Alaska Airlines Premium Class: Seats, Benefits, & Is It Worth It?

Alaska Airlines' Premium Class comes with benefits such as extra legroom and priority boarding. It is designed for travelers who want more comfort than standard Main Cabin without paying first-class prices. Alaska Airlines offers Premium Class on most of its flights.

Many travelers prefer upgrading to the Alaska Airlines Premium Class as it offers extra comfort without the cost of first class. Premium Class comes with the following benefits:

• Up to 4 inches of additional legroom.
• Complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails on eligible flights over 350 miles
• Priority boarding and early access to overhead bin space

In this blog, we guide you on everything you need to know about Alaska's Premium Class benefits, how to upgrade from economy to Premium Class, and how much Alaska's Premium Class costs.

What is the Premium Class on Alaska Airlines?

Premium Class is Alaska Airlines' extra-legroom seating that offers up to 4 inches of additional legroom. It is designed for travelers who want more comfort than the standard Main Cabin without paying the First Class prices. These seats are available on most Boeing and Embraer aircraft.

The Alaska Premium Class seats are located in the first several rows of economy and in the exit rows. And Alaska Airlines' Premium Class is not only about extra legroom; it also offers several other features that often aren't available on an economy-class ticket. Passengers in Alaska Airlines' Premium Class can enjoy complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails on eligible flights over 350 miles.

Alaska Airlines Premium Class Benefits

Alaska Airlines Premium Class benefits include extra legroom, early boarding, and free alcoholic beverages. If you are planning to upgrade to Premium Class on Alaska, you can get these benefits:

Extra Legroom

• The first notable benefit you will notice from upgrading from economy class to Alaska premium seats is the extra legroom.
• You get four extra inches of legroom along with your seat. This allows you to easily stretch your legs while seated, which is quite convenient for long-haul flights.
• If you are a taller person, this extra space to stretch can help you to sit back easily and relax during your journey.

Early Boarding

• You get priority boarding with Alaska Airlines on a premium-class ticket. This gives you early access to the aircraft.
• With early boarding permission, you can bypass the general boarding lines and secure valuable overhead bin space for your carry-on baggage.
• You can easily settle into your seat before the cabin gets crowded. And you will be among the first to exit the plane upon landing. So the premium seat comes with premium boarding and deboarding.

Complimentary Drinks

• With your Alaska Premium Class seat, you get complimentary cocktails, beer, and wine on most flights over 350 miles.
• You can select your favorite drinks from the ever-rotating selection of local brews.

Complimentary Snacks

• Along with the complimentary beverages, you can choose from a variety of snacks.
• During the flight, you can select snacks from the premium baskets, fresh selections, and seasonal offerings inspired by West Coast menus.
• You can even pre-order your signature fruit & cheese platter on Alaska.

Alaska Airlines Premium-Class Seat Map

Alaska Airlines premium seats are located in the first five rows behind first class on most aircraft. However, the exact location of premium-class seat rows on Alaska Airlines can vary depending on the aircraft and flight route. The Alaska Airlines Premium Class is available on these aircraft:

• Boeing 737-800
• Boeing 737-900 ER
• Boeing 737 MAX 8
• Boeing 737 MAX 9
• Embraer 175

Alaska Airlines Premium Class Seat Features

Alaska offers several premium-class amenities, such as extra legroom, complimentary alcoholic beverages on flights over 350 miles, and priority boarding. However, it is the high-quality seating experience and extra legroom that attract flyers to Alaska's Premium Class. Here are some of the unique features of the Alaska Airlines Premium Class:

Seat Width

Alaska Airlines Premium Class seats have the same width, 17 inches, as standard economy seats. But what makes the experience even better is that these seats come with 4 inches of extra legroom. The increased seat pitch provides a more comfortable seating experience, especially on longer flights.

Recline

You cannot convert Alaska premium seats into lie-flat beds. Premium Class seats offer the same standard recline as Main Cabin seats while providing additional legroom.

Power Outlets/USB Charging

Every Alaska Airlines premium-class seat includes a personal power outlet. For instance, if you are flying on an aircraft like a retrofitted 737, you will find both standard 110V AC outlets and upgraded 60W USB-C fast-charging ports. These charging points are generally located on the front seat’s back side for the convenience of the flyers.

Tray Table

There are also easy-to-access, sturdy, seatback-mounted tray tables with built-in cup holders on premium-class seats. The tray tables fold down from the back of the seat in front of you. These tray tables include built-in cup holders, making it easier for travelers to enjoy complimentary drinks and snacks during the flight.

