INTRODUCTION

Iโ€™ve been eager to experience Alaska Airlines for quite some time, so on my recent trip to the US, I made sure to book a transcontinental service to check out their pre-order meals.

Alaska offers two classes of travel in economy: premium economy and standard economy. In premium, the airline provides free alcoholic beverages, extra legroom, and enhanced snacks.

I opted for premium, paying an additional USD$99 for the upgrade. Unlike some competitors like Delta, both cabin classes do not include free meals.

PRE ORDER

You can pre-order meals via the Alaska Airlines app, which allows you to choose from a range of options about three weeks before departure up to 20 hours before your flight.

I had the choice of the Charge Up Protein Platter, Fall Harvest Salad, Signature Fruit and Cheese Platter, or a Smoky BBQ sandwich.

I ordered the protein platter and the harvest salad, each costing USD$9.50.

Payment is made inflight with a credit card once the crew delivers your meals.

INFLIGHT

Fifteen minutes after takeoff, the cabin crew completed a water service for everyone in premium and the main cabin.

Thirty minutes into the flight, passengers were offered tablet rentals for $10, including free headsets.

Forty-five minutes after takeoff, the main meal service commenced.

In premium economy, there was a choice of Peatos chips or a Kind bar.

According to the airlineโ€™s website, premium economy offers enhanced snacks, though I found them less substantial than expected.

In the main cabin, passengers were offered Biscoff cookies.

Hereโ€™s a look at the inflight menu that was current when I flew with the airline in November 2019.

THE MEALS

I was impressed with my pre-order meals when they were delivered.

The protein platter was very filling, making it challenging to finish the salad.

The platter included delicious red pepper hummus with pita bread, cheese, carrot, egg, and almonds.

If youโ€™re looking for a healthy, filling inflight meal, I highly recommend this option.

I enjoyed the harvest salad, especially the feta scattered throughout.

It also featured roasted butternut squash, quinoa, turkey, spinach, kale, pecans, and a rosemary vinaigrette dressing.

My seat neighbor ordered the cheese platter, and I took some photos of the product.

This platter is one of Alaska Airlines’ most popular items.

The crew completed the inflight service 1.5 hours after takeoff, and it took them 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete.

An additional drinks service was provided 2.5 hours into the flight, and just before the descent into New Yorkโ€™s JFK airport, the crew conducted a water service.

I can only praise the crew on this flight; they were happy to be at work, delivered the service with professionalism, and were proud of the product offering.

I enjoyed the pre-order meals and suggest that next time you fly with Alaska, you pre-order one too.