Fly with Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines in 2021; Review

April 18, 2021 00:36 by NewsDesk

All major U.S. airlines serve this important region of the country, but two are struggling for dominance, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Southwest Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines — Compare Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Alaska is based in Seattle, although its name indicates otherwise, and is a mid-level US airline with most of its operations on the West Coast.

airlines in Alaska

Southwest, on the other hand, is the country’s largest low – cost service with a nationwide presence. And although the West Coast is an important region for the airline, it is but one of the many Southwest services.

Southwest Airlines

I flew with both airlines this year to see what airline the West Coast really is. Here’s what I found.

Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines — Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines.

Suidwes is serving 15 cities on the West Coast and plans to serve two more this summer. Bellingham, Washington flights will also open sometime this year.

Southwest Airlines — A Southwest Airlines plane departing from Los Angeles.

Winner: Alaska Airlines. The connection of the airline between large and small cities on the West Coast cannot be beaten by Suidwes’ existing network.

Southwest Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines — Compare Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

That comes with the ticket: each Southwest ticket includes free seat choice anywhere on the plane close to board, two built-in suitcases, a handbag and all the amenities on board.

Southwest Airlines flies during pandemic — Flying Southwest Airlines during the pandemic.

Suidwes has open seats, so any open seat is available for passengers.

Fly on the Southwest Airlines COVID-19

Alaska does allow free seat choice for economy, but charges extra for seats near the front and exit seats.

Fly on Alaska Airlines during pandemic — Fly with Alaska Airlines during the pandemic

Alaska, like many full-time service providers, also had limited basic economy tariffs that replaced the cheapest tariffs. The product is generous with limited advanced seating commands and a free handbag, but flyers will have to pay more for better seats and suitcases.

Fly on Alaska Airlines during pandemic — Fly on Alaska Airlines during the pandemic

Southwest has no change or cancellation fees for any ticket.

Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines — Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines.

Alaska has eliminated change fees, but not for basic economic rates, known as ‘savings rates’.

Fly on Alaska Airlines during pandemic — Fly with Alaska Airlines during the pandemic

Winner: Southwest Airlines. The flexibility and free extras offered by Southwest set it much higher than Alaska. However, it is noteworthy that even Alaska’s basic economic rates are broader than many of its competitors.

Southwest Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines. — Compare Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Boarding: Alaska climbs on its planes in groups allocated based on seat and fare class. First-class management first, followed by elite status holders, those who sit in ‘premium class’. Economy then usually precedes, and basic economy leaflets die last.

Fly on Alaska Airlines during pandemic — Fly with Alaska Airlines during the pandemic

In Suidwes, however, passengers receive an entry number and group which is determined by how early they check in for the flight. If they are in the plane, they can choose any open seat.

Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines — Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines.

Winner: Southwest Airlines. The boarding process of Alaska redirects basic passengers to the last section, while even the passenger with the cheapest ticket on Southwest has the chance to board earlier if they check in exactly 24 hours before departure.

Southwest Airlines vs. Alaska Airlines. — Compare Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

Facilities on board: both airlines are modernizing their fleet, but older aircraft remain. On Southwest, for example, I flew on the 737-700 fleet on my most recent voyage, and it was the furthest from modern.

Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines — Fly during the pandemic with Southwest Airlines.

Both airlines also offer paid WiFi and streaming content.

LAX Day Trip Alaska Airlines — Water aboard an Alaska Airlines flight from New York to Los Angeles.

Alaska’s aircraft also have first-class cabins, the domain of the business traveler fighter, while Southwest does not have them.

Fly on Alaska Airlines during pandemic — Fly with Alaska Airlines during the pandemic.

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