Joey Hadden/Business Insider
My discounted Alaska flight from New York to Los Angeles took about six hours, and it was far better than I expected.
- Alaska Airlines has been ranked the best airline in the US two years in a row by Money, and it's been named the best traditional airline in North America by JD Power and Associates for 12 years straight.
- I recently flew with Alaska Air one-way from New York to Los Angeles for about $100 during a holiday weekend thanks to the airline's Saver Fare, which is essentially a basic economy ticket.
- I decided to take a last-minute trip to LA to visit my best friend for his birthday, and Alaska Airlines had the best available price online, which was well within my budget.
- Even though I booked my ticket only three weeks before my flight, the price was excellent, and I was shocked to find that I didn't have to compromise on the experience.
- I was able to bring a personal item and a carry-on bag for no additional cost, I received my seat assignment when I purchased my ticket, I was later given the option to upgrade my seat to a better class, and my in-flight experience was the same as someone else who'd paid more for a main cabin economy ticket.
- I was so impressed with the price, in fact, that I reached out to Scott Keyes, founder and CEO of discounted airfare newsletter Scott's Cheap Flights, to see how I scored such an excellent deal.
- Keyes told Business Insider that airlines no longer make the majority of their money from economy fares. Instead, they rely heavily on upgrades, first-class fares, miles, and cargo space to make their money. So don't be too surprised if you find your own discounted fare on an economy seat.
- I would hop on another basic economy flight with Alaska in a heartbeat. Here's why.
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