What To Expect When Flying Alaska Airlines’ New Business Class to Europe and Asia

Updated: March 31, 2026, 11:03am CDT

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Inside Alaska Airlines’ New Long Haul Business Class
Final Thoughts

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Alaska Airlines is ushering in its new era of long-haul flying with an all-new business class cabin, including lie-flat seats.

“When we debut our new product this spring, it will raise the bar and redefine long-haul travel, while continuing to deliver the remarkable care that sets Alaska apart on the global stage,” said Andrew Harrison, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines.

Here’s what to expect when flying business class on a shiny-new Alaska Airlines Boeing 787-9.

Inside Alaska Airlines’ New Long Haul Business Class

Alaska‘s new business-class experience will only be available on its new long-haul routes to Asia and Europe that depart from Seattle (SEA).

Passengers can enjoy it for the first time when Alaska’s inaugural flight to Rome (FCO) takes off on April 28. This will be followed by flights to London (LHR) — starting on May 21 — and to Reykjavik (KEF), which starts on May 28.

Alaska Airlines new business class Boeing 787 9 suite — Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

The rollout will expand to Asia with the launch of new routes Seoul (ICN) and Tokyo (NRT) in the fall.

Modern Seats and Tech

The seats themselves are lie-flat and feature privacy doors. This is the bare minumum I’d expect for any new business class in 2026.

With 18-inch HD screens, noise-reducing headphones, and wireless charging, tech was another focus for the airline. While wireless charging is a bit of a useless gimmick, it’s interesting to note that Alaska describes its headphones as noise-reducing rather than noise-canceling.

Alaska Airlines noise reducing headphones — Alaska Airlines noise-reducing headphones. Image Credit: Alaska

Alaska also hopes to continue the rollout of its Starlink service with installation on its 787-9s this fall. While access will be complimentary, passengers will be required to sign in using their Atmos Rewards membership number.

Elevated Dining Experience

Proof will obviously be in the pudding, but reading Alaska’s meal service description had me salivating.

Business-class passengers will enjoy multicourse meal after takeoff, and the pre-landing meal will feature elements tailored to each destination.

Alaska Airlines new business class food — A feast for the eyes. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

Proceedings will start with cheese and charcuterie board paired with a carefully curated selection of wines from both the West Coast and Europe. Oh, and this is a welcome service, not an appetizer. That’s served next.

Alaska Airlines cheese charcuterie and wine — Cheese? Yes please. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

For the entrée, you might get offered pasta en route to Rome or Gochujang chicken if headed west to Seoul. Passengers can expect to have up to 6 main courses to choose from!

We think Alaska saved the best for last: a Salt & Straw, customizable sundae service will be just one of the sweet treat options on the dessert cart.

Alaska Airlines business class desserts — Partnering with Salt & Straw is a genius play. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

As a gelato afficionado, I can confirm Salt & Straw — another West Coast treasure — excels in both flavor and texture. Great choice, Alaska.

If you’re still hungry before landing, a second locally inspired delight will be offered, such as full English breakfast before touching down in London.

Premium Amenities

When airlines scrimp on bedding, it can really cheapen the overall experience. Thankfully, having partnered with Seattle-based brand Filson, Alaska appears to have invested significantly on this front.

International business-class passengers will receive a mattress pad, 2 pillows, and a duvet.

Alaska Airlines new business class bedding — Alaska’s new Filson bedding certainly looks the part. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

The mattress pad, if it’s as “plush” as Alaska describes, combined with the 2 pillow options should come together to create one of the coziest beds of any U.S. airline.

Collectable amenity kits — also by Filson — will be stocked with premium skin care products by Salt & Stone, in addition to regular items.

Alaska Airlines new amenity kit contents — Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

Differentiating itself from the compeition, Alaksa will also offer passengers custom reusable water bottles in colaboration with PATH Water.

Hot Tip:

Seats in Alaska’s new business class are available to book now with cash or Atmos Rewards points via Alaska’s website.

Final Thoughts

To be successful when launching long-haul international flights in a heavily competitive landscape, Alaska had to differentiate itself from the crowd. By honing in on its West Coast roots and investing in what looks like high-quality, premium amenities and inflight dining, Alaska looks to have done exactly that.

Whether it’s getting some rest on a proper mattress topper and Filson bedding or savoring every bite of a Salt & Straw ice cream, Alaska Airlines’ passengers are in for a treat when its new business class takes to the skies very soon.