How can I select my seat in advance?

You can usually select your seat during booking or by managing your booking online. Some airlines may charge a fee for selecting a seat.

Who do I contact for lost or delayed baggage?

Report lost or delayed baggage at the airline’s baggage counter as soon as you land. They will provide a tracking ID and updates on the status of your baggage.

How Much Will You Pay to Upgrade Seats on Alaska Airlines?

By flightshelpcenter

Published on December 3, 2025

Travelers who want to experience extra comfort, more legroom, or a premium in-flight experience should know the Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee well. No matter if it’s upgrading to a basic seat, going for a Premium Class or a full First Class upgrade, Alaska Airlines has various options matching every budget. This in-depth 2025 manual reveals the upgrade types, costs, eligibility, and even tips from experts to save money. Moreover, for personalized assistance with upgrades you can call +1 (866) 558-3017 at any time too.Quick Overview: Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee

Quick Overview: Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee

Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fees vary based on route, fare type, aircraft, and availability. Travelers can upgrade to Premium Class or First Class using cash, miles, elite benefits, or last-minute airport deals. Below is a concise summary of upgrade rules and key details.

Upgrade Options: Premium Class, First Class, and select Main Cabin preferred seats.
Cost Range: Upgrades typically run $23–$450+, depending on distance, demand, and upgrade type.
Premium Class Perks: Extra legroom, early boarding, complimentary alcoholic drinks, and preferred cabin seating.
First Class Perks: Spacious reclining seats, premium meals, free checked bags, priority check-in/security/boarding.
Eligibility: Most fare types can upgrade; Saver fares have limited upgrade flexibility.
Using Miles: Many Main Cabin fares can be upgraded using Alaska miles, depending on availability.
Elite Upgrade Priority: MVP (48 hrs), MVP Gold (72 hrs), MVP Gold 75K/100K (120 hrs before departure).
Dynamic Fees: Upgrade prices vary; peak seasons and popular routes tend to cost more.
Best Time to Upgrade: Lowest upgrade fees often appear within 24 hours of departure at online check-in or the airport.
How to Upgrade: Via Alaska Airlines’ website, mobile app, airport kiosks, gate agents, or customer support.
Restrictions: Some discounted or bulk fares may not qualify for upgrades or mileage upgrades.
Refund Policy: If Alaska cannot provide the upgraded seat, upgrade fees are refunded.
Customer Support: For real-time upgrade pricing or seat availability, call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Pro Tip: Monitor upgrade options right at check-in—Alaska frequently releases discounted Premium Class or First Class upgrade offers in the final hours before departure. For assistance, contact +1 (866) 558-3017.

What Is the Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee?

The Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee is the fee charged for changing the seat of the passenger from the one originally bought to a more luxurious or comfortable one. This could involve going from Main Cabin up to Premium Class or even First Class, subject to availability and fare type. The fee is determined by the factors like the route, distance of the flight, the class of ticket purchased, and the time of the upgrade request.Who Needs to Pay the Upgrade Fee?

Passengers who purchased a standard Main Cabin fare, Saver fare, or an award ticket typically pay the upgrade fee when requesting upgrades. Elite members may receive complimentary upgrades, but only under certain conditions.

Difference Between Paid Upgrades and Complimentary Upgrades

Paid Upgrade: You directly pay the Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee or use miles for a guaranteed upgrade.
Complimentary Upgrade: Mileage Plan elite members (MVP, MVP Gold, MVP 75k+, and MVP Gold 100k) may receive upgrades for free, based on availability and priority order.
Many travelers choose to call +1 (866) 558-3017 for real-time upgrade availability and pricing.

Types of Alaska Airlines Upgrades – Maximize Comfort and Perks

Seat Upgrades: Move to better Main Cabin seats for more comfort. Choose standard upgrades like aisle or window seats.

Extra Legroom / Premium Class: Enjoy up to 4 inches of extra legroom, priority boarding, complimentary snacks and drinks, and forward cabin access. Premium Class upgrades are ideal for long-haul flights with separate pricing.

First Class Upgrades: Experience spacious reclining seats, two free checked bags, premium dining, priority security and boarding, plus lounge access on qualifying fares. Perfect for long flights or last-minute upgrades.

Business / Premium Upgrades: On select long-haul partner routes, Business upgrades may be available, though Alaska primarily offers Premium and First Class cabins.

Upgrade Type	Mileage Required / Details	Notes
Major U.S. Routes	15,000 miles + small fee	Use miles for domestic route upgrades
Transcontinental Flights	25,000 miles	Coast-to-coast U.S. upgrades
Elite Status Upgrade Windows	—	Priority upgrade based on membership tier
MVP	—	Up to 48 hours before departure
MVP Gold	—	Up to 72 hours before departure
MVP Gold 75k+	—	Up to 120 hours before departure
MVP Gold 100k	—	Top upgrade priority, earliest access

Need guidance on Alaska Airlines upgrades or elite benefits? Call +1 (866) 558-3017 to speak with an expert today.

