PDX flyers jumping to AS (Alaska)?
Oct 15, 2012, 10:25 pm
#31
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
On AS, two exit rows plus a bulkhead which non-elites can't buy into with a simple TOD, extra legroom equires hundreds more in a "full flex" fare if you're neither a companion nor an MVP.
Wi-Fi on every plane except a few 734s.
With the exception of those 734s, much newer fleet, no CRTs hanging from the ceiling, and my last AS flight was a brand new 738 with the Sky Interior.
And the most important difference....no Smisek during the safety demo.
Wi-Fi on every plane except a few 734s.
With the exception of those 734s, much newer fleet, no CRTs hanging from the ceiling, and my last AS flight was a brand new 738 with the Sky Interior.
And the most important difference....no Smisek during the safety demo.
Oct 16, 2012, 12:33 am
#32
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: TPE
Programs: UA Gold, HA Premier, Hertz #1 Gold PC, SBUX Gold
Posts: 603
At the very least they need to put the SkyWest CR7s back on these routes. We know they have them because up until last year they were using them for PDX-LAX then for some reason etiher UA or SkyWest decided to stop and switch to CR2s. It really is odd considering the service increases we've both noted at PDX post merger. Granted a CR7s is no 737 or A319/320 but at least its got E+ and a small F cabin.
Why can't Shuttle America send some of their RJs to run between PDX/SEA and LAX???? I think that's the only UAX plane I haven't ever flown on yet since they don't seem to let them anywhere West of DEN for some strange reason.
Oct 16, 2012, 7:07 am
#33
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: EUG BKK
Programs: Zero Status Nexus
Posts: 432
At the very least they need to put the SkyWest CR7s back on these routes. We know they have them because up until last year they were using them for PDX-LAX then for some reason etiher UA or SkyWest decided to stop and switch to CR2s. It really is odd considering the service increases we've both noted at PDX post merger. Granted a CR7s is no 737 or A319/320 but at least its got E+ and a small F cabin.
Oct 16, 2012, 7:18 am
#34
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: SEA
Posts: 12,485
At the very least they need to put the SkyWest CR7s back on these routes. We know they have them because up until last year they were using them for PDX-LAX then for some reason etiher UA or SkyWest decided to stop and switch to CR2s. It really is odd considering the service increases we've both noted at PDX post merger. Granted a CR7s is no 737 or A319/320 but at least its got E+ and a small F cabin.
Oct 16, 2012, 9:14 am
#35
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: LAX
Programs: UA MM | BA Silver
Posts: 7,193
Oct 16, 2012, 2:39 pm
#36
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: Free agent!
Posts: 1,427
If not for the hub at LAX, I doubt UA would even bother with this route anymore.
Oct 16, 2012, 3:52 pm
#37
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
FWIW, VX would be a more viable option for business travellers if they had a flight leaving in the early evening, both from PDX & LAX. I'd also imagine that AS' flights to BUR, ONT, SNA, etc. also contribute to UA's struggles on this route and also B6 to LGB can't help.
If not for the hub at LAX, I doubt UA would even bother with this route anymore.
If not for the hub at LAX, I doubt UA would even bother with this route anymore.
Oct 16, 2012, 4:17 pm
#38
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: TPE
Programs: UA Gold, HA Premier, Hertz #1 Gold PC, SBUX Gold
Posts: 603
Yes let's hope! +1 @anc-ord the downgrade to the CR2s made competing with AS and VX even worse for sure. UA stabbed thenselves in the foot there. @ kevincrumbs true with LAX being a hub, but that's even more of a reason for better aircraft that would compete better with AS. LAX is a hub and PDX is a decent sized station, it's not a small regional feeder airport in the likes of EUG.
Oct 16, 2012, 4:54 pm
#39
Ambassador: Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: BWI
Posts: 7,390
Yes let's hope! +1 @anc-ord the downgrade to the CR2s made competing with AS and VX even worse for sure. UA stabbed thenselves in the foot there. @ kevincrumbs true with LAX being a hub, but that's even more of a reason for better aircraft that would compete better with AS. LAX is a hub and PDX is a decent sized station, it's not a small regional feeder airport in the likes of EUG.
If PDX-LAX does not have the O/D traffic there, then UA will dump the route. SFO will get almost all west coast and beyond connecting traffic with a little of east coast connections [PIT, JFK, etc] while the rest will be funneled through DEN/ORD/IAH/EWR/etc.
