Passengers, while booking the flight, often need clarification on the cabin category. There is a slight difference between the first and business classes regarding services and price. However, when they check all the first-class amenities, passengers regret not booking in the first class. Yet, the airline understands the concerns of the passengers and has a procedure for the passengers relating to Alaska Airlines’ upgrade to First Class for them. Therefore, before making any upgrades check all the rules and regulations of the airline process.
Upgrade Options Available For Alaska Airlines First Class
Alaska Airlines allows passengers to upgrade their cabin class to first class for their elite members and it is also available for non-elite members. Though understanding the procedures can provide easy upgrades without any complications.
Complimentary Upgrades
- Elite members get complimentary upgrades as much as they want to first class, based on their elite status.
- Certain elite members get an advantage of a guest upgrade certificate annually when their guests are not traveling with them.
- For companion upgrades, select elite members can upgrade one companion who is traveling with them.
- Elite members with a qualifying ticket can upgrade to premium class according to availability.
- Premium class upgrades offer unlimited complimentary upgrades to elite members on premium class, based on their elite status.
Paid Upgrades
- Passengers can purchase first-class upgrades 24 hours before departure, depending upon the availability of seats.
Upgrades with Miles
- By using miles, all passengers can upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines while buying a ticket or have an existing booking, depending on availability.
Alaska Airlines Prioritises Upgrading Passengers With Elite Status
Upgrading every passenger can be a complex task for airlines. Therefore, they prioritize certain aspects to ensure that passengers are upgraded accordingly.
Through Elite Status
Alaska Airlines offers complimentary upgrades per the rank of the passenger’s elite status; with the highest elite status, they get an upgrade on priority. It has four levels of mileage plan frequent flyer program:
- MVP Gold 100K
- MVP Gold 75K
- MVP Gold
- MVP
Somehow, suppose the passenger does not get an upgradation immediately. In that case, a list with the elite members will be placed on the waitlist and will get it clear in the order of their elite status level, class, and waitlisting time.
Through Paid Upgrade
- Alaska Airlines or SkyWest tickets can upgrade to first class within 24 hours of departure by online check-in process.
- Upgrades might be purchased at a kiosk, airport ticket counter, or the departure gate on the departure date. However, upgrades are not entirely sure, depending upon the availability of seats and also on routes.
Upgrade through Companion for Elite Members
- Elite members’ status gets an additional benefit of a complimentary upgrade for a travel companion.
- The Gold Elite member should request to upgrade the Mileage Plan customer service if the passenger does not have the same booking.
- Hence, only one traveler is allowed as a companion upgrade. If there are many companions, no one will get upgradation.
- Elite members, excluding MVPs, are eligible for a one-way first-class upgrade certificate. This certificate can be used for passengers who are not traveling with the elite member.
- To obtain guest upgrade certificates, passengers can opt for MVP Gold Guest as the upgrade fare type when booking tickets online. Passengers may select MVP Gold to upgrade next to the flight booking number for existing bookings.
Through Mileage Plan Miles
- The process of upgrading through miles is pretty simple.
- Passengers can upgrade for flights operated by Alaska Airlines or SkyWest but not partner airlines.
- To upgrade to first class, visit the Alaska Airlines website and mention the travel details. Passengers can check the available flights and select mileage from the upgrade fare type.
- With upgrade availability, fares will be displayed with F in a blue box.
A Quick Look At The Benefits Alaska Airlines First Class Offers
With luxury seats, spacious legroom, and many more amenities, Alaska Airlines First Class has much more to offer its passengers.
- Bag allowance: the airline allows passengers two free checked baggage in first class.
- Boarding: First Class passengers get priority boarding from first boarding the plane to deboarding when the destination arrives.
- Seats: Alaska Airlines’ first-class seats offer extra legroom with comfortable seats and consist of footrests, tablet holders, and cupholders. The seat has 41 inches pitch.
- Lounges: the airline offers lounge access to its first-class passengers, including food and drinks, comfortable seats, WIFI, and a concierge service.
How To Upgrade Your Alaska Airlines Booking To First Class?
Passengers can upgrade their cabin class by various methods on Alaska Airlines, even if passengers booking is through cash or miles.
