Booking a flight is usually the easy part. But then you hit the screen with the little blue squares, and suddenly you're sweating. You're staring at the Alaska Airlines seat chart wondering if row 16 is a godsend or a nightmare. Honestly, it’s not just you.
Alaska is weirdly specific about their cabin layouts. They’re currently in the middle of a massive fleet-wide reshuffle—as of early 2026, they’re cramming more First Class and Premium seats into their Boeing 737s. If you haven't flown with them in a year, the map you remember is probably gone.
The Boeing 737-800 Reconfiguration Trap
Most people see a 737-800 and assume it's the "old" version. You know the one: 12 First Class seats, 30 Premium, and 117 Main Cabin. But wait. By summer 2026, Alaska is finishing up a retrofitting project. Many of these planes now sport 16 First Class seats.
Why does this matter to you? Because row 6—the first row of Premium Class—has shifted.
Row 6 is the "bulkhead" row. You've got no under-seat storage because there is a wall in front of you. Some people love the extra knee room. Others hate that they have to put their laptop bag in the overhead bin for takeoff. Also, the tray tables are tucked into the armrests. That makes the seat feel about an inch narrower. If you're a "customer of size," row 6 might feel like a squeeze.
Premium Class vs. The Exit Row
Here is the dirty secret of the Alaska Airlines seat chart. Premium Class gives you a 35-inch pitch. That’s four inches more than the 31 inches you get in the back. You also get free booze and priority boarding.
But the exit rows (usually 16 and 17 on the 737-800 or 900) often have even more legroom. We’re talking 38 inches of pitch.
Here is the catch:
- Row 16 usually doesn't recline. It's behind another exit row, and they can't have your seat back blocking the path.
- Row 17 is the sweet spot. It reclines AND has the extra legroom.
- Row 33 (on the -800) is basically the "penalty box." You’re right next to the lavatories and the galley. It’s loud, it smells like coffee and blue liquid, and people will definitely bump your shoulder while waiting to pee.
The Embraer E175: The Secret Best Plane
If you’re flying a shorter hop, like Seattle to Portland or San Francisco to Boise, you’ll likely be on an E175 operated by Horizon or SkyWest.
Kinda weirdly, these are some of the most comfortable planes in the fleet. Why? No middle seats. It’s a 2-2 configuration in the back and 1-2 in First Class.
On the E175 Alaska Airlines seat chart, First Class Row 1 is the one to watch. Seat 1A is a single "throne" seat. No neighbor. No fighting for the armrest. It’s peak domestic travel. However, in the Main Cabin, watch out for the very last row. The windows don't always align with the seats, and the engine noise is significantly louder back there.
The New 737 MAX 9 Reality
Alaska's MAX 9 is the backbone of their long-haul fleet now. These planes are quiet, sure. But the "slimline" Recaro seats have some people complaining about "plywood" padding.
If you are on a five-hour flight from Seattle to Orlando, do not just pick any seat.
- Window seats have a slight curve to the cabin wall that can eat into your shoulder room.
- Aisle seats on the MAX 9 are prone to getting clipped by the beverage cart because the aisles feel slightly narrower than the older 737-900s.
- Power Outlets: Look for the little "pod" under the seat. In the older -800s, it's right where your knee goes. In the newer MAX planes, it's usually integrated better, but it still eats up a tiny bit of footwell space.
Elite Status and the 24-Hour Scramble
If you don't have MVP status, you’re probably looking at a sea of "Preferred" seats that cost $30 to $80 to "buy" at the time of booking.
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Basically, Alaska holds back a bunch of good seats (aisles and windows near the front) for their frequent flyers. But at exactly 24 hours before departure, the computer relaxes. If those elites haven't been upgraded to First Class yet, or if they haven't picked those seats, they open up.
I’ve seen people snag Row 7 (Premium Class) for the price of a regular Main Cabin seat just by checking the app the second check-in opens. It’s rare, but it happens.
Practical Steps for Your Next Flight
Stop looking at the generic seat map on Expedia. It’s often wrong or outdated. Go directly to the Alaska Airlines website or use a tool like AeroLOPA to see the actual interior dimensions.
- Check your aircraft type: If it says "737-800 (Refurbished)," expect more First Class seats and newer, thinner padding.
- Avoid the "Metal Box": In many middle seats on the 737-800/900, there’s a large metal box (the entertainment system hardware) under the seat in front of you. It takes up about 40% of your foot room. If you have big feet, the window seat is usually safer.
- Check-in early: Set a timer for 24 hours out. That is when the "held" seats are released and the upgrade shuffle begins.
Once you’ve locked in your seat, keep an eye on your email. Alaska is notorious for aircraft swaps. You might pick a perfect seat on a 737-900, but if they swap it for a 737-800 last minute, your row 32 might not even exist on the new plane, and the computer will dump you into whatever middle seat is left. Open the app as you’re heading to the airport just to be sure.