Alaska Airlines Unveils MAX 10 Seating Layout
The airline will provide seatback screens only in premium cabins on its new Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Business Travel
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Alaska Airlines announced on September 29, 2026, that its incoming Boeing 737 MAX 10 fleet will feature seatback screens exclusively in premium cabin classes. Passengers in the Main Cabin and Premium Class will instead be expected to use personal devices for in-flight entertainment.
Why it matters
The decision aims to reduce overall aircraft weight and avoid complex hardware certification delays associated with installing seatback screens across all rows. By utilizing personal devices, the airline plans to maintain consistent high-density configurations across its narrowbody fleet.
The premium cabin configuration accounts for approximately 15% of the total 159 seats on the planned MAX 10 jets. In contrast, the airline's initial 2027 deliveries will utilize a higher-density 188-seat layout that excludes screen hardware entirely.
The players
Alaska Airlines
This major American carrier is a primary operator of narrowbody aircraft and is currently expanding its fleet with new Boeing 737 MAX 10 orders.
Boeing
This multinational aerospace corporation manufactures the 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner aircraft families used by major global airlines.
Federal Aviation Administration
This national agency regulates all aspects of civil aviation in the United States and is responsible for certifying the safety of new aircraft configurations.
The details
Alaska Airlines has ordered 105 Boeing 737 MAX 10 aircraft, with at least 25 of these set to feature the Aurora Suites premium layout. The carrier will utilize its Starlink WiFi service to provide connectivity, while ensuring all seating meets rigorous 16G dynamic crash testing standards.
Timeline
Alaska Airlines announced the MAX 10 cabin layout on September 29, 2026.
The FAA officially certified the Boeing 737 MAX 10 on October 20, 2026.
Alaska Airlines expects to receive its first MAX 10 delivery in the second quarter of 2027.
The airline expects to receive a total of 22 MAX 10 deliveries throughout 2027.
Installation of Aurora Suites on MAX 10 jets is scheduled to begin in 2028.
Travel Outlook
This strategy follows the strict technical requirements set by the 16G dynamic crash testing standards for seat certification. By opting out of complex hardware in the main cabin, Alaska Airlines manages certification timelines to match seasonal delivery goals.
Passengers traveling in the Main Cabin should plan to bring their own personal devices and headphones to access in-flight entertainment via the airline's WiFi. Those seeking a seatback screen experience must book into the designated premium cabin classes.
The takeaway
Travelers should verify their cabin class at booking to determine if they will have access to seatback entertainment on these new aircraft. Utilizing personal devices remains the primary method for accessing in-flight content on most of the airline's upcoming narrowbody fleet.
What happens next
Alaska Airlines expects its first Boeing 737 MAX 10 delivery during the second quarter of 2027, with 22 total deliveries anticipated within that year.
Further reading
For more on evolving passenger experience trends, visit the Business Travel section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Simple Flying.
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