Originally Posted by
sltlyamusd
Alaska switched most of their BOS and JFK transcons to 737-900ERs and A321NEOs. Reasons include the increased capacity of these aircraft (178 to 190 seats), lower cost per seat mile and the increased range. Some lower density transcon routes are operated with 738s. The pitstop issue was primarily on the non-sharklet A320, and was something that also plagued B6 back when they started flying. I have never seen a pitstop on a 739ER. SFO-BOS still gets A320s but overall more A320s are flying short west coast routes.
Not really sure if the relevance but I'll take any 320 or 321 over any 737 on a flight of any significant length, regardless of carrier, especially if stuck in economy. The seats are significantly wider. Diversions are rare; you are much more likely to face some other issue than a diversion regardless of aircraft or route. It's not worth optimizing for.
The 737 is all about reducing operating costs and increasing range at the expense of customer comfort. This is not an AS-specific thing; the 737 is an uncomfortable ride regardless of which logo is painted on the outside of the plane.