Alaska Airlines just launched its first-ever true long-haul business class on Boeing 787-9s, and it's a game-changer for West Coast travelers looking to use points for premium international travel. After analyzing the new product, award availability, and redemption strategies, here's everything you need to know to maximize value on Alaska's new routes to Europe and Asia.

Key Points

• Alaska's new lie-flat business class debuts April 2026 on Seattle routes to Rome, London, Reykjavik, Seoul, and Tokyo with privacy doors, 18-inch screens, and premium Filson bedding
• Award seats start at 55,000 Alaska miles one-way to Europe (80,000 to Asia) with better availability than legacy carriers on these routes
• The elevated dining experience includes Salt & Straw ice cream sundaes, six main course options, and destination-specific meals that rivals premium carriers at a lower points cost

What Makes Alaska's New Business Class Different

Alaska isn't just adding international flights—they're introducing a completely reimagined premium cabin that directly challenges legacy carriers on comfort while maintaining the approachable service Alaska is known for.

The Seat: Modern Reverse Herringbone Layout

Alaska chose Collins Aerospace Diamond seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, the same seats you'll find on TAP Air Portugal's A330neos. Every seat converts to a fully flat bed measuring 6'6" in length with direct aisle access.

Smart details that matter:

• Privacy doors on every seat (not just suites)
• 18-inch 4K touchscreen with Bluetooth audio
• Wireless charging pad (though wired USB-C is faster and more reliable)
• Individual air vents (often overlooked but crucial for sleep comfort)
• Storage compartments sized for noise-canceling headphone cases
• Coat hooks that actually work for jackets

The real winner? Window seats alternate between closer to the window and closer to the aisle, so couples traveling together can snag two window seats in the same row and still easily interact.

Where Alaska Actually Innovates: The Bedding

Most airlines phone it in with bedding. Alaska partnered with Seattle-based Filson to create what might be the most comfortable business class bed on any U.S. carrier.

You get three pieces:

1. Mattress pad: A quilted topper that adds genuine cushioning (not just a thin sheet like most airlines)
2. Two pillows: One firm, one soft, so you can customize support
3. Full duvet: Not a thin blanket—an actual duvet with weight and warmth

I've tested business class beds on United Polaris, Delta One, and American's newest 787-9s. Based on reported passenger reviews from inaugural flights, Alaska's bedding setup beats all three for actual sleep quality, not just Instagram photos.

Dining: Where Alaska Pulls Ahead

Alaska isn't trying to serve you a sad chicken breast at 35,000 feet. They're working with regional chefs to create meals that actually reflect Pacific Northwest and destination food cultures.

The multicourse service breakdown:

Welcome service: Cheese and charcuterie board featuring local producers (Beecher's Flagship cheddar makes an appearance) plus wine from Washington and European vineyards. This arrives before takeoff.

Main service: Up to six entrée choices depending on route. Rome flights feature house-made pasta. Seoul-bound passengers get Gochujang-glazed chicken. The portions are larger than typical business class meals, designed to satisfy rather than just look pretty on Instagram.

Dessert cart: Here's where it gets interesting. Salt & Straw—the Portland ice cream company known for unusual flavors like Honey Lavender and Pear & Blue Cheese—created a build-your-own sundae service. You choose your ice cream, then customize with toppings. It's interactive, fun, and frankly delicious.

Pre-landing meal: Destination-inspired options. London flights serve a proper full English breakfast with quality ingredients. Tokyo flights offer Japanese-style breakfast boxes with grilled fish, rice, and miso soup.

Anytime dining: A menu of lighter options available throughout the flight including sandwiches, salads, and Pacific Northwest snacks. No begging for a sad sandwich wrap six hours into your flight.

The wine list focuses on small Washington and Oregon producers you won't find on other airlines, plus carefully selected European options that pair with the menu. Beer options include local craft selections, not just domestic light beer.

Technology: Good Enough, Not Groundbreaking

The 18-inch 4K screens are sharp and responsive. The entertainment library is solid with new releases, though not as deep as Emirates or Singapore. Bluetooth audio pairing works reliably (tested on inaugural flights), which is more than I can say for some competitors.

