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Taken January 2003 from Calgary to Puetro Vallarta, via LAX

In total now, I have made eight flights with Alaska. With the demise of Canadian Airlines and the dismal quality of charters in my country (see my review of YYC-LGW on Air Transat elsewhere on this site), there are now few alternatives to the uniformly surly and decidedly unhelpful Air Canada flying from my city. It is our good luck then that we now have the option of flying to the hubs of Sea-Tac or LAX on Alaska.

The first leg of our journey started at YYC to LAX. We arrived at the airport early and were checked in by a fairly grumpy and rather confusing Australian woman (only reason they don't get a 10/10 for service). Flight out was on time on one of the newer MD-80s in the fleet. I must say, that is one comfy aeroplane, good seat pitch and acres of shoulder room. We had a nice, hot breakfast of eggs, cheese and mushrooms, with (oddly) chicken, and potatoes. Yummy.

We had a very quick connection at LAX to a new monster 737-900, the seats seemed re-fits from an earlier jet, and the seats are narrower than the MD-80. More quality food and cold beer (sadly, it was American beer) kept my spirits up. A bonus I find is that often Alaska pilots point out several landmarks and waypoints during the trip, making the flight more interesting and help pass the time. He also treated us to an exciting (obviously visual) landing. At PVR, bags were on the belt as I walked up, how often does that happen?

Way home was a repeat of the way out, with only a slight delay at LAX caused by ground traffic.

I don't know what all the others on this board are complaining about, Alaska is cheap, professional and comfortable, and I will fly again.