Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan - 25th Anniversary QX Q400 Questions

Flew SEA to BOI this afternoon on QX's 25th anniversary Q400. Couple of questions:

1. I thought all Q400's lacked window shades (one of the benefits to the CRJ's), yet we clearly had shades on the A/C today. Is this an aberration or are the shades an option that were opted for on this A/C?

2. Sitting in 2A as the F/A was readying the cabin for taxi, the pilot hollered back before she secured the cockpit and made mention of something I couldn't hear, but upon hearing the pilot, the F/A secured the locking mechanism on the door marked 'Crew Only - Do not open during taxi/flight' for the compartment just in front of row 2 on the starboard side of the A/C. It got me to wondering what that compartment was for. I know the lav is on the starboard side forward of that door. I also noticed an access door on the starboard outside of another Q400 on the tarmac next to our A/C that would seem to allow access to this compartment. Is this just additional cargo hold or something else? If cargo hold, why would there be access from the cabin?

2. Sitting in 2A as the F/A was readying the cabin for taxi, the pilot hollered back before she secured the cockpit and made mention of something I couldn't hear, but upon hearing the pilot, the F/A secured the locking mechanism on the door marked 'Crew Only - Do not open during taxi/flight' for the compartment just in front of row 2 on the starboard side of the A/C. It got me to wondering what that compartment was for. I know the lav is on the starboard side forward of that door. I also noticed an access door on the starboard outside of another Q400 on the tarmac next to our A/C that would seem to allow access to this compartment. Is this just additional cargo hold or something else? If cargo hold, why would there be access from the cabin?

I can't answer #1. However...

The Q400 has a forward cargo hold. Its use depends on the airline policy, but normally it is where crew bags are stored and it could be used to hold checked or planeside valet bags as well.

This hold can be accessed through the lockable internal door and through the external door on the forward right side of the fuselage. Interestingly, one cannot open the external door from inside the cargo hold.

Checko

Flew SEA to BOI this afternoon on QX's 25th anniversary Q400. Couple of questions:

1. I thought all Q400's lacked window shades (one of the benefits to the CRJ's), yet we clearly had shades on the A/C today. Is this an aberration or are the shades an option that were opted for on this A/C?

2. Sitting in 2A as the F/A was readying the cabin for taxi, the pilot hollered back before she secured the cockpit and made mention of something I couldn't hear, but upon hearing the pilot, the F/A secured the locking mechanism on the door marked 'Crew Only - Do not open during taxi/flight' for the compartment just in front of row 2 on the starboard side of the A/C. It got me to wondering what that compartment was for. I know the lav is on the starboard side forward of that door. I also noticed an access door on the starboard outside of another Q400 on the tarmac next to our A/C that would seem to allow access to this compartment. Is this just additional cargo hold or something else? If cargo hold, why would there be access from the cabin?

I can't recall @ the window shades (was on the QX 25th once... but can't recall anything besides its livery) however, it does have a cargo hold on the right side of the A/C directly across the front door. I don't think its usually utilized, however flying from PUW last spring, it was stuffed to the brim... - kinda weird to see it being opened on the inside & outside like that...

Flew SEA to BOI this afternoon on QX's 25th anniversary Q400. Couple of questions:

1. I thought all Q400's lacked window shades (one of the benefits to the CRJ's), yet we clearly had shades on the A/C today. Is this an aberration or are the shades an option that were opted for on this A/C?

2. Sitting in 2A as the F/A was readying the cabin for taxi, the pilot hollered back before she secured the cockpit and made mention of something I couldn't hear, but upon hearing the pilot, the F/A secured the locking mechanism on the door marked 'Crew Only - Do not open during taxi/flight' for the compartment just in front of row 2 on the starboard side of the A/C. It got me to wondering what that compartment was for. I know the lav is on the starboard side forward of that door. I also noticed an access door on the starboard outside of another Q400 on the tarmac next to our A/C that would seem to allow access to this compartment. Is this just additional cargo hold or something else? If cargo hold, why would there be access from the cabin?

I fly the Q400's regularly, and if I remember correctly, only the aircraft painted with the 25th aniversary livery has window shades. None of the other aircraft do, which is a shame since the sun can be quite harsh at sunrise/sunset if you are on the "wrong" side of the plane. Seat Guru even has a warning about this.

The compartment besides the bathroom at the front of the plane is for extra baggage, crew bags, etc. etc.

Thanks all for confirming the cargo hold question. So other than the 25th anniversary Q400 does anyone know of a Q400 in QX's fleet that has window shades?

Guess they splurged on the paint job and decided to do the same with the window shades.

This is one of the planes that was bought second hand from China and it already had the window shades in it. I think it's the only one with them unless the other plane from China has it too.

This is one of the planes that was bought second hand from China and it already had the window shades in it. I think it's the only one with them unless the other plane from China has it too.

Does anyone know the reason why the Q400s (other than the one from China) doesn't have window shades?

Well, it doesn't answer the question, but this link (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=4339668&highlight=window+shades#post4339668) is kinda funny from 3 years ago, referencing Ryan Air not having window shades or reclining seats!

Does anyone know the reason why the Q400s (other than the one from China) doesn't have window shades?

I think its an option they decided not to get. I did hear a rumor that the new planes would have them installed, but I'm definitely not a good source for QX rumors.

Now what I would love to see is a Q400 NextGen (http://www.q400.com/q400/en/interior.jsp) in the US. Full overhead bins in a regional aircraft, how about that!?

Just speaking for myself, I kinda like the "ala' Cart" option instead of full sized overhead bins. It sure makes boarding a heck of a lot quicker. You don't have a bunch of folks trying to fit their bags in the overhead bins. Even disembarking wouldn't be much faster as they're pretty quick at getting the cart back to the PAX.

Just my opinion.

I like the carte... i hope it stays.

i just cant get over those seats....wow...