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| - I have been an Alaska flyer for 30 years now - I even still have their 'Gold Coast' member card from the 80's.
I've watched service gradually deteriorate over time, as all amenities were removed (blankets, pillows, good food, free checked baggage). I'll tell you now, the FREE food far surpassed what they sell today.
the past several years, after bag fees were instituted, I grimaced watching passengers flagrantly violate the '1 carryon and 1 small personal item' rule to avoid paying - lugging a huge carryon, a monster backpack and then a purse or laptop bag. No enforcement.
So I've always handed over the money to check a bag. Since I'm a photographer, I have to carry my camera pack on board. Alaska frequently announces at the gate 'you can gate check your (monster) carryon at the gate for free, and we'll let you board first! Slap in the face for those that paid!
Here's how it goes at the gate:
Families with children under two that need addl time board first
First class
Business class and 'elite' members of various vague reward programs
Military, in uniform
Anyone who gate checked a bag, even though you're carrying that second monster backpack
Anyone who 'claims' they wont use the over head (not enforced AT ALL)
Any acquaintances of people seated in First Class who are in the Main Cabin (seriously, this happened)
Anyone with a Walmart or Sams Club Card (ok now i'm getting facetious)
Anyone else who DID NOT PAY US EXTRA MONEY to check a bag? Please board
Ok, now boarding from the rear rows 20 and higher....
I am not kidding, I was in this last class, paid a baggage fee, and the entire front of the plane was already full, and the main holdup in boarding.
You want to generate income Alaska? Let the people who actually paid you extra money to check a bag board FIRST. Your stock will skyrocket.
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