Alaska and Hawaiian Unveil New Premium Cabins and Lounges
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have announced a major premium travel overhaul featuring new lie-flat suites, a dedicated premium economy product, upgraded dining, refreshed aircraft interiors, and new airport lounges. Many of the aircraft improvements are scheduled to begin arriving in 2028 as Alaska Air Group expands its long-haul international network.
The updates were presented as part of Alaska Air Group’s broader Alaska Accelerate strategy. The company expects premium revenue to exceed 40% of total revenue by 2030, compared with approximately 35% currently.
Although Alaska and Hawaiian continue to maintain distinct brands, the new products create a more consistent premium structure across the combined airline group.
Alaska and Hawaiian Premium Updates at a Glance
| Premium Upgrade | Key Details |
| Aurora Suites | New Alaska lie-flat premium product |
| Leihōkū Suites | Enhanced Hawaiian lie-flat suites |
| Premium Reserve | New premium economy cabin for both brands |
| Alaska 787s | Aurora Suites and Premium Reserve |
| Select 737-10 MAX aircraft | Lie-flat Aurora Suites on transcontinental flights |
| Hawaiian A330s | Completely refreshed interiors beginning in 2028 |
| Seattle lounge | Nearly 41,000 square feet; opening late 2027 |
| Honolulu lounge | Nearly 13,000 square feet; opening early 2028 |
| San Diego lounge | New 14,000-square-foot facility planned for 2028 |
| Dining | Expanded chef-led premium meals |
| Connectivity | Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members |
The upgrades cover both the airport and onboard portions of the travel experience.
Read this blog: Alaska and Hawaiian Plan Deeper Oneworld Partnerships
What Are Alaska and Hawaiian Changing?
Alaska Air Group is investing in several premium products simultaneously rather than focusing on a single cabin.
The changes include:
- New Aurora Suites for Alaska Airlines
- Enhanced Leihōkū Suites for Hawaiian Airlines
- Premium Reserve premium economy
- New airport check-in experiences
- Expanded lounges
- Upgraded inflight dining
- Refreshed aircraft interiors
- Enhanced inflight entertainment
- Starlink Wi-Fi
- Additional premium seating
The investment supports Alaska’s transition toward a larger international network while maintaining Hawaiian’s established identity on routes to and from Hawai‘i.
What Are Alaska Airlines’ New Aurora Suites?
Aurora is Alaska Airlines‘ new premium lie-flat suite experience for long-haul international flights and selected transcontinental services.
The suites are designed to provide additional privacy, technology, and sleeping comfort compared with a traditional domestic first-class seat.
Aurora will be installed on Alaska’s Boeing 787 Dreamliners and selected Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft.
The introduction represents a significant expansion of Alaska’s premium cabin strategy as the carrier adds more long-haul routes from Seattle.
Aurora Suites on Alaska Boeing 787 Dreamliners
Alaska plans to install 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites on its Boeing 787-9 aircraft.
Future Boeing 787-10 Dreamliners are expected to feature 40 Aurora Suites.
All Alaska 787s are also planned to receive 35 Premium Reserve seats, creating a dedicated cabin between Aurora and the standard economy product.
Aurora is designed as a complete premium travel experience rather than only an upgraded aircraft seat.
Eligible travelers are expected to receive features including dedicated check-in, lounge access, premium dining, and an enhanced onboard experience.
Alaska Is Bringing Lie-Flat Suites to the 737 MAX
One of the most significant announcements concerns Alaska’s future Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft.
Selected 737-10 MAX aircraft will feature Aurora lie-flat suites on premium transcontinental routes beginning in 2028.
This will mark the introduction of lie-flat seating on selected Alaska narrow-body aircraft.
The configuration will also include 12 Premium Reserve seats.
Using lie-flat suites on selected narrow-body aircraft allows Alaska to offer a more competitive premium product on longer domestic routes without requiring wide-body aircraft.
Hawaiian A330S Are Getting New Leihōkū Suites
Hawaiian Airlines is also substantially upgrading its Airbus A330 fleet.
The airline’s 24 A330 wide-body aircraft are scheduled to receive new interiors beginning in 2028.
Each refurbished aircraft is planned to include 22 enhanced Leihōkū Suites.
The suites will be available to eligible travelers flying in international business class and domestic First Class.
