spongenotbob

Never in recent history has there been a more prime, opportune time to start an east coast hub, Alaska.

ATL is ready and waiting.

Eastbay1K

AS has avoided bankruptcy for a billion years, and this would be a one way ticket to liquidation.

spongenotbob

There is that.

VegasGambler

They survived trying to compete with UA in SFO...

zrs70

because they offer such a superior product to delta????

AKLifetimeFlyer

Over the last 7 days I have done multiple flights on AS (row 17) DL (F and Comfort +) and AA (Main Cabin Extra). In terms of onboard experience, DL is head and shoulders above the competition, it’s not even close. I rank AS slightly above AA, but it could just be the hometown bias.

Routes were: ANC-SEA-SJC (AS); SJC-DFW-BDL (AA), and BDL-MSP-ANC (DL)

beckoa

Remember the SLC focus city?

I did like the LAS-SLC QX hop

notquiteaff

I can believe that exit row on AS is worse than DL F and Comfort+, certainly for an MVP. I haven't flown Delta in ages (and that was in domestic F and Delta One to Europe), what makes Delta Economy so much better than AS, and - for fairer comparison - Delta Comfort + so much better than Alaska PC? Free Wifi? TV screen in seat back?

AKLifetimeFlyer

Free WiFi is definitely one of the primary reasons for my ranking. Seatback entertainment helps, but I find the self-streaming option on AS and AA adequate as well.

The DL Comfort+ flight was the MSP-ANC leg, operated by a brand new A321neo - a fabulous aircraft. The mood lighting melts my stress away. Finally, the service was simply better. The FAs were far more attentive, making multiple official passes for drink orders and snacks, and other more silent passes every half hour or 45 minutes with trays of water, tea, and coffee. If one wanted something, they could simply grab the FAs attention, but since it was getting late the FAs didn't want to disturb those who were sleeping. I just felt that the drink and snack distribution was very well thought out and organized. AS flight attendants seem to be much more reluctant to offer anything beyond what is required in the initial meal and drink service.

czpdx

This.

I had a daytime transcon SEA-FLL this summer in premium with just a single cart drink service the entire flight.

notquiteaff

That seems to be less than what is required for such a long flight (by AS standards), no?

rune87

I definitely have to agree with FA service. DL FAs smoke AS FAs. They actually seem to want to do their job and with pride. AS seem to want to do the bare min and then go have social hour at volumes that all the passengers can hear. And DLs new A321neos are definitely an amazing experience.

sullim4

It's funny that you cite the aircraft as the big perk with DL... they are usually known to fly their planes until they're beaten down and dead. Looking at it, their average fleet age is 15 years while AS has an average age of 9-ish years.

That said, I 100% agree with you that DL's in-flight service is significantly better than Alaska's offering post pandemic. It didn't used to be this way.

TravelingZoomer

Respectfully, this might be one of the least plausible suggestions I’ve ever seen this forum make

oneworld_wanderer

Come on, no way AS could compete in ATL or any of DL's hub.

The best AS could offer is refurbished RECARO seat and that's not even close to DL A321 neo, not to mention the lie-flat.