If you’re flying with Alaska Airlines and want to enjoy a more luxurious travel experience, upgrading to First Class is one of the best decisions you can make. The great news is that yes, you can use Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles to upgrade to First Class, and it’s easier than many travelers think.
First Class upgrades can transform your journey—with spacious seats, priority boarding, free checked bags, premium meals, and a far more relaxing flight. In this article, you’ll learn exactly how to upgrade using miles, which tickets are eligible, how many miles you need, and smart tips to get the best value.
What Makes Alaska First Class Special?
Before talking about upgrades, it’s important to know the benefits you’ll get. Alaska Airlines First Class includes:
- Wider, more comfortable leather seats
- Extra legroom
- Priority boarding and dedicated check-in
- 2 free checked bags
- Complimentary meals, snacks, and drinks
- Early access to overhead bin space
- A quiet, premium cabin experience
With these perks, many travelers feel it’s worth using miles for an upgrade—especially on long flights.
Can You Upgrade to First Class Using Alaska Miles?
Yes. Alaska Airlines allows passengers to use Mileage Plan miles to upgrade from Main Cabin or Premium Class to First Class.
However, not all fares are eligible for mileage upgrades. The upgrade is only allowed on:
- Eligible fare types
- Eligible routes
- Flights with upgrade availability
Understanding these conditions is important so you don’t waste your miles or buy the wrong ticket.
How to Upgrade Using Alaska Miles (Step-by-Step Guide)
Upgrading using miles is simple. Here’s how to do it:
Method 1: Upgrade During Booking
- Search for your flight on AlaskaAir.com
- Look for flights labeled “Mileage Upgrade Available”
- Select the fare that allows mileage upgrades
- During checkout, choose the “upgrade using miles” option
This method is the easiest because you’ll know upfront if upgrades are available.
Method 2: Upgrade After Booking
If you already booked your ticket, follow these steps:
- Go to AlaskaAir.com
- Click Manage Trip
- Select your reservation
- Choose “Upgrade with miles” (if available)
- Complete the upgrade
If seats aren’t available, Alaska may allow you to join an upgrade waitlist depending on the fare class.
Method 3: Call Alaska Airlines
You can also call customer service and request an upgrade using miles.
This is useful when:
- You’re unsure if your fare is upgrade-eligible
- You want to check multiple flight options
- The website doesn’t show availability
Mileage Requirements for Upgrades
The number of miles needed to upgrade varies based on route and fare type.
Generally, Alaska Airlines requires 15,000 miles + a small cash co-pay for a First Class upgrade on many domestic routes.
However:
- Longer routes may require more miles
- Certain discount fare classes are not eligible
- Mileage cost can change during peak seasons
Checking the upgrade chart on Alaska’s website before booking helps you know how many miles you’ll need.
Which Fares Are Eligible for Mileage Upgrades?
Not all tickets qualify for mileage upgrades. Alaska’s fare classes determine eligibility.
Eligible for Mileage Upgrades:
- Y, Z (full fare)
- S, B, M (high fare)
- H, Q, K, L, V (most standard fares)
Not Eligible:
- Saver fares (X class)
- Deep-discount fares
- Basic Economy
Always check the fare class before booking if your goal is to use miles for an upgrade.
Complimentary vs. Mileage Upgrades
Mileage upgrades are different from elite complimentary upgrades.
Mileage Upgrade
- Anyone with enough miles can use it
- Requires eligible fare class
- Costs miles + possible co-pay
Complimentary Elite Upgrade
- Available for MVP, MVP Gold, Gold 75K, and Gold 100K
- Priority is based on elite tier
- Confirmed within a certain upgrade window
- Does not require miles
If you’re not an elite member, mileage upgrades are the best way to enjoy First Class benefits.
How to Check Upgrade Availability
Upgrade space is limited, so checking availability is important.
You can check availability by:
- Looking for “U” class (upgrade inventory)
- Searching for flights labeled “Mileage Upgrade Available” during booking
- Checking the Alaska Airlines app
- Contacting customer support
Pro tip: Flights early in the morning or mid-week often have more upgrade space.
Tips to Maximize Your Chances of an Upgrade
Here are some powerful tips to increase your success rate:
Book early
More upgrade seats are available months before departure.
Avoid peak travel days
Weekends and holidays have fewer upgrade seats.
Choose mid-day or late-night flights
They usually have lighter demand.
Keep checking your reservation
Upgrade seats may become available even after booking.
Join Alaska Mileage Plan
Mileage earning helps you upgrade more often.
Use multi-city search
Sometimes connecting flights have better upgrade availability.
Final Thoughts
So, can you use Alaska miles to upgrade to First Class?
Yes—definitely!
Whether you’re booking a new flight or upgrading an existing reservation, Alaska Airlines offers several flexible ways to use miles for a luxurious First Class experience.
Using miles is a smart choice if:
- You want premium comfort without paying full First Class prices
- You frequently fly Alaska and have miles saved
- You want extra perks like free bags, priority boarding, and premium meals
Just make sure your fare is eligible, check upgrade space early, and be flexible with your travel dates.
Upgrading with miles is one of the best ways to enjoy an affordable, comfortable, and stress-free journey on Alaska Airlines.
