Alaska Airlines Fare Classes: What You Need to Know

Atmos Rewards, the joint loyalty program of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, had historically awarded points and status points based on the distance you fly and the fare class you book.

But new as of Oct. 1, 2026, members can choose a different way to earn on flights departing Jan. 1, 2027, or later. If you stay with distance-based earning, knowing your fare class is a great way to maximize your rewards, and it can help you secure upgrades if you're an Alaska elite status member.

How you'll earn Atmos points starting in 2027

Current Atmos Rewards members can choose how they earn points and status points as of Oct. 1, 2026, for flights departing on or after Jan. 1, 2027. There are three options:

• Distance traveled: 1 point per mile flown. This is best for most travelers flying economy.

• Price paid: 5 points per $1 spent on airfare and paid upgrades, not counting taxes and fees. Award flights earn 1 point for every 20 points redeemed. This is best for people who often pay cash for premium cabins.

• Segments flown: A flat 500 points per segment, whether the ticket is paid or an award. This is best for people who fly a lot of short hops, like between the Hawaiian Islands or Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Choosing is optional. Current members who don't choose will keep earning based on distance. Members who join on or after Jan. 1, 2027, will start on price paid. You can switch methods once per calendar year.

Overview of Alaska Airlines fare classes

Alaska Airlines operates two cabins: economy class (Main Cabin) and first class. Additionally, Alaska offers Premium Class, a subsection of Main Cabin with extra legroom, early boarding and complimentary drinks.

Even within economy, there are multiple Alaska fare classes:

• 13 economy fare classes: Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, N, Q, O, G and X. 

• One Premium Class fare: R. These are booked separately and earn at different rates than regular Main Cabin fares.

• Four first class fares: J, C, D and I.

» Learn more: The guide to Alaska Airlines first class

Benefits and features of each Alaska fare class

Your Alaska fare class — along with the distance that you’re flying — affects the amount of total points you’ll earn for your Alaska flights, as well as the elite-qualifying points you’ll earn toward status, as outlined in the chart below:

Earning on Alaska Airlines flights (distance method)

As you can see, the fare class that you book can drastically change the number of Alaska points and elite-qualifying points you’ll earn for your flight.

» Learn more: The guide to Alaska Airlines basic economy: Saver fares

Fare classes for passengers with Alaska elite status

If you have Alaska elite status, your fare class determines how much you get out of it.

Bonus points

Elite members earn bonus points on top of what their fare earns. The bonus depends on your status level:

• Silver: 25% bonus points.

• Gold: 50% bonus points.

• Platinum: 100% bonus points.

• Titanium: 150% bonus points.

Elite bonuses apply to base points only. They don't add to your elite-qualifying points.

Upgrades

Elite members can get first class and Premium Class upgrades based on the fare class they buy:

Because some fares come with an upgrade at booking, check which fare class you're buying before you pay.

New Premium Class benefit for Platinum and Titanium members

Starting Nov. 2, 2026, Platinum and Titanium members get a new Premium Class benefit for their children and a companion. Atmos Platinum and Titanium members could already bring one adult companion into Premium Class at no cost, but starting in November, members can bring the whole family along, as companions under 18 travel free too. Companions must be on the same flight, same reservation and under 18 at the time of travel (and the benefit excludes Saver Fares).

» Learn more: Alaska Airlines upgrades: What to know

How to find your Alaska fare class

There are a few ways to find your Alaska fare class. First, if you go through the booking portal to book a ticket, before booking, you’ll see which fare class you’ll be purchasing. Below is the LAX to HNL flight, which shows the Main Cabin would book into the “V” fare class (outlined in blue):

While Alaska doesn’t currently give you the option to search flights by a specific fare class (for instance, you can’t search to find “H” fare), you do have the ability to search for specific fare classes that would entitle you to an upgrade by following the steps below:

First, go to “Book a flight” and then under “Upgrade type,” select the type of upgrade you’re looking for based on fare class.

Once you select the upgrade type, click “Find Flights” and your options will include fare classes that will include a Premium Class or first class upgrade, if available.

By selecting “First Upgrade” above, you’re prompted to purchase a “K” class ticket, which, as a Silver member, gets you a first class upgrade at booking on select fares when available.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now