Alaska Airlines will introduce a new Premium Class cabin beginning in late 2016, offering customers extra legroom and additional perks. Passengers who choose Premium Class will receive priority boarding and three to four inches of added legroom compared with standard coach seats. Alaska Airlines also plans to include select amenities to improve the overall in-flight experience in Premium Class.
The Premium Class upgrade will be offered to Mileage Plan elite members at no charge at booking or on the day of travel, depending on the member’s status and the fare purchased. This gives frequent flyers and eligible customers a convenient way to access a more comfortable cabin without paying the standard upgrade fee.
“Premium Class will provide an opportunity for all customers to get an enhanced flight experience,” said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines. “We are listening to our customers, and they have told us that more personal space and extra perks are a priority.”
The new cabin is designed to appeal to travelers who value more personal space and a smoother boarding process while remaining within the carrier’s broader coach offering. By combining additional legroom with priority boarding and curated amenities, Alaska Airlines aims to create a middle option between standard coach and first-class travel that addresses common customer requests.
Details about the specific amenities and the exact rollout schedule will be provided by the airline as the launch approaches. Travelers interested in Premium Class should check their booking options at the time of reservation and again on the day of travel to see if complimentary upgrades are available based on Mileage Plan status and fare class.