Hawaiian currently uses its A330 fleet on services to destinations in Asia, Oceania, and selected North American markets.
What Will Hawaiian’s Leihōkū Suites Offer?
The redesigned Leihōkū experience will include several premium features.
Passengers in the cabin can expect:
- Direct aisle access
- Lie-flat seats
- Privacy doors
- 19-inch 4K entertainment screens
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Wireless charging
- USB-C charging
- AC power
- Hotel-quality bedding
- Enhanced onboard amenities
- Chef-curated meals
- Wine pairings
- Complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members
Eligible Leihōkū travelers will also receive access to exclusive check-in and concierge services in Honolulu and Seattle.
The changes are intended to create a more complete premium experience from the airport through arrival.
Hawaiian’s Entire A330 Cabin Will Be Refreshed
The improvements are not restricted to the front of Hawaiian’s A330 aircraft.
Alaska Air Group says the entire A330 cabin will receive new interiors as part of the refurbishment program.
Improvements include an upgraded in-flight entertainment system featuring:
- 4K displays
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Updated cabin finishes
Approximately 40% of the seats on the refurbished A330S will be premium seating, compared with roughly 30% currently.
This expansion reflects Alaska Air Group’s broader effort to generate a larger portion of revenue from premium products.
What Is Premium Reserve?
Premium Reserve is a new dedicated premium economy cabin being introduced across Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines.
The product fills the gap between the airlines’ highest premium cabins and standard economy seating.
Premium Reserve is expected to begin appearing on aircraft in 2028.
Unlike an extra-legroom economy section, Premium Reserve will operate as a distinct premium cabin with its own enhanced travel experience.
The product is planned for both Alaska and Hawaiian aircraft.
Where Will Premium Reserve Be Available?
Premium Reserve is planned for several aircraft types.
Confirmed plans include:
- 35 Premium Reserve seats on Alaska 787s
- 12 Premium Reserve seats on selected Alaska 737-10 MAX aircraft
- 28 Premium Reserve seats on Hawaiian A330S
The product is particularly important for Alaska Air Group’s expanding long-haul network because it introduces another cabin choice between economy and lie-flat premium seating.
Why Is Alaska Introducing Premium Economy?
Premium economy has become an important part of long-haul airline cabin structures.
For Alaska Air Group, Premium Reserve provides a dedicated product for passengers seeking additional comfort without purchasing a lie-flat suite.
The cabin also supports the company’s financial strategy.
Alaska Air Group says premium cabins currently account for approximately 35% of total revenue, with that share expected to exceed 40% by 2030.
The introduction of Premium Reserve therefore adds both a passenger product and another premium revenue category.
Alaska and Hawaiian Are Upgrading Inflight Dining
Dining is another major part of the premium product investment.
Aurora and Leihōkū passengers are expected to receive enhanced chef-led menus designed around longer premium journeys.
Hawaiian has already expanded its food program in other cabins.
During summer 2026, the airline launched a Main Cabin pre-order dining program on most flights between Hawai‘i and the continental U.S. The meals were developed with Maui-based chef and James Beard Award finalist Sheldon Simeon.
The program incorporates Hawaiian ingredients and culinary influences while providing passengers with additional meal choices.
New Premium Check-In Services Are Coming
The premium upgrades begin before boarding.
Aurora travelers will receive dedicated Suites check-in at Seattle, while eligible Leihōkū passengers will receive exclusive check-in and concierge services in Honolulu and Seattle.
These dedicated areas are intended to reduce friction during the airport process and create a more differentiated experience for premium cabin passengers.
The changes complement Alaska Air Group’s substantial investments in airport lounges.
A Massive New Alaska Lounge Is Coming to Seattle
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is receiving one of the largest investments in the premium strategy.
A new lounge complex at the expanded C Concourse is expected to open in late 2027.
At nearly 41,000 square feet, Alaska says the facility will become Seattle’s largest airport lounge and one of the largest in the U.S.
The space will contain two connected lounge concepts:
- Alaska Lounge
- Aurora Lounge
Together, they will serve different categories of eligible domestic and international travelers.
What Will the New Seattle Alaska Lounge Offer?
The main Alaska Lounge will have seating for approximately 500 guests.
It will continue serving travelers who qualify under Alaska’s applicable lounge-access policies.
