Dec 30, 2020, 7:30 pm
Last edit by: dayone
Edited to add: Glassware and warm nuts returned to First Class on November 4, 2021.
Updated August 2021 at https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ightExperience
Shockingly good in F from KOA-SEA today, 8/2 AS854. That would be a Taro/Ube (couldn’t tell) roll, with the beef filet, salad, and a sort of passionfruit cake. Normally meals are decent, good microwave quality, but today was awesome. Great job Alaska! We did not get a cookie but perhaps the cake makes up for that.
Updated August 2021 at https://www.alaskaair.com/content/tr...ightExperience
First Class
Beverages
- Coca-Cola®, Diet Coke™, Sprite®, ginger ale, seltzer water
- Orange juice
- Starbucks® Pike Place® Roast coffee
- Teavana® Royal English Breakfast Tea, Teavana® Mint Majesty Herbal Tea
- Boxed Water
Alcohol and mixers
- Fremont Brewing Lush IPA
- Kona Brewing Longboard Island Lager
- Broken Earth El Pasado Red Blend, California
- Canoe Ridge The Expedition Chardonnay, Washington
- Tito’s Handmade Vodka
- Woodford Reserve Bourbon
- Jack Daniel’s Whiskey
- Tanqueray London Dry Gin
- Bailey’s Irish Cream
- Bloody Mary mix
- Tonic water
Food
- Snack basket with assortment of individually wrapped sweet and savory snacks
Food – Available on trips 670–1,099 miles operated by Alaska and on all Horizon and SkyWest flights
Pre-order recommended, departing 5:00 am – 8:00 pm- Choice between two cold entrees
- Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter available as pre-order option
Food – Available on trips over 1,100 miles operated by Alaska
Pre-order recommended, departing 5:00 am – 8:00 pm- Choice between two hot entrees
- Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter available as pre-order option
Date: 8/10/21
Route: DCA-LAX
Flight No.: 5
Departure Time: 9:15
Menu: No
Meal Description: Breakfast - caramelized onion frittata with bacon, sweet potatoes, spinach, a button mushroom, warm raisin roll with butter, fruit salad, and Greek yogurt.
Other options: kale breakfast bowl or fruit and cheese plate.
Snack basket was offered once and then packed away.
Overall, this was a great meal.
Route: DCA-LAX
Flight No.: 5
Departure Time: 9:15
Menu: No
Meal Description: Breakfast - caramelized onion frittata with bacon, sweet potatoes, spinach, a button mushroom, warm raisin roll with butter, fruit salad, and Greek yogurt.
Other options: kale breakfast bowl or fruit and cheese plate.
Snack basket was offered once and then packed away.
Overall, this was a great meal.
Date: 8/10/21
Route: LAX-DCA
Flight Number: 6
Departure time: 13:00
Menu: Yes
Meal description (if given): Chicken (sorry, I don't remember the description)
Snack basket offered: Yes (left in the galley for open F use)
Options: Chicken or Risotto, I chose chicken.
The chicken breast was dry, as expected, but still tasty. The saffron rice and lemon meringue were very good. Still better than what most other airlines are serving these days. No cookies were offered on the flight.
Route: LAX-DCA
Flight Number: 6
Departure time: 13:00
Menu: Yes
Meal description (if given): Chicken (sorry, I don't remember the description)
Snack basket offered: Yes (left in the galley for open F use)
Options: Chicken or Risotto, I chose chicken.
The chicken breast was dry, as expected, but still tasty. The saffron rice and lemon meringue were very good. Still better than what most other airlines are serving these days. No cookies were offered on the flight.
Date: 8/7/21
Route: SEA-FAI
Flight Number: 1465
Departure time: 11:46AM
Menu: No
Meal description (if given): Miso Marinated Cod: "Alaskan cod marinated in white miso and rice wine. Served with a sesame-garlic farro pilaf, sauteed yu choy with bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms, and a sesame-miso butter sauce.
Snack basket offered: Yes
I thought the cod was...fine? To me it seemed mildly flavored and the cod was cooked well and not dry. Overall, it tasted like a lighter/healthier meal. Also, mine definitely looked less black than the one in gold10829's post. Our F/A also wrote different quotes for each of our meals which I thought was interesting.
No plated dessert meant the cookies came out, which ended up being southern toffee with nuts (maybe pecans?), and as expected, delicious.
