American Airlines is ready to welcome millions of holiday travelers

American Airlines is ready to welcome more than 12 million customers this winter holiday season across more than 119,000 flights — a larger schedule that provides customers more choices than in 2024.

American’s operation is fully ready for the winter weather. The team has spent months preparing for deicing operations at key cold-weather airports such as Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) and Boston Logan Airport (BOS). The airline’s aircraft and facilities are winterized to ensure that customers and team members stay warm during the winter cold.

Delivering for our customers

American has made significant investments in the customer experience.

With very near-term expansion of TSA Touchless ID across American’s hubs and gateways, including New York (JFK), ORD, Los Angeles (LAX), Washington Reagan (DCA), Philadelphia (PHL), Charlotte (CLT) and more terminals at Dallas Fort Wort (DFW) for the holiday period, American continues to be committed to streamlining the customer experience by giving customers the ability to move through the security checkpoint more quickly with this hands-free process.
The airline’s new connection-saving technology has saved the day for thousands of customers since it was launched earlier this year and is now active at seven of American’s hubs: DFW, LAX, CLT, Miami (MIA), ORD, PHL and Phoenix (PHX).
American’s introduction of the Airbus A321XLR coincides with the first day of the travel period, Dec. 18. This premium narrowbody aircraft joins our fleet alongside the premium Boeing 787-9, bringing a new customer experience to the skies.
American has more satellite-equipped Wi-Fi aircraft now than any other carrier in the world.
American has new partnerships with Champagne Bollinger and soon, Lavazza coffee, elevating sips on board and in American’s Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges.
The airline has opened new Flagship^® and Admirals Club^® lounges at PHL, with new lounges to come at American’s CLT and MIA hubs and the introduction of the Provisions by Admirals Club^SMlounge, a new lounge concept at CLT.
American has introduced enhancements to prepaid bags, including flexible refunds, expanded self-service options, the ability to use Trip Credits for bag purchases and seamless integration with same-day flight changes.

“The customer is at the heart of everything we do,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “We’re thrilled to be a part of your travel plans as you gather to be with your friends, family and loved ones this holiday season.”

Frontier Adds Special Inflight Holiday Fun for Kids

Frontier Airlines is spreading some special kid-focused holiday cheer this season with limited-edition holiday trading cards featuring four of the airline’s famous plane tail animals. Kids flying Frontier through the end of January can request one of the cards, which highlight Blanco the Polar Bear, Flo the Flamingo, Ruby the Reindeer or Verde the Resplendent Quetzal, from a crew member during their flight. The back of each card contains information on the featured animal species, along with details on which Frontier aircraft has the animal on its tail.

Families flying Frontier over the next few weeks can also request a Letter to Santa Cardduring their flight which they can complete and return to a crew member. Some lucky customers will be randomly chosen to have their wish fulfilled by Team Frontier.

Frontier has offered trading cards featuring its plane tail animals for several years. Every Frontier aircraft features an animal on its tail with a special name and backstory. Many of the featured animals are from endangered or threatened species. Customers are encouraged to check with a flight attendant to find out if a trading card is available on their flight. The trading cards are a fun and entertaining way for kids to learn about the airline’s plane tail animals, which feature species throughout North America.

Flighty Launches its First Year-In-Review Global Passport Report, Including the Most-Delayed Airlines in 2025

Flighty’s Global Passport Report highlights how Flighty users traveled this year, from total flights to total hours yearsdelayed, and an industry-first: Flighty’s Get Me Off This Plane.

Every year, Flighty analyzes tens of millions of flights globally to deliver its popular year-in-review Flighty Passport to travelers. Flighty Passport personalizes every user’s year-end flight stats, including total distance, flight time, routes, hours delayed, and aircraft and airport stats. It shows the number of times they’ve visited an airport, flown with an airline, and even how many times they flew on the same plane.

Flighty’s new Global Passport Report analyzes the millions of flights its users flew across the world in 2025 to show off everyone’s year-in-review stats, from the good, to the bad, to the very, very delayed.

Global Flights

In 2025, Flighty travelers took over 22 million flights, covering 34 billion miles, for a cumulative 78 million hours in the air. That’s a staggering 8,961 years of flight time as Flighty travelers flew on thousands of planes simultaneously across the globe, 24/7.

Global Delays

Each day, Flighty tracks tens of thousands of flights, individual schedules, inbound planes, and historic flight performances to calculate, confirm, and instantly alert each user when their specific flight is delayed — and the delays really add up.

Added together, it shows how much time passengers lost arriving late to their destinations versus when the airlines said they would — totaling 3.9 million hours lost.^1

When ranked globally, Ryanair was the #1 most delayed airline among Flighty users.

When ranking the U.S., Flighty’s Top 5 Most Delayed Airlines in the U.S. are:

Frontier Airlines, 28%
JetBlue Airways, 25%
Southwest Airlines, 25%
American Airlines, 24%
Alaska Airlines, 23%

Get Me Off This Plane

A new Flighty metric measures the gap between a flight’s scheduled arrival and when passengers actually got off the plane. This is the time typically stretched by runway congestion, taxiing, unavailable gates, holding patterns, and more. It captures all those extra minutes spent sitting, waiting, and muttering, “Get me off this plane!”

