You Trip Report

	DATE	FLIGHT NUMBER	SEAT	AIRCRAFT
13 Mar 21	AS 1356	3F	A320
CLASS	VIEWS	LANGUAGE	AUTHOR
First Class	88342	English	jetsetpanda

Prologue:

After my short weekend trip to Seattle it is time to return.

I took this trip as an opportunity to visit AS newest lounge and sample its F service. The lounge experience did not disappoint and I consider it one of the best North American lounges that I have visited (excluding the premium lounges of competitors like UA's Polaris or AA's Flagship.) For a domestic carrier that does not have long haul intl flights this is pretty good.

As an avgeek I also visited AS HDQ and its company store which was almost around the corner from my hotel (Hampton Inn SEA). The new building looked great and I was glad that it was so close to the airport.

It's time to work on my return report on my favorite trip report site.

Hotel shuttle dropping me off at the airport.

AS check-in counter.

I went straight to the self checking kiosks.

The AS lounge at the "D" gates is old and pales in comparison to the new one in the "N" gates. It is located in an area that is part of the main terminal. The "S" and "N" gates need to be accessed through an underground train.

Reception area.

This lounge has two floors and both have views of the tarmac. The lower one has a chimney in the main area along with some individual desks.

The second floor has a TV and offers the same views from a higher perspective.

Both floors had a hallway where you could get some packaged snacks and drinks. WC's are located down the hallway. On the second floor there is a small window where you can request salads soups and drinks.

As you can imagine I didn't spend too much time at the old lounge so I took the train to the new one.

Bar area.

I had some lunch.

And pancakes for dessert.

Plane spotting from the lounge. You have some of the best views from the airport with airplanes landing and taking off.

Airplane at the gate.

New interior.

My seat 3F. Thankfully nobody sat next to me.

Tray table.

Small pocket area by the side of the seat.

Pre-dept. drink.

Good legroom.

Mood lighting.

Taxiing to the runway.

Take off.

Gorgeous scenery.

Looking to the back of my seat. I hate that paper thin divider in the ceiling separating F from Y.

Seat pocket.

Thinking of you Seb. ;)

Foot rest.

For this leg I pre-ordered the fruit and cheese plate.

Pretty satisfying.

Snack basket after the meal.

To finish we had warm chocolate chip cookie.

Look at the chocolate chunks melting.

AS HDQ.

AS company store.

Lobby of HDQ.

The store is by the entrance.

Angle Lake Park in front of the Hampton Inn.

========== Seattle Tacoma Intl Arpt (SEA) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 9/10

Services and activities: 9/10

General cleanliness: 10/10

========== Alaska Airlines Lounge ==========

Staff Service: 9/10

Entertainment: /10

Business Center: /10

Food: 9/10

Lounge Design: 6/10

Spa and Bathroom: 0/10

Wifi: 10/10

========== Alaska Airlines Flagship Lounge Terminal N ==========

Staff Service: 10/10

Entertainment: /10

Business Center: /10

Food: 9/10

Lounge Design: 10/10

Spa and Bathroom: 10/10

Wifi: 10/10

========== Alaska Airlines - Airline ==========

Cabine comfort: 10/10

Crew: 7/10

Entertainment: /10

On-time performance: 10/10

Appetizer: 0/10

Starter: 0/10

Main Meal: 0/10

Main Meal-2: 0/10

Cheese: 10/10

Desserts: 0/10

Alcohols: 10/10

Mid-flight snack: 0/10

Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: /10

Access and parking: /10

Services and activities: /10

General cleanliness: /10

Summary:

An enjoyable trip on AS with spectacular views during take off. Service was OK but it was not as charming as the outbound flight. As far as catering is concerned I think AS does a solid job on these 2 hrs. flights and offers a bit more than competitors.

I was glad to experience both AS lounges and the contrast as far as design is day and night. I think the new lounge at the N gates is stunning but the only minor complaint that I have is the lack of showers. This is specially an important issue if AS wants to partner with AA for its international flights out of SEA.

18 Comments

Thomas — Mar 28,2021

Really surprising not to have showers. Still a great lounge and I bet after this F.. Covid, it's gonna be worth check into it.
Great bonus but it was expected :) Thanks my friend.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

You should pay a visit to this lounge when you have a chance. Definitely worth it. Glad you liked the TR ;)
Vendredi13 — Mar 28,2021

Wow ! Woof ! Phew ! JetSet' !
My tr in your tr:)) Thank you !

Your aerial pictures in the sunset are absolutely lovely.
Spectacular view from the lounges. The new one looks nice.
On board, real business seats are a real plus. And, yes the catering seems to be better than on other airlines.
Interesting Alaska store :))

Alaska Airline deserves consideration.

A great thanks, JetSetPanda for this captivating ytr.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

Oauf!!! "Variety is the spice of life" they say. I'm glad that I was able to try another airline that is not one of the big 3's.

If you are an avgeek you would be happy in the AS store. :P

Thanks for your visit.
Casper — Mar 28,2021

Amigo, you are sooooooooooooooooooo goooooooooooood.
Whenever you publish a report, I know I'm gonna spend a good timr reading it.
I would have bought the entire store. Great looking lounge. AS is an airline that I've got to try myself once.
Gracias Adan and take care buddy.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

HOLA Casper!

I'm happy that I was able to contribute to your reading pleasure. ;) You should try this airline for sure. The new AS lounge is phenomenal and I can't get tired of saying that.

Thanks for visiting.
AAFlyer — Mar 29,2021

Many thanks for this outstanding review Panda. What camera do you use ? Beautiful shots.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

I use a combination of my Android phone, a Sony A6000 and Sony RX100 to take my pics. For the best quality I use Sony A6000 but it can be a bit bulky.

Thanks for stopping.
Capoune — Mar 29,2021

Hi Adan!!!
Another great performance by AS on this 2 hours flight.
An aging lounge (which is nonetheless charming) but luckily you can still access the new one!
In flight it is good for domestic first even if a notch below the previous flight.
What a lovely safety card Panda, lol!
Thank you for sharing my friend!!
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

Hi Seb and good to see you here. ;)

The only advantage of the old lounge are the views in my opinion.

Overall AS has a good product in F for sure.

I think the design of the safety card is original with big letters asking you to take care.
Emile — Mar 29,2021

Another superb report Panda. Many thanks, I can see many people without mask ? Not mandatory ?
Keep up the good work and see you around for a new review.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

Thanks for your comments Emile. Masks are supposed to be mandatory in Seattle but whether they are enforced or people follow that order is another story.

See you later on United. ;)
samlecorsaire — Mar 29,2021

Hello Adan
thank you for sharing this TR and the beautiful plane and sunset pictures. The lounge is nice but not all the passengers are wearing a mask. No obligation?
the new F cabin is beautiful but what I prefered is your blue shoes.
What did you get from the airline shop?
hasta la bye bye
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

Hi Sam. Seattle has a lovely natural setting and I am always amazed when I look out of the window flying to/from there.

Masks are required but I guess some people are stubborn.

LOL about the shoes. They are Rockport brand and comfortable. ;)

I got some practical things at the AS store like luggage tags, pins, buttons and mouse pad. :)

See you around and thanks.
Bibopaul — Mar 29,2021

Hello,
Fantastic lounge and photos.
Thanks
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

Hi Bibopaul.

Thanks for commenting. I'm glad you liked the TR.

Stay tune for more.
Nomascoach — Mar 28,2021

What a nice review Adan.
Loved the new lounge. Gorgeous pics.
Many thanks for this sunday report.
Reply

jetsetpanda — Mar 30,2021

Thanks for your comments. Glad to share this with all of you.