SOME CARD INFO MAY BE OUTDATED
This page includes information about these cards, currently unavailable on NerdWallet. The information has been collected by NerdWallet and has not been provided or reviewed by the card issuer.
West Coast carrier Alaska Airlines is launching its first international business class, marking a major step as the airline expands service to Europe and Asia. The new cabin will feature private suites with sliding doors, upgraded dining and lounge access.
This move signals a shift for Alaska from a primarily domestic airline to a long-haul international carrier and will allow it to compete more directly with other U.S. carriers like Delta, United and American that already offer transatlantic and transpacific business class.
Here’s what to know about Alaska Airlines’ new business class and what to expect onboard.
What is Alaska Airlines business class?
Alaska’s new business class will debut on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and will be available on routes to Rome, London, Seoul and Tokyo.
As part of its international expansion, Alaska is also launching service to Reykjavik, Iceland. These flights will be operated on a 737 MAX 8 and feature a different premium experience, but will not include the new lie-flat suites.
Alaska business class vs. first class
Alaska also offers a first class product, but that flying experience differs significantly from its new business class.
First class is typically offered on shorter routes and is available on narrowbody aircraft like Boeing 737s and Embraer E175s. These seats are larger than those in economy. First class passengers also receive perks like complimentary meals and drinks, priority boarding and free checked bags, but they do not convert into lie-flat beds.
In contrast, Alaska’s new international business class includes fully lie-flat seats in private suites, along with an upgraded onboard and airport experience. Because Alaska does not offer a separate international first class cabin, this new business class product represents the airline’s highest level of service on long-haul flights.
Alaska business class airport experience
Alaska has not yet published full details on check-in, boarding priority or baggage benefits specific to its new business class. Based on what other airlines offer for a comparable product, the airport experience may include a designated business class check-in desk, expanded baggage allowance and priority boarding.
At the airport, business class passengers will also have access to Alaska Lounges and Oneworld partner lounges worldwide, as Alaska is a member of the Oneworld alliance. Top-tier Oneworld Emerald members, which corresponds to Atmos Rewards Platinum (and above), will have access to international first class lounges, regardless of cabin.
» Learn more: Oneworld lounges: what to know before you go
Alaska business class in-flight experience
Here’s what to expect onboard in Alaska’s new business class, from seating and dining to inflight amenities.
Seating
Seats will be designed as fully lie-flat suites with privacy doors and direct aisle access. This reflects a broader trend among airlines toward more private business class cabins as carriers look to differentiate their premium offerings and command higher ticket prices.
A seat map for a flight from Seattle to Rome offers a closer look at the new cabin layout on the 787-9. The seats are positioned in a 1-2-1 configuration, meaning each passenger has direct aisle access. Solo travelers may prefer window seats (A or J), while those traveling together can choose the center seats (C and G).
Entertainment and tech
Each seat will include features like wireless charging, power outlets and an 18-inch entertainment screen with a library of more than 1,500 movies and TV shows to choose from.
Alaska also plans to roll out Starlink Wi-Fi on its 787-9 aircraft, with free connectivity available on equipped planes for guests who sign in with their Alaska loyalty account. Noise-reducing headsets will also be available.
Dining
The onboard dining experience will include a multicourse meal with dishes inspired by West Coast ingredients. Travelers will be able to choose from multiple entrée options depending on the route, and meals can be ordered in advance.
Service will begin with a welcome offering, such as a cheese and charcuterie board paired with wine or Champagne. The main meal will include an appetizer followed by a choice of entrees. After the main meal, a dessert cart will feature options like customizable ice cream sundaes.
Before landing, passengers will receive a final meal tailored to the destination. Alcoholic beverages, cocktails, coffee and other drinks will be included throughout the flight.
Amenity kits and bedding
Business class passengers will receive upgraded bedding and amenity kits designed in collaboration with Filson, including a mattress pad, pillows, duvet and a travel kit with skincare products by Salt & Stone and other essentials.
Booking Alaska business class
Travelers can book Alaska business class on Alaska’s website, with tickets already on sale for routes like Seattle to Rome, London and Reykjavik.
The airline has not yet updated its award chart to include pricing for its new international business class. Early searches show some availability, with seats starting at a whopping 150,000 Atmos points for a one-way ticket from Seattle to Rome.
Details on upgrades to this cabin have also not yet been announced. Because Alaska is part of the Oneworld alliance, the new business class product will likely also be bookable through partner airlines.
Earn Alaska points quickly
Alaska offers several ways to earn Atmos points, including through flying, credit card spending and partner activity.
Annual Fee
- $395
- $95
- $70 for the company and $25 per card
Welcome offer
Earn 100,000 bonus points and a 25,000-point Global Companion Award with this offer. To qualify, spend $6,500 or more on purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account. Additionally, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Get 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after spending $4,000 or more on purchases within the first 120 days of opening your account. Additionally, receive a 50% flight discount code for a qualifying future flight after opening your new account.
Get 80,000 bonus points and a $99 Companion Fare (plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $5,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days of opening your account.
Rewards
- 3 points per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.
- 3 points per $1 spent on foreign purchases, including purchases made in a foreign currency.
- 3 points per $1 spent on dining, which includes restaurants, bars, fast food and catering.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- 3 points per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.
- 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services and local transit, which includes ridesharing, trains, tolls and ferries.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- 3 points per $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases.
- 2 points per $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging, cable, streaming services and local transit, which includes ridesharing, trains, tolls and ferries.
- 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
Alaska credit cards offer strong opportunities for earning Atmos points quickly. These cards often come with welcome bonuses that can help you build a balance of points faster than flying alone.
The airline is also a transfer partner of Bilt and Marriott Bonvoy. Bilt points transfer at 1:1 ratio, while Marriott points transfer at a 3:1 ratio, with a 5,000-point bonus for every 60,000 points transferred (resulting in 25,000 Atmos points).
You can also earn points through partner activity, including flights on Oneworld airlines and eligible purchases with travel and shopping partners.
If you prefer not to keep your points concentrated with one airline, a general travel rewards credit card can provide more flexibility. These cards allow you to earn points that can be transferred to multiple airlines and hotels, rather than being tied to a single program.
» Learn more: The best Alaska credit card offers
Is Alaska Airlines business class worth it?
Alaska’s new business class marks a significant step for the airline as it expands into long-haul international flying. With features like private suites, upgraded dining and lounge access, the new cabin reflects a clear effort to align with industry trends and compete more directly with other carriers on these routes.
Because Alaska’s long-haul service is currently centered around its Seattle hub, this expansion gives West Coast travelers new nonstop options to Europe and Asia on a carrier they may already be familiar with. For travelers based in other parts of the country, the addition of these routes may not be as convenient.
Once Alaska publishes award pricing, travelers will have a clearer sense of the value. Whether it’s worth booking will depend on the price, availability and how it compares to other options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska Airlines business class have lie-flat seats?
Yes. Alaska’s new international business class will feature fully lie-flat seats in private suites with direct aisle access.
Does Alaska Airlines have first class on international flights?
No. Alaska’s new international business class is its highest cabin for long-haul flights. First class is available on domestic flights, and includes spacious, recliner-style seats with enhanced food and beverage offerings compared to economy.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
Explore more on
