First Class Cash versus Coach via Miles (Avios)
Feb 25, 2018, 11:32 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 72
First Class Cash versus Coach via Miles (Avios)
Which would you prefer:
1. 2 Alaska Air Coach tickets from Anchorage to Seattle for 20,000 Avios points
2. 2 Alaska Air First Class from Anchorage to Seattle for $500. This also includes about 3,500 Alaska Miles since I am a AK visa card holder
Flight is a little over 3 hours. I've never flown first class before, and the difference cash price between coach and first is only $100. Option 2 seems like a good deal as usually first class is in the $400 to $500 range per person
I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
1. 2 Alaska Air Coach tickets from Anchorage to Seattle for 20,000 Avios points
2. 2 Alaska Air First Class from Anchorage to Seattle for $500. This also includes about 3,500 Alaska Miles since I am a AK visa card holder
Flight is a little over 3 hours. I've never flown first class before, and the difference cash price between coach and first is only $100. Option 2 seems like a good deal as usually first class is in the $400 to $500 range per person
I'd like to hear your thoughts. Thanks in advance.
Feb 25, 2018, 12:39 pm
#3
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
For a mere $100.00 difference definitely option 2. Not only will you get a 75% Class of Service bonus but also 2 free checked bags and lounge access too. Too good to not pay for F class imho.
James.
Feb 25, 2018, 1:25 pm
#4
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 2,400
I would do option #2 and give away my F tickets so I could have a window seat in coach, lol. I do not like AS F seats, but for the extra miles and lounge access, I would do it. You probably already get 1 checked bag with your card, but if you have 2, that is a bonus.
Feb 25, 2018, 7:33 pm
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
Feb 27, 2018, 1:03 pm
#6
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SEA
Programs: HH Silver
Posts: 2,400
I know, I know. 
I just do not like the seats. I am happy as a clam in any window seat as long as it has a window, and not one of the few that doesn't. The F window seats are too far away from the window/wall. I cannot get comfortable leaning against it. I also like to sleep with my head on the tray table of the seat in front of me. The only time I have an issue in coach, it is with the passengers around me, not the seats.
I just do not like the seats. I am happy as a clam in any window seat as long as it has a window, and not one of the few that doesn't. The F window seats are too far away from the window/wall. I cannot get comfortable leaning against it. I also like to sleep with my head on the tray table of the seat in front of me. The only time I have an issue in coach, it is with the passengers around me, not the seats.
Mar 5, 2018, 3:11 pm
#8
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 72
thanks everyone for your replies.
I've decided to go First Class. You only live once! But I have a choice between the 737-800 with 12 seats and more legroom versus the 737-900 with 16 seats. The legroom isn't the deciding factor. Just looking for the better overall experience.
I've decided to go First Class. You only live once! But I have a choice between the 737-800 with 12 seats and more legroom versus the 737-900 with 16 seats. The legroom isn't the deciding factor. Just looking for the better overall experience.
Mar 5, 2018, 8:18 pm
#9
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend, Moderator, Information Desk, Ambassador, Alaska Airlines
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: FAI
Programs: AS MVP Gold100K, AS 1MM, Maika`i Card, AGR, HH Gold, Hertz PC, Marriott Titanium LTG, CO, 7H, BA, 8E
Posts: 42,953
thanks everyone for your replies.
I've decided to go First Class. You only live once! But I have a choice between the 737-800 with 12 seats and more legroom versus the 737-900 with 16 seats. The legroom isn't the deciding factor. Just looking for the better overall experience.
I've decided to go First Class. You only live once! But I have a choice between the 737-800 with 12 seats and more legroom versus the 737-900 with 16 seats. The legroom isn't the deciding factor. Just looking for the better overall experience.
Expect schedule and aircraft changes however, so this shouldn't be the only determining factor.
Mar 10, 2018, 5:07 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 72
Thanks. I booked the 73H flight. It will be nice to have a First Class flight in the middle of my vacation as there are no non-stops from Dallas to Anchorage, and I will be taking 5 flights around the Pacific Northwest and CA. Sometimes you have to do a cost analysis on points versus cash, and I could not pass this low fare up!
Plus, from what I am reading, Alaska Air First Class seems better than other domestic airlines.
Plus, from what I am reading, Alaska Air First Class seems better than other domestic airlines.
Mar 10, 2018, 5:21 am
#11
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 973
We faced the same dilemma, and decided to pay cash to fly F instead of using avios in Y.
Mar 10, 2018, 5:59 am
#13
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 973
Mar 10, 2018, 3:59 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: British Columbia
Programs: AS MVPG100K, Marriott Marriott Titanium Elite, Hilton Gold
Posts: 7,263
James
Mar 11, 2018, 1:48 am
#15
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 973
. Hope to see some glaciers from ANC. Sorry, I meant seats 2A & 2C (not 2B). We prefer row 2 also (not row 1 - too close to the galley).