Alaska Airlines is giving travellers more options to fly comfortably with a major expansion of their First Class and Premium Class seating. This exciting announcement follows the successful upgrade of their entire regional fleet with additional Premium Class seats earlier this year.
By Aditya M
More Space, More Comfort
The airline is retrofitting over 200 Boeing 737 aircraft, including the 737-800, 737-900ER, and 737 MAX 9 variants. This project will add a whopping 1.3 million premium seats to their schedule annually.
Here's a breakdown of the changes:
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First Class: Passengers on Boeing 737-800 aircraft can expect an enhanced First Class experience thanks to a partnership with seating specialist RECARO. While the generous legroom remains, the new seats boast additional features like calf rests, seatback device holders, 6-way adjustable headrests with neck support, and USB-C charging. The number of First Class seats on the 737-800 will increase from 12 to 16.
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Premium Class: Alaska Airlines is recognizing the growing demand for premium seating by increasing the number of Premium Class seats on various aircraft. The 737-900ER will see a bump from 24 to 30 seats, while all MAX 9 aircraft will gain an additional six Premium Class seats.
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Main Cabin Refresh: Passengers flying in the Main Cabin on the 737-900ER can also expect a touch of improvement. As these planes are modified to accommodate more Premium Class seats, they will receive an interior refresh, including modern touches like device holders.
Meeting Passenger Demand
Alaska Airlines cites a surge in demand for premium seating as the driving force behind this upgrade. By offering more First Class and Premium Class options, they are making it easier for passengers to choose the level of comfort that best suits their needs and budget.
Timeline for Takeoff
The retrofit program is already underway, with installations on the 737-800 fleet starting in September 2024. The 737-900ER modifications will begin in fall 2024 and be completed by summer 2025. The 737 MAX 9 upgrades are expected to follow a similar timeline.
So, if you're looking for a more comfortable and relaxing travel experience on your next Alaska Airlines flight, keep an eye out for the new First Class and Premium Class seating options!
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