Information on Alaska Airlines Flights

Alaska Airlines (AS) is one of the largest US airlines. Although it maintains an impressive network of flights to and within its namesake state of Alaska, its main hub is at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). From Seattle and other bases include Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO), Alaska serves airports all over the continental US, as well as in Hawaii, Latin America and the Caribbean. I’m excited to share tips and insights I’ve gleaned over more than a decade flying Alaska Airlines.

Cabin class, seats & legroom

Alaska Airlines exclusively operates Boeing 737 aircraft in a two-cabin configuration. They feature a small first-class cabin (marketed as business class on international flights) and a much larger main cabin, which includes extra-legroom seats sold under the name “Premium Class.”

First Class

Alaska’s first-class seats are in a 2-2 configuration, with a number of rows that varies depending on the aircraft. First-class passengers enjoy hot meals and cocktail service, which feels premium on shorter domestic routes, but is lacking compared to what some other carriers offer on sectors to Hawaii and Latin America, which feature larger, internationally-configured planes.

Although the bulkhead seats in Row 1 provide the most legroom, I often avoid choosing these, as there’s no seat in front to stow a carry-on bag. I also tend to select an aisle seat (unless I’m expecting a great view out the window), as it could be awkward to hop over your fellow passenger, at least if they’re a stranger.

Main Cabin

Alaska’s Main Cabin is in a 3-3 configuration, as is the case for most other 737 aircraft in service. They offer a standard 32” of legroom. Main Cabin passengers can purchase cocktails and snacks.

Do note that if you’re seated in Main Cabin and want to enjoy a hot meal, you will need to pre-order this online at least 24 hours before your flight.

Premium Class

In recent years, Alaska has gone to great lengths to market its extra-legroom seats as if they represent a separate cabin. While Premium Class passengers do enjoy certain other perks like free cocktails, these are really just seats closer to the front of the Main Cabin with a few extra inches to stretch out. There’s no divider, except the one in front of you reminding you that you’re not in first class!

I typically only “upgrade” to these seats, which like the rest of the Main Cabin are configured as 3-3, if the cost to do so is negligible. Notably, Premium Class passengers still need to purchase snacks and pre-order hot meals.

Saver Fare

Alaska brands its basic economy tickets as Saver Fare. Typically priced slightly cheaper than Main Cabin fares, the Saver Fare is notable in that it’s less punitive than other basic economy products. Namely, you can bring a carry-on onboard. However, you can’t select a seat in advance; changes are also more restrictive.

Regional jet seating

Like Alaska Airlines mainline, its regional subsidiary Horizon Air operates just one aircraft type, in this case the Embraer E175. These planes feature first class seats in a 1-2 configuration, plus Premium Class and Main Cabin seats configured 2-2.

Service in all classes is similar to what you’d get on a mainline Alaska flight, though on flights under one hour may be abbreviated, in some cases significantly so.

Most travelers end up on Horizon Air flights as part of a booking with Alaska Airlines, which is the name painted on the planes. As a result, you might not even realize that you’re technically flying with Horizon, rather than Alaska!

Pre-flight experience

Here’s what you need to know about the airport experience when flying with Alaska Airlines.

Baggage policy and fees

Like most US airlines, Alaska Airlines charges travelers to check baggage. However, waivers are in place for first and business class passengers, plus elite flyers and credit card holders.

You also won’t need to pay for your first checked bag if you’re flying Alaska Airlines in conjunction with a long-haul itinerary. For example, if you’re connecting via Seattle to Tokyo on Alaska’s partner Japan Airlines, or to Taipei on Starlux. I don’t often check bags, but I appreciate this courtesy when I use Alaska for a domestic segment before or after transoceanic travel.

Check-in

Alaska Airlines encourages the majority of passengers to check in online or using their mobile device, though airport check-in service is available.

In most cases, checking in at the airport entails visiting a kiosk to check a bag after you’ve checked in online. Whether you pay for the bag or get one free due to your travel class or status, you can typically take care of this by yourself at a kiosk.

