2 First Class Award Seats: 50,000 Alaska miles (25,000 miles each) from San Jose (SJC) to Newark (EWR). Since Jules is still under two, if we are traveling in first or business she comes with us as a lap baby, but if we’re in coach or coach+ (i.e., Economy Plus, Delta Comfort, etc.), we buy her her own seat.

SJC Airport + the Flight Itself

The San Jose airport is nice and modern, and the Alaska check-in agents were efficient and polite. We had one bag each plus the crib, which (strictly speaking) counts as a piece of baggage. I say strictly speaking because in our experience, most airline agents will count any baby item as a free stroller and not charge you an additional bag for your crib.

One of the best parts of flying first or business (actually everything is better up there) is that most airlines allow you to check in two bags per person. Plus, they never hassle you if your bags are overweight or if you carry too many things onboard.

I was able to pre-select our meals during online check in, which was great. I ordered a brie and arugula omelet with bacon for both of us. (Because bacon). It was actually decently good, and the baby enjoyed the eggs.

The cross-country flight took about 5.5 hours, and the baby (toddler now, I guess!) was a star. We read some books, she played with Crayola Color wonder coloring books (they’re magical but she is not that into coloring yet), we ate lots of snacks, and she took a few naps. She also used my iPad mini — it was a last resort, but it’s nearly impossible to keep her entertained for that long. I bow down to you mamas who can do long flights without devices!