Peadar

Good afternoon all. I'm travelling from Ireland soon to Seattle and I am returning via Boston and I can see that two Airlines dominate this route; Alaska and Delta and I'm wondering what you guys would recommend between these two cities?

On the dates in question the two Airlines seem to have similar prices although Delta are quoting on a basic economy price which I don't mind as I will have a lack of baggage and no particular need to have a pre booked seat.

I noticed delta have IFE screens behind each seat which I would prefer although I will be taking my tablet so if the Alaska offering is generally better I don't mind no IFE screen.

What do you guys think? and is it true that the Delta comfort plus offering is a waste of time?

thanks!!

jinglish

Just Alaska and Delta? JetBlue offers two daily flights SEA-BOS, and they have arguably the best economy product of the three.

seahawks10177

Yeah honestly I would go with Jetblue as well if you are looking for best product on economy.

tphuang

you should go for JetBlue if prices are comparable. The best economy product domestically and no basic economy.

PV_Premier

or business class, for that matter.

sfozrhfco

Exactly. On some days Mint is only $399 on jetBlue. JetBlue is the price and product leader for this route as of 15 February when Mint starts.

seahawks10177

Mint is the best product! I love it

Peadar

Thanks lads. I just checked out JetBlue and the offering looks quite frankly astonishing! However the flight times do not quite suit on the day that I want to leave and I will probably have two children with me so I think we will be better in coach!

unfortunately it's either Delta or Alaska for us😦

PV_Premier

i would book whichever one is more convenient for the time you need, and has an overall lower fee structure for the product you want. you mention you are traveling with children -- if that is true, you should definitely consider avoiding the DL basic economy product because of the risk of having to argue to get the kids seated with you/together depending on their ages. i'd guess if they are little kids they would seat you together, but if they're like 10 or 12 years old, DL might not be obligated to do that...i'm really not sure as i don't have kids and i don't fly BE.

i'm not sure if SEA-BOS is included, but keep in mind that DL did recently re-introduce complimentary meals in coach on some trans-con flights. i haven't had one of these new free meals yet so i cannot speak to quality. AS will have buy on board items which are of good quality and can be reserved in advance on the AS mobile app.

in my opinion, some extra legroom on these flights is nice especially on the longer westbound flight, so i might be tempted to pay for C+ or premium if the cost was reasonable. but main cabin is survivable, people do it every day, and the kids are not likely to appreciate the difference in legroom as much as you would.

bkojote

I'd still do JetBlue in coach.
You're gonna be significantly comfier over the nearly 6 hour journey. If you're traveling with kids on the A321 you've got a fridge in the middle of the plane with snacks/drinks you can grab. Plus free WiFi, way roomier seats in coach, better buy-on-board food, and free entertainment. Not to mention, JetBlue's economy offering on this route is -better- than Delta Comfort+ and Alaska "Premium." (Pretty much the same legroom and a full inch wider on the seats.)

Alaska is a decent way to fly with your own tablet. The terminal situation at Boston is pretty bad for departures but convenient for arrivals.
As for Delta, I don't know how you'd travel with 3 kids and only a personal item and no seat assignment but you do you.

VegasGambler

I'd consider not having to sit beside the two kids a big plus!

Do they really split up families with kids on basic economy? Not getting to pick your seat is one thing, but they could still keep you together.

Edit (emphasis mine):
I guess that answers that question...

ucdtim17

According to seatguru, 35 inch pitch for AS premium vs 33 for B6 economy. Plus free drinks in AS, better free snack. If you don't drink, aren't tall and have a high valuation of live tv and internet, you could say B6 is better, but it's not clear.

jinglish

DL has the most permissive Y- offering--you still get a full-size carryon in addition to the personal item.

3Cforme

Delta Basic Economy allows carry-ons as well as a personal item. Perhaps you're confusing it with AA or United.

Delta aircraft SEA-BOS will have AVOD at every seat as well as streaming to devices.

beckoa

AS vs DL? I'd stick with AS myself. Haven't touched B6... but it is only a 6 hour flight, not too bad.