Alaska offers an enhanced economy experience called Premium Class. While it’s not a separate Premium Economy cabin like some international carriers offer, Premium Class gives travelers more space, early boarding, and complimentary drinks. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Alaska Premium Class, how it compares to other options, and whether it’s worth the upgrade.
What is Premium Economy on Alaska?
Alaska refers to its Premium Economy-style experience as Premium Class. It’s available on most flights and includes:
- Up to 4 inches of extra legroom
- Early boarding (Group B)
- Complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Seats located toward the front of the Main Cabin for quicker deplaning
You can explore more on the Alaska Premium Class page.
How Does Premium Class Compare to Other Seating Options?
Here’s how Premium Class fits into Alaska’s seat options:
- First Class: Wider seats, full meal service, lounge access with select fares
- Premium Class: More legroom, complimentary drinks, early boarding
- Main Cabin: Standard economy seating with free snacks and entertainment
- Saver Fare: Basic economy with limited changes and boarding restrictions
What Do Premium Class Seats Look Like?
Premium Class uses the same seat design as Main Cabin, but with added legroom and better positioning. Here’s a comparison:
| Feature | Premium Class | Main Cabin |
|---|---|---|
| Seat Pitch (Legroom) | 35 inches | 31 inches |
| Complimentary Alcohol | Yes | No |
| Boarding Group | Group B | Group C or later |
| Seat Width | Same as Main Cabin | Same |
Does Alaska Premium Class Include Lounge Access?
No, Premium Class does not include complimentary lounge access. However, you can access lounges by:
- Purchasing an Alaska Lounge membership or day pass
- Using a qualifying credit card such as the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card (note: lounge access requires an add-on)
How to Upgrade to Premium Class?
You can upgrade to Premium Class in several ways:
- Select Premium Class during booking for an extra fee
- Add it later via the Manage Trip section
- Elite Mileage Plan members may receive complimentary Premium Class upgrades, depending on fare class and availability
Are Premium Class Tickets Refundable?
Premium Class is an upgrade to your base fare, so refundability depends on your ticket type:
- If your ticket is refundable, your Premium Class fee is also refundable
- Saver fares are not eligible for Premium Class
- Non-refundable tickets may be eligible for credit. Check Alaska’s cancellation policy
Final Thoughts
Alaska Premium Class is a budget-friendly way to get more space and a better onboard experience without upgrading to First Class. It’s a great option for frequent flyers or anyone wanting a more relaxed and comfortable flight—especially on longer routes.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Premium Class and First Class on Alaska?
Premium Class offers more legroom and drinks, but First Class has wider seats, full meals, and premium service.
2. Can I use miles to upgrade to Premium Class?
Alaska does not currently allow Mileage Plan miles to be used specifically for Premium Class upgrades, but elite members may receive complimentary upgrades.
3. Does Premium Class include free checked bags?
No, baggage policies are based on your fare type or elite status, not seat selection.
4. Is Wi-Fi included in Premium Class?
Wi-Fi is available for purchase on most aircraft and is not included with Premium Class.
5. Is Premium Class worth it?
Yes, especially if you want extra legroom, early boarding, and complimentary beverages at a reasonable cost.
