Choosing the right seat can make a noticeable difference to your flight experience. The Alaska Airlines seat selection process depends on your fare type, cabin, seat availability, and whether you select your seat during booking or later.
Main Cabin, Premium Class, and First Class generally provide seat-selection options, while Saver fares have additional restrictions. This guide explains how Alaska Airlines seat selection works, available seat types, possible charges, and how to choose or change your seat.
Last Updated: September 2026
Disclaimer: Clear Flight Policy is an independent travel-information and assistance website and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated by Alaska Airlines. Airline policies, prices, and seat availability can change. Always verify the latest information directly with the airline before making changes to your reservation.
How Does Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Work?
Alaska Airlines provides different seat-selection options depending on the fare and cabin purchased. Seat availability can also vary by aircraft, route, departure date, and how early you select your seat.
According to Alaska Airlines’ current fare comparison, Saver fares do not include standard advance seat selection, while Main Cabin, Premium Class, and First Class include seat-selection options.
Alaska Airlines official fare and seating comparison
Passengers with eligible fares can generally select a seat while booking or review available seating later through Alaska Airlines’ reservation-management tools.
Alaska Airlines Seat Selection by Fare Type
The seat-selection options available to you largely depend on the fare you purchased.
| Fare Type | Seat Selection |
|---|---|
| Saver | Standard advance seat selection is not included; seats are generally assigned later |
| Main Cabin | Seat selection is available |
| Main Cabin Preferred | Preferred seating can be purchased when available |
| Premium Class | Premium Class seat selection is available |
| First Class | First Class seat selection is available |
Alaska Airlines currently identifies Saver as its most restrictive fare, while Main Cabin provides greater flexibility and standard seat-selection options.
Alaska Airlines Saver Fare Seat Selection
Saver fares come with more seating restrictions than regular Main Cabin fares.
According to the official Alaska Airlines Saver fare rules, Saver passengers are generally assigned a seat at check-in rather than choosing a standard seat in advance. Alaska also states that it cannot guarantee that passengers traveling together on Saver fares will be seated next to one another.
Alaska Airlines official Saver fare rules
Saver passengers who want to choose a seat in advance may have the option to purchase an eligible upgrade to Main Preferred, Premium Class, or First Class, subject to availability.
If a Saver passenger does not receive a seat assignment during check-in, Alaska states that a seat may be assigned at the gate.
Alaska Airlines Main Cabin Seat Selection
Main Cabin passengers generally have access to seat selection.
Available seats can usually be viewed during the booking process, allowing eligible passengers to choose from the seats remaining on their flight.
Passengers may also be able to review or change their seat after booking using Alaska Airlines’ reservation-management tools.
The number and location of available seats will depend on the aircraft and remaining seat inventory.
Alaska Airlines Main Cabin Preferred Seats
Passengers looking for a more convenient location within the Main Cabin may also see Main Cabin Preferred seating.
Alaska Airlines describes Main Cabin Preferred seats as seating located toward the front portion of the aircraft. These seats can make it easier for passengers to exit the aircraft sooner after landing.
Main Preferred seats may be available as a paid seating upgrade during the seat-selection process. Pricing and availability vary by flight.
Alaska Airlines Premium Class Seat Selection
Passengers looking for additional comfort can consider Premium Class.
Alaska Airlines currently states that Premium Class offers four additional inches of legroom compared with standard Main Cabin seating, along with early boarding and other benefits.
Alaska Airlines official Premium Class information
Alaska currently advertises Premium Class upgrades starting at $15 USD, although the actual amount may vary depending on your flight, route, seat availability, and booking conditions.
Passengers should always check the price displayed for their specific reservation before confirming an upgrade.
How to Choose a Seat on Alaska Airlines During Booking
Eligible passengers can generally choose their seat as part of the booking process.
The process may look like this:
- Search for your desired Alaska Airlines flight.
- Choose your flight and eligible fare.
- Continue through the booking process.
- Open the available seat map.
- Review the available seats.
- Select your preferred eligible seat.
- Review any additional seat or upgrade charge.
- Complete your reservation.
Selecting your seat earlier may provide a greater range of choices than waiting until closer to departure.
However, your available options will still depend on your fare type and remaining seat inventory.
How to Change an Alaska Airlines Seat After Booking
Already booked your flight? You may still be able to change your seat.
Alaska Airlines provides an online tool that allows eligible passengers to retrieve a reservation and continue to available seat-selection options.
Manage your Alaska Airlines reservation and seats
To review your available options:
- Visit the official Alaska Airlines website.
- Retrieve your trip using your last name and confirmation code or e-ticket number.
- Open the available seat-selection or upgrade options.
- Review the seat map.
- Select an eligible available seat.
- Review any applicable additional charge.
- Confirm the change.
