Alaska Airlines Plans Premium Cabins and Lounge Upgrades

A premium push takes shape

Alaska Airlines is preparing a broad investment in higher-end travel, covering aircraft cabins, airport facilities and the experience offered to passengers at the front of the plane. The Seattle-based carrier’s plans include its first lie-flat seats aboard domestic aircraft, a dedicated premium economy product and a new flagship business-class identity. Hawaiian Airlines’ long-distance fleet will also participate in the cabin overhaul.

The collection of changes represents another stage in Alaska’s growth following its 2024 acquisition of Hawaiian. Together, the airlines are developing premium products for domestic and longer international journeys while adding facilities on the ground. Travelers will encounter the updates gradually, with aircraft deliveries and several major cabin introductions expected over the coming years. Lounge projects are also planned for Seattle, Honolulu and San Diego.

Lie-flat seats go domestic

At least 25 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft are scheduled to receive business-class suites designed for genuine long-haul comfort. It will be the first time Alaska has installed seats that convert into beds on its domestic jets. The specially arranged planes are intended for important routes crossing the country, giving the airline a product capable of competing with premium cabins offered by major rivals. Seattle to New York City is one route where such aircraft could be expected.

These particular MAX 10 jets will be recognizable before passengers board. Alaska plans to paint them in the shimmering design inspired by the Aurora Borealis that appeared earlier this year on its larger Boeing 787 Dreamliners. The domestic suites could begin appearing on major transcontinental flights in 2028.

Alaska ordered 105 MAX 10 aircraft earlier this year and hopes the first deliveries can begin in 2027. That schedule depends on the new Boeing model securing certification from the Federal Aviation Administration. Only a portion of the order—no fewer than 25 jets—is currently designated for the specialized layout with lie-flat business seating.

Premium Reserve fills the gap

The MAX 10 cabin plans extend beyond business class. Alaska is introducing a premium economy section named Premium Reserve, a category its executives had discussed for months. The product will also be installed on long-haul aircraft operated by Alaska and Hawaiian, giving customers an option positioned between the airlines’ top cabins and standard economy seating.

Premium Reserve seats will be broadly similar to the reclining chairs commonly found in domestic first class. Features will include side panels for greater seclusion, supports for passengers’ legs, expanded dining surfaces and additional places to stow belongings. Each seat will also provide a 16-inch display with 4K resolution. Alaska and Hawaiian passengers are expected to begin encountering the new cabin during 2028.

The introduction addresses a missing part of Alaska’s offering as it expands its global operation. Instead of limiting the upgrade to one aircraft family, the company is applying the concept across new single-aisle MAX 10s and longer-range planes from both airlines. That approach creates a more consistent premium choice for travelers taking either coast-to-coast or long-haul journeys.

Aurora reaches beyond the cabin

At the highest end, Alaska will use the Aurora Suites name for its new business-class experience on Boeing 787 and 737 MAX 10 aircraft. Existing 787 cabins will receive updated materials and detailing, while newly delivered planes will introduce a completely new seat product. Hawaiian’s flagship jets are likewise due for a substantial refresh featuring modern business suites.

The experience will continue at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. Aurora Suites customers can use Alaska’s premium check-in area there, which began operating earlier this year. Passengers departing SeaTac on long-haul flights will eventually gain entry to the Aurora Lounge, an upscale space being developed within the airport’s enlarged C concourse.

Scheduled to debut late in 2027, the Seattle lounge is planned with meals ordered from a menu and served at tables, as well as private shower rooms. Alaska also says the space will feature a fireplace and a patio outdoors. These ground facilities connect the new suite branding with a broader premium journey rather than treating the upgraded aircraft seat as a standalone change.