Alaska adds new premium economy seats

Alaska adds premium seats. In the middle of May, Alaska Airlines will reportedly start marketing extra-legroom coach seats — i.e., those in bulkhead and exit rows — as a premium economy product.

Besides the 7 to 8 inches of extra legroom, passengers in these “preferred seating” rows will also get free drinks and priority boarding. (It sounds a lot like Virgin America’s Main Cabin Select product to us- without the free food.)

Mileage Plan elites will get first crack at reserving the seats for no fee; seats still available at check-in will be sold to anyone for a fee that varies by distance, said to range from $15 to $50.

Although the plan requires no reconfiguration of the cabin, officials said the concept could be expanded if it tests well.

What do you think? Would you pay more for a regular coach seat with more legroom, early boarding and cocktails? How much? 

ALSO…American taking over Alaska routes to Mexico:  The Transportation Department has approved a request from American Airlines to take over Alaska Airlines’ Los Angeles-Mexico City route rights, which it will do effective June 4. Alaska will code-share on the American flights. American plans to offer two daily roundtrips vs. Alaska’s one …

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