Route: SEA-FAI
Flight Number: 1465
Departure time: 11:46AM
Menu: No
Meal description (if given): Miso Marinated Cod: "Alaskan cod marinated in white miso and rice wine. Served with a sesame-garlic farro pilaf, sauteed yu choy with bell peppers and shiitake mushrooms, and a sesame-miso butter sauce.
Snack basket offered: Yes
I thought the cod was...fine? To me it seemed mildly flavored and the cod was cooked well and not dry. Overall, it tasted like a lighter/healthier meal. Also, mine definitely looked less black than the one in gold10829's post. Our F/A also wrote different quotes for each of our meals which I thought was interesting.
No plated dessert meant the cookies came out, which ended up being southern toffee with nuts (maybe pecans?), and as expected, delicious.
Date: 8/7/21
Route: PAE-SAN
Flight Number: AS2179
Departure time: 7:15
Menu: No
Meal description (if given): unsure
Snack basket offered (Y/N): yes
Upgraded 5 hours prior to departure.
power up platter was only option - description “dried fruits, walnuts, grain-free granola, and milk”
Route: PAE-SAN
Flight Number: AS2179
Departure time: 7:15
Menu: No
Meal description (if given): unsure
Snack basket offered (Y/N): yes
Upgraded 5 hours prior to departure.
power up platter was only option - description “dried fruits, walnuts, grain-free granola, and milk”
Date: 8/1/21
Route: ATL-SEA
Flight Number: 745
Departure time: 17:40
Menu: No
Meal description (if given): Dinner
Snack basket offered: Yes
Options: Miso Marinated Cod or a Ravioli. I chose the cod
Cod was really dry. However couldn’t complain as I was hungry. Snack basket came out 1 hour prior to arrival. Cookie was given shortly after meal was cleared
Route: ATL-SEA
Flight Number: 745
Departure time: 17:40
Menu: No
Meal description (if given): Dinner
Snack basket offered: Yes
Options: Miso Marinated Cod or a Ravioli. I chose the cod
Cod was really dry. However couldn’t complain as I was hungry. Snack basket came out 1 hour prior to arrival. Cookie was given shortly after meal was cleared
Date: 7/28/21
Route: SEA-ATL
Flight Number: 442
Departure time: 16:14
Menu: No (preorder available 2.5 weeks out)
Meal description (if given): “Snack” but it was dinner
Snack basket offered: Yes
Options: Clementine Chicken or a Risotto I think (?). I got the chicken. Rice was somewhat over cooked, chicken required use of salt and pepper.
cookie handed out 1 hour prior to arrival. Snack basket came out
Route: SEA-ATL
Flight Number: 442
Departure time: 16:14
Menu: No (preorder available 2.5 weeks out)
Meal description (if given): “Snack” but it was dinner
Snack basket offered: Yes
Options: Clementine Chicken or a Risotto I think (?). I got the chicken. Rice was somewhat over cooked, chicken required use of salt and pepper.
cookie handed out 1 hour prior to arrival. Snack basket came out
Shockingly good in F from KOA-SEA today, 8/2 AS854. That would be a Taro/Ube (couldn’t tell) roll, with the beef filet, salad, and a sort of passionfruit cake. Normally meals are decent, good microwave quality, but today was awesome. Great job Alaska! We did not get a cookie but perhaps the cake makes up for that.
will go back to the omelette definitelyJust completed LAX-DCA, another flight I purchased in first for $191 using the “QUEENJEAN” code last December. An excellent value.
Drinks were served with a decent sized bag of Chex mix, which was pretty good. I enjoyed a few of the Fremont Lush IPA. I’d pre-ordered the Roasted Chicken Clementine which is pictured below. It was pretty decent tho unremarkable and came with a lemon meringue tart. Service was very good and professional with a pass of the snack basket around an hour out of DCA.
Drinks were served with a decent sized bag of Chex mix, which was pretty good. I enjoyed a few of the Fremont Lush IPA. I’d pre-ordered the Roasted Chicken Clementine which is pictured below. It was pretty decent tho unremarkable and came with a lemon meringue tart. Service was very good and professional with a pass of the snack basket around an hour out of DCA.
Flew JFK-SEA this morning. Bought tickets in first for my family of three for ~$220 each last December during the big sale right before Christmas. Smoking deal in my book.