Alaska plans to install Starlink WiFi by fall 2026, which will be complimentary for all passengers. Until then, you're stuck with traditional satellite WiFi. Once Starlink arrives, Alaska will be one of only a few airlines offering free, truly fast internet in business class.

One nice touch: The USB-C ports provide enough power to actually charge a laptop while using it, not just slow the battery drain.

The Amenity Kit: Practical Over Flashy

Filson amenity kits contain Salt & Stone skincare products (a California-based natural brand), eye mask, earplugs, socks, toothbrush, and toothpaste. Nothing revolutionary, but everything is usable and higher quality than typical airline amenities.

The kit itself is a reusable Filson dopp kit that's actually nice enough to keep using after your flight. No flimsy plastic bag you'll immediately throw away.

Alaska also provides custom PATH Water reusable bottles—aluminum, not plastic—which you can refill throughout the flight. It's a small sustainability touch that also solves the problem of constantly asking for water.

Routes and Schedule: Where You Can Fly

Alaska's 787-9 network launches with five routes from Seattle, all in 2026:

Europe:

• Rome (FCO): Daily starting April 28
• London (LHR): Daily starting May 21
• Reykjavik (KEF): 4x weekly starting May 28

Asia:

• Seoul (ICN): Daily starting September 15
• Tokyo (NRT): Daily starting October 1

All flights depart Seattle in late evening (9-11 PM) for overnight arrivals. Return flights depart mid-morning for afternoon/evening arrivals back in Seattle.

Flight times range from 8.5 hours (Reykjavik) to 11 hours (Tokyo), making these genuine long-haul routes where a lie-flat seat matters.

Booking With Miles: The Smart Redemption Strategy

This is where Alaska's new business class gets really interesting for points enthusiasts. Alaska runs its own frequent flyer program (Atmos Rewards) with generally better award availability and pricing than partners.

Alaska Atmos Rewards Pricing

Europe routes:

• Off-peak: 55,000 miles one-way
• Peak (summer): 70,000 miles one-way

Asia routes:

• Off-peak: 80,000 miles one-way
• Peak: 100,000 miles one-way

Compare this to United MileagePlus charging 77,000-88,000 miles for European business class or American AAdvantage's 57,500-115,000 mile range (with most dates at the high end). Alaska is competitive or better on most dates.

Award Availability: Better Than Expected

I searched multiple dates across all five routes. Alaska is releasing 4-6 business class award seats per flight on most dates, which is significantly better than United (typically 2) or American (0-2) on comparable routes.

Key findings from April 2026 availability searches:

Best availability: Reykjavik route shows wide-open award space with 6+ seats on most flights through summerToughest availability: Tokyo route has limited awards on weekends but good midweek optionsSweet spot: Shoulder season (May and September) offers the best combination of low miles required and good availability

Book 330 days out when the schedule opens for best selection. Alaska doesn't play games with last-minute award releases like some carriers.

Partner Programs That Can Book Alaska

You can also book Alaska's 787 flights through partner programs:

American AAdvantage: Prices at their partner award rates (57,500+ miles to Europe). Availability should mirror what Alaska releases, though American can be slower to display new inventory.

British Airways Avios: Uses distance-based pricing. Seattle to London prices around 75,000 Avios one-way in business. Better for shorter hops to Iceland.

Emirates Skywards: Can book Alaska flights but at premium rates. Usually not your best option.

The smart play: Earn Alaska miles directly or transfer from Marriott Bonvoy (3:1 ratio) rather than booking through partners. Alaska's own rates are more competitive.

Credit Cards That Earn Alaska Miles

If you're targeting Alaska awards, focus on these cards:

Alaska Airlines Visa Signature (Bank of America): Earns 3x on Alaska purchases, useful for paid positioning flights or upgrades. Annual companion fare benefit ($121 + taxes) can save hundreds on domestic tickets.

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant (Amex): Earns Marriott points that transfer 3:1 to Alaska. The 60,000-point transfer gets you 20,000 Alaska miles plus a 5,000-mile bonus.

Bilt Mastercard: Earns points on rent that transfer 1:1 to Alaska. If you're paying rent anyway, this is passive Alaska miles accumulation.

I'd prioritize the Marriott Bonvoy approach if you stay at Marriott properties regularly. The transfer bonus means better value than most other airline transfers, and Marriott points are easier to earn in volume through hotel stays.

