The Guide to Alaska Airlines First Class

If you want to fly in style, first class is the way to go. And if you want to pay with points instead of cash, Alaska Airlines first class offers a comfortable experience you can book using points from Atmos Rewards, Alaska and Hawaiian's joint loyalty program.

What to expect flying first class with Alaska Airlines

Luxury seating, plenty of legroom, priority boarding, and free checked bags are just a few of the perks of flying Alaska Airlines first class. Here’s what you can expect when you book a seat.

• Bag allowance. When flying Alaska Airlines first class, baggage flies free — two bags to be precise. For all other cabins or classes of service on Alaska, only a carry-on is included.

• Boarding. First class passengers are always the first to board, plus the first to deplane once they reach their destination. They also get expedited check-in and express security screening at select airports.

• Seats/suites. Alaska Airlines' first class seats offer more legroom than any other U.S. carrier (if you omit airlines that offer lay-flat seats and suites). There are foot rests, tablet holders for your electronic devices, cupholders and seats with up to a 41-inch pitch, meaning you can recline in comfort. First class on Alaska even gets its own dedicated flight attendant.

• Lounges. Lounge access is included in any Alaska Airlines first class fare, whether purchased with cash or points (but not as an upgraded ticket). Alaska lounges are currently located in Seattle; San Francisco; Los Angeles; New York-JFK; Portland, Oregon; and Anchorage, Alaska. Plus, there are plenty of partner lounges, like American Airlines Admirals Club and Oneworld priority lounges. Alaska lounges offer food and beverages (including cocktails), fast Wi-Fi, comfy seats for relaxing and concierge services.

• Earn more points. When you book a first class ticket with Alaska, you’ll also earn a higher rate of Atmos bonus points than with the purchase of an economy class ticket.

• Food and beverages. First class meals are available for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and include vegetarian options plus alcohol. Meals are only available on flights longer than 670 miles, and you can preorder your meal online or via the Alaska mobile app.

» Learn more: The beginner's guide to flying first class

How to book a first class ticket with points

It’s easy to book an Alaska Airlines first class ticket with your Atmos points. Just head to Alaska’s website, type in your travel dates and locations, select “Use points” and hit “Find flights.” You can view an award calendar or daily schedules to find the award flight you want, including first class flights.

Once you’ve selected your preferred flights, make sure you’re logged into your Atmos account. Then, check out, book with your points and pay the applicable taxes and fees.

What if you have to cancel or change your flight? No problem. Alaska allows you to change your first class itinerary for no additional fee. The same is true for main cabin, but not Saver (basic economy) fares.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

Alaska Airlines business class vs. first class

Alaska Airlines doesn't offer a business class experience for passengers. Instead, travelers can choose between the following fare classes:

• First class.

• Premium class.

• Main cabin.

• Saver fare (basic economy).

Let's look closer instead at Alaska Airlines premium class versus first class.

First class flyers get added perks like complimentary food and drinks, a dedicated flight attendant, access to lounges while on the ground and two free checked bags.

First class seats also have a pitch of up to 41 inches, whereas seats in the premium class offer 35-36 inches.

Premium class flyers join first class ticket holders with access to perks like free beer, wine, and cocktails, extra legroom (compared to main cabin), seat selection, a free carry-on, and the ability to board and deplane early.

Alaska and Oneworld lounge access

All first class tickets purchased with points or cash will grant you access to the Alaska Airlines lounges at airports. If you were upgraded to first class, however, you will not be given access.

There are currently nine lounges, mostly in West Coast airports. If you are traveling through Seattle, I’d recommend stopping by either the lounge at Concourse C or the one in the North Satellite, which are new, modern and spacious.

Since Alaska is now part of Oneworld, travelers in Alaska’s first class cabin have access to more than 620 Oneworld lounges worldwide.

Ways to get a great value out of Alaska's first class

Here’s how to get the most out of every first class award booking with Alaska:

Book with points

NerdWallet values Atmos points at 1.2 cents each.

One Alaska first class sweet spot could be for flights between 1,401-2,100 miles. These flights start at 25,000 points each way, the same as trips between 701-1,400 miles, so you’re potentially covering more distance for the same number of points.

But those flights can also require up to 70,000 points depending on availability and route popularity. Check award travel points against the cash price to find out if booking with points is a good deal. A general rule of thumb is that if the value-per-point of a redemption is above 1.2 cents, it's a good deal. If it's below it, you might consider saving your points for a future redemption.

Book international travel on partner airlines

Because Alaska Airlines is a Oneworld alliance partner, you can use Atmos points to book award travel on partner airlines.

Cathay Pacific and Qantas both offer expensive first class services that may have exceptional point redemption values if booked using an Alaska award flight.

Take advantage of lounges

If you’re flying first class, you might as well enjoy all the perks, including kicking back in an Alaska or partner lounge if there’s one available. You can use it to grab breakfast before your flight, lunch during a connection, or dinner and drinks before you leave the airport.

Travel off-peak to save points

If you travel during off-peak times, you may be able to score a better deal on award flights. Alaska mainly bases its award chart on distance traveled, but availability and peak seasons play a part in award pricing, too.

You can browse the Alaska award chart and start planning future redemptions.

Alaska Airlines first class, recapped

Alaska Airlines may not offer the most luxurious first class experience, but its premium cabin is comfortable, easy to book with points and full of benefits like lounge access and complimentary in-flight meals. Plus, Atmos members can use points to book more posh first class seats with many international partner airlines.

Photo courtesy of Alaska Airlines.