This was my first transcon since COVID, but things mostly seemed normal except the coffee was in paper cups. My wife and I pre-ordered the kale bowl, which we both thought was pretty tasty. My neighbor had the onion frittata, I passed on that as I hate onions but it also looked pretty good. My son pre-ordered the fruit and cheese plate, which came with yogurt. There was one pass of the snack basket about an hour before landing; I selected the pea-toes based on reviews here and was not let down. We landed around an hour early due to favorable winds, all in all a very smooth flight although JFK Terminal 1 is pretty sad these days.
Kale Bowl
This was my first transcon since COVID, but things mostly seemed normal except the coffee was in paper cups. My wife and I pre-ordered the kale bowl, which we both thought was pretty tasty. My neighbor had the onion frittata, I passed on that as I hate onions but it also looked pretty good. My son pre-ordered the fruit and cheese plate, which came with yogurt. There was one pass of the snack basket about an hour before landing; I selected the pea-toes based on reviews here and was not let down. We landed around an hour early due to favorable winds, all in all a very smooth flight although JFK Terminal 1 is pretty sad these days.
Kale Bowl
AS810 SEA-SNA on 6/12 .
I was hesitant but tried the Bahn-mi. It was OK. The pickled slaw and Sriracha really made the sandwich. The bread was a bit too thick and some small bits were very soggy. Also, the banhmi had this sauce (Sriracha mayo???) that didn't really belong in a banhmi, imo. Overall though, it was fine. I woke up hungover that day so the carby bread was really appreciated. 😂
I was hesitant but tried the Bahn-mi. It was OK. The pickled slaw and Sriracha really made the sandwich. The bread was a bit too thick and some small bits were very soggy. Also, the banhmi had this sauce (Sriracha mayo???) that didn't really belong in a banhmi, imo. Overall though, it was fine. I woke up hungover that day so the carby bread was really appreciated. 😂
DCA-LAX, June 8, 2021
Breakfast: Kale breakfast bowl (other option was caramelized onion frittata).
This was MUCH tastier than it looked - I really enjoyed it! Excellent service from the flight attendant in First, who gave me a warm welcome as a oneworld frequent flyer.
LAX-CUN
Lunch: Entrée Salad with egg. (Other option was Beef Sandwich)
This was ok - the cauliflower was marinated in curry, which overwhelmed the flavor of the dish.
Breakfast: Kale breakfast bowl (other option was caramelized onion frittata).
This was MUCH tastier than it looked - I really enjoyed it! Excellent service from the flight attendant in First, who gave me a warm welcome as a oneworld frequent flyer.
LAX-CUN
Lunch: Entrée Salad with egg. (Other option was Beef Sandwich)
This was ok - the cauliflower was marinated in curry, which overwhelmed the flavor of the dish.
Date: June 15, 2021
Route: SEA-EWR
Flight #: AS27, 1:45PM dep
Description: Baked chicken with salad and lemon tart. Got bumped to FC too late to preorder in app, so no description. Only details offered inflight were "butternut squash risotto or baked chicken". No cookie offered.
Menu: No, wasn't early enough to see on phone app
Snack Basket Offered: Yes
Route: SEA-EWR
Flight #: AS27, 1:45PM dep
Description: Baked chicken with salad and lemon tart. Got bumped to FC too late to preorder in app, so no description. Only details offered inflight were "butternut squash risotto or baked chicken". No cookie offered.
Menu: No, wasn't early enough to see on phone app
Snack Basket Offered: Yes
Saw this on a friend's Facebook feed and thought I would share it here (he's not a frequent flyer, or FTer) as he did two things: (1) Traveled on a unicorn that is a flight from JFK to the West Coast (LAX, in this case) and (2) also gave a great description of the vegetarian L/D option:
Date: June 3, 2021
Route: PDX-HNL
Flight #: AS889 - 8:05 AM Departure
Description: Cheddar Cheese Omelet
Menu: Pre-ordered on the app
Snack Basket Offered: Yes
Date: June 7, 2021
Route: HNL-SAN
Flight #: AS892 - 11:50 AM Departure
Description: Beef Filet
Menu: Pre-ordered on the app (overheard people who had not preordered only being offered the F&C or the other option. Beef filet had to be preordered on this flight)
Snack Basket Offered: Yes
Both meals were delicious. The breakfast was very filling, as was the dinner. I know it has been mentioned before, but I can't get over the fact that it's a real filet! I would pay $35 in a restaurant and be happy. It's also great to see that even the disposable napkins retain the button hole.
