Upgrades
How to get upgraded on Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines offers 3 upgrade paths into a premium seat: Complimentary upgrades (MVP Gold and above), Mileage Plan miles upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid). For most travelers, achieving elite status is the most reliable route — or use the bid upgrade option on any fare class.
Upgrade options on Alaska Airlines
- 1Complimentary upgrades (MVP Gold and above)
- 2Mileage Plan miles upgrade
- 3Cash upgrade (bid)
Elite status upgrades
MVP: no complimentary upgrades. MVP Gold: complimentary upgrades within 24 hours. MVP Gold 75K: within 72 hours and on international routes.
Upgrading with miles or points
Miles + copay: available on some flights. Typically 7,500–15,000 miles for domestic first class. Also usable for partner airline upgrades on Cathay Pacific and others.
Cash & bid upgrades
Alaska Upgrade Bid: offered via email before departure. Bid a price above the minimum — if successful, you are charged and upgraded. No guarantee of success.
Who gets upgraded first
MVP Gold 75K > MVP Gold > MVP. Sorted by status then booking date within each tier.
Best tip to maximize upgrade chances
MVP Gold 75K status is the sweet spot for Alaska upgrades — the 72-hour window and domestic + international coverage make upgrades much more reliable than the lower tiers.
How do I get upgraded to first class on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Airlines offers several upgrade paths: Complimentary upgrades (MVP Gold and above), Mileage Plan miles upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid). The most reliable approach for most travelers is to achieve elite status and monitor upgrade availability at the complimentary upgrade window. MVP Gold 75K status is the sweet spot for Alaska upgrades — the 72-hour window and domestic + international coverage make upgrades much more reliable than the lower tiers.
What elite status do I need for free upgrades on Alaska Airlines?
MVP: no complimentary upgrades. MVP Gold: complimentary upgrades within 24 hours. MVP Gold 75K: within 72 hours and on international routes.
Can I upgrade with miles on Alaska Airlines?
Miles + copay: available on some flights. Typically 7,500–15,000 miles for domestic first class. Also usable for partner airline upgrades on Cathay Pacific and others.
How does the upgrade bid work on Alaska Airlines?
Alaska Upgrade Bid: offered via email before departure. Bid a price above the minimum — if successful, you are charged and upgraded. No guarantee of success.
More Alaska Airlines guides
Upgrade policy data verified . Elite upgrade windows, miles requirements, and bid pricing are subject to change — confirm current terms at Alaska Airlines's official website before flying.