AS flies to a lot more than Alaska - it's really somewhat of a misnomer. They're hubbed out of SEA and PDX and fly nationally, though their scheduling is not as extensive as the majors[1].

I used to fly Alaska a lot when I lived in Seattle - one of the better airlines in the country to be sure. On-time performance was always excellent and the service is always no-bullshit (compare with United, an airline I have literally never had a 100%-smooth flight with).

[1] http://www.alaskaair.com/content/route-map.aspx

Agreed. I grew up in Alaska but now live in Washington, DC, but I still sometimes fly Alaska from here to the west coast; they're the only airline that has regular direct flights from National to Seattle, for example.

I used to like Alaska Airlines. If you are old enough, you'll remember they actually used to be proud of the food they served. These days you could swap the experience with any of the major airlines. They are more focused on squeezing every cent out of you than making it a pleasant experience. Extra charge for food, extra charge for checking bags, extra charge for in flight movie.

My last flight on Alaska I was seated near the rear of the plane, and they actually ran out of food before they got to my row. They are clearly so focused on saving a few dollars optimizing for not carrying too much food they are willing to risk a few passengers sitting hungry for 5 hours. And the sinks didn't work in the bathrooms which is gross. And I sent them feedback about it a couple weeks ago and haven't heard a thing back. So a big meh to Alaska Airlines..

Just to follow up - Alaska did contact me today and apologized. That's good, but I still think they are focused to their own detriment on penny pinching.

As I recently learned from a friend who flies for them, IIRC they fly Chicago - Anchorage non-stop, which is the longest commercial flight made in a 737.

He's a bush pilot who worked his way up. I'd have a hard time trusting someone more than I trust him.

I live in Seattle and would definitely use them more often if we hadn't repeatedly been screwed by their customer service.

Flash is required just to view the route map?

It's not a route map. It's just a set of fairly nondescript photos. You can save yourself the trouble.

In many places in Alaska, AK Airlines is the only way in or out. It's funny when you're on a plane in one of these places and they say, "thank you for choosing Alaska Airlines." It's not a choice for many of us!

Not true. I live in Portland, and Alaska is the dominant airline here. I have flown with them over a dozen times, and never had a bad experience.