Features announced for the overall lounge complex include:
- Outdoor patio with a fireplace
- Private work pods
- Locally sourced food and beverages
- Seasonal menus
- Pizza oven
- Coffee lab
- Fresh pastries
- Three premium bar areas
- Craft cocktails
- Curated wines
- Beer from selected local breweries
The design is intended to incorporate elements associated with the Pacific Northwest.
Seattle Will Also Get an Exclusive Aurora Lounge
The second level will contain the more exclusive Aurora Lounge.
The space is planned for Aurora Suites passengers traveling on intercontinental flights.
The Aurora Lounge will seat approximately 200 guests.
Exclusive amenities are expected to include:
- Private shower suites
- Wellness spaces
- Chef-prepared cuisine
- Made-to-order meals
- À la carte dining
- Tableside service
This creates a separate premium lounge experience for Alaska’s highest international cabin.
Hawaiian Is Opening a New Lounge in Honolulu
Hawaiian Airlines is also receiving a substantially upgraded lounge at its home airport.
The new facility will be located near the entrance of the Mauka Concourse in Terminal 1 at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL).
It is expected to open in early 2028.
The lounge will measure nearly 13,000 square feet and provide seating for approximately 200 guests.
The facility will represent a significant expansion over Hawaiian’s existing premium lounge offering.
Alaska Is Adding a New Lounge in San Diego
San Diego International Airport will also receive a new Alaska Lounge.
The planned lounge will measure approximately 14,000 square feet and is expected to open in 2028.
Further details about the final design, amenities, and exact opening schedule have not yet been announced.
The investment strengthens Alaska’s premium ground presence at another important West Coast airport.
Read More Here: Inside the Alaska Lounge at SEA Concourse N: Access & Amenities
Starlink Wi-Fi Is Part of the Broader Upgrade
Connectivity is another element of Alaska Air Group’s cabin investment.
The company is expanding Starlink Wi-Fi, with complimentary connectivity available to Atmos Rewards members under its partnership with T-Mobile.
Starlink is also part of the planned Leihōkū Suite experience.
Alaska Air Group has identified free Starlink connectivity as part of its broader investment in the core passenger experience across the fleet.
Alaska’s Premium Expansion Supports Its International Growth
The premium product overhaul coincides with a substantial expansion of Alaska’s international network.
Alaska Air Group expects to operate at least 15 long-haul intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030, compared with seven currently.
The airline has already expanded its European network and announced additional destinations.
New premium cabins allow Alaska to offer products designed specifically for these longer international journeys rather than relying primarily on its traditional domestic cabin structure.
Alaska and Hawaiian Will Keep Their Separate Identities
The premium overhaul does not eliminate the distinction between the Alaska and Hawaiian brands.
Aurora is being developed specifically around Alaska’s identity, while Leihōkū continues as Hawaiian’s flagship premium product.
The company says its premium strategy is intended to preserve the identities of both airlines while filling product gaps across international, Hawai‘i, and premium transcontinental travel.
That approach means similar levels of comfort can be offered without giving both airlines identical branding.
When Are the New Alaska and Hawaiian Premium Products Coming?
The upgrades have different implementation dates.
| Product or Facility | Expected Timing |
| New Seattle Alaska/Aurora Lounge | Late 2027 |
| Aurora on select 737-10 MAX aircraft | Beginning in 2028 |
| Hawaiian A330 refurbishment | Beginning in 2028 |
| Enhanced Leihōkū Suites | Beginning in 2028 |
| Premium Reserve | Beginning in 2028 |
| New Honolulu Hawaiian Lounge | Early 2028 |
| New San Diego Alaska Lounge | 2028 |
| Wider fleet and premium investment | Continuing through 2030 |
Aircraft delivery schedules and refurbishment timelines can change, so these dates represent Alaska Air Group’s currently announced plans.
Aurora vs. Leihōkū: What Is the Difference?
Both products provide lie-flat premium seating, but they belong to different airline brands.
| Feature | Aurora | Leihōkū |
| Airline | Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines |
| Product type | Premium lie-flat suite | Premium lie-flat suite |
| Privacy doors | Yes | Yes |
| Direct aisle access | Yes | Yes |
| Main aircraft | Boeing 787; select 737-10 MAX | Airbus A330 |
| Dedicated check-in | Yes | Yes |
| Premium dining | Yes | Yes |
| Brand identity | Alaska/Pacific Northwest | Hawaiian/Hawai‘i |
| Major rollout | 2028 onward | 2028 onward |
The products share a broader premium strategy while retaining airline-specific design and service characteristics.
