Alaska Airlines Announces Major Expansion of First and Premium Class Seats

This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats per year to our main fleetproviding customers with even more opportunities to upgrade to a premium experience

At Alaska Airlines, we’re always looking for new ways to improve your travel experience. We believe in offering you choices that fit your needs, whether you’re looking for the comfort and benefits of Premium and First Class, or appreciate the value and flexibility of our Main Cabin and Saver Fare options.

Starting in September, we are excited to begin rolling out additional First and Premium Class seats on more than 200 of our aircraft, including the 900ER, 800 and MAX9. This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats per year to our mainline fleet. Earlier this year, we successfully modernized our entire regional fleet, adding 400,000 Premium Class seats to our E175 aircraft.

More seats in First Class and Premium

By increasing the number of seats available in these classes, we are making it easier than ever for our customers to upgrade while meeting the growing demand for premium seats.

Plane	First class	Premium Class	Number of aircraft undergoing modernization	Hourly
737-800	From 12 to 16 seats	There will be 30 seats left	59	Conversion work will begin in early 2025 and be completed by summer 2026.
737-900ER	There will be 16 seats left	Increase from 24 to 30 seats	79	Conversion work will begin in fall 2024 and be completed by summer 2025.
737-9 MAX	There will be 16 seats left	Increase from 24 to 30 seats	80	Conversion work will begin in spring 2025 and be completed by summer 2026.

First class

For years, our customers have enjoyed our industry-leading First Class experience. In partnership with RECARO, we have further enhanced this offering to provide our customers with the ultimate in comfort. Our new First Class seats on the 737-800 fleet will continue to offer the most legroom and will include a calf rest, a new seatback device holder, a 6-way headrest with neck support and USB-C charging capabilities.

Premium Class and Main Cabin

In the Main Cabin and Premium Class of our 737-800 fleet, customers will continue to enjoy the comfort and convenience of every seat with enhanced features including new device holders with integrated cup holders, USB-C charging and a 6-way headrest with dedicated neck support.

As we modify the 737-900ER fleet to increase premium class by converting six of our main cabin seats, these aircraft will receive an interior refresh, bringing modern touches like main cabin device cradles to the backbone of our fleet. All MAX9 aircraft, among the newest in our fleet, will also benefit from six additional seats converted to premium cabins, enhancing the comfort and luxury our customers enjoy.

Meeting demand and improving availability

The decision to increase the number of seats in First and Premium Class is in response to growing demand from our valued customers. We understand that many travelers are looking for the added comfort and benefits of these classes, and we are committed to meeting this demand. Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, upgrading your seat will now be more accessible than ever.

Our Premium cabin performance continues to support what we see as a structural shift in increased demand for premium products. First Class and Premium Class revenues increased 8% and 6%, respectively, in the quarter, with First Class load factors reaching 71% for the quarter, up 4.3 percentage points. Our Premium cabin revenue capacity has come a long way since revenue load factors were around 40% for mainline and all-coach regional fleets.

Maintaining comfort with four toilets

We are pleased to announce that even with the introduction of additional premium seats, our Boeing aircraft fleet will continue to have four lavatories available. We recognize the importance of convenience and accessibility during your flight, and maintaining four lavatories ensures that all passengers, regardless of seat class, have easy access to the lavatory.

Premium benefits when you travel with us

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, you can take advantage of our premium offerings on any Alaska flight, such as no change fees, extra legroom in First Class* and Premium Class and the most generous mileage plan with the fastest path to elite status.

Onboard, indulge in state-of-the-art dining, featuring quality West Coast-inspired dishes and a premium beverage selection. Our state-of-the-art travel experience, airport investments and remarkable employees ensure you’re well taken care of every step of the way.

And if you didn’t know, we’re making it easy for our customers to upgrade! You can now pay for your upgrade to First or Premium class up to 50 minutes before departure on www.alaskaair.com under Manage on www.alaskaair.com or via the Alaska Airlines mobile app.

*Among all traditional U.S. airlines, excluding lie-flat seats

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