Upgrade To Alaska Airlines First Class with Manage Booking
1. Visit the Alaska Airlines website.
2. Go to Alaska Airlines Manage Booking option.
3. Mention the details like last name and booking number.
4. Flowing page, the passenger’s booking will get open.
5. Select the booking that you want to upgrade.
6. Then, go to seat selection, and choose a desired seat.
7. Click to save changes.
8. After saving, pay for the upgradation through cards or other online options.
9. Lastly, a confirmation mail will receive at the mail address.
Upgrading To First Class Using Miles
- Visit the official website and check if the passenger’s ticket qualifies for an upgrade.
- If they qualify, check the number of miles in their account and require miles for the upgrade.
- Fill out the Alaska Airlines upgrade form if there are sufficient miles in the account.
- After making the changes, go to the payment option.
- Choose the mode of payment, either by card or using miles.
- A message will receive about the upgradation by using the miles at the mail address.
Request An Upgrade To First Class By Calling Alaska Airlines
Passengers can directly call the Alaska Airlines customer care number to upgrade their category to first class. An executive will guide them through the process and mention the passenger’s name and booking number. The flight details will get open from where the executive will upgrade. Passengers can pay through miles or cash. Later, a confirmation mail will be sent to the mail address.
Can First Class Upgrade Be Requested At The Airport?
If a passenger, after boarding at the airport, changes their mind to upgrade their cabin class. They can ask Alaska Airlines staff, to upgrade to first class at check-in or boarding time of the flight. Hence, complete the process accordingly.
How Much Will An Upgrade To First Class Cost?
- While booking the tickets from the official website and wanting an upgradation within 24 hours of booking, no extra cost will be applicable.
- After 24 hours of booking, passengers have to pay changing fee and the cost of the upgrading fee.
- The average amount passengers must pay to upgrade the seat is between $30 and $40.
Earn More Miles For Upgrades With Alaska Airlines Credit Card
Having an Alaska Airlines credit card does not mean passengers will get an upgrade easily. It depends upon earnings of mileage plan miles that will be useful for upgrades. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card provides two chances to get a companion ticket during the first year of the card.
- Receives a welcome bonus by completing the mandatory minimum spending on the card within three months of approval of the card.
- Get a companion fare ticket each year on the registered passenger’s account anniversary for $99 (excluding taxes and fees).
- Earn three miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and one mile per $1 on other purchases.
Is Alaska Airlines First Class Worth It?
Yes, booking on the first class of Alaska Airlines is not only having a flat-lie bed. It includes exceptional facilities like priority check-in and boarding, lounge access, complimentary meals, and drinks. Moreover, American Airlines’ first-class seats are spacious and comfortable, with remarkable service by the cabin crew during the flight. The price is relatively high for the category, but it is all worth it after experiencing the first class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I upgrade to Alaska Airlines first class after booking?
Yes, passengers can upgrade their category to first class by visiting the official website through an online process. Moreover, passengers can call the customer care number of the airline.
Is Alaska Airlines First Class refundable?
Yes, the airline allows refunds if the passengers have booked a refundable ticket. And also, passengers can cancel their tickets 24 hours before departure.
How many miles does it cost to upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines?
The airline charges 15000 miles to upgrade to first class according to the availability. Passengers can upgrade within 24 hours of departure through online check-in or at the kiosk or airline counter on the day of departure.
What is an Alaska Airlines companion fare upgrade to first class cost?
The companion fare cost for cardholders is liable to purchase a one-round trip for $122 when traveling with another guest on a paid published airfare on the same destination.
Does Elite get complimentary upgrades?
When a passenger has a gold status or higher, they receive complimentary upgrades with Alaska Airlines. There are more benefits with higher elite status, and upgrades are free.
How to get a free upgrade to first class on Alaska Airlines?
There are various ways by which passengers can upgrade to first class for free:
- Upgrade within 24 hours of booking
- Fly with Elite friend
- Through Elite Status
- Earn points on miles
- Earn points on Alaska Airlines credit card
What types of upgrades does Alaska Airlines offer?
- Complimentary upgrade
- Paid upgrade
- Upgrade through miles
- Upgrades with Elite Status
How much does it cost to upgrade to first class?
The first-class upgradation depends upon the distance of the flight. Hence, the price varies between $29 to $199.
What is the process to upgrade to first class through miles on Alaska Airlines?
- To upgrade to first class, visit the official website of Alaska Airlines and mention the travel details. Passengers can check the available flights and select mileage from the upgrade fare type.
- After making the changes, go to the payment option.
- Choose the mode of payment using miles.
- A message will receive about the upgradation by using the miles at the mail address.
Can I upgrade to first class after reaching the airport?
Yes, passengers can upgrade their class to first class at a kiosk counter or airline counter at the airport.
