Which airline is better to Anchorage?
Jan 16th, 2003, 06:02 PM
#1
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Which airline is better to Anchorage?
Ok, I've got another question for people who flew into Anchorage. Our two choices for non-stop air out of Chicago are United or Alaskan Air. Does anyone know anything about Alaskan Air? I've flown United before a long,long time ago.Both are about the same price as well.Which airline is the better choice? Thanks,Steve
Jan 16th, 2003, 06:03 PM
#2
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I'd probably choose Alaska Airlines over United in most cases but I'd also check to see what aircraft types are used. If United uses a 757 or a widebody (767, etc.) then I may prefer UA.
Overall, most U.S. carriers are about the same these days so it really doesn't matter.
Overall, most U.S. carriers are about the same these days so it really doesn't matter.
Jan 16th, 2003, 08:17 PM
#5
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Lived in Alaska for 22 years and flew Alaska most of that time. I highly recommend them. I have had no complaints about them or their service. United is good too. Used United out of Anchorage when I was flying to the East coast. Now Alaska offers flights East and I would choose them over United. Can't go wrong with either airline. Use the one that gets you the best mileage program or partners.
Jan 16th, 2003, 10:00 PM
#6
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Alaska Airlines has a great reputation, lately somewhat better than it may deserve IMO, but I still prefer them over United in most cases.
UA flies both 757s and older 737s on their ORD ANC segments, both with 17" width and 31" pitch in coach. Six hours is a long time to be stuck in those conditions, especially in a center seat. UA has "economy plus" service on their 757s, good if you can afford it, but not on the 737s.
Alaska flies newer 737s exclusively, but with pretty much the same seat size. For more comfort on a flight from the midwest to Alaska, I'd frankly choose American Airlines, which serves ANC nonstop from St Louis, and which has more legroom, if not more butt room. The extra couple of hours for the connection would be worth it.
Otherwise, I'd pick Alaska and see if I could get a paid upgrade ($100 or $150), a service which I don't believe UAL offers.
UA flies both 757s and older 737s on their ORD ANC segments, both with 17" width and 31" pitch in coach. Six hours is a long time to be stuck in those conditions, especially in a center seat. UA has "economy plus" service on their 757s, good if you can afford it, but not on the 737s.
Alaska flies newer 737s exclusively, but with pretty much the same seat size. For more comfort on a flight from the midwest to Alaska, I'd frankly choose American Airlines, which serves ANC nonstop from St Louis, and which has more legroom, if not more butt room. The extra couple of hours for the connection would be worth it.
Otherwise, I'd pick Alaska and see if I could get a paid upgrade ($100 or $150), a service which I don't believe UAL offers.
Jan 17th, 2003, 06:38 AM
#8
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You can buy an upgrade on UA too, but it would cost quite a bit more than the $150 that John mentioned for Alaska Air (a price that seems too good to be true).
It looks to me like UA does NOT have nonstops between ORD and ANC. If I lived in Chicago, I would register for the double miles offer (purchase by Jan 24) and take the connecting flight through Seattle. United flies non-stop to Asia, Europe, and South America from ORD with bargain airfares. In the last 60 days, I made two long haul trips on UA and was quite happy with the service.
Jan 17th, 2003, 06:47 AM
#9
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I have only flown Alaska once, but experienced the most polite and helpful customer service from their employee at the check in counter at the Seattle airport. She bent over backwards to solve a problem that was actually created by another airline. This, compared to the absolutely abominable customer service I have received on various United flights, leads me to choose Alaska.
