Major US airline unveils new Dreamliner business class ‘plush’ upgrade on flights to Rome and London

Alaska Airlines has unveiled its first-ever lie-flat business-class cabin, which will debut on new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flight routes from Seattle to Rome, London and Incheon.

Previously, Alaska’s top-tier seats were first-class recliners, so the new cabin is a significant milestone for the carrier.

It has been retrofitted to Dreamliners inherited from the 2024 merger with Hawaiian Airlines, and will feature in all newly ordered 787-9s.

The suites come with privacy doors, direct aisle access and are arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration.

Features include upgraded 18-inch HD entertainment screens, alongside wireless charging, power outlets and noise-reducing headsets.

To aid sleep and to stay refreshed, passengers will enjoy “premium bedding” and amenity kits designed in collaboration with Seattle-based Filson, according to a statement.

The setup includes a “plush” mattress pad, a sleeping pillow, a lumbar/lounging pillow, and an “oversized duvet.”

The exclusive amenity kit includes Salt & Stone skincare products and “other travel essentials.”

On the dining front, Alaska promises “restaurant quality food,” a “multi-course culinary journey that celebrates the flavors of the West Coast and the global destinations Alaska serves.”

The carrier continues: “The experience begins with a sophisticated welcome service featuring a cheese and charcuterie board — a refined interpretation of Alaska's iconic Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter — paired with an expanded selection of wines from the West Coast and regions in Europe such as Stag's Leap, including Roederer Champagne, handcrafted cocktails, West Coast craft beer, mineral water and freshly brewed Stumptown coffee.”

The meal continues with an appetizer course followed by a personalized main dining experience with up to six entrée choices tailored to each route.

Alaska says options may include pollo ripieno, a traditional stuffed chicken, on flights to Rome, and gochujang chicken with traditional banchan on flights en route to Incheon.

Following the entrée service, guests can pick something from Alaska's new dessert cart, showcasing a customizable Salt & Straw sundae service alongside “other artisanal desserts.”

And prior to arrival, guests will be served a beverage paired with a “destination-inspired meal, such as a classic full English breakfast on flights to London.”

Alaska's new nonstop service from Seattle to Rome begins April 28, followed by London on May 21, and Incheon later in the year.

"We set out to design a business class experience that is both sophisticated and authentically Alaska: premium, comfortable and thoughtfully created for our guests," said Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines.

"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."