I'm not familiar with the Alaska Air cards although a trip to Alaska sounds intriguing! Right now I'm definitely thinking of applying for at least one card from every card service:

Chase: probably the British Airways one
Barclays: US Airways one (should I wait for the GrandSlam promo?)
Citi: Either the 2x TYou points ones or just the AA business one
Bank of America: ?
Amex: ? Maybe the Delta but it might not be worth it...