Is Alaska Airlines’ first class the best recliner in the US?

Being based in New York, I don’t often have the opportunity to fly with Alaska Airlines.

The airline doesn’t operate a hub on the East Coast (and has shared no plans to open one), so I only really get to fly Alaska when I’m heading to Seattle or hopping around the West Coast.

That said, the Seattle-based carrier is working hard to increase its relevance. It just acquired Hawaiian Airlines, placed a blockbuster order for 110 new Boeing jets, and plans to turn its hometown into a global hub.

But after my most recent two flights with Alaska, I walked away impressed with the first-class experience, especially on its new signature 737 MAX interior. As far as recliners go, this is about as good as it gets in the U.S.

Here’s why.

First pictures: Alaska Airlines’ striking new Boeing 787 livery

Comfy seat with generous pitch

At first glance, Alaska’s first-class seat doesn’t look all that different from a standard recliner. (It’s just a customized version of the popular Recaro R5.)

But after two transcons, I found it well-padded and noticeably more comfortable than the new first-class seats flying on Delta’s and United’s Airbus A321neo jets.

Moreover — and this is a big one — Alaska still offers a pretty generous pitch in first class. I measured 40 inches on the three-week-old Boeing 737 MAX 8 that I flew.

That’s three more inches than you’ll find on equivalent first-class products on American, Delta, and United.

If I’m seated in the window in first class on a Big 3 U.S. airline, I often find it awkwardly uncomfortable to squeeze past the aisle seat to get to the lavatory (even after my neighbor gets up from their seat).

But in Alaska first class, I had no trouble doing this multiple times.

Legrests and calf-rests

The additional pitch allows Alaska to offer two unique amenities that you rarely, if ever, see in domestic first class: legrests and calfrests.

(Another reason you don’t typically find these amenities is that they’re prone to breaking easily after heavy use on lots of flights per day.)

Alaska’s first-class recliners offer legrests, which I found very useful for alleviating some of the pressure and dead weight in my legs during both transcon flights.

The newest jets also feature calf rests, which were more of a gimmick for me in terms of comfort. At 5 feet, 11 inches, I just couldn’t get comfortable using both the calfrest and the legrest.

I suspect shorter flyers will appreciate the calfrests far more than I did.

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Surprisingly good meals

I’m no culinary critic, but it doesn’t take one to realize that Alaska’s meal service is among the best in the business.

First-class flyers get a choice of five pre-order options starting two weeks before departure (and up to just 20 hours before the flight). I selected the vegetarian cauliflower curry on both segments and found it to be delicious.

I counted way more greens than I’ve ever seen in a salad domestically on a Big 3 U.S. airline, and I thought the entree was fresh, healthy, and tasty. (For what it’s worth, both of my seatmates licked their plates clean of the chicken entree they both ordered.)

One thing Alaska could do to upgrade the meal is to use a proper linen napkin, but I did like the serviceware and mugs.

I also loved the ice cream cup for dessert on both legs (a sweet touch reserved for flights longer than 2,000 miles). Alaska typically offers Salt and Straw ice cream, but a catering shortage meant I had to suffer through a 220-calorie cup of Häagen-Dazs on my way home.

I usually fly United, so I’m well acquainted with lackluster domestic catering. Alaska’s food easily outperformed my expectations on both flights.

Friendly, polished crews

Over the years, I’ve long felt that Alaska crews are some of the best in the business.

I’ve generally found them friendly, engaging, and professional, and both crews on my flights didn’t miss a beat.

It seems like Alaska does some serious PA coaching, because the announcements never sounded rushed or curt, and I love that they address everyone as “guests,” not “passengers.”

Of course, great (and not-so-great) crews exist at every airline, but Alaska’s service culture feels consistently strong.

Lounge access on longer flights

Another underrated perk of flying in Alaska first class is that, if your flight is at least 2,000 miles, you’ll have lounge access included in your ticket (not applicable to upgrades).

Better yet, Alaska’s flagship lounge in Seattle’s N Gates is a place where I actually enjoy spending time. It’s got stunning tarmac views, a comfy Pacific Northwest-inspired design, and tasty food offerings, including the famed pancake machine.

(Unfortunately, ever since Alaska moved from JFK’s Terminal 7 and subsequently shuttered its lounge there, Alaska first-class “guests” don’t have lounge access at JFK.)

What’s missing

While the Alaska first-class recliner is quite comfortable, it’s not perfect.

The biggest drawback is that the newest Boeing 737s don’t yet feature Wi-Fi, as the airline awaits upcoming Starlink installations. That’s a major drawback for anyone looking to stay productive on these planes.

Another tech downside is that Alaska doesn’t offer inflight entertainment screens. You can stream movies and TV shows to your personal device — and there are two personal device stands in first class — but there’s no built-in screen.

Even though I rarely watch TV on planes, I usually tune into the moving map and find that airlines with TVs give off a much more premium vibe.

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