Alaska Airlines Premium Class vs Main Cabin

Alaska Airlines' main cabin comprises standard economy seats with a pitch of 31-32 inches. Premium Class offers approximately 35 inches of seat pitch compared with the 31-32 inches in the Main Cabin.

Moreover, there are additional advantages, such as priority boarding and complimentary alcoholic beverages on eligible flights over 350 miles for Alaska premium-class passengers.

Alaska Airlines Premium Class vs First Class

Alaska Airlines' first class is a completely separate cabin with larger, wider seats, full-fledged restaurant-like meals, free checked baggage, and dedicated flight attendants.

On the other hand, Alaska Airlines' Premium Class is simply an upgrade from basic economy. The overall flying experience differs quite a bit between these two Alaska Airlines seats.

How Much Does the Alaska Airlines Premium Class Cost?

You can upgrade to Alaska Airlines Premium Class for as little as $15. However, keep in mind that the exact cost of an Alaska premium-class ticket can vary depending on the route, demand, booking time, and elite status.

A premium-class Alaska Airlines ticket for cross-country or Hawaiian routes typically costs between $79 and $150 per leg. You can upgrade to the Premium Class at the time of booking, at any time before your flight, or during check-in. After updating your seat to Alaska Premium Class, here is what you get:

• Extra space: 4 inches of extra legroom for an extra comfortable flying experience.
• Perks: If you are on a flight of more than 350 miles, you get complimentary beer, wine, and cocktails.
• Priority boarding: You get early boarding and access to overhead bin space.

How to Upgrade to the Alaska Premium Class?

You can upgrade to the Alaska Premium Class in different ways, which are mentioned below:

1. During booking: While booking your tickets for Alaska Airlines, you have the option to select your fare type. If you want to go for the Premium Class, select it from the given options and pay the required fare.
2. After booking: If you did not select the premium fare option at the time of booking, you can still upgrade to the Alaska Premium Class. For this, you simply need to use “Manage My Booking” to upgrade your seats starting 14 days before departure.
3. At check-in: During the online check-in, which opens 24 hours before the departure of the flight. You can still upgrade your fare type to the Premium Class. However, this upgrade is subject to availability.
4. Elite members upgrade: If you hold elite status in the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, you may be eligible for complimentary upgrades to Premium Class.

Is Alaska Airlines Premium Class Worth It?

Whether Alaska Airlines' Premium Class is worth it depends on what type of traveler you are. Undoubtedly, Alaska's Premium Class offers several benefits compared to basic economy class.

Premium Class is definitely worth it if you have to take a long-haul flight and cannot afford a first-class seat. In this case, you can upgrade to the Alaska premium-class seat, which offers a bit more legroom.

If you are traveling with your partner, Alaska's Premium Class can be a good choice. You will have a premium seating experience with priority boarding and extra seat space. Plus, you will also enjoy your journey with complimentary beverages and snacks on eligible flights over 350 miles.

But if you don’t want complimentary alcoholic beverages and can comfortably travel in a standard seat, the additional cost of Premium Class may not be worth it. Moreover, on short domestic flights, you may not need the upgrade.

Tips to Get the Best Alaska Airlines Premium Class Seats

If you're planning to book Alaska Airlines Premium Class, these tips can help you get the best value from your upgrade:

• You must select premium-class seats at the time of booking and book as early as possible.
• If you couldn’t select a Premium Class seat at the time of booking, keep checking seat availability, as upgrade opportunities may become available before departure.
• You must check out whether you are eligible for the elite benefits. And if you are, then upgrade your seat to the Premium Class using these available benefits.

Read more blog: Emirates Premium Economy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in Alaska Airlines' Premium Class?

Alaska Airlines’ Premium Class includes up to 4 inches of additional legroom, priority boarding, complimentary snacks, and complimentary beer, wines and cocktails on eligible flights over 350 miles.

How much extra legroom does Alaska Premium Class offer?

Alaska Premium Class offers 4 extra inches of legroom, bringing the total legroom to around 35 inches.

Can you get free food on Alaska Premium Class?

Yes. You get a few complimentary snacks and food options.

Does Premium Class include free checked bags?

Unlike the first class, the Alaska Premium Class does not offer free checked bags.

Is alcohol free in Alaska Premium Class?

If your flight is over 350 miles, you get a few complimentary alcoholic beverage options.