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The Guide to Alaska Airlines First Class
Alaska offers a respectable first class fare, but turn to the airline's partners for a truly luxe experience.
Alisha is a freelance writer and photographer. She is the creator of travel and adventure site Terradrift.com and has written about travel and rewards for many publications, including American Way and Johnny Jet.
Claire Tsosie is a managing editor for the Travel Rewards team at NerdWallet. She started her career on the credit cards team as a writer, then worked as an editor on New Markets. Her work has been featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press.
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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.
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Nerdy Perspective
What's your experience like flying Alaska Airlines?
Harlan Vaughn
Contributing Travel Writer
I love Alaska Airlines and wish I could fly it more often. When I've been upgraded to first class, the seats haven't been amazing and the cabins tend to be on the older side, but the cabin crew are reliably friendly and attentive. The food options also tend to be a bit better quality than other domestic airlines. I love finding an Alaska route where the Companion Fare saves me hundreds. Many people use them for flights to Hawaii, but I've had excellent experiences using them to fly to Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest. I always get priority boarding with Alaska, either from having the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card , a first-class ticket or elite status. Alaska tends to be very generous with upgrades, especially on shorter routes, in my experience.
I love Alaska Airlines and wish I could fly it more often. When I've been upgraded to first class, the seats haven't been amazing and the cabins tend to be on the older side, but the cabin crew are reliably friendly and attentive. The food options also tend to be a bit better quality than other domestic airlines. I love finding an Alaska route where the Companion Fare saves me hundreds. Many people use them for flights to Hawaii, but I've had excellent experiences using them to fly to Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest. I always get priority boarding with Alaska, either from having the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card , a first-class ticket or elite status. Alaska tends to be very generous with upgrades, especially on shorter routes, in my experience.
Harlan Vaughn
Contributing Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Alaska Airlines is the most underrated airline in the U.S. The seats are comfortable, the service is good, and they offer tons of low-cost redemptions internationally, too. I have AAdvantage Gold status, which means I also get Oneworld Ruby status, which helps me get priority boarding (and the occasional complimentary upgrade) on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines is the most underrated airline in the U.S. The seats are comfortable, the service is good, and they offer tons of low-cost redemptions internationally, too. I have AAdvantage Gold status, which means I also get Oneworld Ruby status, which helps me get priority boarding (and the occasional complimentary upgrade) on Alaska Airlines flights.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Alaska Airlines has the best food and beverage selection out of all U.S.-based airlines. The service is usually very good, and miles redemptions with the Alaska Mileage Plan can provide a ton of value for international travel. I just redeemed Alaska miles for a flight on Finnair from Helsinki to JFK for only 27.5k miles! That's almost 4 cents per point in value! The Companion Fare that comes with my Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is very easy to use and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines has the best food and beverage selection out of all U.S.-based airlines. The service is usually very good, and miles redemptions with the Alaska Mileage Plan can provide a ton of value for international travel. I just redeemed Alaska miles for a flight on Finnair from Helsinki to JFK for only 27.5k miles! That's almost 4 cents per point in value! The Companion Fare that comes with my Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is very easy to use and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years on Alaska Airlines flights.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Harlan Vaughn
Contributing Travel Writer
I love Alaska Airlines and wish I could fly it more often. When I've been upgraded to first class, the seats haven't been amazing and the cabins tend to be on the older side, but the cabin crew are reliably friendly and attentive. The food options also tend to be a bit better quality than other domestic airlines. I love finding an Alaska route where the Companion Fare saves me hundreds. Many people use them for flights to Hawaii, but I've had excellent experiences using them to fly to Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest. I always get priority boarding with Alaska, either from having the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card , a first-class ticket or elite status. Alaska tends to be very generous with upgrades, especially on shorter routes, in my experience.
I love Alaska Airlines and wish I could fly it more often. When I've been upgraded to first class, the seats haven't been amazing and the cabins tend to be on the older side, but the cabin crew are reliably friendly and attentive. The food options also tend to be a bit better quality than other domestic airlines. I love finding an Alaska route where the Companion Fare saves me hundreds. Many people use them for flights to Hawaii, but I've had excellent experiences using them to fly to Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest. I always get priority boarding with Alaska, either from having the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card , a first-class ticket or elite status. Alaska tends to be very generous with upgrades, especially on shorter routes, in my experience.
