Dates: June 30 - July 8, 2026
BOOKING Code: NWZQMY…read more
THE GOOD
I purchased a RT trip fare. I travel by wheelchair because of a mishap occurring over 15 years ago, when I was knocked down onto the floor at an airport by a rushing traveler. When, "Going", (flight to Seattle) my pillow and blanket pack did not make it onto the plane. I was unaware that it was not with me until I had boarded and was unable to locate the items. The packing cube generally stays attached to my carry-on luggage. I was very concerned because I recently had neck surgery and I'm also challenged with intense and wide-spread arthritis. The planes, generally, are kept VERY cold during flights. I voiced my concern to one of the crew members and all tried, in vain, to locate the items. They were wonderful! The air was kept moderate the entire trip and a neck pillow was fashioned out of paper towels and plastic. It worked and I had a very restful and comfortable flight and to my knowledge, there were no complaints concerning the plane's less than frigid air. Thank you!
THE BAD
I paid for an upgrade, twice, once when I purchased my RT fare and again for my return trip, to have more sitting space and not to be required to walk far to deplane. I have an artificial right hip and severe arthritis in my back and both leg joints, especially knees and left hip. My seatmates were two men. (Full flight, no seats available) The middle seat was occupied by a 6'4, @280 lb gentleman who had no extra space and basically took what little I had sitting in the window seat, "8F". He was just as uncomfortable as I. The man, in front, let back his seat and again the middle seat passenger's knees were cramped with no movement allowed at all. I had lost my pillow and blanket on my initial flight. My daughter bought me a replacement pillow. I just needed a blanket. I tried to grab a blanket when boarding the plane from 1st class, I was told they were ONLY for first class passengers. I tried to explain my circumstances and was quickly shut down and asked to proceed to my seat. Different plane, different crew, different attitudes.
When I tell you I suffered, let me tell you, I SUFFERED! The plane was freezing! My seat had no back support and no butt support. The bottom foam padding had separated and was lumpy. It provided no support for my aging and arthritic hip whatsoever. My feet and ankles swelled and my back and hip were in excruciating pain thereby rendering me unable to stand when it was time to deplane. In order to deplane, 2 service people assisted me in order for me stand out of my seat and then to hobble off the plane into a wheelchair. I did not get to enjoy my family that I visited. My activities were limited. The pain in my joints stayed with me the entire stay. I am on a fixed income. Airline tickets are currently extremely high cost expenditures. It will take 6 months to pay off, with interest, the cost of the ticket.
My recommendations to ALASKA AIRLINES:
1. Do not count pillows, extra seat cushions and blankets as "extra" baggage. Most seniors need them for medical reasons, not just for comfort.
2. Invest in ergonomic seating for your passengers. We all deserve to be comfortable though you have us packed in like sardines in a can.
3. Train ALL crew to extend quality customer care.