First-class cuisine: Alaska Airlines collaborates with acclaimed chef

Alaska Airlines debuts new first-class dining options

By Mark Reif Published August 13, 2024

First Class cuisine aboard Alaska Airlines — Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines looks to take its first-class dining to new heights through a partnership with Brandon Jew, owner of San Francisco’s Michelin-starred Mister Jiu restaurant. The unique menu will be available on first class flights between San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) in New York. Beginning August 14, passengers can order from Chef Jew’s curated offerings.

Alaska Airlines First Class: World-class cuisine at 35,000 feet

Chef Brandon Jew — Chef Brandon Jew Alaska Airlines

Chef Jew’s menu taps into his Cantonese heritage and offers many of his signature dishes from Mister Jiu’s restaurant. Examples include congee (Chinese breakfast porridge), tender slow-braised duck with savory sesame egg noodles, and black cod with silken tofu. Alaska Airlines uses the same high-quality poultry as Mister Jiu’s, sourced from Liberty Farms in Sonoma County, CA, ensuring flavor and authenticity.

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Todd Traynor-Corey, Managing Director of Guest Products at Alaska Airlines, said, “We’re grateful to Chef Jew for his partnership in this exciting initiative and ongoing commitment to elevate the travel experience for our guests with sky-high hospitality and world-class cuisine.”

He continued, “Our relationship with Chef Jew traces back several years ago, including working together to give back to the residents of San Francisco’s Chinatown. His commitment to quality, gastronomic craftsmanship and philanthropy aligns perfectly with our values.”

Additionally, to back Chef Jew’s charitable efforts, the airline will donate $5,000 to Gum Moon Women’s Residence, a local non-profit serving women and children in geographic transition.

Commenting on the collaboration, Chew Jew said, “I’m so excited to partner with Alaska Airlines on their First Class menu, connecting my hometown of San Francisco with New York, a city where I’ve always dreamed of living in.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

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Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
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