Another United States airline is going big on the premium air travel trend.
Alaska Airlines just announced a major new initiative that will see it add new premium cabins across its fleet and partner carrier Hawaiian Airlines’ planes, launch new upscale airport lounges, and more.
Here’s a look at all of the upgrades coming to the merged carriers’ planes and lounges.
A New Premium Economy Class
Among the new products is a brand new premium economy class, called Premium Reserve, that will offer wider seats with 38 inches of pitch, as well as a leg and calf rest and enhanced recline.
Premium Reserve will also afford passengers a 16-inch entertainment screen and upgraded dining options and amenities. The new cabin class is set to debut in 2028 on board Alaska’s Boeing 787-9s and 787-10s, as well as select 737-10 MAX aircraft. It will also be added across Hawaiian’s A330 fleet.
An Expanded Aurora First Class Experience Across Alaska’s Planes, Lounges
Toward the front of the plane, travelers will notice totally upgraded first-class products across both Alaska and Hawaiian’s widebody aircraft.
On all of its Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, Alaska is adding 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites, which will begin rolling out in 2028. Aboard the 787-9, the total number of premium seating options will rise to 46%, up from 38% currently.
The carrier also plans to add the first-class lie-flat suites to select 737 planes for transcontinental routes, too. At least 25 737-10 MAX aircraft will be outfitted with 12 Aurora Suites, and the planes will also receive Alaska’s special “northern lights” livery, too.
On the ground, travelers in Aurora cabins will receive access to an exclusive check-in concierge and entry to a new Aurora lounge in Seattle that will open in 2027 with shower suites, wellness spaces, and multiple areas for gourmet cuisine.
Brand New Interiors Across Hawaiian’s A330 Fleet
Premium Reserve isn’t the only upgrade coming to Hawaiian’s long-haul A330 fleet. The carrier said it will completely revamp its A330 interiors “from the first row to the last.”
Starting in 2028, the planes will feature 22 enhanced Leihōkū Suites with lie-flat beds, privacy doors, 19-inch entertainment screens, and more. The new cabin will feature 40% premium seating compared to 30% today.
Travelers in Leihōkū class will receive concierge service in Seattle and Honolulu, as well as access to a new lounge opening in Honolulu in 2028.
“We believe premium is more than a seat,” said Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci. “It’s how guests feel from the moment they book their trip to the moment they arrive at the airport to when they’re in the air with us. Aurora for Alaska and Leihōkū for Hawaiian bring that vision to life in ways that feel true to the Alaska and Hawaiian brands our guests love, while raising the standard for comfort, service, dining and care throughout the journey.”
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