Alaska Airlines 'Upgrade Unlocked' Promotion Grants Random Passengers Free Premium Upgrades

Alaska Airlines has launched a summer promotion called 'upgrade unlocked' to surprise one lucky Main Cabin passenger daily with a free upgrade to Premium Class. This promotion will run from June 1 to September 2, aiming to enhance the travel experience during the busy summer months.

To celebrate the start of the travel season, Alaska Airlines will randomly upgrade a Main Cabin passenger to Premium Class each day. Eric Edge, managing director of marketing and advertising at Alaska Airlines, expressed that this initiative is a way to show appreciation to their guests for choosing Alaska Airlines for their summer travels. He emphasized the range of premium products and services offered, including best-in-class lounges, fresh West Coast food and beverages, and the award-winning Mileage Plan program.

The selected traveler will be notified via the Alaska Airlines mobile app or by email. If the chosen passenger is traveling with a companion, they will also be able to sit together in the Premium Cabin. Premium Class seats, typically reserved for elite loyalty members or available for purchase, offer additional legroom, complimentary alcoholic beverages for guests over 21 on flights longer than 350 miles, early boarding, and priority access to overhead bin space.

This promotion comes at a time when Alaska Airlines is experiencing a significant increase in passenger numbers, particularly during the summer travel season. The airline saw a 6% increase in passengers over the Memorial Day weekend and expects even higher volumes as the Independence Day holiday approaches. In anticipation of the busy season, Alaska Airlines has added flights to key destinations in Alaska and Western Canada, as well as increased services within the Pacific Northwest and seasonal routes from Anchorage to cities like Chicago, Denver, New York, and Salt Lake City.

Alaska Airlines has a history of offering special promotions and services to enhance customer loyalty. In 2021, the airline provided free flights for new frequent flyer members who were California residents, allowing the first 25,000 sign-ups to purchase tickets within California by only paying taxes and fees. More recently, the airline partnered with Hawaii Governor Josh Green and Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen to offer over 3,000 roundtrip flights to families affected by the Maui wildfires in August 2023.