When you’re planning a trip, the last thing you want to worry about is being stuck in a middle seat far away from your travel partner. Alaska Airlines generally keeps things simple: if you book a standard Main Cabin, Premium, or First Class ticket, you can usually pick your spot right when you buy your flight. It’s all about getting that peace of mind early. However, if you grab a “Saver” fare to save some cash, you’ll likely have to wait until check-in for a seat assignment, though they still try their best to keep families together.
How Does Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Work?
Choosing a seat on Alaska Airlines is pretty straightforward, but your experience depends entirely on the “flavor” of the ticket you buy. If you go for a Main Cabin or First Class fare, you get to pick your spot on the seat map the moment you book without paying extra. However, if you grab a Saver fare (their version of basic economy), you’re essentially leaving it up to fate; Alaska will assign you a seat at check-in, usually starting 24 hours before take-off. While you can sometimes pay to pick a seat on a Saver fare, it’s generally designed for those who don’t mind a middle seat in exchange for a lower price.
Key Things to Know:
- Main Cabin & Above: Free seat selection is included at the time of booking.
- Saver Fares: Seats are assigned for you at check-in. You likely won’t sit with your group unless you pay a separate fee to pick seats.
- Premium Class: You can pay to “upgrade” to these seats for 4 inches of extra legroom and free drinks, even on a Saver fare if space allows.
- Elite Status: If you have Atmos Rewards (formerly Mileage Plan) status, you can often snag Premium or Preferred seats for free, though Saver fares limit these perks.
- Family Guarantee: Alaska is great about ensuring kids (13 and under) sit next to at least one adult on the same reservation, even on Saver fares, at no extra cost.
Read more: Does Alaska Airlines Offer Senior Discounts for Seniors?
How To Select Seats On Alaska Airlines?
Selecting a seat on Alaska Airlines is mostly about timing and your fare type. If you book a Main Cabin or First Class ticket, you’ll see a seat map right during the checkout process where you can click on your preferred spot for free. If you’ve already booked and skipped that step, you can just hop onto the Alaska app or website, hit “Manage,” and pick your seat there up until check-in. It’s a different story for Saver fares, though; those are “luck of the draw” seats assigned at check-in, though you can sometimes pay a little extra to secure a specific one early if you’re worried about the middle seat.
Quick Steps To Grab Your Seat:
- At Booking: Watch for the seat map after you enter your passenger details. If you’re in the Main Cabin, the blue seats are usually yours for the taking at no extra cost.
- Via “Manage Trip”: If you already have a confirmation code, plug it into the Manage tab on the website or app to view the map and change your spot.
- The “Saver” Exception: If you bought a Saver fare, you’ll likely get your assignment when you check in. However, Alaska guarantees kids 13 and under will sit with an adult, so no need to panic if you’re flying with family.
- Upgrading: You can usually pay to move to Premium Class (extra legroom and free drinks) at any point if there’s space, which also lets you pick a specific row.
What Is The Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Fee?
Alaska Airlines generally doesn’t charge a “hidden” seat selection fee like some other carriers, but your cost really comes down to the fare you choose. If you book a Main Cabin or First Class ticket, picking a standard seat is totally free and included in your price from day one. However, if you’re looking for more legroom, you can pay to upgrade to Premium Class, which usually starts around $15 and goes up based on the length of your flight.
The only time you really “pay” for seat selection is by choosing a Main Cabin fare over a Saver fare, which is often $30 to $60 more expensive but gives you the freedom to choose your spot. On a Saver fare, you can’t pick a seat in advance for free; they assign one to you at check-in. That said, Alaska is rolling out a new “pricing per seat” model for 2026, so you might soon see specific fees for picking preferred aisle or window seats even within the Main Cabin.
Read more: Does Alaska Airlines Allow Lap Infants? Rules & Charges Explained
How Does Elite Seating Work On Alaska Airlines?
Elite seating on Alaska Airlines (now part of the Atmos™ Rewards program in 2026) is all about moving you toward the front of the plane as quickly as possible. As soon as you hit Silver status, you unlock “Preferred” seating for free, which includes those desirable aisle and window spots near the front of the Main Cabin.
- Preferred Access: All elites can select “Preferred” seats in the Main Cabin for free at booking.
- Instant Upgrades: Gold, Platinum, and Titanium members often qualify for instant upgrades to Premium Class or First Class depending on the fare class purchased (like Y, B, or H).
- Upgrade Windows: If you don’t get an instant upgrade, you’re placed on a waitlist that begins clearing 48 to 120 hours before departure, based on your tier.
