Over the next two months, I will be making several trips between the DC area and San Diego. Happily, I've been given the option of flying First Class on any airline I choose as long as the fare is below a certain dollar threshold.

Last month, I flew United and was underwhelmed. Seats were fine, food was okay, but the crew was apathetic: They allowed economy PAX to take up the overheads in First, forcing my seat-mate to gate-check his bag. They made no effort to keep economy PAX from forming a line for the First lav that stretched half way down the First cabin. They let this happen during turbulence where the seat belt sign was on. One elderly woman in the line actually fell into the lap of the person in the aisle seat across from me. It could have just been a bad day, but I'd rather not have a repeat experience.

Since I've never flown upfront on Delta or Alaska, I've decided to give one or the other a try. Both have their scheduling downsides and will require one connection. (Unlike United, which goes direct but costs hundreds more). I've heard good things about both, but am leaning towards Delta. My main reason: The long Delta segments are on A310s or 757s and the Alaska segments are all 737s. That, and I'll have Delta lounge access (with a Plat Amex) in case of IROPS.

I know I might get answers strongly biased for or against Delta on this thread. But I figure that it's worth asking if any of you Delta regulars have flown Alaska upfront and can compare.