Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Policy

Choosing the right seat is critical when booking a flight since it affects comfort, convenience, and the overall flight experience. With Alaska Airlines seat selection policy, you can choose from various options to fit your needs on your next trip.

+1-800-506-7805
Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Policy

The Alaska Airlines seating plan is easy to customize, so you can choose whether you would like extra legroom, a window view, or to sit closer to the front of the plane for a quick exit. This comprehensive guide will help you understand seat selection procedures, the Alaska seat selection fee, and seat upgrade opportunities so that you can make the most informed decision based on your itinerary.  

How Seat Selection Works on Alaska Airlines?

Alaska seat selection options are based on the fare type and your travel preferences. Whether you're looking for Saver fares or Premium upgrades, knowing your options can help you choose the ideal seat that will provide you with the maximum comfort.

1 - Saver Fares

With Alaska's saver fares, you can save considerable money on your travel expenses. This fare class provides Main cabin advantages such as comfortable seats and a free carry-on. However, it’s important to note that the Alaska Saver Fare seat selection facility is excluded, and changeability is limited. 

Limitations of Alaska Airlines Saver Fares - 

Saver fares are known for including some limitations on booking, refunds, changes, and seat selections as follows - 

  • Passengers’ seats will be allocated at check-in. 
  • If you are not assigned a seat when you check in, your seat will be automatically assigned at the gate. 
  • It is not guaranteed that two or more passengers will be seated together.
  • No standby is authorized for Saver fares, even for elite status guests.
  • Saver fare cannot be combined with any other fare types on the same itinerary.
  • Saver fares cannot be transferred. 
  • Saver fares are unrestricted for selected routes and may not be available on all flights. 

2 - Main Cabin 

Seat selection Alaska Airlines guidelines for main cabin fares allow passengers to choose their seats while booking a flight ticket. Additionally, this fare class has more perks, including a flight change facility after booking, an opportunity to earn miles every time you fly, experiencing streamlined Wi-Fi, enjoying the theater right at the seat, etc.

You can choose your seat, which is made of natural leather and has convenient USB and power outlets. To enhance your comfort, you can manage your trip on the official Alaska website and upgrade to Premium or First Class for early boarding and extra legroom. 

3 - Premium Class 

Alaska Airlines' premium fares include many features such as - 

  • 4 inches more legroom than standard Main Cabin flight seats.
  • Custom-designed Recaro leather seats.
  • Passengers can relish a favorable beer, wine, or cocktail on flights over 350 miles. 
  • You can board early and be among the first to deplane. 

Have you already booked your flight? Alaska seat assignment or upgrading to Premium Class starts at just $15. Visit the link and upgrade your seat to Premium Class

4 - First Class 

First Class is a luxury seating plan with spacious legroom and priority boarding at check-ins. You can comfortably stretch out in spacious, custom-designed seats, check in two complimentary bags, and enjoy free wine, beer, and cocktails. Pre-order complimentary meals are also available. Additionally, First Class seats are available 

Already booked your flight? You can upgrade to First Class starting at $39 Alaska seat selection fee. 

Does Alaska Airlines Have Assigned Seating?

Alaska Airlines uses assigned seating except for its most restrictive “Saver” fares. For passengers with saver fares, seats are assigned at check-in or the gate, and they cannot generally choose during the booking process. For Main Cabin, Premium Class, and First Class fares, passengers can select free seats while booking, after the booking via managing their trip online, or during check-in. The Alaska Airlines seat selection fee only applies if you upgrade to Premium or First Class. 

Alaska Seat Map Guidance

Passengers are not required to book their flight ticket without viewing the Alaska seat map, which is very helpful, especially if they prefer a seat of their choice, such as an exit row, a window seat, or a seat towards the facade of the plane. 

To see the Alaska Airlines seat map first class or for any other fares, you need to follow the instructions stated below - 

  • Step 1 - Visit the Alaska Airlines website.
  • Step 2 - Input your flight search details. 
  • Step 3 - Continue and proceed with the “Preview Seats” link to see the current seating chart.

Note - The seats shown in grey are occupied, while other colors reveal available seats.

How to Choose Seats on Alaska Airlines?

Passengers can see open seats before booking an Alaska flight ticket. There are two options for confirming a seat: you can either choose your seat during the booking process or after buying your ticket using the official website. 

1 - During Booking 

Alaska seat selection during the flight booking is a precise process. You should follow the following steps: 

  • Step 1 - Open the official Alaska Airlines website.
  • Step 2 - Input your flight search parameters.
  • Step 3 - Go with the Preview Seats option. (The seat map/chart will also demonstrate the price for any seating upgrade you hope to purchase.)
  • Step 4 - To select your seat, click on an unoccupied seat and choose “Save & Purchase.” (Please note that you must click the Save & Purchase option even if you are eligible for free seat selection.)

2 - After Booking 

If you decide not to select your seat during the booking process and would like to change it later, after you have made a reservation, you will need to navigate to your booking via Alaska's official website or app. After finding your Alaska flight reservation, click the Seats icon to pick a seat for your flight. 

What Is Alaska’s Premium Class Seating and Is It Worth It?

As part of Seat selection Alaska Airlines facility, passengers in the Premium fare class can expect extra legroom up to 4 inches more, early boarding, and complimentary alcoholic beverages throughout the flight. Located at the front of the cabin, these seating arrangements provide a more comfortable and convincing experience than Standard Economy Class seats at the back.

Although Premium Class is not as luxurious as First Class, it is an attractive option for those who wish to have a more comfortable journey without paying more. It is often considered worthwhile for longer flights or upgrading at a discount. Frequent fliers or value-conscious passengers will find Premium Class affordable and comfortable. 

Can Families or Groups Sit Together on Alaska Airlines?

