For my birthday, I flew to San Francisco from Los Angeles International. It was nice to get away even if the destination is nearby. I flew American Airlines to SFO but returned on Alaska Airlines. This time, I want to talk about what you should expect on Alaska Airlines and how Alaska is keeping their customers safe during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Check out my flight report on American Airlines and their new sanitary standards during covid if you’re interested.
As for Alaska Airlines, I purposefully purchased a ticket in first class. Considering the seats are wider with more space, it immediately feels safer. We also flew in an E175, which means the seats in first class have two seats on one side and one seat on the other. First-class, even if full, has a minimal amount of seating. I like it.
Alaska Airlines Safety Measures
As per Alaska Airlines official safety measures, they are doing a lot. To begin with, they’re purposefully keeping passengers six feet apart at the airport, which is great.
SFO also has plexiglass partitions at all gates for protection.
Although American Airlines flights are generally full (a good sign for the airline industry), Alaska is purposefully keeping their planes semi-empty to allow for proper social distancing.
Once onboard, each passenger is required to keep a mask on their face at all times.
They’ve also stopped any mid-flight beverage and meal service, so you keep your mask on and allow crew members and passengers to remain safe.
Cleaning Measure Onboard
According to their website, cleaning measures have become excessive, in a good way. They clean between flights, wipe everything down and spray disinfectant between flights as well.
Alaska air uses HEPA filters in its air ventilation system. HEPA filters clean the air exceptionally well. HEPA filters are used in operating rooms to sanitize the air and prevent infections.
Alaska also states that its air system creates new air every two to three minutes. In other words, the air your breathing is perfectly safe.
So, How Was My Flight?
As per my flight, the boarding process went well. First-class was called after military personnel. My partner and I were the only ones in first class. However, once the plane completed boarding, a couple of people were upgraded to first. Nevertheless, the first class was almost empty. I felt very safe and comfortable.
When I arrived, my seat was clean and neat. However, I still took some wipes and wiped down my armrest, belt buckle, headrest, side table, front seat pocket, and window, because I’m a paranoid germ freak.
I also felt comfortably separated from other people on the flight.
Each flight attendant had their mask on for the duration of the flight.
Although they didn’t serve any snacks or food, the flight attendant went around first-class, asking anyone if they need anything to drink. I didn’t get anything, but it was nice that they asked.
We flew miles from Catalina Island’s shores as the sunset became shades of pink and dark purples. It was a breathtaking flight.
I have to hand it to Alaska air. They’re making it work.
Let me break it down for you:
Alaska Air has its covid-19 safety measures ON POINT! I felt very safe. Also, they’re One World again, woohoo! This means more points for me.
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