- The “Saver” Catch: Even elites generally can’t pick seats or get upgrades on Saver fares until just before departure, though 2026 updates now allow some last-minute upgrades within 2 hours of take-off.
- Companion Benefits: If you’re Gold or higher, one person traveling on your same reservation can usually join you in those upgraded seats for free.
What Are Alaska Airlines Seating Options?
Alaska Airlines offers a range of seating that fits everything from a budget-friendly hop to a long-haul international journey. For most domestic flights, you’ll choose between the standard Main Cabin, the extra-legroom Premium Class, or the spacious First Class. They’ve also introduced elite Business Class Suites on their new Boeing 787 Dreamliners, featuring privacy doors and fully lie-flat beds.
- First Class: Dedicated service, free meals, and two checked bags.
- Business Class (787-9 only): Enclosed suites with lie-flat seats, 18-inch 4K screens, and direct aisle access for long-haul international flights.
- Premium Class: Main Cabin with 4 inches of extra legroom, early boarding, and complimentary alcoholic drinks.
- Main Cabin: Standard leather seating with adjustable headrests. You can pick these for free at booking (unless you bought a “Saver” fare).
- Main Cabin Preferred: These are standard seats located in the front half of the plane, allowing you to deplane faster; they are free for Atmos™ Rewards elite members.
- Saver Fare: The most restricted option where seats are assigned at check-in, though you can still pay to move into a Premium Class seat if one is available.
What Are The Tips For Choosing Your Perfect Seat On Alaska Airlines?
Finding the “perfect” seat on Alaska is about more than just legroom; it’s about knowing the quirks of their fleet. If you want the absolute best domestic economy experience, aim for Row 17 on the Boeing 737s. It offers even more legroom than Premium Class but often costs less since you’re trading away the free drinks. For the best views of Mt. Rainier or downtown Seattle, stick to the left side (A seats) when flying north into Sea-Tac.
Pro Tips For The Best Experience:
- The “Power Pod” Trap: On older 737-800s, avoid aisle seats if you’re tall; the power outlets are in a bulky “pod” right where your knee hits. Window seats are generally better for foot space.
- Row 17 vs. 16: In the exit rows, Row 17 is the winner because it reclines. Row 16 is often “locked” upright so it doesn’t block the exit behind it.
- Row 6 is Special: This is the first row of Premium Class. It has massive legroom, but because the tray tables are in the armrests, the seats are slightly narrower and you can’t keep bags at your feet during takeoff.
- Avoid the Last 3 Rows: These often have limited recline, are right next to the noisy lavatories, and are the last to get drink service.
- The “Windowless” Window: Be careful with Row 10, 11, or 12 on certain aircraft; there’s a gap in the fuselage where a window should be, leaving you staring at a plastic wall.
Read more: What Is Alaska Airlines Dog Policy? Cabin & Cargo Rules
What Is Alaska Airlines Seat Selection In A Nutshell?
In a nutshell, Alaska Airlines seat selection is a “choose your own adventure” based on how much you’re willing to spend. If you go for a Main Cabin or First Class fare, you get full control from the start, letting you pick any open seat on the map for free. The Saver fare is the complete opposite; it’s the budget-friendly gamble where you’re assigned a seat at check-in, though you can still pay a small fee to move into a better spot later if you’re quick. If you have Atmos™ Rewards status, the rules bend in your favor with free access to “Preferred” seats and early upgrades. Ultimately, it’s a system designed to reward either loyalty or a slightly higher ticket price with the peace of mind of knowing exactly where you’ll be sitting.
Conclusion
If you’re the type who needs to know exactly where you’re landing, sticking with the Main Cabin is a no-brainer since it takes the guesswork out of the equation. While the “Saver” fares are tempting for the price, they’re really best for solo travelers who don’t mind a random assignment. Between the extra legroom in Premium and the perks for elite members, Alaska keeps things pretty fair. Just remember to check that seat map early your legs (and your travel partner) will definitely thank you later.
FAQ
Q.1 Does Alaska Airlines Have Free Seat Selection?
Ans: Everything else about your travel experience is the same as you’ve come to love with Alaska Airlines: select your seats for free
Q.2 Do Alaska Airlines Seat People Together?
Ans: Whether you prefer extra legroom, a window view, a forward cabin position, or seats together for family travel.
Q.3 Is There A Fee For Selecting A Seat With Alaska Airlines?
Ans: Seat selection is generally free for Main Cabin seats, but depending on your fare type and elite status, preferred, Premium Class or First-Class seats may incur fees.
Q.4 Does Alaska Airlines Allow Family Seating?
Ans: Alaska Airlines strives to seat families together. If seats are unavailable together, their staff will assist in finding suitable arrangements at the airport.
