I think if you are reading this blog, you probably have a pretty good idea what jetliner ended up winning transporting passengers across the Atlantic. However, at the time of this video, it wasn’t quite sure if the Boeing 707 would be able to beat out the Comet. The Comet had some serious issues with coming apart in mid-flight, but the Boeing 707 was an unknown new-comer. Boeing put a lot of money and hard work to make the Boeing 707 successful and it paid off.
Okay Airways Boeing 737-800 (B-5366) at Boeing Field before delivery.
When you aren’t looking for the best or the worst, check out Okay Airways. Ok, maybe not really, it has to do more with the translation than a statement on their quality of service. Okay Airways was founded in 2004 as China’s first private airline.
The airline had to suspend operations at the end of 2008, but started back up again in early 2009. They are growing their fleet of Boeing 737’s with a recent announcement of 10 additional 737-800’s have been ordered and expanding their regional fleet with new Xinzhou-60.
Thanks David B for this livery!
Image: Rick SchlampLast Friday the 13th I took a look at why some airlines don’t have a 13th row. It is hard to believe the last time it was Friday the 13th was Novemeber 13, 2009. Anyhow, if you missed it previously or want to re-connect, take a look at why some airlines don’t have 13th row!
The upstairs of Alaska Airlines Board Room in Seattle.
For some, hanging out in an airline lounge is an everyday activity. For others it is a rare treat, but for most it is an unknown adventure. Honestly, I haven’t had the experience hanging out in an airline’s lounge and wondered what it would be like. Fortunately, Alaska Airlines was more than happy to let me hang out for a few hours in their Board Room at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to see what it is like to be there as a passenger.
Luckily for me, the day I visited was a bit more special than regular days. Ponti Seafood Grill was handing out free samples and $20 gift certificates while Sleight of Hand Cellars was pouring a red and a white wine for Board Room members. Alaska has started having these special days about once per month, when they highlight local cuisine and wines. Thank goodness I was being a passenger this day and could partake in the great food and drink.
View out one side of the Alaska Board Room. Lots of Boeing 737's waiting to leave.
The Alaska Airlines Board Room has a feeling of elegance, yet at the same time is comfortable. You can enter wearing a suit, shorts or jeans and still feel at home. It seems cool enough that maybe someone like Billie Zane would hang out there (he actually was just leaving as I was showing up). From the moment you enter the large double doors, you are greeted with many smiles and there is always someone there to help you.
It really does give you the experience of flying first class. Everything is a bit fancier, you have more room and a lot of people there to help and answer any questions you might have. The Alaska Airlines Board Room in SEA is divided into two main areas. The bottom floor is more for the business traveler or people looking for a quieter area. Along the window there are plenty of work stations to plug into and get some work done using the complimentary Wi-Fi (which all of SEA has now as well).
Work stations down stairs at Alaska's Board Room
The upstairs is where you will find families traveling together or folks looking for a little more entertainment. There are two large TV’s that become quite popular during sporting events. You also have some pretty awesome views of Alaska Airlines Boeing 737’s out the windows and you can see planes taking off in the distance.
The board room has a bar area where you can get adult drinks. Most are free, but if you want top shelf, it might cost you a few dollars. There are also two self-service locations where you can get soda, coffee and snacks. Throughout the day there are different food options ranging from pastries to cheese to boiled eggs. In the morning folks can try out one of the most amazing food machines I have seen: an automatic pancake maker. All you need to do is push a button and a double stack comes on out. They say it is popular with the kids, but heck, I found it super entertaining.
A fancy Dale Chihuly installation at Alaska's Board Room.
After spending some time in Alaska’s Board Room, it felt…well…a little lame being in the main terminal. Not to say that SEA is a bad airport to hang out in, but once you visit an airport lounge, it is hard to go back. So how do you visit the Board Room as a passenger? Miles and money!
If you aren’t a MVP or Gold Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Member, it will cost you $450 for the year. If you are MVP, it goes down to $375 and $295 for Gold. If you want to visit only for a day (maybe your flight is delayed or you want to come for wine/food day) then it only costs $40 for a day pass. Since there are many concierges to assist you (and free alcohol), $40 would be a deal if you need to get re-booked on a flight and will be hanging out for a few hours. As a member you have access not only to Alaska’s Board Rooms, but also partner airline lounges located all around the country.
Besides all the goodies, you are going to find first class service. The people that work in the board room are well trained in many areas to make sure they can help any passenger’s request (more on their duties tomorrow).
A Day In The Life Of’¦A Board Room Concierge
PART 1 | PART 2 | PART 3 | ALL | PHOTOS
B & W Seaplane, the first Boeing plane, named after Boeing Founder, William Boeing
Tomorrow morning (Thursday) I will have the great opportunity to sit down with the Boeing Historian for an interview. I feel overwhelmed with questions I could and want to ask.
However, I want to share this opportunity with you as well. What questions do you have for the Boeing Historian? Either leave them as a comment or email them to da***@*************er.com and if I am wondering the same thing, I will ask!
Image: Boeing