A note to Southwest Airlines: It's not me, it's you.

I used to be a dedicated Southwest Airlines passenger. Refused to book a flight on any other airline. I loved the fun staff, how they sometimes joke over the intercom system and their general fun demeanor. However, I've been flying back and forth between Portland and Chicago a lot over the past few months, and having gotten sick of going to Midway (short runway with frequent hard landings, crappy restaurants and distance to my company's office), I decided to try the non-stop flight to O'Hare.

The difference between Alaska Airlines and Southwest Airlines is night and day--and the prices often aren't very different for flights to Chicago. Here's why I like Alaska more:

• More legroom
• Food: Actual food (I don't care if I have to pay for it, it's great)
• I heart the fruit and cheese platter! Tip: They run out of these fast, so download the Alaska app and reserve your fruit and cheese platter 2 weeks before your trip--no joke!
• They also have a hot food option that varies based on destination
• Starbucks coffee
• Better wine and beer options; more local NW brands
• Easier to get to MVP status

Southwest:

• Cramped, and I'm a petite person
• Food: Carby snacks. (I'm sorry, but Wheat Thins don't hold me over for a 3-4 hour flight, and it's a pain to have to find a restaurant to grab a bite right when you land.)
• Sure you can bring your own food, but it's messy and I loathe smelling others' nasty takeout in such a confined space.
• And why the frick are you serving Fritos now? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE FRITOS, but they smell like ass. May as well hand out CornNuts too.
• Random, generic coffee (crappy hotel grade)
• Basic booze offerings--nothing special
• Takes forever to get to MVP status. And see my previous post re: their Rapid Rewards Shopping website. Sad.

All in all, I've become a loyal Alaska customer because comfort matters when you travel as much as I do.