Anyone can download Flighty and build their 2025 Year-In-Review Passport for free here.

Flighty Pro subscribers can automatically ingest their lifetime of travel history by syncing their Apple Calendar, forwarding flights, or bulk importing their flights.

Plus, with Flighty, users get exclusive features, including:

The world’s fastest delay alerts: Faster than the airlines.
Delay Predictions: Real-time (and real accurate) delay alerts based on your plane’s actual status.
Connection Assistant: Get alerts if your connection is tight or relaxed.
Flighty Friends: Stop texting updates. Let friends and family track your flight in real-time.
ATC Delays: Get delay intel directly from ATC, just like your pilot.
Where’s My Plane: Track your inbound plane’s performance.
Live Activities: Check flight details at a glance on iPhone, Apple Watch, and now CarPlay.
Calendar Sync: Import all your past and future flights seamlessly.
TripIt Sync: Transfer your existing TripIt flights to Flighty instantly.

About Flighty:

Flighty is the first-class flight tracker for people on the move. Two out of every three U.S. flights now include a Flighty passenger, reflecting adoption from millions of travelers worldwide. Flighty gives the world’s fastest flight alerts, including Delay Predictions, so travelers are always the first to know and rebook — all in one powerful and beautifully designed app. Flighty is an Apple App of the Year Finalist, an Apple Design Award Winner, a top 20 global app, an Editor’s Choice Pick, holds a 4.8-star rating in the App Store with over 100K reviews, and is the #1 trusted flight tracker by pilots, crew, and frequent flyers.

JetBlue Launches Service to Vero Beach from New York and Boston

JetBlue Airways on December 11 announced that Vero Beach Regional Airport (VRB) has officially joined its expanding Florida network, with the start of service today from both New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and Boston Logan International Airport (BOS). The new flights provide customers with more convenient access to Florida’s Treasure Coast and strengthen JetBlue’s role as the leading carrier between the Northeast and Florida.

With today’s launch, JetBlue now offers flights to ten Florida cities from Boston and nine from JFK – more than any other carrier from either airport. JetBlue will continue to expand its presence in the state early next year with the debut of service to its eleventh Florida destination in March, Destin-Fort Walton Beach (VPS).

JetBlue’s launch of Vero Beach service follows a series of expansions in the Sunshine State. Just last week, the airline launched service from New York and Boston to Daytona Beach and began eight new domestic and international routes from its Fort Lauderdale focus city. The airline also announced new routes from Buffalo, N.Y. to Fort Myers, Rochester, N.Y. to Orlando, and Syracuse, N.Y. to Fort Lauderdale, plus seven limited-time spring break routes from Fort Lauderdale.

Later this month, JetBlue will begin two new routes from Tampa to Punta Cana, Dominican Republic and Islip, N.Y., as well as service from Fort Myers to Islip. With these additions, JetBlue is reinforcing its position as a top choice for travel to and from Florida.

Flights from Boston to Vero Beach will operate on JetBlue’s A220 aircraft, while flights from New York will operate on the airline’s A320 aircraft. Both aircraft feature the airline’s award-winning service; fast, free unlimited Fly-Fi; seatback entertainment at every seat and complimentary snacks and drinks.

Schedule Between New York (JFK) and Vero Beach (VRB)
Operating daily beginning December 11, 2025³

JFK-VRB Flight #1715	VRB-JFK Flight #1716
10:35 A.M. – 1:37 P.M.	2:35 P.M. – 5:11 P.M.

Schedule Between Boston (BOS) and Vero Beach (VRB)
Operating daily beginning December 11, 2025³

BOS-VRB Flight #1231	VRB-BOS Flight #1232
1:05 P.M. – 4:29 P.M.	5:25 P.M. – 8:23 P.M.

More airline news:

JetBlue to Open its First Lounge, ‘BlueHouse™,’ at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport

JetBlue (Nasdaq: JBLU) on December 11 announced that BlueHouse, the airline’s first-ever airport lounge, will officially open its doors at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) Terminal 5 (T5) at 5 a.m. ET on December 18, 2025.

As a major element of JetBlue’s broader JetForward strategy, which includes delivering more premium, customer-centric experiences, BlueHouse sets a new benchmark for approachable hospitality in the heart of T5. Inviting, stylish, and uniquely JetBlue, the space is designed to feel like an extension of home, inspired by the energy and character of New York City. It introduces a more relaxed, seamless experience to play, work and unwind, with thoughtful design and technology that reduce long lines and make travel feel easier and less stuffy from the moment customers walk in.

“BlueHouse helps make our flagship terminal feel more like home,” said Marty St. George, president, JetBlue. “It’s warm, comfortable, and elevated in a way that’s distinctly JetBlue, with the hospitality and thoughtful amenities our customers have been asking for. As our first lounge, it represents an exciting milestone in our JetForward journey as we focus on bringing affordable, premium experiences from the aircraft to the airport.”

