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Google·Product Manager·Onsite - Product Sense / Strategy·Intermediate

Intermediate
Jun 2026

Summary

PM product sense question for Google, just the one question but it took up the whole session. Pretty open-ended, which I wasn't fully ready for.

Questions Asked (1)

Q1

You're a PM at Alaska Airlines. How would you go about improving the in-flight experience for customers?

Product Sense & IdeationProduct StrategyRoadmap Prioritization
Author's notes

I fumbled the opening by jumping straight into ideas before actually scoping the problem.

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AI HintsAI Generated

Suggested Approach

Start by clarifying the goal of improving the in-flight experience—whether it's increasing customer satisfaction, loyalty, or ancillary revenue—and then segment customers to identify high-impact pain points. Prioritize solutions using a framework like RICE, focusing on feasible, high-impact improvements that align with Alaska Airlines' brand and operational constraints.

Pro tip: Acknowledge the unique constraints of the airline industry (e.g., FAA regulations, aircraft turnaround times, cost sensitivity) and propose solutions that are realistic and scalable, showing you understand the business beyond just user experience.

1. Clarify Goals and Scope

Ask clarifying questions to understand the objective (e.g., increase NPS, boost loyalty, drive revenue) and the scope (e.g., short-haul vs. long-haul, specific cabin classes). This ensures your answer is aligned with business priorities.

2. Segment Customers and Identify Pain Points

Break down the customer base into key segments (e.g., business travelers, leisure travelers, families) and map their journey to identify pain points and unmet needs at each stage of the in-flight experience.

3. Brainstorm and Prioritize Solutions

Generate a range of ideas across touchpoints (e.g., boarding, seating, entertainment, food, connectivity) and prioritize them using a framework like RICE (Reach, Impact, Confidence, Effort) or Impact/Effort matrix, considering feasibility and alignment with Alaska's brand.

4. Define Success Metrics and MVP

Select key metrics to measure success (e.g., customer satisfaction scores, ancillary revenue per passenger, Wi-Fi adoption) and propose a minimum viable product (MVP) to test the highest-priority solution, outlining a plan for iteration.

5. Consider Risks and Dependencies

Acknowledge potential challenges such as regulatory constraints, cost implications, and operational integration, and suggest mitigation strategies or phased rollouts.

Key Points to Mention

  • Customer segmentation (e.g., business vs. leisure travelers) and their distinct needs
  • Specific pain points in the in-flight experience (e.g., limited legroom, poor Wi-Fi, food quality, entertainment options)
  • Prioritization frameworks like RICE or Impact/Effort to choose high-impact, feasible solutions
  • Metrics for success (e.g., NPS, CSAT, ancillary revenue, repeat bookings)
  • Alaska Airlines' brand differentiators (e.g., customer service, West Coast focus) and how solutions align with them
  • Industry constraints (e.g., FAA regulations, aircraft turnaround times, cost sensitivity) and how to work within them

AI-generated suggestions, not part of the candidate's original notes. May be inaccurate — verify before relying on them.