Alaska Airlines is significantly expanding its First Class and Premium seating capacity, aiming to enhance the travel experience for its guests. Starting in September 2024, the airline will begin increasing the number of premium seats across more than 200 aircraft, including its 737-900ERs, 737-800s, and 737-9 MAXs. This expansion will add 1.3 million premium seats annually to the airline’s mainline fleet.
Alaska premium retrofit program follows the successful retrofit of Alaska Airlines regional fleet earlier this year, which added 400,000 Premium Class seats to its E175 aircraft. The Alaska premium retrofit is in response to growing demand for premium seating, with First and Premium Class revenues increasing by 8% and 6% in the last quarter.
Alaska Premium Retrofit Amenities Seat Capacity & Features
First Class:
- 737-800: Increasing from 12 to 16 seats
- 737-900ER: Maintaining 16 seats
- 737-9 MAX: Maintaining 16 seats
The First Class seats, designed in collaboration with RECARO, will feature enhanced legroom, footrests, new seatback device holders, six-way headrests with neck support, and USB-C charging capabilities.
Premium Class:
- 737-800: 30 seats will remain
- 737-900ER: Increasing from 24 to 30 seats
- 737-9 MAX: Increasing from 24 to 30 seats
Main Cabin and Premium Class seats will also be upgraded with new device holders with built-in cup holders, USB-C charging, and six-way headrests with dedicated neck support.
Despite the increase in premium seating, the airline will maintain four lavatories on its Boeing fleet to ensure convenience and accessibility for all passengers.
Meeting Demand and Enhancing Availability
The expansion aims to make premium seating more accessible and meet the increasing demand for added comfort and benefits. First and Premium Class load factors have significantly improved, highlighting a structural shift towards higher demand for premium products.
Alaska Premium Retrofit RECARO Seats
Alaska Airlines has partnered with RECARO Aircraft Seating to retrofit its Boeing 737-800 and MAX 8 aircraft with the R2 economy class seat and R5 business class seat. These seats will enhance passenger comfort with adjustable headrests, footrests, BYOD holders, and USB-C connectivity.
Upgrade Options
Alaska Airlines introduced the ability to purchase an upgrade up to 50 minutes before the flight. Upgrades can be purchased on the app or Alaska Airlines’ website.
Oneworld frequent fliers & elite members part of Mileage Plan can also request a complimentary upgrade to First Class depending on tier level. After booking certain frequent flyer tiers may be eligible to select a premium class seat for free.
Analysis
Overall these changes feel like Alaska is standardizing their fleet and making the experience more consistent. The older 737 first class seats are shown below.
I am fortunate to have flown in both versions of Alaska’s first class product. I’ve enjoyed sitting in both versions of first class seats. I like Alaska’s goal of standardizing the product especially when compared to Delta’s variable product – for example DL A321Neo has a different seat than the 737 first class. The increased first class seat capacity should allow more chances for high-tier elite members to score a free first class upgrade.
I look forward to trying out both products in a future flight review.
