How my relationship with Alaska Airlines went from rocky to rocking it

After a turbulent start, including me getting abandoned at the Ontario, California Airport circa 2012, and having my luggage destroyed on the way to Maui in 2016, I've had pretty good experiences on Alaska Airlines and am now a loyal passenger with MVP status on their mileage plan. They've made good on their mistakes, which I truly appreciate. I used to be a pretty loyal Southwest Airlines passenger customer, but after a lack of resolution and pathetic response to my customer service issues, the lack of food, and lack of legroom, I decided to instead spend my money with Alaska.

If you are also a regular Alaska Airlines passenger, here are some tips and tricks to making your trips rock!

1. Download the Alaska Airlines app. Its better than most because you can not only check the status of your flight, but you can also change seats, get gate change and flight notifications and reserve some food items.

2. The food is pretty good. Sure you have to pay for it, but it's not outrageous, and it's better than just getting stupid chips or cookies for a 4 hour flight. And if you fall in love with the fruit and cheese platter like I did, you need to reserve it in advance on the app...otherwise by the time they hit row 15 or so, you may be SOL. Skip the Banh mi sandwich. It's delicious but it's a lot of work and just a hot mess. They also serve Starbucks coffee, so much better than the crap on Southwest and other airlines.

3. Don't check your luggage. Pack light and smart. Their new carry-on size restrictions are 22'' x 14'' x 9'' or no more than 45 linear inches. And on the newer planes where you can do this, please please please turn your suitcase on its side in the overhead (like a book) to save space for other passengers.

4. Wear a Portland Timbers jersey. Some flights will allow you to board early if you are wearing one. I believe you can also wear a Seattle Seahawks Russell Wilson jersey to board early at Sea-Tac Airport.

5. They have better booze, including Northwest spirits and wines. I highly recommend the Crater Lake Hazelnut Espresso Vodka on the rocks or in your coffee. If you live in Oregon, some liquor stores carry this for about $25 a bottle...totally worth it.

6. Their GoGo inflight Wi-Fi sucks. Don't waste your money. They are supposed to get satellite in the next couple of years, but in the meantime, it's not worth the headache and battle for bandwidth.

7. Their newer planes have USB ports at your seat, so you don't have to worry about your phone losing juice before you reach your destination and need to call an Uber or Lyft.

8. If you have MVP status, pick a seat as far forward as possible so you can get off the plane quickly when you reach your destination. Between that, TSA PreCheck (if you have it), and carry on luggage, the flight will be a breeze. 

9. If you have MVP status, and there is space available, the day before check-in, you can move yourself up to premium status for at no charge.

10. They are very responsive to customer service issues both via phone and their social media account. Even if their social media people can't resolve your issue, they will point you to the right place or person to do so.