Complimentary upgrades

We're dedicated to providing exceptional value to our most loyal travelers through our industry-leading upgrade program.

Upgrade Certificates

As a Mileage Plan member, you can select upgrade certificates as a reward when you reach various milestones and tiers in your Mileage Plan journey. Guests may also receive an upgrade certificate as compensation for downgrades or service issues.

You can use upgrade certificates to:

  • Upgrade your seat immediately when purchasing qualifying fares
  • Upgrade flights for friends and family who aren't traveling with you

Your upgrade certificates are conveniently deposited into your Account profile and can be easily accessed through the Alaska Airlines mobile app.

How to use upgrade certificates

After booking

  1. Visit alaskaair.com and go to your reservation
  2. Click the "Use upgrade certificate" link next to your confirmation code
  3. Apply the upgrade if your flight is eligible

Important: If you are a Mileage Plan™ member who is eligible for complimentary upgrades, you will need to call Reservations (1-800-252-7522) to remove yourself from the waitlist before using an upgrade certificate.

During booking

  1. Use the "Upgrade type" filter to find First Class upgrade options
  2. Select flights marked with the "First Class upgrade available" icon
  3. During booking, choose "Apply an upgrade certificate"
  4. Finalize by selecting "Use upgrade certificate" from your confirmation or Manage Reservations page

Upgrade certificate terms and conditions

Not all flights have a First Class cabin. Flights must be marketed and ticketed by Alaska Airlines. Each guest upgrade code is valid for one-way travel for one person. Connecting flights must have no more than a 4-hour stopover between them. Passengers traveling on an upgraded ticket do not have complimentary access to the Alaska Airlines airport lounges.

In addition:

  • Upgrade certificates are valid on Alaska Airlines flight numbers 001 - 2999, 3300-3499.
  • Upgrade certificates are booked into "U" class of service and are subject to availability as "U" class may not be available on all flights.
  • "U" class must be available at the time of the request, as upgrades may not utilize the upgrade waitlist. When purchasing, choose a flight with a First Class upgrade indicator above the displayed price.
  • Tickets purchased in Y, B, H, K, M, L, V, S, or N are eligible for upgrades (not eligible in Q, O, G or X classes).
  • Upgrade certificates are not available when traveling on an award ticket.
  • Each upgrade code is valid for one-way travel for one person. Connecting flights must have no more than a 4-hour stopover between them.
  • Upgrade certificates may not be used as a placeholder for a complimentary upgrade by an elite-level member. Once an upgrade has been processed, you may not remove it to be placed on the upgrade waitlist, or receive a complimentary upgrade based on elite level.
  • Upgrade certificates are transferable but may not be bartered, bought, or sold.
  • If a flight upgraded with an upgrade certificate is changed or canceled, the certificate is forfeited. A replacement upgrade certificate code can be requested through customer care only by the Mileage Plan member to whom it was originally issued.