Review: Alaska Airlines Domestic First Class – Seattle To Sacramento

My flight was leaving from the North Satellite Terminal, gate N15, so I left the lounge in Concourse A and headed to the Shuttle Train and then to the North Loop Train. The airport trains run often and it was a quick 15 minutes to get to the N gates. I headed up the escalator and gate N15 was directly at the top.

Introduction: Washington Escort
Review: Alaska Airlines Domestic Coach – Sacramento To Seattle
Review: Alaska Airlines Regional Coach – Seattle To Bellingham And Back
Review: The Club At SEA – Concourse A
Review: Alaska Airlines Domestic First Class – Seattle To Sacramento

Alaska Airlines 362
Seattle (SEA) – Sacramento (SMF)
Sunday, April 17th
Departure Time: 2:30PM
Arrival Time: 4:15PM
Flight Time: 40min
Aircraft: Boeing 737-900
Seat: 3F, Alaska Airlines Domestic First Class

Shuttle train

North loop train

My original flight was purchased as a coach ticket, but during online check-in the system indicated an upgrade was available. The usual price for this day of travel upgrade is $50, to my surprise it was free as a Delta Platinum Elite reciprocal benefit. I gladly acceptable the complimentary offer, knowing this situation isn’t going to last.

Original ticket

Upgrade offered at check-in

Free upgrade as Delta Platinum

Upgraded!

I’ve learned to arrive early for Alaska Airlines boarding as they are usually punctual, and this flight was no exception. Exactly at 1:50pm boarding was called. Entering the Boeing 737-900 we were greeted a friendly hello by John and Rachael the flight attendants working this flight. I liked John from the start (our cabin didn’t interact with Rachael); it may have been his English accent that gave him an air of offering nothing but exact smart service. I was asked if I wanted a pre-departure beverage, which I declined, and “to make sure to let him know if I needed anything.”

Our flight today

Jetway in

First class cabin

My seat 3F

Side view

Knee room

My impressions of the seat were positive overall. What’s funny is that the seat pitch is 36” which is the same as the tighter A319s and A320s on Delta. I’m not sure why, but this cabin felt roomier than the Delta’s Airbus. The leather is a dark charcoal and the condition is very good. Also included is the earthy northwestern Native America designer carpet on the first class bulkheads. Alaska doesn’t pass out blankets or pillows, but they do have a bottle of Dasani water waiting for you at the seat.

Dasani water

Northwestern cabin design

Table in side arm

Door close and pushback took place 30 minutes after boarding. Taxi out to the runway was quick with only a very slight delay and less than ten minutes later we were lifting up and away from Seattle. As on the earlier flight, conditions were smooth and easy. About 10 minutes after takeoff the crew started working cabin and preparing service for this short flight.

Taxi out

Climb out

Great views

John came by with hot towels and offered beverage service. I had a club soda being a little thirsty. The Alaska tumbler is a thick heavy piece with an etched logo design. It exudes quality and is a classy touch. On these short flights Alaska offers a light meal and on this flight is was a beat goat cheese salad. I opted to have it, and it was excellent. Everything was very fresh and the ingredients tasted wonderful together. I also had a glass of the in-flight chardonnay and it was very good. John punctually offered refills during meal service.

Hot towel

First class table

Club soda and pretzels

Beat salad

As with the flight up the views were spectacular. The west has finally had a decently wet winter and this was still evident on all the mountain peaks throughout Washington and Oregon. It wasn’t long after finishing the salad that initial decent was announced. John went about the cabin cleaning everything up and yet still managing to offer beverage service late into the flight. He is a real professional. Preparation for the final decent was announce, and just before 4:00PM we landed at Sacramento. Taxi and gate parking went without a hitch and our arrival was 10 minutes early.

Flight tracker on Gogo

Mount Saint Helens

Oregon mountains

Sutter Buttes

Sacramento River

Vandals’ Q400 in Sacramento

Out the jetway

Baggage belt

In Summary:
Alaska has always had a solid operation, and as of late it seems even better. With the increased competition from Delta, as well as the other airlines, Alaska seems to have upped their game. Food can be a miss with Alaska, but the meal served on this flight was very good. The cabin and seat looked great. John’s service was nothing short of stellar and everything on this domestic first class flight was done correctly. Alaska is one of my preferred carriers for domestic travel in and out of Seattle.