I posted about Alaska first class a while back, but it may have disappeared with the recent FT hardware upgrades.

From my one and only flight on Alaska, I would say Alaska's first class is almost as nice as Canadians economy class. [No, I didn't make a typo!] Granted, they were short flights, but the seat pitch was only 36" (I measured myself), cabin service was almost non-existant, and even though I had a first class ticket, there was no first class cabin on the second segment. I asked both Alaska and Horizon about this, and while they acknowledged it, they had no sensible explanation for it.

The airline personnel were not too impressive either. That may be due, in part, to labour "difficulties" at Alaska. But I also sat next to an FA who was deadheading home. I was none too impressed with his attitude, stories, or the fact that he just laid low when he realized the plane was oversold, and a couple of people were deboarded. A pilot sitting a few rows ahead did give up his seat for a standby passenger.

Frankly, unless your going to be on a really long flight, or really need the wider seat (21") I would say the upgrade to "first" class is not worth $40 or a sticker. Very surprising to me, as in the past, I have only heard good things about Alaska.

If you are close to Platinum, and you do have a history with CP, give them a call and discuss. They may well be able to work something out for you.

I've only flown on CP to LHR once, last April, and I used a black sticker, so I was able to upgrade at time of booking. The flight left YYZ at 8:10pm, and BC class was full, as was economy.

The one time I stayed at a hotel, was at the Phoenix, in the "touristy" part of the city. Highly unrecommended.

Sorry I can't give you any more info.

Regards,

Ken Hamer