Alaska Airlines is putting 12 lie-flat Aurora Suites on at least 25 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft, and those airplanes also get 12 Premium Reserve seats. The suites start flying on select transcontinental routes in 2028. It is the first time in Alaska’s history that the airline will offer lie-flat first class on a 737. Alaska announced the plan on September 29, 2026.
Here’s a short video using Alaska’s renderings and B-roll so you can see the cabin for yourself. Take a look, then let’s walk you through what Alaska announced and what is inside.
Assets compliments of Alaska Airlines.
| Airplane | Boeing 737-10 MAX, at least 25 aircraft |
|---|---|
| First class | 12 Aurora Suites, fully lie-flat |
| Premium economy | 12 Premium Reserve seats with 38 inches of pitch |
| Where it will fly | Select transcontinental routes. Alaska has not named the cities. |
| When | 2028 |
| Livery | Aurora livery, the same design as Alaska’s 787 Dreamliners |
What Did Alaska Airlines Announce?
On September 29, 2026, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines announced new premium cabins for both airline brands. Alaska’s is called Aurora. Hawaiian’s is called Leihōkū and goes on the Airbus A330.
Aurora starts with the widebodies. Alaska says there will be 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites on the 787-9 and 40 on the future 787-10. The updated 787-9 will have about 46 percent premium seating, up from 38 percent today.
Alaska says Aurora Suites are coming, “for the first time in the carrier’s history,” to select transcontinental flying in first class on the 737 in 2028.
“We believe premium is more than a seat. It’s how guests feel from the moment they book their trip to the moment they arrive at the airport to when they’re in the air with us.”Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Air Group
What Are Aurora Suites on the 737-10 MAX?
Aurora Suites are Alaska’s lie-flat suites. On the 737-10 MAX there are 12 of them, and they make up the first class cabin.
Here is what Alaska promises for Aurora Suites:
- A fully lie-flat bed
- Aisle access from every suite
- Convenient storage
- A 19-inch 4K entertainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless charging, USB-C charging and AC power
- Softer, more breathable Ultraleather upholstery
- A curated chef program and on-demand dining
- Starlink Wi-Fi, complimentary for Atmos Rewards members thanks to T-Mobile
One detail to know: Alaska’s release lists privacy doors “on the 787s.” It does not mention doors for the 737-10 MAX suites.
Which Airplanes Get Aurora Suites?
Alaska says there will be 12 Aurora Suites on at least 25 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft. Those airplanes will be painted in the same Aurora livery design as Alaska’s current 787 Dreamliners. Alaska says the livery is inspired by the northern lights.
The 787s are the other half of Aurora. I wrote about Alaska’s 787 Rome inaugural here: Alaska Airlines Rome Inaugural Flight: 1,000+ Non-Revs Listed.
What Is Premium Reserve?
Premium Reserve is a new premium economy cabin for Alaska and Hawaiian. The 737-10 MAX gets 12 of these seats. The 787-9 and 787-10 get 35 each, and Hawaiian’s A330 gets 28.
Here is what comes with the seat:
- 38 inches of pitch and a wider seat than traditional economy
- Enhanced recline, plus a leg and calf rest
- Large tray tables and storage pockets
- A 16-inch 4K OLED entertainment screen with Bluetooth connectivity
- AC power and USB-C charging at every seat
- An upgraded dining experience and amenities
Alaska says Premium Reserve seats will be available for purchase next summer, which is summer 2027, and begin rolling out in 2028.
How Many Cabins Will Alaska Have?
Four. Alaska says Premium Reserve completes a four-cabin configuration: Aurora Suites (Leihōkū Suites on Hawaiian), Premium Reserve, Premium Class and Main Cabin.
What Changes on the Ground in Seattle?
Aurora is not only the seat. Alaska also announced an exclusive Aurora Suites check-in and concierge service at its Seattle global gateway.
A new lounge is coming too. It sits on the newly expanded C Concourse, it is nearly 41,000 square feet, and Alaska says it opens in late 2027. Inside there are two lounges:
- A 500-seat Alaska Lounge on the main level, for travelers who can access the lounge under existing policies
- A 200-seat Aurora Lounge for Aurora Suites guests traveling on intercontinental flights
When Does It All Start?
| Summer 2027 | Premium Reserve seats go on sale |
|---|---|
| Late 2027 | The new Seattle lounge opens on the C Concourse |
| 2028 | Aurora Suites start flying on the 737-10 MAX, and Premium Reserve begins rolling out |
Which Routes Will Get the 737-10 MAX Aurora Suites?
Alaska says “select transcontinental” routes. The announcement does not name the cities, and it does not give a delivery date for the 737-10 MAX.
What Does This Mean for Non-Revs?
This announcement is all about the product. It does not mention employee travel, pass travel or upgrades in these cabins. I don’t think anything will change about the current policy, but stay tuned. Check with your pass bureaus.
If you non-rev on Alaska, this will help in the meantime: How To Check Your Airport Standby Position for Alaska Airlines.
FAQ: Alaska Aurora Suites on the 737-10 MAX
How many Aurora Suites are on the Alaska 737-10 MAX?
There are 12 Aurora Suites on the 737-10 MAX. Alaska says at least 25 aircraft will have them.
When do Aurora Suites start flying on the 737?
In 2028, on select transcontinental routes.
Do the 737-10 MAX Aurora Suites have doors?
Alaska’s release lists privacy doors on the 787s. It does not mention doors for the 737-10 MAX suites.
What is Alaska’s Premium Reserve?
Premium Reserve is Alaska and Hawaiian’s new premium economy cabin. It has 38 inches of pitch, a wider seat than traditional economy, enhanced recline, a leg and calf rest, and a 16-inch 4K OLED screen.
When can I buy Premium Reserve seats?
Alaska says Premium Reserve seats will be available for purchase in summer 2027 and begin rolling out in 2028.
Which routes will have Aurora Suites on the 737-10 MAX?
Alaska has said select transcontinental routes. The announcement does not name the cities.
Final Thought
That is everything Alaska has shared so far. The two things still missing are the routes and the date of the first 737-10 MAX delivery.
Here’s a video I did of the 737 MAX-10 in London.
Which transcontinental route would you put it on? Let me know in the comments.
Source: Alaska Airlines newsroom, September 29, 2026. Renderings and video footage: Assets compliments of Alaska Airlines.