What Do the Premium Upgrades Mean for Economy Passengers?
The announcement also contains improvements beyond business class and premium economy.
Hawaiian’s A330 aircraft are scheduled for full cabin refurbishments, including new entertainment systems with 4K screens and Bluetooth connectivity.
Alaska Air Group is also continuing investments in:
- Free Starlink Wi-Fi
- Updated airport facilities
- Food and beverage options
- Cabin interiors
- Digital services
The company’s strategy therefore extends beyond its highest-paying premium travelers, although the most substantial new products are concentrated in Aurora, Leihōkū, and Premium Reserve.
Key Alaska and Hawaiian Premium Changes
The main developments include:
- Alaska is introducing Aurora Suites.
- Alaska 787-9 aircraft will receive 34 Aurora Suites.
- Future Alaska 787-10s are planned with 40 Aurora Suites.
- Selected Alaska 737-10 MAX aircraft will receive lie-flat Aurora Suites.
- Hawaiian’s 24 A330s will receive completely refreshed interiors.
- Hawaiian A330s will feature 22 enhanced Leihōkū Suites.
- Premium Reserve will become a new dedicated premium economy product.
- Alaska 787s will have 35 Premium Reserve seats.
- Selected 737-10 MAX aircraft will have 12 Premium Reserve seats.
- Hawaiian A330s will have 28 Premium Reserve seats.
- Seattle will receive a nearly 41,000-square-foot lounge complex.
- Honolulu will receive a nearly 13,000-square-foot Hawaiian Lounge.
- San Diego will receive a 14,000-square-foot Alaska Lounge.
- Several major aircraft upgrades begin in 2028.
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are preparing one of their most extensive premium product upgrades, covering aircraft cabins, lounges, dining, connectivity, and airport services.
Aurora will become Alaska’s flagship lie-flat suite product on Boeing 787 aircraft and selected transcontinental 737-10 MAX flights. Hawaiian’s A330 fleet will receive refreshed Leihōkū Suites and completely redesigned interiors, while Premium Reserve introduces a dedicated premium economy cabin across both brands.
Airport investments are equally significant. Seattle’s nearly 41,000-square-foot Alaska and Aurora Lounge complex is scheduled for late 2027, followed by Hawaiian’s new Honolulu lounge and Alaska’s San Diego lounge in 2028.
Many of the onboard changes remain future products rather than features available today. Their rollout will begin primarily in 2028 as Alaska Air Group continues expanding its premium and international operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aurora Suites are Alaska’s new lie-flat premium seats designed for Boeing 787 Dreamliners and selected Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft.
The broader Aurora rollout is tied to Alaska’s upcoming fleet changes, with selected 737-10 MAX installations planned from 2028 and Aurora forming part of the airline’s future Dreamliner premium experience.
Leihōkū Suites are Hawaiian’s lie-flat premium seats. Enhanced versions with direct aisle access, privacy doors, 19-inch 4K screens, and upgraded amenities are coming to the A330 fleet.
Refurbishment of Hawaiian’s 24 Airbus A330 aircraft is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Premium Reserve is a new dedicated premium economy product planned for both Alaska and Hawaiian aircraft, beginning in 2028.
Alaska plans to install 35 Premium Reserve seats on its Boeing 787 aircraft.
Hawaiian’s refurbished A330 aircraft are planned with 28 Premium Reserve seats.
Yes. Selected Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft are planned to receive lie-flat Aurora Suites for premium transcontinental flying beginning in 2028.
The nearly 41,000-square-foot Alaska and Aurora Lounge complex at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is scheduled to open in late 2027.
Hawaiian’s nearly 13,000-square-foot lounge at Honolulu’s Terminal 1 is planned to open in early 2028.
Yes. Alaska plans to open a new approximately 14,000-square-foot lounge at San Diego International Airport in 2028.
Alaska Air Group is expanding Starlink connectivity, with complimentary access for Atmos Rewards members through its T-Mobile partnership.