This move signals a shift for Alaska from a primarily domestic airline to a long-haul international carrier and will allow it to compete more directly with other U.S. carriers like Delta, United and American that already offer transatlantic and transpacific business class.
Here’s what to know about Alaska Airlines’ new business class and what to expect onboard.
What is Alaska Airlines business class?
Alaska’s new business class will debut on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and will be available on routes to Rome, London, Seoul and Tokyo.
As part of its international expansion, Alaska is also launching service to Reykjavik, Iceland. These flights will be operated on a 737 MAX 8 and feature a different premium experience, but will not include the new lie-flat suites.
Alaska business class vs. first class
Alaska also offers a first class product, but that flying experience differs significantly from its new business class.
First class is typically offered on shorter routes and is available on narrowbody aircraft like Boeing 737s and Embraer E175s. These seats are larger than those in economy. First class passengers also receive perks like complimentary meals and drinks, priority boarding and free checked bags, but they do not convert into lie-flat beds.
In contrast, Alaska’s new international business class includes fully lie-flat seats in private suites, along with an upgraded onboard and airport experience. Because Alaska does not offer a separate international first class cabin, this new business class product represents the airline’s highest level of service on long-haul flights.
Alaska business class airport experience
Alaska has not yet published full details on check-in, boarding priority or baggage benefits specific to its new business class. Based on what other airlines offer for a comparable product, the airport experience may include a designated business class check-in desk, expanded baggage allowance and priority boarding.
Alaska business class in-flight experience
Here’s what to expect onboard in Alaska’s new business class, from seating and dining to inflight amenities.
Seats will be designed as fully lie-flat suites with privacy doors and direct aisle access. This reflects a broader trend among airlines toward more private business class cabins as carriers look to differentiate their premium offerings and command higher ticket prices.
A seat map for a flight from Seattle to Rome offers a closer look at the new cabin layout on the 787-9. The seats are positioned in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning each passenger has direct aisle access. Solo travelers may prefer window seats (A or J), while those traveling together can choose the center seats (C and G).
Each seat will include features like wireless charging, power outlets and an 18-inch entertainment screen with a library of more than 1,500 movies and TV shows to choose from.
Alaska also plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi on its 787-9 aircraft, with free connectivity available on equipped planes for guests who sign in with their Alaska loyalty account. Noise-reducing headsets will also be available.
The onboard dining experience will include a multicourse meal with dishes inspired by West Coast ingredients. Travelers will be able to choose from multiple entrée options depending on the route, and meals can be ordered in advance.
Service will begin with a welcome offering, such as a cheese and charcuterie board paired with wine or Champagne. The main meal will include an appetizer followed by a choice of entrees. After the main meal, a dessert cart will feature options like customizable ice cream sundaes.
Before landing, passengers will receive a final meal tailored to the destination. Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, coffee and other drinks will be included throughout the flight.
Business class passengers will receive upgraded bedding and amenity kits designed in collaboration with Filson, including a mattress pad, pillows, duvet and a travel kit with skincare products by Salt & Stone and other essentials.
Booking Alaska business class
Travelers can book Alaska business class on Alaska’s website, with tickets already on sale for routes like Seattle to Rome, London and Reykjavik.
The airline has not yet updated its award chart to include pricing for its new international business class. Early searches show some availability, with seats starting at a whopping 150,000 Atmos points for a one-way ticket from Seattle to Rome.
Earn Alaska points quickly
Alaska offers several ways to earn Atmos points, including through flying, credit card spending and partner activity.
Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® credit card
on Bank of America’s website
Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card
on Bank of America’s website
Atmos™ Rewards Visa Signature® Business card
on Bank of America’s website
Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award with this offer. To qualify, spend $6,500 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Additionally, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Get 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days of opening your account. Additionally, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Get 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $5,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
3 points per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.
3 points per $1 spent on foreign purchases, including purchases made in a foreign currency.
3 points per $1 spent on dining, which includes restaurants, bars, fast food and catering.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
3 points per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.
2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services and local transit, which includes ridesharing, trains, tolls and ferries.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
3 points per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.
2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services and local transit, which includes ridesharing, trains, tolls and ferries.
1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
You can also earn points through partner activity, including flights on Oneworld airlines and eligible purchases with travel and shopping partners.
Is Alaska Airlines business class worth it?
Alaska’s new business class marks a significant step for the airline as it expands into long-haul international flying. With features like private suites, upgraded dining and lounge access, the new cabin reflects a clear effort to align with industry trends and compete more directly with other carriers on these routes.
Because Alaska’s long-haul service is currently centered around its Seattle hub, this expansion gives West Coast travelers new nonstop options to Europe and Asia on a carrier they may already be familiar with. For travelers based in other parts of the country, the addition of these routes may not be as convenient.
Once Alaska publishes award pricing, travelers will have a clearer sense of the value. Whether it’s worth booking will depend on the price, availability and how it compares to other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Alaska’s new international business class will feature fully lie-flat seats in private suites with direct aisle access.
No. Alaska’s new international business class is its highest cabin for long-haul flights. First class is available on domestic flights, and includes spacious, recliner-style seats with enhanced food and beverage offerings compared to economy.
How to maximize your rewards
About the author
Elina Geller is a contributing NerdWallet travel writer specializing in airline and hotel loyalty programs and travel insurance. In 2019, Elina founded TheMissMiles, a travel rewards coaching business. Her work has been featured by Forbes and AwardWallet. She is a certified public accountant with degrees from the London School of Economics and Fordham University.