Agents are available at Alaska check-in counters to assist with complicated itineraries (such as long haul trips that require document verification) and to provide premium services to first- and business-class passengers, as well as elite flyers, who can access dedicated queues.

Lounges

Alaska Airlines operates several airport lounges throughout its system. You’ll need to be flying in a premium cabin or possess certain credentials in order to be able to access a lounge, branded simply as the Alaska Lounge.

Specifically, you’ll need to be a first- or business-class passenger, a paid lounge member or traveler with select elite status in Alaska’s MileagePlan frequent flyer program, or with one of Alaska’s oneworld partners like American or JAL.

I find the Alaska Lounge to be one of the most competitive domestic lounges in the US. Although specifics vary by location, the fresh seasonal food and craft cocktails easily beat the packaged snacks and limited beverage selection many of Alaska’s competitors offer in their lounges.

Onboard experience

Here’s what you can expect onboard an Alaska Airlines flight.

Wi-Fi & entertainment

Alaska sells Wi-Fi for a flat fee, regardless of flight length, which I find to be a bargain. On longer flights to and from Seattle, this allows me (and, I presume, other business travelers) to get a decent amount of work done during the flight.

Although no Alaska aircraft currently feature seatback monitors, you can wirelessly stream a collection of movies, TV shows (including full seasons) and music. Between this and the inflight Wi-Fi, I find that Alaska flights often pass much more quickly than I expect them to.

Amenities

Given that the highest class of service Alaska Airlines operates is domestic first class (even if it’s marketed as business class on international flights), no amenity kits are available. However, the airline offers first-class passengers blankets and pillows and may have these available for Main Cabin and Premium Class passengers on request.

Loyalty programs, miles & credit cards

Alaska’s MileagePlan is the airline’s frequent flyer program. Because of its affordable rates, distance-based earning and an impressive range of partners, it’s earned a reputation among travelers as perhaps the most valuable US loyalty program.

MileagePlan

Unlike all other US airlines, who’ve switched to “revenue-based” earning that only the price of your ticket determines, Alaska awards miles based on distance flown. Multipliers may apply, depending on your class of service or elite status.

You can earn miles for travel not only on Alaska but on its oneworld partner airlines such as American Airlines and British Airways, as well as non-alliance partners like Starlux.

Another way to earn miles is by spending using your Alaska credit card, which I’ll describe more in detail later on.

You can easily redeem MileagePlan miles via Alaska’s website or mobile app, or by calling customer service if you prefer going that route, or if your desired itinerary is too complex to ticket via the website (for example, a round-the-world ticket).

My preferred bookings are to East and Southeast Asia on partner airlines like Japan Airlines, Korean Air, Cathay Pacific and Starlux, due to competitive rates and seamless connections with Alaska flights. On the other hand, I avoid redeeming Alaska miles for travel on British Airways, given notoriously high fuel surcharges.

Credit cards

Alaska Airlines offers two Visa credit cards via its partner Bank of America: One designed for consumers, and the other geared toward business owners. Both cards entitle you to generous sign-up bonuses, as well as ongoing opportunities to earn miles, especially for travel on Alaska Airlines.

One incredible benefit of holding the Alaska Airlines Visa is the Alaska Companion Pass. For just $99 plus taxes and fees, you can bring a companion on any round-trip flight you’ve paid the normal fare for.

You get one of these per year, which can represent a huge value. This year, I used mine to take my mom to Hawaii, which saved us a ton of money and more than offset the card’s annual fee.

Even if you don’t fly Alaska Airlines often, this card can be extremely useful. That’s because, as I described above, you can redeem miles on so many different airlines at such attractive rates.

Notably, it’s not possible to transfer points from popular loyalty programs such as American Express Membership Rewards or Chase Ultimate Rewards to Alaska MileagePlan. As a result, you need to earn these miles directly, either by flying Alaska, spending on the Alaska Visa, or ideally both.