Alaska Airlines Seat Selection

 Alaska Airlines Seat Selection: What You Need to Know Before You Fly

Selecting your seat on a plane can be a small thing, but if you’ve ever been fortunate enough to find yourself wedged between two strangers at the back of the plane by the bathrooms, you understand how it can make all the difference.

Knowing how Alaska Airlines seat selection system works can be the difference between a pleasant and unpleasant flight.

Whether you’re an inexperienced flyer or a frequent traveler, this guide describes Alaska Airlines’ seat selection process, fare restrictions, and upgrade possibilities, along with some tips from actual flyers to assist you in making the best decision for your next flight.

What is the easiest way to select a seat on Alaska Airlines?

The best and easiest time to select your seat is when you reserve your flight. Most people are able to select seats when they reserve online or through the mobile app. You’ll be presented with a seat map for your flight, indicating what is available in each compartment of the aircraft.

At this point, selecting a seat is usually free for most fare types, unless you’re flying on their lowest fare tier, which we’ll get into shortly. The seat map is color-coded and easy to understand. The following seats are highly marked.

• Standard seats
• Preferred seats
• Premium Class
• First Class

If you have other individuals with you when you travel, particularly children or relatives, it’s highly advisable you reserve ahead of time and pick your seats simultaneously now. It prevents the hurried last-minute rearranging at the gate.

How does Alaska Airlines’ seat selection depend on fare type?

Not all tickets are the same, and on Alaska Airlines, your fare class dictates how flexible you are in choosing your seat.

1. Saver Fare

This is Alaska’s cheapest and most restrictive fare option. If you buy a Saver ticket, you are not allowed to choose your seat in advance. Seats are assigned at check-in.

Also, you cannot later on change your seat or sit next to your fellow travellers. This fare suits single travelers who do not care where they sit as long as they get somewhere for a reasonable price.

2. Main Cabin Fare

That’s the low-base economy fare, and with it, you have the option to select seats for free when booking. You have access to a great range of seats on board, and you can even switch seats afterwards via the Alaska website or app.

It’s a good option for most people short of the absolute lightest flyers, particularly if sitting with your group or in a window/aisle is a priority.

3. Premium Class

Premium-class seats offer extra legroom, early boarding, and free alcoholic beverages. These are located toward the front of the main cabin and come with a fee.

If you’re tall, value a bit more breathing room, or just want to make your economy flight feel a little more premium without splurging on first class, this upgrade can be well worth it.

4. First Class

Then, naturally, if comfort is your priority and you don’t mind paying for it, First Class treats you to the widest seats, gourmet meals, lounge facility access, and priority service all the way.

Finally, seat selection is free and simple here.

What should I do if I forget to pick a seat during the reservation?

Don’t worry, they won’t put you in the worst seat on the plane; you’re not stuck with the worst seat on the plane.

You can visit the “Manage Booking” tab on Alaska’s website or app anytime prior to check-in and select from whatever seats remain.

Your chances are better the sooner you do it. 

If you are patient until check-in time, you still have the chance of changing or selecting your seat, particularly in case other passengers change their minds or free upgrades leave seats open.

What is the seat selection fee on Alaska Airlines?

Though Main Cabin seats can be selected for free, any seat type is more expensive, particularly those on the front rows, exit rows, or “Preferred” or “Premium” seats.

Exit Row Seats: They provide you with more legroom and generally cost you an additional $20–$50. You qualify to sit here by meeting certain conditions according to safety requirements.

Preferred Seats: Sometimes simply a little nicer seats, up front, say, but sometimes up to $15–$30.

Premium Class: The upgrade price differs based on the flight duration and demand but is generally in the $20 to $100 plus range.

Elite status Mileage Plan members can receive these upgrades for free or discount depending on status and availability.

Does Alaska Airlines allow seat selection while travelling with family or a group?

This is where it gets a little tricky. Flying with children or in groups, seat selection becomes more than about comfort, it’s about remaining together.

Alaska isn’t terrible about getting families seated together, but no promises, particularly on a packed plane or if you’re in Saver fares. If you didn’t ask for seats when you booked and you’re spread out, your best option is to approach a gate agent prior to boarding.

They might be able to make it work.

Pro tip: Call Alaska’s customer service a few days before your flight to see if they can help arrange group seating. Agents are often more helpful than you’d expect.

Tips from Frequent Flyers

To summarise it all, here are a couple of hard-won tricks of the trade from seasoned Alaska flyers:

• Book early to get your seat of choice.

• Recheck 24–48 hours prior to flight time. Individuals cancel, upgrade, or change their minds, and better seats generally become available in that timeframe.

• Don’t count on airport staff to reassign bad seat assignments. They’ll try, but planes fill up.

• Consider Premium Class if you’re on a longer flight. The extra legroom and early boarding alone are worth the fee for many.

Conclusion:

Alaska’s seating arrangement is relatively simple and generous, but your experience will greatly depend on your type of fare and how far in advance you purchase.

Regardless of whether you’re a budget-conscious passenger purchasing a Saver fare or using Premium or First Class, knowing your seat choices and moving quickly will make your flight quite pleasant.

In the end, we recommend that you call Alaska Airlines for any queries, difficulties, or assistance.

You can reach us at : Dial +1-855-956-2158 for English Or, +52-800-953-1667 for Spanish.