Harlan Vaughn
Contributing Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Alaska Airlines is the most underrated airline in the U.S. The seats are comfortable, the service is good, and they offer tons of low-cost redemptions internationally, too. I have AAdvantage Gold status, which means I also get Oneworld Ruby status, which helps me get priority boarding (and the occasional complimentary upgrade) on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines is the most underrated airline in the U.S. The seats are comfortable, the service is good, and they offer tons of low-cost redemptions internationally, too. I have AAdvantage Gold status, which means I also get Oneworld Ruby status, which helps me get priority boarding (and the occasional complimentary upgrade) on Alaska Airlines flights.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Alaska Airlines has the best food and beverage selection out of all U.S.-based airlines. The service is usually very good, and miles redemptions with the Alaska Mileage Plan can provide a ton of value for international travel. I just redeemed Alaska miles for a flight on Finnair from Helsinki to JFK for only 27.5k miles! That's almost 4 cents per point in value! The Companion Fare that comes with my Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is very easy to use and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines has the best food and beverage selection out of all U.S.-based airlines. The service is usually very good, and miles redemptions with the Alaska Mileage Plan can provide a ton of value for international travel. I just redeemed Alaska miles for a flight on Finnair from Helsinki to JFK for only 27.5k miles! That's almost 4 cents per point in value! The Companion Fare that comes with my Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is very easy to use and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years on Alaska Airlines flights.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Harlan Vaughn
Contributing Travel Writer
I love Alaska Airlines and wish I could fly it more often. When I've been upgraded to first class, the seats haven't been amazing and the cabins tend to be on the older side, but the cabin crew are reliably friendly and attentive. The food options also tend to be a bit better quality than other domestic airlines. I love finding an Alaska route where the Companion Fare saves me hundreds. Many people use them for flights to Hawaii, but I've had excellent experiences using them to fly to Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest. I always get priority boarding with Alaska, either from having the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card , a first-class ticket or elite status. Alaska tends to be very generous with upgrades, especially on shorter routes, in my experience.
I love Alaska Airlines and wish I could fly it more often. When I've been upgraded to first class, the seats haven't been amazing and the cabins tend to be on the older side, but the cabin crew are reliably friendly and attentive. The food options also tend to be a bit better quality than other domestic airlines. I love finding an Alaska route where the Companion Fare saves me hundreds. Many people use them for flights to Hawaii, but I've had excellent experiences using them to fly to Alaska and around the Pacific Northwest. I always get priority boarding with Alaska, either from having the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card , a first-class ticket or elite status. Alaska tends to be very generous with upgrades, especially on shorter routes, in my experience.
Harlan Vaughn
Contributing Travel Writer
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Alaska Airlines is the most underrated airline in the U.S. The seats are comfortable, the service is good, and they offer tons of low-cost redemptions internationally, too. I have AAdvantage Gold status, which means I also get Oneworld Ruby status, which helps me get priority boarding (and the occasional complimentary upgrade) on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines is the most underrated airline in the U.S. The seats are comfortable, the service is good, and they offer tons of low-cost redemptions internationally, too. I have AAdvantage Gold status, which means I also get Oneworld Ruby status, which helps me get priority boarding (and the occasional complimentary upgrade) on Alaska Airlines flights.
Meghan Coyle
Assistant Assigning Editor, Travel
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
Alaska Airlines has the best food and beverage selection out of all U.S.-based airlines. The service is usually very good, and miles redemptions with the Alaska Mileage Plan can provide a ton of value for international travel. I just redeemed Alaska miles for a flight on Finnair from Helsinki to JFK for only 27.5k miles! That's almost 4 cents per point in value! The Companion Fare that comes with my Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is very easy to use and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines has the best food and beverage selection out of all U.S.-based airlines. The service is usually very good, and miles redemptions with the Alaska Mileage Plan can provide a ton of value for international travel. I just redeemed Alaska miles for a flight on Finnair from Helsinki to JFK for only 27.5k miles! That's almost 4 cents per point in value! The Companion Fare that comes with my Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature® credit card is very easy to use and has saved me thousands of dollars over the years on Alaska Airlines flights.
Craig Joseph
Lead Travel Writer
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.
🤓Nerdy Tip
To book award flights on partner airlines Cathay Pacific and LATAM Airlines, you’ll have to call Alaska reservations. You can’t book those flights online.
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.
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:
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is included in Alaska Airlines first class? What is included in Alaska Airlines first class?
Alaska first class tickets include larger seats (but not lie-flat), which are typical for domestic first class. Passengers also get free food and drinks, two free checked bags and access to the Alaska or Oneworld lounges. Tickets that have been upgraded from economy to first class are not eligible for free bags or lounge access.
Are drinks free in first class Alaska? Are drinks free in first class Alaska?
Yes, alcoholic and soft drinks are complimentary in the Alaska first class cabin.
How much does it cost to upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines? How much does it cost to upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines?
Upgrades start at $24, but vary by flight and availability. Most upgrades will cost far more, in line with the fare difference between a first class and economy ticket.
Can I use my Alaska companion ticket for first class? Can I use my Alaska companion ticket for first class?
No, the Companion Fare can only be used for main cabin tickets; however, Companion Fare tickets are eligible for free and paid upgrades.
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