The Guide to Alaska Airlines Business Class

West Coast carrier Alaska Airlines now flies international business class on long-haul routes from Seattle to Europe and Asia. The cabin, called Aurora Suites, features private suites with sliding doors, upgraded dining and lounge access.

The product marks a shift for Alaska from a primarily domestic airline to a long-haul international carrier, and it lets Alaska compete more directly with 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 business class is on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, which have 34 lie-flat suites. It's flying on routes including Seoul, Rome and London.

As part of its international expansion, Alaska also flies to Reykjavik, Iceland. These flights are 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 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 business class product represents the airline’s highest level of service on long-haul flights.

Alaska business class airport experience

At the airport, business class passengers access to Alaska Lounges and Oneworld partner lounges worldwide, as Alaska is a member of the Oneworld alliance. Top-tier Oneworld Emerald members, which corresponds to Atmos Rewards Platinum (and above), will have access to international first class lounges, regardless of cabin.

Alaska is also building an Aurora Lounge in Seattle, set to open in late 2027. It's for Aurora Suites passengers on intercontinental flights, with showers, wellness spaces and chef-prepared dining available in that lounge only.

» Learn more: Oneworld lounges: what to know before you go

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.

Seating

Seats are 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).

Entertainment and tech

Each seat has 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. Noise-reducing headsets are provided.

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.

Dining

The dining experience includes a multicourse meal with dishes inspired by West Coast ingredients. You can choose from multiple entrées depending on the route, and meals can be ordered in advance.

Service begins with a welcome offering, such as a cheese and charcuterie board paired with wine or Champagne. The main meal includes an appetizer followed by a choice of entrées, and a dessert cart offers options like customizable ice cream sundaes. Before landing, passengers receive a final meal tailored to the destination. Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, coffee and other drinks are included throughout the flight.

Amenity kits and bedding

Business class passengers 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

You can book Alaska business class on Alaska's website, including on routes like Seattle to Rome, London and Seoul.

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.

Atmos Titanium members and one companion on the same reservation are eligible for space-available, day-of-departure upgrades into international business class on flights between Asia, Europe and Oceania. Atmos status holders can also apply upgrade certificates to business class across Alaska's global network. Because Alaska is part of the Oneworld alliance, the cabin will likely also be bookable through partner airlines.

Starting Nov. 2, 2026, Platinum and Titanium members can also bring eligible children and one companion into Premium Class at no charge when space is available. That's Alaska's extra-legroom section, separate from business class.

» Learn more: 5 best ways to use Atmos points (formerly Alaska Airlines Miles)

What's next for Alaska's premium cabins

Alaska is adding 12 Aurora Suites to some new 737-10 MAX aircraft, which will fly select transcontinental routes starting in 2028. Hawaiian Airlines is refitting its A330s with 22 lie-flat Leihōkū Suites, also starting in 2028. Both airlines are adding a Premium Reserve premium economy cabin with 38 inches of pitch, compared with 31 in economy.

Earn Alaska points quickly

Alaska offers several ways to earn Atmos points, including through flying, credit card spending and partner activity.

Earn through credit cards

Alaska credit cards offer strong opportunities for earning Atmos points quickly. These cards often come with welcome bonuses that can help you build a balance of points faster than flying alone.

But you don't necessarily need to commit to an Atmos-branded card to actually get points to use in the program.

The airline is also a transfer partner of Bilt and Marriott Bonvoy. Bilt points transfer at 1:1 ratio, while Marriott points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 points transferred (resulting in 25,000 Atmos points).

If you prefer not to keep your points concentrated with one airline, a general travel rewards credit card can provide more flexibility. These cards allow you to earn points that can be transferred to multiple airlines and hotels, rather than being tied to a single program.

» Learn more: The best Alaska credit card offers

Flying with Alaska

As of Oct. 1, 2026, Atmos members can choose how they earn points and status points on flights departing on or after Jan. 1, 2027:

• Distance traveled: 1 point per mile flown.

• Price paid: 5 points per $1 spent on the fare, including paid cabin upgrades and seat fees on Alaska or Hawaiian.

• Segments flown: 500 points per segment.

Members who don't choose will keep earning by distance. Members who join on or after Jan. 1, 2027, start on price paid.

Is Alaska Airlines business class worth it?

Alaska's business class is a significant step for the airline as it expands into long-haul international flying. With private suites, upgraded dining and lounge access, the cabin lines up with industry trends and lets Alaska compete more directly with other carriers on these routes.

Because Alaska's long-haul service is centered on its Seattle hub, the expansion gives West Coast travelers new nonstop options to Europe and Asia on a carrier they may already know. For travelers in other parts of the country, these routes may be less convenient. Whether it's worth booking will depend on the price, availability and how it compares to other options.