On: Alaska Airlines to Buy Virgin America for $2.6B

[gherkin0]

> so I'm not sure what appeal this policy is supposed to have.

I've never flown Alaskan, but it's pretty obvious what the appeal is: it's a small optimization to make flying a little more convenient and enjoyable for some people. It seems like it would be nice not to have to wait in the boarding line and manhandle my carry-on. Plus, the policy creates some goodwill because they're passing up an opportunity to nickle-and-dime you.

[tamana → gherkin0]

I'd rather wait in the terminal than on the plane.

[gherkin0 → tamana]

To each his own. They certainly give you that option.

[ZanyProgrammer → gherkin0]

I've never flown Alaskan either, but I regularly fly Alaska between the Bay Area and Portland.