Alaska Airlines cares for passengers and their families by striving to make their travel experience smooth. Under the Alaska seat assignment policy, children 13 and under will be seated next to a companion at no additional charge, including Alaska Saver seat selection, provided the following conditions are met:

  • The child and accompanying passenger must be booked on the same itinerary.
  • The Alaska Airlines seat availability layout allows adjacent seating based on the number of children in your booking. 
  • Your original flight has not been shifted to a smaller aircraft. 
  • It is possible to book adjacent seats in the same class of service that your child is ticketed to when you book your flight.

Alaska Airlines Saver Fare: What to Know About Seat Selection

According to the Alaska saver seat selection policy, passengers get the lowest ticket price with significant trade-offs in seat selection. You are not qualified to choose your seat at the time of booking. However, seats are assigned at check-in or the gate. Passengers may be assigned their seats at the back of the plane, and as a result, families or groups may be split up. Fortunately, there is an option to upgrade your seat to premium class or exit row seats later. 

Passengers who have chosen Alaska Saver fare seat selection frequently board last and are not allowed to standby, change, or flight cancellations. 

Can You Change Your Seat After Booking on Alaska Airlines?

Yes, Alaska seat assignment can be modified, or you can change your seat after booking a flight. However, it thoroughly relies on the fare class you choose. 

  • Saver Fares - Passengers are prohibited from selecting seats during the flight booking. Seats will be automatically assigned at check-in. However, you may request a change to your Alaska Airlines seat availability for a specific fee. 
  • Main Cabin, Premium, First Class - Passengers who book their tickets with these fare classes can change their seats anytime after booking via the official website’s Manage Trip section or the mobile app. 

Does Alaska Airlines Charge For Seat Selection?

Alaska Airlines seat selection fees vary by fare class. Saver fares do not get free seat assignments, while the Main Cabin, Premium, and First Class offer flexibility and the ability to choose seats during the flight booking. 

How Much Is Seat Selection Fee on Alaska Airlines?

The charges corresponding to seat selection for your Alaska flight depend on which fare class you choose for your comfort during the journey. Here’s a clear overview of Alaska seat selection fee and upgrade options.

Fares​​​​​​ Free Seat Selection? Seat Upgrade Option Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Fee
Saver Fare No (Assigned at check-in) Pay for an exit row of the plane or a Premium seat at check-in or at the airport Depends On the Route
Main Cabin​ Yes Paid Upgrade for Premium & First Class Free
Premium Class Paid Upgrade Paid Upgrade Starts at $15
First Class​​​​ Paid Upgrade Paid Upgrade Starts at $39

Is The Alaska Seat Selection Fee Refundable?

Whether the Alaska Airlines seat selection fee is refundable or non-refundable depends on when you cancel your reservation. Under the 24-hour cancellation rule, you can cancel your entire reservation within 24 hours of booking the flight ticket, and you may be eligible to receive a refund for your ticket and seat fee via the original form of payment. 

Please note that to receive a refund, your purchased reservation must - 

  • Not contain a government fare. 
  • Not contain a saver fare beyond the first 24 hours of booking. 
  • Neither be part of a group nor a vacation package.

Disclaimer: Flying Rules provides informational content based on official airline sources to assist passengers in understanding airline policies. While we aim for accuracy and clarity, we are an independent platform and not affiliated with any airline. Airline policies may change without notice, and we are not responsible for airline actions or decisions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Is seat selection free on Alaska award bookings?

Seat selection is generally free when booking award flights with Alaska Airlines (excluding Saver fares). With Main Cabin or higher award fares, you can choose your seat - standard or preferred - at booking.

Q2. Are there seat maps available before booking?

Yes, Alaska Airlines allows you to see seat maps before booking your trip on the official website and app, which helps you decide which seats are available.

Q3. Can I change Alaska Airlines seats at the gate?

Online seat changes aren't available for saver fares. Your seat is assigned at check-in or the gate, but you can ask for a different one. However, Main Cabin, Premium, and First Class tickets typically allow free seat changes up to 30 minutes before departure via the app or website.

Q4. What if I need a seat with extra legroom for medical reasons?

Passengers can book a premium class seat for extra legroom due to medical issues on Alaska Airlines flights. However, there are specific terms and conditions, and they might also have to pay extra charges for these seats.

Leave a Reply

  1. Flying rules Logo
    Rushma Oli
    August 22, 2025

    If I don’t like my assigned seat, can the gate agent help me change it, or is it locked in by then?

  2. Admin
    August 22, 2025

    Yes, Some Reddit user have shared that gate agents helped them to adjust their seats before the flight. So, Gate agents can be real heroes here. You can ask them for a change, but It is not guaranteed.

  3. Flying rules Logo
    ELIJAH DEAN BIRD
    July 28, 2025

    I’m flying Alaska with a Saver Fare next week with my spouse, any chance we’ll be seated together or is that totally up to chance?

  4. Admin
    July 28, 2025

    I must tell you that in Alaska with saver fare, seating together is not guaranteed. Its based on availability and often at random before boarding. However groups travelling together are placed together if possible. To secure you seat together, you should pay Alaska seat selection fee and chosse seat in advance.

Any thoughts or questions? Comment below!

Table of content

    Related Posts Seat selection Policy

    United Airlines Seat Selection Policy

    Selecting the right seat on a plane can make a tremendous difference in our travel experience. If you plan your next trip with United Airlines, [...]

    Read More

    Delta Airlines Seat Selection Policy

    A passenger's comfort can be significantly affected by which seat he or she chooses on an aircraft. If traveling with Delta Airlines, you can ea [...]

    Read More

    Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Policy

    Choosing the right seat is critical when booking a flight since it affects comfort, convenience, and the overall flight experience. With Alaska [...]

    Read More
    Phone calling icon