How Much Does an Alaska Airlines Upgrade Cost?

Seat Upgrade Costs

Main Cabin seat upgrades generally range from:

$15–$75 for Premium Class
$5–$30 for preferred seats
Pricing varies per flight and seat location.

First Class Upgrade Costs

The Alaska Airlines First Class Upgrade Fee varies based on route, demand, and fare class:

Short routes (under 1,000 miles): $59–$150
Medium routes (1,000–2,000 miles): $100–$249
Transcontinental: $150–$350
Hawaii routes: $200–$499

Saver fares typically cannot be upgraded unless paid or using special promotions.

Factors Affecting Upgrade Fees

Route and Flight Duration

Longer flights naturally have higher upgrade fees due to enhanced services.

Time of Booking

Last-minute upgrades (24–48 hours before departure) often cost less but have limited availability.

Availability and Seasonality

Peak travel seasons (summer, holidays) increase upgrade pricing due to demand. For early price predictions, contact +1 (866) 558-3017.

How to Upgrade Your Alaska Airlines Seat?

Online via Website

Visit the Alaska Airlines Manage Reservations page
Enter your confirmation code and last name
View available upgrades and prices
Pay the applicable Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fee

Using the Alaska Airlines Mobile App

Tap “Trips”
Select your flight
Choose “Upgrade Options”
Complete payment or apply miles

At the Airport or Check-in Counter

Passengers may find last-minute First Class deals at kiosks or counters.
Agents can also manually check upgrade availability when you call +1 (866) 558-3017.

Using Alaska Airlines Credit Card or Promotions

Eligible cardholders receive:

Priority boarding
Discounted upgrade offers
Bonus miles to apply toward seat upgrades

Watch for seasonal promotions offering reduced Alaska Airlines Seat Upgrade Fees.

Tips to Reduce Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fees and Save Money

Book Early or Last-Minute Strategically: Secure better availability with early bookings, or find discounted last-minute upgrade deals.
Use Mileage Plan Points: Redeem Alaska Miles to upgrade your seat and maximize value, especially during high-demand travel dates.
Watch for Special Offers and Discounts: Alaska Airlines often shares promotional upgrade deals via email—stay subscribed to catch savings.
Leverage Elite Status or Credit Card Perks: Elite members get complimentary upgrades and early access to upgrade windows, making premium travel more affordable.

Optimize your next Alaska Airlines flight upgrade and save money with smart strategies. Call +1 (866) 558-3017 for expert guidance on upgrades.

Comparing Alaska Airlines Upgrade Fees with Other Airlines

Comparison with Delta, American, and United

Delta: Typically higher upgrade costs, especially for Comfort+ and First Class
American: Offers systemwide upgrades but may charge higher fees on peak routes
United: Polaris upgrades are pricier, but economy upgrades are comparable

Value for Money

Alaska’s First Class generally offers higher value due to:

Larger seats
Better service consistency
More reasonable upgrade pricing
Generous elite member benefits

Common Alaska Airlines Upgrade Issues and How to Solve Them

Upgrade Denials and Waitlists: If upgrades are full, join the waitlist. Elite members get priority placement. For waitlist assistance, call +1 (866) 558-3017.
Refunds or Changes After Upgrade: Paid upgrade fees may be refundable if Alaska Airlines downgrades your seat or changes aircraft types. Always review airline policies before booking.
Combining Upgrades with Other Discounts: Certain tickets, like bulk fares or Saver fares, may have upgrade restrictions. Check fare rules carefully to avoid issues.
Resolve upgrade challenges and get expert help with Alaska Airlines seat upgrades. Call +1 (866) 558-3017 today.

Conclusion

Alaska Airlines gives a range of upgrade options – namely Premium Class to First Class – and every upgrade option has its own perks. The fee for upgrading with Alaska Airlines differs depending upon the route, time, type of seat, and availability. It is possible to lower the costs considerably by using miles, elite status, or crisp timing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How much does it cost to upgrade on Alaska Airlines?

Upgrade prices range from $23 to $450+, depending on route, demand, and timing. Exact upgrade pricing appears during check-in or at the gate.

How do upgrades work on Alaska Airlines?

Elite members receive priority complimentary upgrades. After that, paid or mileage upgrades are offered. Remaining upgrade seats may open during check-in or at the airport.

Is Premium Class worth it?

Yes. Premium Class is worth it if you want extra legroom, priority boarding, and free drinks—especially on longer routes. Seat width remains the same as economy.

Is asking for a free upgrade at the airport worth it?

Free upgrades are uncommon, but discounted paid upgrades may be offered close to departure if seats remain.

How much are seat upgrades on Alaska Airlines?

Seat upgrades typically cost $23 to $450+. The best upgrade deals often appear within 24 hours of departure.

How do I get a free Premium Class upgrade?

The most reliable method is earning Alaska Airlines elite status, which includes complimentary Premium Class upgrade benefits.