Alaska Airlines: A Deep Dive into the Pros and Cons

Alaska Airlines has quietly developed into a passenger favorite and is often awarded with the moniker “Best US Airline” by passenger votes and high-profile travel organizations such as Kayak and Conde Nast Traveler. This high reputation and esteem have been built upon consistent good service and the airline has built a vocally loyal relationship with its passengers as a result.

The airline currently has a fleet of 289 providing 1,200 daily flights to 115 different destinations, with the main hub being the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.

But just how good is Alaska Airlines? And should you be considering the air carrier the next time you book a trip?

In the article below we’ll break down the pros and cons of Alaska Airlines in the essential areas of fees, airline credit cards, and loyalty programs. So, it would be best if you had a clear idea of whether you want to book a seat on one of the carrier’s planes the next time you travel.

Pros and Cons of Alaska Airlines

Below we will take a look at each of the most important areas of the air carrier service and detail the pros and cons of what Alaska Airlines has to offer.

Where is Alaska Airlines Based and Where Do They Fly To – Pros and Cons

Alaska Airlines can provide you with both domestic and international travel, although as you will see below the majority of their daily departures are concentrated on one side of the US.

Pros

• Alaska Airlines has 1,200 daily departures for 115 destinations including Belize, Canada, Costa Rica, and Mexico.
• The hubs for the airline include Seattle, Anchorage, Portland, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.
• Part of the Oneworld airline alliance, giving access to a large range of international flights from some of the world’s best air carriers.
• The airline offers the most West Coast non-stop flights than any other United States airline.

Cons

• The majority of the airline’s destinations are concentrated in the west (including Hawaii.)
• Although the carrier does have flights to Boston, this service is limited.

What Alaska Airline Credit Cards Are There? – Pros and Cons

In comparison to other major US airline carriers, Alaska Airlines has chosen to offer only one personal and one business airline partner card. But the perks and benefits of this card should more than make u for the lack of choice.

Pros of the Alaska Airlines Visa Credit Card

• Cardholders get free checked bags for themselves and up to 6 travel companions on a reservation made with their card.
• $100 statement account credit.
• 50,000 bonus miles for Alaska Airlines flights.
• Alaska Airlines Famous Companion Fare annually. Allowing you to book one roundtrip coach fare for a companion on the same itinerary on Alaska Airlines from $122.
• 3 rewards miles for each $1 you spend with Alaska Airlines.
• 2 miles for your purchases with gas stations, local transit, streaming sites, and cable.
• 1 reward miles for each dollar spent on other eligible purchases.
• Priority boarding is when you have purchased your flight using the card.
• A 10% rewards bonus on all the miles you earn from your card purchases when you also have a Bank of America Account.
• 20% cashback on the inflight purchases you make with your card on an Alaska Airlines flight.
• $100 discount on your Alaska Lounge+ Membership if you use your card for purchase.

Cons

• Not as much choice for partner cards as there is with some other US air carriers. Although the perks and discounts of this one card offering are certainly very beneficial if you fly on Alaska Airlines frequently.

What is the Alaska Airlines Loyalty Program? – Pros and Cons

Members of the Alaska Airlines Loyalty Program can enjoy a wide range of benefits including elite status and will be able to spend their accumulated miles at a value of approximately 1.2 cents per mile.

Pros

• The program is straightforward to get started on with no overly complicated tiers and requirements.
• Alaska Airlines publishes a rewards chart so you can plan your travel redemption accurately.
• Each mile you earn will have a value of approximately 1.2 cents towards your next flight or inflight purchase with Alaska Airlines. One of the most rewarding return rates for each dollar spent with a US Airline carrier.
• As a member of the loyalty program, you can earn miles when you book your flights, as well as when you book with selected hotel and car rental providers.
• Top up your miles by making your shopping and dining purchases through the Mileage Plan Shopping hub.

Cons

• You may find that some other airline credit cards offer a more varied selection of opportunities to collect points with partners and selected retailers.

What Extra Fees Do You Need to Pay on Alaska Airlines? -Pros and Cons

On average, you will find that you face less expensive add-on and upgrade fees with Alaska Airlines than with other major US airlines.

Pros

• All Alaska Airlines passengers are allowed one personal item and one item of carry-on luggage.
• All fares, apart from the economy Saver Fare allow you to select your seat.

Cons

• Although you will make savings on other fees, baggage fees are about equal to those on offer from other airlines. You will pay $30 for your first checked bag and then $40 for your second.

Tips for Maximizing Your Alaska Airlines Experience

• Book Directly with Alaska Airlines: To earn the most miles and have the best flexibility, book your flights directly with Alaska Airlines.
• Utilize the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Card: This credit card offers valuable perks, such as free checked bags, priority boarding, and bonus miles.
• Take Advantage of Oneworld Benefits: As a member of the Oneworld alliance, Alaska Airlines offers access to lounges and other benefits at partner airlines.
• Be Flexible with Travel Dates: Consider flexible travel dates to find the best deals and avoid peak travel times.
• Check-In Online: Use online check-in to save time at the airport and select your preferred seat.

By understanding the pros and cons of Alaska Airlines, you can make informed decisions when planning your next trip. With its strong customer service, comfortable flights, and rewarding loyalty program, Alaska Airlines can be a great choice for both leisure and business travelers.

Takeaway - Fly with Confidence: Uncovering the Pros and Cons of Alaska Airlines

As you can see from our list of the pros and cons of Alaska Airlines above, the highly rated air carrier does well across the board. Whether you are looking for a rewarding airline credit card, a beneficial loyalty program, or an airline with few fees – then Alaska Airlines scores high. Frequently far from the lists of worst US airlines, the satisfaction rates of their loyal customers speak for themselves. If you frequently travel along the West Coast of the US – Alaska Airlines is a great carrier to consider.