Alaska Airlines accelerated its push into premium flying this week with plans for new luxury suites, upgraded cabins, a dedicated premium economy class, and new lounges in Seattle and Honolulu.
The fully lie-flat “Aurora” suite will be the highest-end seat offering on Alaska’s mainline fleet, officials said. The suites will come with softer, upgraded seat upholstery, storage space, direct aisle access, a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, Bluetooth connectivity, charging ports, and “restaurant-quality” dining options.
Passengers who book an Aurora suite will also get access to an exclusive Aurora check-in and concierge service at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, and an upcoming Aurora Lounge.
Alaska said it will install 34 Aurora suites on all of its Boeing 787 Dreamliners, and 12 on at least 25 737 MAX 10 aircraft flying transcontinental routes. There are currently no premium lie-flat seats on the carrier’s 737s.
The suites on the Dreamliners will have sliding privacy doors.
Hawaiian Upgrades
Hawaiian Airlines’ 24 Airbus A330s will get brand new interiors starting in 2028, Alaska said. As part of that upgrade, the full cabin will get 4K entertainment screens and Bluetooth.
Also in the works are improvements and new perks for Hawaiian’s previously announced Leihōkū suites, which will be installed on the A330s. The suites will now include sliding privacy doors, lie-flat seating, direct aisle access, “hotel-quality” bedding, a 19-inch 4K entertainment screen, curated dining with wine pairings, charging ports, and access to exclusive check-in and concierge services in Honolulu and Seattle.
Hawaiian’s A330s serve destinations in Asia, the South Pacific, and North America.
Premium Reserve
Alaska’s new premium economy offering, known as Premium Reserve, will come with a wider seat and greater pitch than traditional economy, as well as enhanced recline and a leg and calf rest. Other amenities include a larger tray table, a 16-inch OLED screen, multiple charging ports, and upgraded dining options.
Alaska said there will be 35 Premium Reserve seats on the 787-9 and 787-10; 28 on the A330; and 12 on the 737 MAX 10.
Lounges
Late next year, Alaska will open two new lounges inside Seattle’s C Concourse – a 500-seat Alaska Lounge on the main level, and a 200-seat Aurora Lounge for Aurora suite customers upstairs. The combined 41,000-square-foot space will feature an outdoor patio with a fireplace, private work “pods,” locally-sourced food and beverage options, and three bars.
The Aurora Lounge will have private shower suites, wellness spaces, and made-to-order meals.
The combined space will be the largest lounge area at Seattle, and one of the largest in the entire U.S.
Hawaiian is also getting a new lounge, at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. Alaska officials said the 13,000-square-foot space will be located at the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1, and will include a full-service bar, locally-inspired food and beverages, and private work spaces.
Alaska also plans to open a new, 14,000-square-foot lounge in San Diego in 2028.
