If you don’t fly often, it’s important to understand how Alaska Airlines upgrades work. This blog is all about upgrading to a Premier or First Class seat on Alaska Airlines. It covers the different types of upgrades available, the order of upgrades for Elite status, and how to upgrade using cash or miles.

What Are the Types of Upgrades Available on Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines provides various upgrade options. Most upgrades are only available to travelers with elite status. However, non-elite travelers can also upgrade their seats by purchasing an upgrade starting 24 hours before their departure.

• Alaska Airlines Premium Class seats are seats located at the front of the main cabin. They provide extra legroom (4 inches), let you board early, and give you free alcoholic drinks.
• Elite status members are passengers who have achieved elite status in the Mileage Plan frequent flyer program of Alaska Airlines.
• Alaska Airlines provides multiple choices for seat upgrades:
  • Complimentary upgrades
  • Paid upgrades

Alaska Airlines Complimentary Upgrades

• Upgrades to First Class. Members with elite status can enjoy unlimited free upgrades to first class. The order of elite status determines the priority for these upgrades.
• Upgrades to Premium Class. Members with elite status are eligible for unlimited free
• Upgrades to Premium Class. The order of elite status determines the priority for these upgrades.
• Upgrading Your Fare Class. Members with elite status can receive instant upgrades to Premium Class on eligible fares, as long as there are available seats.
• Upgrades for Companions. Certain elite status members have the privilege of upgrading one companion who is traveling with them.
• Improving Guest Experience. Every year, certain elite status members can receive guest upgrade certificates. You can use these certificates even if you’re not traveling with the elite status member.

Paid Seat Upgrades

• Upgrades to First Class that require payment. You can buy a First Class upgrade up to 24 hours before your flight, when you check in. However, this is only if there are seats available. You can buy paid upgrades online, at a kiosk, or at an airport counter.
• Upgrades to Premium Class that require payment. Passengers have the option to upgrade to Premium Class at any time between booking and check-in. This includes the ability to upgrade when changing or selecting seats, as long as there are seats available.

Read Also: Air France Upgrade to Upper Class

Alaska Air Upgrade with Miles

• Upgrades to First Class with Miles. Passengers have the option to buy a First Class upgrade using miles either when they buy their ticket or on an existing reservation, depending on availability.
• Upgrades to Miles Premium Class. Passengers have the option to upgrade to Premium Class when they buy their ticket or on an existing booking, as long as there are seats available.

How to Purchase Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade?

To upgrade to First Class on Alaska Airlines, you can:

• Purchasing an upgrade, or
• Using your miles to upgrade

How Can I Upgrade to First Class on Alaska Airlines?

Paid Upgrades: To upgrade your existing booking with Alaska or SkyWest (on behalf of Alaska Airlines), you can purchase an upgrade starting 24 hours before your flight departure. This can be done through online check-in. The cost of upgrading to First Class for a one-way trip can start at USD 23, but it may vary depending on the distance of the flight. You can buy a First Class upgrade on the day of your flight at a self-service kiosk, airport counter, or departure gate. Availability may affect the availability of upgrades.

Mileage Plan Miles Upgrades: When you book your flight, you have the option to use your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles to upgrade your ticket. You can take flights operated by Alaska Airlines or SkyWest flights on behalf of Alaska Airlines. To upgrade using miles, simply visit AlaskaAir.com and enter the necessary information in the Book section. Once the flights appear on the screen, choose “Mileage” as the fare type for the upgrade. To be eligible for an upgrade, fares must have a F in a blue box. To upgrade to first class for a one-way trip, you usually need at least 15,000 Mileage Plan miles.

How to Upgrade to First Class on Alaska App?

In order to switch up to First Class on the Alaska app, you will need to sign in and go to the “My Trips” area. Scroll down until you see “Upgrade Options.” Then choose the flight you want to upgrade for. You can see what upgrades are offered and how much they cost here. Just pick the change that works best for you and finish the checkout process. If extras aren’t available when you book, make sure to check back closer to your trip date, because they might become available then.

American Airlines Offers an Upgrade to First Class for Advantage Elites Flying to Alaska

If you have Executive Platinum or Platinum Pro elite membership status on American Airlines AAdvantage, you can get free upgrades to Premium and First Class on Alaska Airlines. You can confirm upgrades 120 hours before your departure, once MVP Gold (100K and 75K) upgrades have been approved. Just a reminder, you cannot upgrade Saver fares on Alaska Airlines.

What is the Cost of Upgrading With Alaska Airlines?

The price for upgrading to First Class for a one-way trip depends on the distance you are traveling. It starts at USD 23. The seats available for upgrades are put up for sale 24 hours before the flight, once all the free upgrades for elite members have been given out. This means that there are only a few seats left for paid upgrades.

If you want to upgrade using miles, it will cost you 15,000 miles per flight for a First Class upgrade.

Read Also: Qatar Airways Upgrade to Business Class: Full Guide

Alaska Airlines Upgrade to Premium Class

If you want to upgrade to Alaska Airlines Premium Class, there are a few options for you to choose from. To make things easy, you can buy a Premium Class ticket when you book your flight. By choosing this option, you will be able to enjoy all the perks and advantages of Premium Class. These include more space for your legs, being among the first to board the plane, and receiving free food and drinks.

You can also choose to use your Alaska Airlines miles to upgrade to Premium Class. If you are a member of Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, you have the option to use your miles to upgrade to Premium Class on flights that qualify. Remember that the number of miles needed for an upgrade can change depending on factors like the route, time of year, and availability.

If you have elite status with the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program, you might get free upgrades to Premium Class. Members who are part of the elite group have priority on the upgrade list. This means they have a higher chance of receiving an upgrade if there are seats available.

FAQs

What Upgrade Options Does Alaska Airlines Offer?

Alaska Airlines provides complimentary and paid upgrades, with options for First Class and Premium Class.

How can I Upgrade to First Class?

Upgrade to First Class by purchasing it or using Mileage Plan miles on Alaska Airlines.

How Do Complimentary Upgrades Work for Elite Status Members?

Elite status members enjoy free upgrades to First and Premium Class, with priority based on their status.

What’s the Cost of Upgrading With Alaska Airlines?

The price for a one-way First Class upgrade starts at USD 23, with options for cash or mileage upgrades.

How Can I Upgrade to Premium Class?

Upgrade to Premium Class by buying a Premium ticket, using miles, or enjoying complimentary upgrades if you have elite status.

Read Also: Lufthansa Airlines Flight Upgrade, Methods and Tips