Route: PDX-HNL
Flight #: AS889 - 8:05 AM Departure
Description: Cheddar Cheese Omelet
Menu: Pre-ordered on the app
Snack Basket Offered: Yes
Date: June 7, 2021
Route: HNL-SAN
Flight #: AS892 - 11:50 AM Departure
Description: Beef Filet
Menu: Pre-ordered on the app (overheard people who had not preordered only being offered the F&C or the other option. Beef filet had to be preordered on this flight)
Snack Basket Offered: Yes
Both meals were delicious. The breakfast was very filling, as was the dinner. I know it has been mentioned before, but I can't get over the fact that it's a real filet! I would pay $35 in a restaurant and be happy. It's also great to see that even the disposable napkins retain the button hole.
What Will Alaska Airlines Be Serving in First Class on Your Flight? (2021)
Apr 7, 2021, 10:51 am
#346
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: PDX
Programs: AS MVP Gold 100K
Posts: 2,329
Apr 7, 2021, 11:01 am
#348
Join Date: Dec 2017
Posts: 490
Wish they would’ve brought ginger beer back so I could enjoy a Moscow mule.
Apr 7, 2021, 1:13 pm
#350
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
Other than adding back some alcohol, I don't understand what changes are happening on April 13th....changes I would like to see would be allowing beverage service at least in F on flights under 350 miles (like PDX-SEA) and having more than just water/OJ/beer on the Q400 flights--especially the longer ones that are well over 350 miles.
Apr 7, 2021, 3:13 pm
#351
Join Date: Sep 2011
Location: SFO
Programs: AS, UA, WN, IHG Diamond Elite, Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Gold, CET 7*
Posts: 3,300
Other than adding back some alcohol, I don't understand what changes are happening on April 13th....changes I would like to see would be allowing beverage service at least in F on flights under 350 miles (like PDX-SEA) and having more than just water/OJ/beer on the Q400 flights--especially the longer ones that are well over 350 miles.
There's been no formal press or social media announcements of any kind, but if I had to guess, they'll do an all encompassing one that includes the Hawaii hot meals, enhanced beverages and perhaps more.
Apr 7, 2021, 4:13 pm
#352
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,956
Other than adding back some alcohol, I don't understand what changes are happening on April 13th....changes I would like to see would be allowing beverage service at least in F on flights under 350 miles (like PDX-SEA) and having more than just water/OJ/beer on the Q400 flights--especially the longer ones that are well over 350 miles.
My take - I'm a little surprised they aren't adding back hot food on at least the flights that Alaska dubs premium transcons and long haul flights. If for no other reason, but to stay ahead of the game in the majority of those markets. I imagine it will come sooner rather than later. I'm guessing it's a matter of staffing in the kitchens and getting things back up to speed in order to cater a larger number of flights. That's just my guess. Secondly, not sure why the liquor selection seems rather limited and they're being vague as to brand names. I guess we'll all find out what's being offered soon. Finally, this is a step in the right direction. As more people are vaccinated and the risks continue to lessen I imagine they'll continue moving back to something that resembles what we used to all know. This change is welcome for sure.
Apr 7, 2021, 4:34 pm
#353
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
finally, we got some official 411. Mainline FA's aren't kept in the loop about what changes are on Horizon/Skywest flights so can't help you with that info. Didn't see anything with respect to short flights (SEA-GEG/PDX, etc) Did see that flights to/from Hawaii will get the new hot meals. Nothing about other flights. Liquor, beer and wine will be available in First and Premium. Sandwiches/wraps and cheese/fruit will be available to PRE-ORDER in main cabin on Hawaii flights. Nothing to sell onboard so make sure to pre-order. Second beverage service in main cabin coming back to Hawaii flights as well. Other changes are just with respect to supplies onboard - nothing of concern to anyone here really.
My take - I'm a little surprised they aren't adding back hot food on at least the flights that Alaska dubs premium transcons and long haul flights. If for no other reason, but to stay ahead of the game in the majority of those markets. I imagine it will come sooner rather than later. I'm guessing it's a matter of staffing in the kitchens and getting things back up to speed in order to cater a larger number of flights. That's just my guess. Secondly, not sure why the liquor selection seems rather limited and they're being vague as to brand names. I guess we'll all find out what's being offered soon. Finally, this is a step in the right direction. As more people are vaccinated and the risks continue to lessen I imagine they'll continue moving back to something that resembles what we used to all know. This change is welcome for sure.
