For me, at least, it isn't even a question - the air transport experience has devolved (at least in my opinion) to a true hassle to get oneself from point A to point B. First class, even domestic, at a minimum, allows for reasonable legroom such that your knees aren't touching the seat in front and you aren't battling over armrest space (ugh!) and overhead compartment space. Like others have said, if $250 each way, isn't a stretch for you, I would simply do it. I would select Hawaiian from LAX, however, to experience something more special than narrow body domestic F. Lie-flat seats with a 70" pitch or so (6 across, staggered) versus a 36-38" configuration on a smallish narrow body - not even comparable. So, in a nutshell, fork out the extra $500-600 apiece on Alaska for a marginally special experience OR if you really want to experience International business class hard product for an extra $100 or so, fly an Hawaiian A330. Nice cabin and very good service for a 5-6 hour flight.