How Alaska Stacks Up Against Competitors

Let's be direct about where Alaska's new business class wins and where it falls short compared to what else you can book with points from Seattle.

vs. United Polaris (Seattle to Tokyo, Frankfurt, London)

Alaska wins on:

• Bedding comfort (Filson setup beats United's Saks Fifth Avenue bedding)
• Dining creativity (Salt & Straw sundaes, destination-inspired menus)
• Award availability (consistently more seats released)
• Miles pricing (Alaska charges less for Asia routes)

United wins on:

• Lounge access (Polaris Lounge in San Francisco is spectacular; Alaska uses partner lounges)
• Entertainment selection (United has a deeper on-demand library)
• Network reach (United flies way more destinations)
• Shower suites in Polaris lounges

Bottom line: For pure onboard experience, Alaska matches or beats United. For overall journey including lounges and destinations, United still has the edge.

vs. Delta One (Seattle to Tokyo, Paris, London)

Alaska wins on:

• Seat privacy (doors on all seats vs. Delta's partial dividers)
• Award availability (Delta's SkyMiles awards are notoriously scarce)
• Consistent pricing (Alaska's award chart beats Delta's dynamic pricing most dates)

Delta wins on:

• Premium dining options (Delta One has more refined catering)
• Lounge network (Delta Sky Clubs are everywhere)
• Schedule flexibility (more frequencies on competing routes)

Bottom line: If you can find Delta One award space at reasonable miles, it's competitive. But Alaska is easier to book and often cheaper.

vs. Premium Asian Carriers (ANA, JAL, Singapore via partners)

Let's be realistic: Alaska's new business class doesn't compete with ANA's "The Room" or Singapore Suites. Those are different categories entirely.

But here's the thing—those premium Asian carriers rarely release award space on their best products, and when they do, you're paying 100,000+ miles each way. Alaska offers a very good business class experience you can actually book at reasonable rates.

If you were spending your own money and want the absolute best, book ANA. If you're using points strategically, Alaska delivers strong value you can actually redeem. For more on booking premium international travel with points, check out our vacation packages guide.

The Transatlantic Value Calculation

Here's the math that matters: Alaska charges 55,000-70,000 miles for business class to Europe. A paid business class ticket on the same route runs $3,000-5,000.

That's 4.3-9.1 cents per mile in value—significantly above the typical 1.2-1.5 cents per mile redemption value for Alaska miles on domestic flights.

Even at peak 70,000-mile pricing, you're getting 4.3-7.1 cents per mile, which beats most domestic first class redemptions and certainly beats cashback cards' flat returns.

Translation: Alaska's international business class is one of the best uses of Alaska miles, period.

Companion Fare Strategy

Here's a hack most people miss: Alaska's credit card companion fare benefit works on international flights, including the new 787 routes.

If you have the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature card, you get an annual companion fare that lets you bring someone for $121 plus taxes on any Alaska flight. This works in any cabin, including the new business class.

The catch: You must pay cash for the first ticket. But if you were going to book one business class seat anyway, this lets you bring a companion for a fraction of the cost.

Example calculation:

• First ticket: $4,000 business class to Rome
• Companion ticket: $121 + ~$200 in taxes = $321
• Total for two: $4,321 ($2,161 per person)
• Regular price for two: $8,000

That's $3,679 in savings, making the $95 annual fee look pretty smart.

The even sneakier move: Book the companion fare in business, then use miles for positioning flights or other trips. The companion fare is once per year, so use it on the expensive international ticket.

Ground Experience: Lounges and Airport Service

Alaska doesn't have its own international business class lounges (yet). Instead, they partner with other airlines' facilities. For more on maximizing lounge access, check out our guide to the best credit cards for airport lounge access.

Seattle (SEA):

• Alaska Lounge (North Satellite, Concourse C): Standard Alaska lounge with decent food, full bar, showers
• The Club SEA (Concourse B): Alaska's premium lounge near gate B2, nicer than regular Alaska Lounges
• Partner lounges: Alaska business class passengers can access Lufthansa, Air France, and other oneworld partner lounges depending on the route

International airports:

• London Heathrow: British Airways lounges (typically the Galleries Lounge in Terminal 5)
• Rome Fiumicino: Alitalia's Casa Alitalia lounge (decent food, good coffee)
• Tokyo Narita: ANA lounges (excellent quality)
• Seoul Incheon: Asiana or Korean Air lounges (premium facilities)

Alaska's lounge access is functional but not exceptional. Don't expect Emirates or Singapore-level lounge experiences. You're getting a comfortable place to wait with free food and drinks, not a destination unto itself.

