I also took the same flight numbers and overall was happy with the service.
Flight 22: SEA - ORD, April 30th
Due to a few things that tied me up at the office and bad traffic, I was running late for the airport. Walked into SEA about 25 minutes before flight time, but with web-checkin and MVPG line at security, I was to the gate (C17) within 10 minutes (including a quick restroom stop) and boarded the 737-700 with 15 minutes to spare. I had been upgraded to seat 1D, and there was still room to put my daypack up top. I overheard there were 80 seated in back. We actually left the gate 8 minutes early, and were soon in the air.
Our FA upfront (the always wonderful Karen) took our drink and dinner orders after take off. The options were Roasted Chicken, or Asian Pasta w/ Pork. Our drinks were quickly served along with the standard cup of warm mixed nuts. Next, an Asian Salad was served, with almonds and orange slices on top, which I found to be very tasty. Karen next came around with a basket of assorted breads which was a nice extra touch. There was plenty of bread available for seconds, thirds, etc.
There was initally some confusion over the Pork dish, as Karen could only see pasta and mushrooms when she viewed the meals in the cart, but sure enough, when she "flipped" it onto the plates, the pork was indeed there. The Pasta/Pork dish was good... not very flavorful, but I was still satisfied. I did not get a good look at the Chicken dish, but it appeared to be served with mash potatoes. Finally, a KeyLime Cheesecake desert was offered, which I've always enjoyed. Drinks were re-filled many times, hot towels were passed out, and Karen did a great job keeping us happy.
There was one service sanfu... no DigEplayers. For reasons unknown, they were not on the flight. Normally I'd bring my laptop to watch a movie, but I left it at home this time expecting the DigEplayer. Without it, I was rather bored. A man in the 3rd row threw a small tantrum, saying AS had ruined the flight for his son. Hmmmm.... I was disappointed, but didn't consider the flight ruined.
We had left sunny 80-degree Seattle for 46-degree rainy Chicago.... should've stayed home!! Approach was met with heavy cross-winds which cause the plane to "slide-slip" through the air, crabbing its way to the runway. We landed with a bounce, got slightly off-line, and then jerked straight again as all wheels hit the pavement. Jolting, but the pilots did a great job considering the weather. (Amazes me how some people complain... um, let's see you land it buddy!
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We parked at the gate right on schedule and debarked through Gate L2B, which is at the far end of Termnial 3 at ORD.
Flight 23: ORD - SEA, May 1st
Returned to ORD using the CTA train system and arrived 1:15 minutes before scheduled departure. The AS ticket counter is at the beginning of Terminal 3 (gate is at the other end), which works out fine when arriving by train since you have to pass there anyways. I had web check-in, but there was no line at the counters for those that needed assistance.
Security line was extremely short being a Saturday, however, the very young TSA agent had never seen an AS web-checkin page. He instructed me to back to the counter to check-in. I told him I had indeed checked-in, and we got into a little debate, before he said, "Fine, as long as you know what you're doing!". Seemed like an odd response... almost as if, "If in doubt, let them through."
AS uses gate L2B which is just left of the main walkway towards the H/K gates. It is indeed an AA gate, evidenced by AA ground crew equipment around L2A, L2B, and L4. I again was upgraded, this time to seat 1C, and so was my traveling buddy who received 1A. Boarding seems to go smooth (again, not a full flight), and although FC was full, there was plenty of extra bin space. Our 737-400 had a broken lavatory, so there was a 20 minute delay to get the problem fixed. After 10 or so minutes of taxi time (short for ORD standards), we were up, up, and away.
I was lucky enough to get the same flight crew, so I had the pleasure of Karen's company again. Meal service was handled identical to the first flight, except the meal choices: Encrusted Chicken with rice, and the Pesto Salmon with potatoes. I chose the Salmon dish and found it to be one of the best I've had on AS in a long time. Excellent job! Desert was a slice of Chocolate Mousse cake which was also excellent (and I'm not even a chocolate fan!)
Flight 23 did indeed have DigEplayers, and although now May 1st, still had the April programming. I was thankful to have the players on the return flight, as it's nearly an hour longer and they help pass the time. (Note: DigEplayers are not available for rental in coach yet.)
It was nice to leave cloudy/rainy Chicago and head home to the sunshine state (that's what it seems like recently) of Washington. Picked up some fantastic views of the North Cascades, with Mt. Baker to the north and Mt. Ranier to the south. We swooped over the north end of Lake Washington before turning south and making our smooth approach into SEA. After a short wait on the tarmac waiting for traffic to move, we parked at the gate D6 right on schedule, but had to wait 5 minutes for someone to operate the jetway.
Overall, great flights, great service up front. A large majority of my past flights to ORD have been on AA which normally operates MD-80s, so I found the 737 service and wider seat spacing to be nicer on AS. Service up front was comparable, but Karen helped give the edge to AS. Naturally, the DigEplayers are a big plus over what AA offers in the MD-80s. I would have to believe even coach passengers would be impressed with SEA - ORD service as AS serves hot meals versus AA's "Bistro Bag".
While I have my compaints with AS over some of their recent decisions, I need to give kudos were kudos are due. Great job Alaska!