Ankebello

Anything special about this route? I have an option of connecting or taking Alaska very often.

mh3c

Yes, I was going to take this leg next week before plans changed, and First had 9 open seats, coach was half full. DCA-SEA had two open seats in coach.

AS Flyer

It's nonstop, that's pretty special. You get free food, that's pretty unusual these days. DigEplayers for rent, which beats no entertainment which is what you'll find on most connecting flights. I like to think the crews are nice.

keithguy

Personally, I'd take the connecting for more frequency/choice of departure/arrival times. And quite a few airlines offer free in flight entertainment.

moondog

While the AS gadgets are nice, it's worth pointing out that NW (and maybe) Airtran) is the only airline serving DCA-LAX that doesn't provide IFE.

Other options:

F9 (ranked first because of direcTV)
UA (free)
HP (free)
AA
CO
US
DL

....and, if your willing to tolerate IAD and LGB, B6 (free direcTV)

All that said, the N/S feature is a big deal. What's more, AS has a great FFP.

whlinder

Is this route doing as well as expected? Seems like a lot of anecdotal evidence that it isn't often very full. Or is it 60% full but with expensive fares and making money?

greg

It's THE ONLY nonstop between DCA and LAX. Not a bad flight either, especially considering the alternatives. The hitch is it only works well if you need to leave DC in the morning and plan to return around noon. It's that or nothing, and that probably explains the reluctance of many to book it. I take it pretty regularly and, while it's hard to sing the joys of any domestic airline flights, it sure beats flying AA through DFW or ORD to get to LAX. On top of saving about two hours each way, at least they make an attempt to feed you and there is IFE. 90% of AA's routes are S80s- now that they did away with MRTC, that is just plain torture for 8 hours plus to get from DCA to LAX. If Alaska could just get another slot (or two) for this route, it would be a no brainer- and Alaska would be making tons of money. BTW, I'd say 75% of the travelers on this route are leisure- which is a crying shame when you consider what an important route this is- but, again, with just 1 flight a day, most business travelers avoid it because they want lots of options.

eastwest

While every airline has it's good and bad cabin crewmembers, I think that AS consistently has the best FA's. :-:

makfan

If you take AA from DCA-LAX, you are probably going to be on a Super80 with a connection in DFW or ORD to another Super80. No entertainment, and meal options will likely be limited to the $3 buy on board junk food box on each segment unless you can get in F where you may get the snack service (which I find to be OK but some dislike) unless you fall in designated meal hours.

BOB W

Absolutely true!!!!!!!!!!