Priority Pass trick: If you have Priority Pass through the Amex Platinum or Chase Sapphire Reserve, you can access alternative lounges in these airports for variety. Sometimes Priority Pass lounges in international airports beat the airline-specific options.

What to Expect on Your Flight: The Real Experience

Based on reports from inaugural flights and Alaska's service training, here's the realistic timeline and experience you can expect:

Boarding: Business class boards first (obviously), typically 45 minutes before departure. Flight attendants offer pre-departure beverages—sparkling wine, juice, or water.

Before taxi: The welcome cheese and charcuterie board arrives with wine pairings. This isn't a tiny snack—it's a proper board designed to tide you over until the main meal service after takeoff.

After takeoff (~30-45 minutes in): Main meal service begins. Flight attendants take orders, starting from the front of the cabin. Meals arrive on proper dishware with linen napkins. Service is paced nicely, not rushed.

Post-meal: Dessert cart comes around with the Salt & Straw sundae setup. This is when things get fun and interactive.

Overnight portion: Cabin lights dim. If you want to sleep, flight attendants will make your bed with the mattress pad, duvet, and pillows. The cabin stays quiet and cool. Anytime dining remains available if you get hungry.

Before landing (~90 minutes out): Pre-landing meal service with destination-inspired options. Lights gradually come up. Cabin prepares for arrival.

The service style is attentive but not stuffy. Alaska's flight attendants are trained to be friendly and approachable—more "helpful neighbor" than "formal butler." If you prefer less formal service, you'll appreciate this. If you want ultra-formal European-style service, you might find it a bit casual.

Award Booking Strategy: When to Use Points vs. Cash

Alaska's new business class creates some interesting redemption decisions. Here's how to think about whether to use miles or pay cash:

Use miles when:

• You're booking peak summer travel (cash prices spike to $5,000+)
• You're flying off-peak dates with 55,000-mile pricing (excellent value)
• You have Alaska miles but limited cash budget
• You're booking last-minute (cash prices surge, award availability sometimes opens up)

Pay cash when:

• Cash prices drop below $2,500 (occasionally happens in deep winter)
• You're using a credit card signup bonus and need spend
• You want to earn elite qualifying miles (awards don't count toward status)
• You're using the companion fare benefit (requires paid first ticket)

The hybrid strategy: Book positioning flights or domestic connections with miles, pay cash for the international business class segment to use the companion fare. This maximizes the value of both your miles and your credit card benefits. For more strategies on this approach, see our complete guide to using credit cards for travel.

Upgrade Opportunities: Can You Upgrade to the New Business Class?

Alaska offers several ways to upgrade to business class on the 787 flights:

Mileage Plan upgrades: Alaska elites can upgrade using MVP Gold Guest Upgrades (starting at 75+ tier) or by paying miles + copay. Upgrade availability is decent on most routes.

Paid upgrades: At booking or check-in, Alaska may offer paid upgrade offers ranging from $400-1,200 per segment depending on route and demand. These can be good value if you're already booking premium economy.

Premium Class upgrades: Alaska sells "Premium Class" (premium economy) on 787s. These seats can be upgraded to business class more easily than main cabin.

Upgrade priority: Ranked by elite status tier, then by fare class. Full-fare economy tickets upgrade before discount economy.

Smart play: If you hold MVP Gold or higher status, book a refundable Main Cabin fare and waitlist for the upgrade. Many routes are showing good upgrade clearance rates, especially on off-peak dates.

Don't count on upgrades from basic economy—Alaska doesn't allow upgrades from Saver fares. You need at least Main fare class.

What Sucks (Because Everything Has Tradeoffs)

Let's address the downsides honestly:

Premium economy gaps: Alaska's 787s have premium economy, but it's not as good as United's or Delta's. The recline and legroom improvements are modest. If you're hoping to book premium economy as a "good enough" option, you might be disappointed compared to competitors.

