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Alaska Airlines has historically been a “free agent” in the airline world, partnering with multiple airlines across airline alliances. In 2021, that changed significantly when Alaska joined Oneworld. Unlike Delta's SkyTeam alliance and United's Star Alliance, Oneworld already had a domestic U.S. airline: American Airlines. As part of this new allianceship, Alaska and American partnered to offer reciprocal elite benefits — including first-class upgrades — to their respective elites.
Let's dig in to see exactly how this unique offering works in practice!
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How To Get Upgrades on American Airlines as an Alaska Elite
To begin, let's look at how this program works from the perspective of an Alaska Airlines elite flyer.
Extra-legroom seating
When an Alaska MVP elite is flying on American Airlines, they can select Main Cabin Extra seating at some point before they fly, if available, for themselves and one companion. Main Cabin Extra provides extra legroom and complimentary alcoholic beverages when flying American.
MVP Gold 100K, MVP Gold 75K, and MVP Gold members can select Main Cabin Extra when booking. Alaska's lowest tier (MVP) can choose Main Cabin Extra seats 24 hours before the flight, starting at check-in.
To take advantage of this perk, you'll want to ensure that your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan number is attached to the booking. Also, Main Cabin Extra is first-come, first-serve; there's no waitlist available if a Main Cabin Extra seat isn't available.
First-class upgrades
If you're aiming for a “real” upgrade to First Class, that's also possible under this program. This benefit applies to all flights on which American Airlines elites can receive complimentary upgrades. That means the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii, and Central America. Sadly, that excludes many routes that have American Airlines lie-flat business class — like Europe, Asia, and South America.
Upgrade priority matters, especially in relation to American Airlines flyers, who are also vying for these complimentary upgrades.
- MVP Gold 100K and MVP Gold 75K can clear upgrades up to 72 hours out, but only after American Airlines Executive Platinum and Platinum Pro members.
- MVP Gold members clear up to 48 hours out, but only after American Airlines Platinum members.
- MVP members clear after American Airlines Gold members, up to 24 hours out.
All Alaska elites can also upgrade a companion, except for MVP members.
Systemwide upgrades
In the past, MVP Gold 100K and MVP Gold 75K members received American Airlines systemwide upgrades that could be redeemed for long-haul flying. Sadly, this perk was discontinued in 2024.
How To Get Upgrades on Alaska Airlines as an American Airlines Elite
If you're an American Airlines elite, you're probably curious how the flip side of the partnership works. Well, it's pretty similar, with some minor differences.
Extra-legroom seating
For one, Alaska's version of Main Cabin Extra is called Premium Class — which offers extra legroom and complimentary alcoholic beverages. American elites can access Premium Class free of charge, but the timing varies.
- ConciergeKey and Executive Platinums receive Premium Class at booking.
- Platinum Pro and AAdvantage Platinum elites can access Premium Class at the time of booking — but only if you booked fare classes Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, or N. Otherwise, you'll have to wait until 72 hours out from flying to select the seat.
- Gold members can also choose Premium Class at the time of booking if booked in the Y, B, or H fare class. If not booked in those fare classes, you'll have to wait until 48 hours out.
You'll also want to avoid the X fare class — Alaska's basic economy fare — as these tickets aren't eligible for these perks.
First-class upgrades
All American Airlines elites are eligible for first-class upgrade on Alaska Airlines. Again, timing varies by AAdvantage elite status level:
- ConciergeKey, Executive Platinum, and Platinum Pros can clear into Alaska first class up to 120 hours from flying — but after MVP 100K and MVP 75K members.
- American Airlines Platinum members clear 72 hours out — after MVP Gold members.
- American Airlines Gold elites clear up to 48 hours out from flying — after MVP members.
Within these groups, fare class booked and request of the upgrade timing is the tiebreaker.
Related: Complete Guide to American Airlines AAdvantage® Loyalty Points
Final Thoughts
It's great to receive reciprocal benefits on complementary airlines like Alaska and American Airlines. Upgrades and extra legroom can make your next trip a lot more comfortable. Pay attention to the fare class you booked, and hope for the best before your flight!
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