My take - I'm a little surprised they aren't adding back hot food on at least the flights that Alaska dubs premium transcons and long haul flights. If for no other reason, but to stay ahead of the game in the majority of those markets. I imagine it will come sooner rather than later. I'm guessing it's a matter of staffing in the kitchens and getting things back up to speed in order to cater a larger number of flights. That's just my guess. Secondly, not sure why the liquor selection seems rather limited and they're being vague as to brand names. I guess we'll all find out what's being offered soon. Finally, this is a step in the right direction. As more people are vaccinated and the risks continue to lessen I imagine they'll continue moving back to something that resembles what we used to all know. This change is welcome for sure.
Oh yeah, one more thing....I flew PC last month from LAX-HNL and I thought it was interesting that PC customers got a second full beverage service, but main cabin just got waters. I probably wouldn't say this if I were in main cabin, but I thought it was a nice way to differentiate the PC product.
Apr 7, 2021, 4:59 pm
#354
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,956
Thanks as usual for the update! My take on the Hawaii meals is that they needed to respond to UA which is a big player in the Hawaii market right now and their hot meals start this month too (I think)....I didn't expect the hot meals to be showing up on any of the non-Hawaii flights....honestly, the days of east coast business cities being considered "premium" markets are over until business travelers return in greater numbers....that's my two cents. Ok, now for the big question....are we at least getting a replacement for the turkey sandwich and egg salad wrap???
Oh yeah, one more thing....I flew PC last month from LAX-HNL and I thought it was interesting that PC customers got a second full beverage service, but main cabin just got waters. I probably wouldn't say this if I were in main cabin, but I thought it was a nice way to differentiate the PC product.
Apr 7, 2021, 5:40 pm
#355
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
I didn't see anything to this affect, but I have to imagine with these changes they'll also change the current "menu". Gosh, I hope so...
I'm glad they did the second beverage service on your flight. It's meant to offer a "formal opportunity" to order another beer/wine or soft drink and to differentiate PC in some small way from MC. There's nothing preventing anyone in any cabin from ringing the call button or visiting the galley for a second or third at any point.
I'm glad they did the second beverage service on your flight. It's meant to offer a "formal opportunity" to order another beer/wine or soft drink and to differentiate PC in some small way from MC. There's nothing preventing anyone in any cabin from ringing the call button or visiting the galley for a second or third at any point.
Apr 7, 2021, 5:51 pm
#356
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Seattle, WA
Posts: 5,956
So is the second beverage service only in PC an actual service standard or were was the FA on my flight just being nice? I guess I can live with the turkey sandwich for another few months as long as they don't get rid of the chocolate chip cookies or Swedish fish (best addition to the snack basket so far).
service standard right now on Premium Transcon and Hawaii flights is to offer a second beverage service in PC using a tray to serve (so no cart). So basically individually asking each person in PC.
Apr 7, 2021, 8:16 pm
#357
Join Date: Apr 2017
Posts: 347
It's certainly not the end of the world, or even a notable problem - but I, like many here, feel that it's a bit insuffiient for a 5 hour flight in F. Not in respect to quantity, but in respect to effort, value, and quality. I'd say competitiveness as well, but I suppose not at the moment.
Apr 8, 2021, 4:08 pm
#358
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: PDX
Programs: AS 75K, BW Plat, Marriott Gold, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 10,724
It's certainly not the end of the world, or even a notable problem - but I, like many here, feel that it's a bit insuffiient for a 5 hour flight in F. Not in respect to quantity, but in respect to effort, value, and quality. I'd say competitiveness as well, but I suppose not at the moment.
Apr 8, 2021, 4:15 pm
#359
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 38,631
No one has yet seen the "steak." For all we know, the leftover beef jerky is being rehydrated. Just add sauce!
Apr 8, 2021, 4:29 pm
#360
Join Date: Apr 2019
Location: LAX/ONT
Programs: AS 100K, Hilton Diamond, IHG Plat, Marriott G, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 518
Bring back hot meals on Transcon!. ut if they can't even fully restock the limited beverage offerings now from east coast locations, hot meal is much harder then probably.