I recently flew with Alaska Airlines for the very first time!
And what's weird is...I have completed a lot of traveling and exploring around Alaska (all with local/regional/carriers on propeller planes), yet finally, I had the opportunity to fly ALK.
I took their once a day afternoon flight from here in Juneau (JNU) to Gustavus/Glacier Bay (GST).
When I looked up fares online...it was pretty basic...
It was the same flights, same times, same prices.
$108.50 each way = $217 in total.
JNU 4:03pm --- GST 4:40pm
GST 5:40pm --- JNU 6:12pm
With the final total of $217, I got to choose my own seat for both routes without having to pay any extras. I was able to simply pick my seat at the end of the online booking process.
Again, included in the $217, I was able to bring a carryon bag and place it in the overhead compartment of the Boeing 737 Jet. No fee for this. And then, I placed my bookbag underneath the seat.
I don't know if Alaska Air charges for checking in luggage?
I didn't have a large suitcase, so I don't really know.
I also liked how simple the booking process was on Alaska Air's website.
I downloaded the Alaska Air App and appreciated how I was able to check-in for my flight 24 hours in advance without having to create a username and passcode like I've been forced to with other airlines.
In the end...I'm not from Alaska, and they don't really cater to routes where I'm from in South Florida...so it was nice to be able to just check-in as a guest without any hassles.
Stepping back just a moment...
From Juneau Airport, it's pretty much all Alaska Airline routes. Obviously, Alaska would dominate the capitol city here in Juneau.
I noticed inside the airport there was a small check-in counter for Delta, though I didn't see any departures or arrivals for them on the overhead board. It was all Alaska Air.
I did observe 2 small seaplane carriers with passengers waiting in front of their ticket counters. I didn't catch the names though.
While waiting at Gate #2 passing through security...I saw Alaska Air had all 6 of the Juneau Airport departure gates. There's a small seating area with enough spots to accommodate people. Towards the left hand side was a small food cafe.
Another little extra...whenever I fly an airline for the first time, (although they rarely carry them anymore), I always ask for those little souvenir "wings" that they sometimes or at least used to carry around. Lol, I have a pair of wings from almost every airline.
I asked the gate agents and flight attendants on both routes if they had a pair to spare and unfortunately they didn't.
But...everyone I inquired with was very considerate, and smiled to me knowing those wings are cool little keepsakes and...they all happily searched for extras.
So, no problem, it wasn't meant to be, but I appreciated their efforts.
Finally, I had no issues with either of my flights. Granted...this Juneau to Gustavus route was literally...20 minutes flying time in each direction...so what could really have gone so badly, lol?
In the end, I was happy for Alaska Airlines to be part of my National Parks journey to Glacier Bay, my 62nd NP overall. I am grateful I finally got to experience them after all these years. read more