Online changes are subject to reservation eligibility. Certain reservations, group bookings, partner awards, vacation packages, and other booking types may have different requirements.
Can You Select a Seat During Check-In?
Seat-selection or upgrade options may also be available during check-in depending on your fare and remaining seat availability.
For Saver fares in particular, Alaska Airlines says seats are assigned at check-in. If a seat is not assigned during check-in, it may be assigned at the gate.
Passengers may also have the opportunity to purchase eligible Premium Class or First Class seating during online check-in, through the Alaska Airlines app, or with an Alaska Airlines airport representative, depending on availability.
Waiting until check-in may mean fewer seats are available, so passengers with specific seating preferences may want to review their available options earlier.
Alaska Airlines Seat Selection Fees
There is no single Alaska Airlines seat-selection fee that applies to every passenger.
Whether you pay for a seat depends on factors including:
- Fare type
- Seat selected
- Cabin
- Flight
- Route
- Seat availability
- Upgrade type
Main Cabin fares generally include standard seat-selection options, while charges may apply when purchasing Main Preferred, Premium Class, or First Class upgrades.
Premium Class upgrades currently start from $15 according to Alaska Airlines, but the actual price for your flight may be higher.
Passengers should therefore rely on the price displayed while booking or managing their specific reservation rather than expecting a fixed seat-selection charge.
What Happens If You Don’t Select a Seat?
What happens depends largely on your fare.
Main Cabin and other eligible passengers who do not choose a seat in advance may have fewer options available later as seats are selected by other travelers.
Saver passengers generally receive their seat assignment during check-in. Alaska Airlines also states that parties of two or more traveling on Saver fares cannot be guaranteed seats together.
If seating together is particularly important, travelers should carefully review the seating benefits and restrictions of their chosen fare before purchasing.
Can You Change From a Saver Seat to Premium Class?
Yes, Alaska Airlines currently allows Saver passengers to purchase eligible Premium Class seating when available.
The upgrade may be purchased:
- During the original booking
- After booking through reservation management
- During online check-in
- Through the Alaska Airlines app
- With an Alaska Airlines airport representative
Saver fare restrictions continue to apply even after purchasing a Premium Class seat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Alaska Airlines allow seat selection?
Yes. Alaska Airlines provides seat-selection options for eligible fares. Main Cabin, Premium Class, and First Class provide seat-selection options, while Saver fares have additional restrictions.
Can Saver passengers choose seats on Alaska Airlines?
Standard advance seat selection is generally not included with Saver fares. Seats are usually assigned at check-in. However, passengers may have the option to purchase eligible Main Preferred, Premium Class, or First Class seating in advance.
Is Alaska Airlines seat selection free?
It depends on the fare and seat. Standard seat selection is available with eligible Main Cabin fares, while preferred seating and cabin upgrades may involve an additional charge.
How much does Alaska Airlines Premium Class cost?
There is no single fixed price for every flight. Alaska Airlines currently advertises Premium Class upgrades starting at $15 USD, but actual pricing varies depending on the flight and availability.
Can I change my Alaska Airlines seat after booking?
Eligible passengers can use Alaska Airlines’ reservation-management tools to view available seating or upgrade options after booking. Some reservations may not qualify for online changes.
Can I choose a window or aisle seat?
If your fare includes seat selection and an eligible window or aisle seat remains available, you may be able to select it through the seat map.
Can I select my seat during check-in?
Depending on your fare and seat availability, seating options may be available during check-in. Saver passengers are generally assigned seats during check-in.
Will Alaska Airlines seat my family together?
Passengers traveling together should review the seating conditions associated with their fare. Alaska Airlines specifically states that it cannot guarantee that parties of two or more traveling on Saver fares will be seated together.
Need Help Understanding Your Seat Options?
If you’re unsure about the seat-selection options available for your booking, Clear Flight Policy can provide independent assistance to help you understand the process and your available next steps.
Clear Flight Policy Independent Travel Assistance:
1-888-351-1997
For actual changes to an Alaska Airlines reservation, passengers should use Alaska Airlines’ official website, mobile app, airport representatives, or official customer-service channels.
Conclusion
The Alaska Airlines seat selection process depends primarily on your fare type, cabin, and available seat inventory.
Main Cabin passengers generally have standard seat-selection options, while Saver passengers face additional restrictions and typically receive their seat assignment during check-in. Travelers looking for additional comfort or specific seating may also be able to purchase Main Preferred, Premium Class, or First Class options when available.
Before paying for a seat or upgrade, check the current price, conditions, and availability shown for your specific reservation.
Official Sources
For the latest rules, travelers should verify information directly with Alaska Airlines:
- Alaska Airlines — Travel Experience & Fare Comparison
- Alaska Airlines — Saver Fare Rules
- Alaska Airlines — Premium Class
- Alaska Airlines — Manage Reservation & Seat Selection
