Alaska Airlines Plans Premium Economy and Luxury Seattle Lounge as International Expansion Grows

Alaska Airlines Premium Economy: Alaska Airlines has taken a big step. The Seattle-based carrier is now acting like a true global airline. Last week, it started its first flight to Europe when it flew nonstop from Seattle to Rome. The flight uses a nearly new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner that was first brought out by Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, before Alaska took over its merger partner. The plane has fancy private business-class suites and a new soft product, so the trip feels more premium right from the start.

Even with all that, one important cabin is still missing. Alaska CEO Ben Minicucci said, “It’s the true piece that’s missing,” when talking about premium economy. On this plane, Alaska does show some seats called “Premium,” but they are not real premium economy. They are just extra-legroom coach seats, like the ones the airline already uses on some 737s. Real premium economy is the middle choice many big airlines now offer. It sits between business class and regular coach and usually gives more space and a better seat.

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Premium Economy is Coming

That missing cabin will not stay missing forever. Alaska plans to add real premium economy to its 787s starting in 2028. Minicucci said, “I think that’s really going to enhance the product. That’s one of the most popular products on long-haul, it’s one of the most profitable products on long-haul,” and then added, “And so we’re excited.” Hawaiian’s older Airbus A330s will also get a makeover. Those planes will get new business-class suites and, for the first time, premium economy too. Alaska says those A330 changes should also begin in 2028.

Big Plans on the Ground and Air

Alaska is also planning a much fancier lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The carrier wants to build a 40,000-square-foot premium lounge on the C Concourse. It would likely be used by business-class travelers and some high-level Atmos Rewards members.

Alaska says this would be more like a Flagship or Polaris-style lounge than a normal Alaska Lounge. Minicucci said, “If you’re going to charge for the product we want the entire end-to-end experience to be fantastic,” and the lounge is expected to open within the next two years. Alaska also opened a new high-end check-in lobby at SEA for Suites passengers and Atmos Titanium members.

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There are still a few gaps on the 787s for now. The planes do not yet have Starlink Wi-Fi, and right now they have no Wi-Fi at all. Alaska says Starlink should reach its wide-body planes by fall, and Atmos members will get it free. The airline is also slowing down one part of its loyalty plan. For now, members still earn only by miles flown. The newer “choice accrual” system, where members can earn by money spent, miles flown, or segments flown, should begin later in 2026 and probably line up with the 2027 status year.

Loyalty and Cards

Alaska also gave two more big updates. The airline said more than 100,000 people now carry its Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Card. It also hit 100 daily departures from San Diego International Airport.

Alaska says these things matter because loyalty growth and card spending help shape where the airline flies next. Its network planner, Kirsten Amrine, said, “We’re seeing really good passenger growth, but what we also need to see is, ‘Are we seeing the loyalty program [growing], are we seeing the card — both members and spend — improve?’” She added, “We’re really encouraged by what we’re seeing.”