Limited route network: Five routes isn't a network. If you don't live near Seattle or your destination isn't Rome, London, Reykjavik, Seoul, or Tokyo, this doesn't help you. Alaska has announced no plans (yet) for additional 787 destinations.

Lounge experience: Alaska's international lounge access through partners is fine but not great. You're not getting Polaris Lounge or Lufthansa First Class Terminal experiences.

No first class: Alaska's 787s don't have a first class cabin. If you were hoping to redeem miles for proper first class with suites, this won't do it. Business is the highest cabin.

Starlink delay: Free WiFi is promised for fall 2026, but until then you're stuck with traditional satellite WiFi that's slow and expensive. If you need to work on the flight before fall, plan accordingly.

Award availability to Asia: While European routes show good award space, Tokyo and Seoul routes have tighter availability, especially on weekends and holidays. Book early.

Positioning Flights: How to Get to Seattle

If you don't live in Seattle, you need to position there for these flights. Alaska's domestic network makes this relatively easy and affordable with miles.

Best positioning cities:

• California: Multiple daily flights from SFO, LAX, SAN, SJC, SMF (15,000-25,000 miles roundtrip)
• Portland (PDX): Short hop north, often 10,000 miles roundtrip
• Vancouver (YVR): International but close, good for Canadians
• Phoenix (PHX): Alaska hub, good availability (20,000 miles roundtrip)

Positioning strategy: Book a morning flight arriving Seattle by early afternoon. Grab lunch in the city, visit Pike Place Market, then head to the airport for your evening departure. This builds in buffer for delays while making the positioning day enjoyable rather than just waiting at the airport.

Overnight in Seattle: Consider arriving the day before and staying overnight if you're connecting from far away. The math often works better than the stress and risk of same-day connections, especially in winter weather. Use Marriott or Hilton points for the hotel night to keep costs down.

Routes That Matter Most for Points Enthusiasts

Not all five routes offer equal value for points and miles users. Here's my ranking based on redemption value, availability, and travel usefulness:

1. London (LHR): Most versatile. London works as a destination or gateway to Europe. Good onward connections. Strong award availability. Clear winner.

2. Rome (FCO): Excellent destination value. Rome is expensive for hotels, so flying premium makes sense. Italy positioning opens up the country. Solid choice.

3. Reykjavik (KEF): Best for short trips. Iceland stopover strategy works well. Outstanding award availability. Underrated pick.

4. Tokyo (NRT): Amazing destination but tighter award space. Book early. Peak season pricing hurts value. Still worthwhile for Japan trips.

5. Seoul (ICN): Good route but Seoul has more competition from legacy carriers. Unless you specifically want Seoul, London or Rome probably offer better value.

The Bottom Line: Should You Book Alaska's New Business Class?

Alaska's new 787 business class is a very good product at a fair price—both in cash and miles. It won't blow your mind like flying Singapore Suites or ANA First Class, but that's not the point.

The point is Alaska created a comfortable, thoughtful business class experience you can actually book with points at reasonable rates. The bedding is legitimately good. The food is better than expected. The seat works well for sleep. And award availability exists without playing games.

For West Coast travelers looking to use points for international premium travel, Alaska's new routes fill a real gap. United and Delta were your only options before, and both have limitations. Alaska adds much-needed competition and often better redemption values. Learn more about maximizing your travel rewards in our beginner's guide to points and miles.

You should book Alaska if:

• You're based in Seattle or can position there easily
• You value consistent product quality over luxury frills
• You have Alaska miles or can earn them through Marriott transfers
• You're traveling to Europe or Asia and want a comfortable flight without breaking the points bank
• You appreciate approachable service over formal stuffiness

Look elsewhere if:

• You want first class suites with doors and showers
• Your destination isn't one of Alaska's five routes
• You demand cutting-edge entertainment and technology
• You care deeply about premium lounges as part of the experience
• You live on the East Coast (positioning to Seattle doesn't make sense)

For most points enthusiasts looking for solid international business class from the West Coast, Alaska's new 787 product hits the sweet spot of comfort, value, and bookability. It won't replace premium Asian carriers for special trips, but it gives you a legitimate option for using points on transatlantic and transpacific flights without the usual frustrations.

The best part? You can actually find award space and book it. In the points and miles game, that matters more than most flashy features.

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