Oct 16, 2012, 5:02 pm
#40
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: TPE
Programs: UA Gold, HA Premier, Hertz #1 Gold PC, SBUX Gold
Posts: 603
While I am disappointed that PDX now has barbie jets with no E+ and F, I do not believe UA is interested in getting connecting traffic from PDX except for a few destinations in Socal, SYD, and to other *A partners.
If PDX-LAX does not have the O/D traffic there, then UA will dump the route. SFO will get almost all west coast and beyond connecting traffic with a little of east coast connections [PIT, JFK, etc] while the rest will be funneled through DEN/ORD/IAH/EWR/etc.
If PDX-LAX does not have the O/D traffic there, then UA will dump the route. SFO will get almost all west coast and beyond connecting traffic with a little of east coast connections [PIT, JFK, etc] while the rest will be funneled through DEN/ORD/IAH/EWR/etc.
Oct 16, 2012, 6:12 pm
#41
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: portland oregon usa
Posts: 183
FT'ers this has been super helpful. You've given me a lot to think about.
To respond to a few items:
1) I'm fairly small in stature (5'9" 140-150 depending on running) so I am fine in CRJs. Kind of like them actually.
2) I am only United Club through various promotions and CC deals. I like that AS will make this automatic.
3) I have stretched to get platinum or 1k but it seems to be getting harder. The lower target top tier is attractive.
4) I do only 1 or 2 int'l a year. I like E+ on these and really loved SWU when I was 1K but unlikely to make 1K anytime again.
5) Going to go back and look at travel patterns, but I bet 50% or more of my travel is straight PDX-DC market and that may end up being the deal maker.
I am an academic so limited travel options are less of a problem BUT i do like the 11 am UA flight going east and I am a fairly regular redeye flyer. And I really need the first class upgrade on the red eyes.
As I say, lots to think about. Thx for super information.
P.S. Like most posters on this forum, really wish UA would get the newer aircraft into the system. I get a lot of work done on the plane, but so much of my stuff is going on the cloud, lack of WiFi is really undesirable.
To respond to a few items:
1) I'm fairly small in stature (5'9" 140-150 depending on running) so I am fine in CRJs. Kind of like them actually.
2) I am only United Club through various promotions and CC deals. I like that AS will make this automatic.
3) I have stretched to get platinum or 1k but it seems to be getting harder. The lower target top tier is attractive.
4) I do only 1 or 2 int'l a year. I like E+ on these and really loved SWU when I was 1K but unlikely to make 1K anytime again.
5) Going to go back and look at travel patterns, but I bet 50% or more of my travel is straight PDX-DC market and that may end up being the deal maker.
I am an academic so limited travel options are less of a problem BUT i do like the 11 am UA flight going east and I am a fairly regular redeye flyer. And I really need the first class upgrade on the red eyes.
As I say, lots to think about. Thx for super information.
P.S. Like most posters on this forum, really wish UA would get the newer aircraft into the system. I get a lot of work done on the plane, but so much of my stuff is going on the cloud, lack of WiFi is really undesirable.
Last edited by iluv2fly; Oct 16, 2012 at 6:18 pm Reason: merge
Dec 28, 2012, 2:40 pm
#42
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: portland oregon usa
Posts: 183
Well the first trip of the year is being booked, RT to DCA again, but I think the responses here have convinced me grudgingly to stick with United for one more year. The main reason is not my own convenience honestly but the convenience for my daughter who is attending Vanderbilt and diligently using up my FF mile balance! Unless we were actually accumulating the miles on Delta, AK just isn't that helpful for her. And Delta has a top tier status the same as United.
If and until I use up my balance (currently around 200k) and she finishes up, I suspect it's United for me.
Please god please Jeff Smisek stop the damn videos and roll out the WiFi. I don't mind CRJ's but no power and no wifi is so lame.
Thanks again and welcome to the new year for PDX flyers.
If and until I use up my balance (currently around 200k) and she finishes up, I suspect it's United for me.
Please god please Jeff Smisek stop the damn videos and roll out the WiFi. I don't mind CRJ's but no power and no wifi is so lame.
Thanks again and welcome to the new year for PDX flyers.
Dec 31, 2012, 2:49 pm
#44
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Now MFE... formerly SEA and DCA
Programs: Now UA free!, AA Ex Plat, AS MVP, Marriott Titanium for life
Posts: 664
I am in DC... and am keeping Gold on UA and MVP Gold on AS. I will take the AS DCA- SEA... better service overall on AS since 3/3 and now direct to SEA.
