737-700 Reconfiguration
Dec 27, 2018, 12:03 pm
#16
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Alaska
Programs: AS MVPG
Posts: 131
Flew SEA-JNU recently on a 700 and was excited that it might’ve been upgraded. Alas, it had the old seat that showed signs of extreme wear (seat pocket seams ripping with springs visible). 
Maybe next time.
Maybe next time. 
Dec 27, 2018, 12:18 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 490
First off, I'd like to give a shout out to UAPremierExec for his fine descriptions and photos of the new interiors. Well done! ^^
That said, I have to disagree with his assessment of seating comfort with these new seats. I just flew from Nome to Anchorage in First aboard recently refurbished N622AS and I found the new seats to be really hard and stiff. They're upholstered in some kind of heavy duty leather that has an almost rubbery feel to it. Unlike the comfortable softly padded First Class seats aboard the 737-800/900 aircraft, these new First Class seats feel as if industrial grade foam rubber has been used for the padding. Alaska's promotional material claims the new seats conform to your body, but I felt quite the opposite was true. Interestingly, I mentioned this to the flight attendant who responded that he'd heard similar sentiments from other a few passengers. Additionally, on the -700s (or at least the plane I was on) the seat pitch in First has not been increased to the standard found on the 800/900 fleet.
On a separate note, I flew aboard an -800 up to Fairbanks. Not only were the F seats much more comfortable and spacious but in my opinion the cabin ambiance was much warmer with the classic colorful patterned bulkhead that's been the standard for many years. While the new carpeted bulkhead design I saw on the -700 has a clean, modern look to it, I thought it felt comparatively cold relative to the warm colors of the old bulkhead.
On a positive note, I - like any red blooded flyer in today's world - appreciated the in-seat power and the addition of a Premium Economy cabin. Row 16 does indeed have some extra legroom, though I don't know if the seats recline there. The leg rests in First are an interesting inclusion. While I've never had much use for them, I know they are quite popular with many fliers.
So, I apologize for raining on the parade as it were, but alas, I have to give the new First Class seats a thumbs down. Hopefully, the refurbishment program will proceed at a snail's pace.
That said, I have to disagree with his assessment of seating comfort with these new seats. I just flew from Nome to Anchorage in First aboard recently refurbished N622AS and I found the new seats to be really hard and stiff. They're upholstered in some kind of heavy duty leather that has an almost rubbery feel to it. Unlike the comfortable softly padded First Class seats aboard the 737-800/900 aircraft, these new First Class seats feel as if industrial grade foam rubber has been used for the padding. Alaska's promotional material claims the new seats conform to your body, but I felt quite the opposite was true. Interestingly, I mentioned this to the flight attendant who responded that he'd heard similar sentiments from other a few passengers. Additionally, on the -700s (or at least the plane I was on) the seat pitch in First has not been increased to the standard found on the 800/900 fleet.
On a separate note, I flew aboard an -800 up to Fairbanks. Not only were the F seats much more comfortable and spacious but in my opinion the cabin ambiance was much warmer with the classic colorful patterned bulkhead that's been the standard for many years. While the new carpeted bulkhead design I saw on the -700 has a clean, modern look to it, I thought it felt comparatively cold relative to the warm colors of the old bulkhead.
On a positive note, I - like any red blooded flyer in today's world - appreciated the in-seat power and the addition of a Premium Economy cabin. Row 16 does indeed have some extra legroom, though I don't know if the seats recline there. The leg rests in First are an interesting inclusion. While I've never had much use for them, I know they are quite popular with many fliers.
So, I apologize for raining on the parade as it were, but alas, I have to give the new First Class seats a thumbs down. Hopefully, the refurbishment program will proceed at a snail's pace.
Dec 27, 2018, 12:54 pm
#18
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: East Ester, Alaska
Programs: Alaska Million Miler, United Million Miler, Wyndham Rewards Diamond, Choice Hotels Diamond
Posts: 12,148
Thanks for the review! I’ve often heard that airline seats need to be broken in. They’re always initially a bit hard, which makes sense considering they’re expected to last for years. Better to optimize the performance over the seats entire lifespan, rather than peak comfort from day 1. Hopefully that’s the case. I suppose we’ll find out in the future. Cheers!
My favorite new seats - on Alaska at least - were on board the new 727-200s when they were introduced (along with Gold Coast Service) back in 1979. Wide, deep, well cushioned and upholstered in a colorful red/orange/yellow patterned fabric, they were supremely comfortable right from the get-go.
Dec 27, 2018, 1:02 pm
#19
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
Yes, they have seen some wear, and are due for a replacement.
Dec 27, 2018, 5:35 pm
#20
Original Poster
Join Date: Sep 2001
Programs: Alaska Tanzanite 100K
Posts: 3,858
Well, Im not sure how many of the posters here have met me, I know a lot of you were on VX1948/Farewell... Im 6'1 and clocking in on 300 so my butt handles things a bit differently.
I was on the milkrun JNU-ANC which is about 4 hours in the seat... I didnt get any cramps or feel discomfort, but my next leg was on an 800 to KOA, 6.5 ish hours, and I absolutely had to get up a few times to walk around.
I cant attest that to any single item, but 611AS (my plane) has been flying in the new config for a month and, at least to me, was more comfy than the KOA trip. So maybe they were broken in a bit more.
I didnt bother to sit in Y, although I should have. The seats appeared to be the same Recaros with the exceptions of the seatback.
I was on the milkrun JNU-ANC which is about 4 hours in the seat... I didnt get any cramps or feel discomfort, but my next leg was on an 800 to KOA, 6.5 ish hours, and I absolutely had to get up a few times to walk around.
I cant attest that to any single item, but 611AS (my plane) has been flying in the new config for a month and, at least to me, was more comfy than the KOA trip. So maybe they were broken in a bit more.
I didnt bother to sit in Y, although I should have. The seats appeared to be the same Recaros with the exceptions of the seatback.
Feb 3, 2019, 6:43 pm
#21
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: los angeles, calif.
Programs: Alaska Airlines Gold MVP
Posts: 7,170
Got the new 73G config yesterday on a quick ANC-FAI hop. Only 45 minute flight but really liked it. Was in first and it was a very nice improvement over the old seats. And I loved the clever tablet stand built into the tray table.
May 6, 2021, 3:29 pm
#24
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
oh sorry, thought I posted it here too (and not just the Facebook group.
...
Just got to Cordova. These seats are a lot more comfy than the 737-800/900 seats.
And the part of the "new" Alaska we hopefully won't see too much of, and a few notes:
- Microlavs installed in back
- No new overhead bins
- Same sidewalls
- Mood lighting is nice
- Inseat power
- Premium Economy first 3 rows
- Row 16 appears to be the winner now. 17BCDE have NO extra legroom now.
...
Just got to Cordova. These seats are a lot more comfy than the 737-800/900 seats.
And the part of the "new" Alaska we hopefully won't see too much of, and a few notes:
- Microlavs installed in back
- No new overhead bins
- Same sidewalls
- Mood lighting is nice
- Inseat power
- Premium Economy first 3 rows
- Row 16 appears to be the winner now. 17BCDE have NO extra legroom now.
Aug 4, 2022, 11:25 am
#27
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
Nov 19, 2023, 4:25 pm
#29
Join Date: Mar 2008
Posts: 64
Nov 20, 2023, 12:47 am
#30
Join Date: Jan 2016
Location: Germany
Programs: UA 1K
Posts: 417