I was connecting from PDX through SEA to the mid west and had confirmed first class seats in "U" on both legs, with a 1 1/2 hour connection. Alaska dropped my PDX-SEA flight and put me on one leaving 1 1/2 hours earlier, now giving me a three hour layover and 6 am starting time. I was kept in first. When I checked the schedule there was another flight at 7 am that had first class seats. When I called the help desk I was told that even though Alaska made the change they would only book me back in first if "U" seats were available and it was not. Fortunately they got it worked out, but I was surprised. I have flown DL extensively over the years and when they make a change in the schedule like this they will book you back in first, if seats are available, no matter what type of space is open on the next flight.

Has Alaska's policy always been this way? Thanks.