Fresh fare, full beverage service: Alaska Airlines further expands food and drink offerings for passengers
Editor's Note
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 July 31, freshly prepared hot meal options will be available in first class on transcontinental flights and snacks may be pre-ordered for select passengers, along with full beverage service available in all cabins.
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First-class passengers on all transcontinental and Hawaii flights will have their choice of two 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 two hot meal entrees, including seasonal entree options such as Guajillo Chile-Lime Salad with a roasted lemon crema and Miso Marinated Cod in a sesame-miso butter sauce.
First-class passengers on flights between 670 and 1,100 miles will be served full tray service meals, including Schoenwald porcelain and compostable linen and silverware and have a choice between two cold entrees or a signature fruit & cheese plate.
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, ham and egg wrap at breakfast, or a smoked turkey sandwich in the afternoon and evening.
Fresh food can be pre-ordered up to two weeks before a flight and up to one hour before departure, while picnic packs can be reserved up to an hour in advance. Some may be available on the cart as well.
Alaska Airlines will continue to offer an extensive selection of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages available in all cabins with multiple cart services on flights more than 1,100 miles. Passengers onboard can expect West Coast-inspired beers, wines and premium spirits, as well as Starbucks Coffee, Teavana Tea and soda, in all cabins on flights more than 400 miles.
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 to further reduce waste.
Additional reporting by Juan Ruiz.
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- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
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Rewards Rate
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S. |
4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X). |
3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com. |
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Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.60,000 bonus pointsAnnual Fee
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Why We Chose It
There's a lot to love about the Amex Gold card. It's been a fan favorite during the pandemic because of its fantastic rewards rate on restaurants (that includes takeout and delivery in the U.S.!) and U.S. supermarkets. If you're hitting the skies soon, you'll also earn bonus points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders) and up to $120 in annual dining statement credits at eligible partners, there's no reason that the foodie shouldn't add this card to their wallet. Enrollment required.Pros
- 4x on dining at restaurants and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1x)
- 3x on flights booked directly with the airline or with Amex Travel
- Welcome bonus of 60,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first six months
Cons
- Weak on travel outside of flights and everyday spending bonus categories
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber/food credits
- Few travel perks and protections
- Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $4,000 on eligible purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at Restaurants, plus takeout and delivery in the U.S., and earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1X).
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and each month automatically get $10 in Uber Cash for Uber Eats orders or Uber rides in the U.S., totaling up to $120 per year.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings and earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, Milk Bar and select Shake Shack locations. Enrollment required.
- Choose the color that suits your style. Gold or Rose Gold.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $250.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees