frights a day. While in Fairbanks, the SST was there for cold weather testing. That was 1972.

[@jeffmorse645]

Flew first class from San Jose to Portland on Alaska. It was a morning flight of only 90 minutes, but the breakfast was excellent and so was the service. Can't remember the plane, but it did have a bulkhead separating first class from economy and a 2/2 configuration. Good flight.

[@rayrowley4013]

Many of the food services have been changed and you didn't really get into their coach section. But were they really shine is in their customer service. If you ever have a problem with Alaska, they typically will reach out and work to solve it before you get a chance. They are also far more willing to help problem solve than any other airline I have seen. Personally I also like their club 49 which is a program to give extra perks to Alaska residents including some free checked bags.

[@derekl9702]

Alaska is not part of the big three FF groups, but they do very well on there own. They have individual deals with many airlines, give you traditional miles per distance unlike other carriers, and have some pacific rim redemption sweet spots that are pretty amazing. 100k business class RT on Cathay Pacific comes to mind.

[@RK831]

I flew Alaska since 2001 and I have never had a bad experience. It is one of my favorite airlines.

[@pauli6043]

Embraer planes are right there with MD-88/90/B717 as my favorites. I have never been on a 175, only a 145 back in the day, think they are all retired by now. Love that every seat is aisle or window (or both), don't love the tight overhead bin space

[@Nanonic001]

Loving the 80s cop show music

[@xplorefurther]

We flew to Jacksonville, FL in June on Delta. Before we landed, an announcement was made (I was not at Windows seat) not to film outside because we were going to fly near Navy base. I flew to SD before and I did notice what you put on video but not told about filming sensitive millary landscape. Well, I will be going to Minneapolis in August connecting to Iceland. Thanks for your video. Will be flying first class as well

[@PeterPan-jd9lu]

On smaller planes where everyone boards through 1L, I never board first but rather last. Otherwise the crowd must pass your seat... On longhaul flights I like to board early to have enough time to place all my stuff that I‘ll need and wipe all surfaces.

[@alexanderfavero4627]

Hi Paul, From where I see it. Priority Boarding is just a way for (more) valued customers to skip standing in long lines or have their own lane. Maybe it is also for overhead bin space (elite members in economy) or to have the more valued customers served earlier by the crew. I do understand what you're saying though, most of the time, I just sit in the lounge until the very last minute and board when no one is there. Thanks for another awesome review!

[@rinchy1]

I do not have occasion to fly internationally so I cannot claim any allegiance to international carriers. However, when traveling in the USA, I will only fly Alaska Airlines when my destination allows. I have never been dissatisfied by their customer service. To me, one of their trademarks is their food. Even in coach (for a price) they have some tasty options. The flight attendants are also very professional. Admittedly, I have been a frequent flyer with them for well over 20 years so I am a bit biased.

[@EthanPricco]

At 8:21, you can see a baseball diamond along with a few other small ones. That is Pearl Park, I live right down the street from it. Your plane went right over my house.

[@blondreports]

Benefit of priority is that you can put your bags in over head storage (in business/first) before flight attendants decide to put there all sorts of things from economy. Have seen this happen on BA, when business storage was filled with economy passengers bags including 1meter long pushchair and business class passenger that arrived at the end had no place to put his bag :D But oh well, it is BA in Europe, don't expect much :D.

[@diannewi]

I'm stunned at the meal you were served, best domestic meal I've seen (on a U.S. carrier) lately. That's a good airfare, too.

[@ThijsF28]

I agree with what you said about the cabin crew in August i flew with a Trade air Fokker 100 and the crew was so friendly i even got a look in the cockpit

[@darcyanderson]

Alaska Airlines and its partner Horizon Airlines are favourites of mine in the US. Service is friendly and efficient plus the on-board teams treat you with respect and humour.

[@Alex-om1be]

Getting in first is more relaxed, no queue to get on aircraft. Easy to load bags in over head locker and chance to relax in seat before bulk of passengers board

[@AndrewSephiTV]

I love flying Embraer. First because I am Brazilian so I need to support home and second because they are very comfortable. The 2/2 configuration make the airplane look more spacious inside. And I never got turbulence flying embraer, totally random but yey lucky me.

[@andrewtaco]

You definitely get more in first-class than just some Biscoffs and a small drink.

[@luvinmysailor]

Right!

[@josephdenice731]

I love Alaska Airlines and anytime I fly out West from Washington DC it is one of my go to Airlines!

[@peterkelly1406]

Wow ... the absolute first Pommy I have ever heard of that does not like beer ... I have some experience in this dept as I lived there for 2 years and have been back several times since ... Each to their own ... love ya work ! Keep it up , great vlog mate ...

[@Tre86Q]

Another terrific flight report! I honestly love every single one of your videos! As I travel only with a carry-on bag, I appreciate priority boarding so that I can stow my luggage in the bin and not have to compete for space up there.

[@ajitgeorgekuruvilla7384]

I enjoyed your report. I've travelled on AA Business /First several times on the same type of Embraer jet and the quality of the meals was never as good as you experienced. Your point about the size of the toilet is also a good one. As you noted, in small cabins the service is much more personal and I found the same on AA.

[@billyshearer117]

I flew Alaska Airlines on a short jaunt from Oakland to Portland. They were excellent from start to finish. Other airlines could learn a lot from them

[@mgsee]

Great video! - I haven't been on your channel for a couple months so it's a pleasant surprise to see how much better your videos have become! Liking your new logo also - the previous one seemed liked two separate ideas stuck together and seemed to go on forever : )

[@ddd228]

I will always fly Alaska! Never tried Virgin or Southwest Air... Yet. Maybe Jet Blue. Booked an Alaska flight to 'Vegas in March,2019 and bought upgraded seats. My Mate is a big boy! He will like it. You live only once. Over the wing is the most comfortable,as far as turbulence. My flight from Seattle to Las Vegas will be $223,each way. Thanks.

[@Stanger182]

3:15 She had me at hello

[@Alfie-cu4np]

Once you have done your airplane trips, I propose you do Transport for Wales’ Premier Service (The Gerald) in First (Business) Class. It runs between twice a day. From Holyhead at 05:30 in the morning to Cardiff Central, then vice-versa from Cardiff Central at 17:16 to Holyhead in the evening.

[@RIGalleries]

When did it start getting called "The Gerald"? I've always known it as the "WAG" train.

[@Alfie-cu4np]

@@RIGalleriesit is something to do with Wales, a specific person, not sure as to who and why.

[@stangace20]

terminal 2 is the best one to go out of if you want food before the flight it is a lot newer/nicer and has a food court and everything, terminal 1 is pretty old but they will be renovating it very soon so hopefully that will change in the next few years

[@JoJo15105]

I use the priority 1st class boarding to get my carry on into the overhead bin. When economy on American ran out of overhead bins they used up the rest of the overhead bins in 1st class. To make a quick escape from the airport I do not check luggage.