As of last month, Alaska Airlines passengers will begin noticing a more comfortable, modern cabin interior as the airline continues retrofitting its Airbus fleet.
The redesigned cabin is the result of two years of passenger research and feedback. It blends the best elements of Alaska Airlines and Virgin America while adding practical comfort upgrades aimed at improving the overall travel experience.
“Just two years after acquiring Virgin America, we’re thrilled to introduce a modern cabin that aligns the onboard experience across our fleet,” said Ben Minicucci, president and COO of Alaska Airlines. “After extensive feedback from our guests and in collaboration with our partners, we’ve infused the Alaska Airlines cabin with key brand elements from Virgin America — the result is a premium experience at an affordable price.”
Key features of the new cabin include an updated color palette and ambient mood lighting that shifts throughout the day to create a calmer atmosphere. The planes are equipped with advanced high-speed satellite WiFi from Gogo and redesigned seats with memory foam for added comfort, plus footrests for improved support on longer flights. Each seat includes an ergonomic tablet holder and power outlet, enabling passengers to stay connected and productive.
“Our guests are at the center of everything we do,” said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Alaska Airlines. “From relaxing in our lounges to being in the air, travelers want more control and comfort while still enjoying low fares and dependable service. We focused on creating a relaxing onboard environment so our guests can focus on where they’re going and leave the details to us.”
The refreshed cabin aims to deliver a balanced experience: aesthetic improvements that reflect both brands’ identities paired with functional upgrades that address common passenger needs. By standardizing cabin elements across its Airbus fleet, Alaska Airlines seeks to provide a consistent, elevated travel experience for both frequent flyers and occasional travelers.
Passengers can expect to encounter these enhancements gradually as more aircraft receive the retrofit. The combination of improved seating, updated lighting, reliable connectivity and practical conveniences positions the airline to meet evolving passenger expectations while maintaining competitive fares and service.