I was very impressed at how Alaska Airlines handles people with medical needs.
Check in & bag drop was straightforward. Alaskair changed the gate approx 40 min before departure, and I only became aware due to Google wallet update to my boarding pass. Had to move from gate N1 to C9 which required use of the Train, luckily I had time available.
Wish there were more complimentary drinks available - only had water and apple juice. Also - no snacks were provided during the flight, but we were offered some items as we exited the plane.
2 hour delay. Then some luggage was unloaded at 1baggage claim #7 then without notice the baggage claim was changed to #12. No one informed the passengers they were changing baggage claim turnstile. Several of us waited for 90 minutes after the 1st turnstile stopped and changed to other flights luggage.
My boarding passes were pulled from my Apple wallet and my 3 family members who were all sitting together in the same row all got put middle seats and were one of the last to board and barely were able to get our bags in the luggage bins.
Everything went smoothly from the transfer from Orlando to a quick board. Flight was not full and we were able to get underway a little early. My only critique is that in Orlando, they offered active duty service members and veterans to board ahead of their zones in the initial boarding process. They did not offer to veterans in San Diego. Both flights were comfortable
Terrible experience with an extremely obese passenger seated directly behind me - who snored and gagged so loudly, even throughout takeoff, that no one within ten rows could have gotten any rest even with earplugs! I get that this poor person has a serious health issue, and that Alaska (maybe) had no way to prepare in advance (though he did occupy two seats). Still there must be a way to take a six-hour flight without feeling like I'm next to a roaring grizzly bear.
It might not have been their fault, but there was a two hour delay due to weather. Then we boarded and were about to leave when they said there were more problems at the destination, took us back to the gate where we had to fully deplane. But then five minutes later, they said everything was fine and to get back on the plane. This was the part that pissed everybody off.
I'm tall and the seats do not have a headrest so its hard to get comfortable. Staff and checking were all great.
I was surprised by everything. The cleanliness, the punctuality, the friendliness of the crew… and the Wi-Fi! Please keep up the good work.
Everything went smoothly, although the usual gripes about airline travel were still present: the boarding process is inefficient, the snack selection is limited, and so on. Since there was extra space on the flight, the gate agent rearranged many people's seats to put people on the aisles and windows, leaving the middle seats empty, as much as possible, which was pretty great.
While they turned off most cabin lights to allow people to sleep, I was bothered by how bright the side lights still were. It was still quite bright for me in a window seat, when I wish I could have slept!
One of the flight attendants was a little cranky. I appreciated the free wifi and plug to charge my laptop
WiFi didn’t work most of the time. The usb chargers would work only occasionally for 5 mins and wouldn’t charge after that. Had to keep trying repeatedly at each of the seats in the row.
The crew bent over backwards to thank us for flying and make us comfortable. The food service was quick and efficient. The Captain communicated and said goodbye and thank you as we departed. They really stood out!
Generally on time departures and arrivals, clean planes, sky miles membership provides great benefits (complimentary upgrades, etc).
my mom urmila patel needed a wheelchair which was not available on the curbside. she needed to walk almost 50 meters inside (at the risk of falling) and then had to wait in line to get a wheelchair (this is not ok). Once obtained she had to seat in it for 30-45 minutes for someone to take her in thru the checkin process (which was fairly smooth and easy). the lady who helped her with her checkin process was very courteous and helpful
Staff at the check-in counter were friendly, happy and helpful. They tagged our bags and sent us to “bag drop off” but were not very clear about where that was. The airport was busy we headed off in what we thought was the right direction until a gentleman waved us down and actually came after us. He was the baggage handler for Delta and recognized our “deer in the headlights “ look-he brought us to the right area (which was marked as the Southwest Airlines Drop Off) and sent us on our way. Wonderful guy, low key and working with a big smile on his face. Loved it. Loved him.
Arlene was a great flight attendant. I also liked how one of the other flight attendants gave us a heads up about snacks and asked everyone to remove their headphones when it was their turn to order. Good idea.
I haven’t flown economy in over 20 years but it was not bad. Room by my feet for my bag and seat was roomy enough. Surprised in a good way.
