Originally Posted by
m_j_n
Curious what other Legacy VX fliers' experiences have been with AS. With the new year beginning, I'm debating whether to go all-in on re-earning my AS status for 2019, or if I should switch to another airline and earn there instead. Much of my flying is transcon, between LAX and the northeast.
I have always heard glowing things about AS, particularly from my PNW friends, but the last couple of flights I've had with AS have been... meh. Not awful, but not remarkable at all, based on the in-flight experience. It quite frankly, left much to be desired. I was floored that the primary in-flight Premium Class benefit, aside from the leg room, is a sad snack box and one free drink, as opposed to the free (and quite good) meals and snacks in VX MCS, and unlimited beverages. Seating was quite uncomfortable for a long-haul, and honestly, the cabin interior was shockingly drab and sad for an aircraft no older than the oldest in VX's fleet. I have seen AS's new interiors, though not yet in person. It does look like an improvement, though those changes are largely cosmetic rather than service- or comfort-related.
Realize I'll probably get flamed in this forum stating those opinions, but hoping other VX fliers or AS fans can chime in and reassure me.
Here's my two cents. The Y product on AS, while not amazing, does have some things going for it.
1) Flight attendants are generally friendly.
2) Power outlets at every seat on the vast majority of flights. In contrast, I remember having issues charging my device on VX flights and the outlets poorly located.
3) An acceptable selection of free movies and TV shows on your own device
4) Three full drink services on transcons (I hope this is still the case, haven't taken one in a while).
5) Buy on board cheese plate and hot meals are reasonably priced and generally pretty good.
6) Seats are reasonably comfortable and pitch is 31-32" which is slightly better than AA/UA/DL which are mostly at 30-31" on their narrowbody fleet. The VX seats have better padding, but I don't find legroom to be better.
7) Planes are fairly clean and new, with an average age of only 7 years (per planespotters.net)