Tourism is an important part of life in Alaska. In fact, last year, tourism brought in nearly $158 million in revenue for the state.
18.07.2024 - 03:22 / thepointsguy.com
Premium demand is surging, and Alaska Airlines is betting that travelers will want to splurge for premium seats for the long haul.
The Seattle-based carrier announced on Wednesday that it would add new first class and extra-legroom seats to its aircraft as part of a retrofit program covering its Boeing 737 fleet, which will add 1.3 million premium seats to its schedule each year.
The retrofit program will span over 200 Boeing 737-800, 737-900ER and 737 MAX 9 aircraft. The first plane to undergo a cabin revamp will be pulled from service for retrofitting in September, with the entire retrofit process expected to be completed by summer 2026.
You'll find an aircraft-by-aircraft breakdown of the cabin retrofits at the bottom of this story, but highlights include adding four first-class seats to the Boeing 737-800 fleet, bringing the total to 16 new recliners in the pointy end of the jet. (This news was already announced earlier this year.)
Going forward, the only mainline jets to feature 12 first-class recliners will be some Boeing 737 MAX 8 and 737-700 aircraft. (It's interesting that Alaska didn't announce plans to harmonize the number of first-class seats across its 737 MAX 8 fleet, an aircraft that will presumably be in the carrier's fleet for many more years to come. That could change as the seats on the airline's existing MAX 8 aircraft come due for replacement.)
The retrofitted Boeing 737-800s will offer updated Recaro first-class recliners with additional legroom, a foot rest (a rare and excellent touch for domestic first-class), a seatback device holder, a winged headrest, universal power outlets and USB-C charging ports. These seats will also feature built-in cup holders, along with additional recline and larger tray tables.
No other first-class cabins are being updated with new products as part of this announcement, but Alaska is expanding its so-called Premium Class footprint. Alaska is adding six Premium Class seats on its Boeing 737-900ER and Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft, increasing this cabin from 24 to 30 seats on both jets.
These extra-legroom economy seats include four additional inches of pitch compared to standard economy seats, free alcoholic drinks on flights longer than 350 miles and priority boarding.
Alaska says that Premium Class and economy travelers on all the retrofitted fleets will enjoy device holders, cup holders, USB-C charging ports and winged headrests. The airline also said it will continue offering four lavatories across its Boeing fleet.
The carrier said in a statement that it decided to invest in this project "in response to growing demand from our valued guests... Our Premium Cabin performance continues to support what we believe to be a structural shift in higher
Tourism is an important part of life in Alaska. In fact, last year, tourism brought in nearly $158 million in revenue for the state.
When Alaska Airlines switched operations from Terminal 2 to Harvey Milk Terminal 1 at San Francisco International Airport (SFO) in mid-June, passengers still had to make a long trek to Terminal 2 to use the airline's lounge.
Megaship fans are about to have a major new option for an Alaska cruise.
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.
One of the biggest events in the airline industry begins on Monday as the famed Farnborough International Airshow kicks off just outside of London.
American Airlines struck a tentative deal with its flight attendants union, ending years of contentious negotiations.
Jul 19, 2024 • 8 min read
Alaska Airlines is upgrading its fleet, adding more first class and premium class seating to its aircraft.
Affiliate links for the products on this page are from partners that compensate us and terms apply to offers listed (see our advertiser disclosure with our list of partners for more details). However, our opinions are our own. See how we rate credit cards to write unbiased product reviews.
Alaska Airlines is hoping to capitalize on the sustained demand for premium seats.
Qatar Airways was declared the best airline in the world at the 2024 Airline Awards in London on June 24. Qatar beat out Singapore Airlines, last year’s winner, who slipped to the number two spot this year. Emirates, ANA All Nippon Airways, and Cathay Pacific Airways completed the top five. No North American airline made the top twenty, with Delta narrowly missing out at 21. Other North American airlines that made the top 50 are Air Canada (29) and United Airlines (42). In fact, those three airlines are the only North American airlines to receive any Airline Awards. Other popular North American airlines like American, JetBlue, and Southwest failed to even be mentioned for any individual award.
Alaska Airlines has unveiled its next slate of destinations worldwide that can be booked at a significant discount with frequent flier miles.