Alaska Airlines expands food and beverage offering on select flights

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Like other U.S. carriers, Alaska Airlines scaled back meals and drinks on most flights early during the pandemic, limiting onboard interactions while enabling the airline to conserve some much-needed cash.

Now, after the airline restored some service on flights to and from Hawaii, and expanded offerings on other routes as well, many Alaska Airlines flyers will begin to experience a level of onboard service on par with what you might have expected before the pandemic.

As of today (May 19), full hot meals will be available in first class on transcontinental flights, and the airline’s picnic packs and fresh food items, along with alcoholic beverages, will be available for purchase in coach.

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First-class passengers on all transcon and Hawaii flights will have their choice of two hot entrees or a fruit and cheese platter. Meanwhile, on all other flights longer than 1,100 miles, first-class flyers will get their choice of a cold fresh meal box, with options including:

  • Asparagus Tillamook Cheddar Frittata with Fresh Fruit
  • Guajillo Lime Entrée Salad
  • Garlic Marinated Sirloin Sandwich
  • Beef Entrée Salad with Ancient Grains
  • Mojo Chicken Sandwich with Jicama & Citrus Slaw
  • Bristol Bay Smoked Salmon Platter

First-class flights between 670 and 1,100 miles will offer a breakfast sandwich or protein platter in the morning, or a banh mi sandwich, chicken sandwich or a protein platter in the afternoon. First-class flyers can choose to dine at their leisure if they’d prefer to avoid eating at the same time as their neighbor.

Economy and Premium Class flyers will be able to pre-order snacks and fresh-food options, including picnic packs on flights longer than 670 miles. Passengers on flights over 1,100 miles can choose from a fruit and cheese platter on most flights, a ham and egg wrap at breakfast time or a smoked turkey sandwich in the afternoon and evening.

Fresh food can be pre-ordered up to 20 hours before departure, while picnic packs can be reserved up to an hour in advance. Some may be available on the cart as well.

Liquor options were recently expanded to include Tito’s Vodka, Tanqueray Gin, Woodford Reserve, Jack Daniels and Bailey’s Irish Cream, along with a mix of beer and wine.

Alcohol is free in first class and Premium Class, while economy flyers can make touchless payments via a stored card, or they can hand over a credit card to pay onboard, if they prefer.

Alaska has also resumed its onboard recycling program, helping keep cans, cups and paper products out of landfills. The airline also recently began rolling out boxed water on many flights, in an effort to further reduce waste.

Featured photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines

SPONSORED: With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

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