Image: Alaska Airlines
Alaska Air Group has unveiled a major premium cabin overhaul for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, introducing new Aurora and Leihoku flagship experiences with lie-flat suites, upgraded entertainment, expanded premium seating and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for eligible loyalty members.
The changes are part of what Alaska Air Group calls its most significant investment in premium travel, with Aurora becoming Alaska Airlines’ flagship premium experience and Leihoku, meaning lei of stars, shaping Hawaiian Airlines’ upgraded offering.
Alaska plans to install 34 lie-flat Aurora Suites on all Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and 40 on future 787-10 Dreamliners. Starting in 2028, at least 25 Boeing 737-10 MAX aircraft will also receive 12 Aurora Suites each, marking the first time the carrier will offer lie-flat seating on select transcontinental 737 flights.
Aurora Suites will include 19-inch 4K entertainment screens, Bluetooth connectivity, wireless and USB-C charging, AC power, direct aisle access and privacy doors on the 787s. Atmos Rewards members will also receive what Alaska describes as “lightning-fast Starlink Wi-Fi,” complimentary thanks to T-Mobile. The free connectivity builds on Alaska’s plan to fast-track Starlink across its entire fleet, with complimentary service for loyalty members starting in 2026.
Hawaiian Airlines will begin overhauling its fleet of 24 Airbus A330 widebody aircraft in 2028, adding new interiors throughout the cabin and 22 enhanced Leihoku Suites. Those suites will similarly include lie-flat seating, privacy doors, 19-inch 4K screens, Bluetooth connectivity and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi for Atmos Rewards members through T-Mobile. Southwest Airlines is also rolling out free Starlink Wi-Fi across more than 300 jets.
The company is also adding Premium Reserve, a new premium economy cabin scheduled to begin rolling out in 2028 across Alaska’s 787 fleet, select 737-10 MAX aircraft and Hawaiian’s A330s. Seats will feature 38 inches of pitch, enhanced recline, leg and calf rests, 16-inch 4K OLED displays and multiple charging options.
Taken together, the changes expand Alaska Air Group’s premium strategy across both airlines, while extending the investment beyond aircraft cabins with new premium lounges planned for Seattle and Honolulu and dedicated check-in services for Aurora and Leihoku customers.
“We believe premium is more than a seat. It’s how guests feel from the moment they book their trip to the moment they arrive at the airport to when they’re in the air with us,” Alaska Air Group CEO Ben Minicucci said.
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The new Aurora and Leihōkū cabins show how inflight connectivity is becoming part of the overall travel experience, especially with Starlink Wi-Fi. For travelers who enjoy quick audio entertainment, sonidos botones can also be a useful way to discover fun sounds.