Key Highlights of BlueHouse at JFK Terminal 5:

9,000 square feet and two floors bring an NYC apartment–style aesthetic to JFK Terminal 5 with Art Deco design, curated local art and playful nods to JetBlue’s history.
Local flavor infused through fresh bites curated by Union Square Events and beverages from NYC partners Joe Coffee, The Greats of Craft and Please Don’t Tell.
High-speed Wi-Fi, ample power outlets, a game room, open seating and quiet areas give space to the different needs of travelers looking to socialize, work and relax before flying.
Complimentary access is available to Mosaic 4 members ¹, JetBlue Premier Cardmembers ¹ and transatlantic Mint customers.

Home Away from Home, In Our Hometown
Spanning 9,000 square feet across two floors, BlueHouse blends the charm of New York’s iconic Art Deco architecture with the warmth of a classic city apartment. Decorative molding, brass accents and a lobby-style entry set the scene for a residential-inspired space that feels warm, personal and unmistakably JetBlue.

“We wanted customers to feel like they’re stepping into a warm and stylish New York City apartment filled with character, where layers of JetBlue history and New York iconography can be discovered with every visit,” said Stephanie Evans Greene, senior vice president, marketing and brand, JetBlue. “Just as New Yorkers bring their own personality into a new space, we infused the space with JetBlue’s signature style to feel homey and comfortable when staying in our House.”

The lounge weaves together JetBlue’s history as New York’s Hometown Airline^® with the Empire State’s spirit through art locally curated by Statement Of, and a mural designed by Artists for Humanity that features constellations of JetBlue destinations in the style of Grand Central Terminal’s iconic ceiling.

It’s On the House
Prepared daily and curated by Union Square Events, BlueHouse offers guests fresh grab-and-go bites inspired by New York’s food scene like bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches with New York cheddar in the morning, and pastrami on rye or chicken Caesar wraps later in the day.

The beverage program celebrates the city’s craft culture, with draft and local beers, signature cocktails, and artisan wines curated by NYC hotspots The Greats of Craft and Please Don’t Tell, and some of NYC’s top sommeliers. Barista-made espresso drinks come courtesy of Greenwich Village founded Joe Coffee, alongside specialty chai and matcha from Brooklyn’s Dona and teas from Steven Smith Teamaker. Customers can also request travel-friendly amenities to make their journey even more comfortable.

It’s In the House
BlueHouse combines open, social areas with cozy, quiet spaces designed for every kind of traveler. High-speed Wi-Fi and power outlets at nearly every seat keep travelers connected, while dedicated quiet zones provide a peaceful reset before takeoff.

For play, customers can visit the game room stocked with JetBlue-branded cards, chess, checkers and children’s toys. Customers can also take home a photo memento from a custom photo booth.

Key to the House
JetBlue is deepening the value of its TrueBlue^® loyalty program by making BlueHouse a signature benefit for its most loyal customers and premium travelers. Earlier this year, JetBlue introduced the JetBlue Premier World Elite Mastercard^®, issued by Barclays US Consumer Bank, the airline’s first premium credit card offering complimentary BlueHouse access¹, accelerated points earning and priority benefits.

“BlueHouse is one of the most significant enhancements we’ve ever made to our loyalty program,” said Ed Pouthier, vice president of loyalty and personalization, JetBlue. “Our Mosaic members and Premier Cardmembers already enjoy elevated benefits every time they fly, but BlueHouse introduces a new level of recognition for those who choose to fly us again and again.”

Access to JetBlue’s lounges will be reserved primarily for Mosaic members, transatlantic Mint customers and JetBlue Premier Cardmembers to ensure a comfortable experience that avoids the overcrowding and long lines often seen in other airport lounges.

Complimentary BlueHouse access will begin at 5 a.m. ET on December 18, 2025, for the following customers:

Customers	Access Policy	Guest Policy
Mosaic 4 Members¹	Complimentary	One complimentary guest $39 per additional guest
JetBlue Premier Cardmembers¹	Complimentary	One complimentary guest $39 per additional guest
Transatlantic Mint Customers	Complimentary	$39 per guest

BlueHouse limited access passes will be available for purchase beginning in February 2026 for the following customers¹:

Mosaic 1 – 3 Members
JetBlue Plus and Business Cardmembers
Non-transatlantic Mint Customers
Annual BlueHouse Members

Floor Plan for the Future
BlueHouse at JFK Terminal 5 is just the beginning. The lounge debuts as JetBlue continues a multi-year refresh of Terminal 5, bringing more than 40 new retailers and amenities for a more elevated airport experience. JetBlue’s investment in premium products to meet customer demand also includes an upcoming domestic first class cabin that will roll out next year.

More airline news:

SAS advises its customers how to fly to the 2026 World Cup

SAS announced:

Scandinavian Airlines ensures that fans from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden can travel smoothly to the FIFA World Cup next summer. With direct flights across the Atlantic and strong partnerships, SAS is the natural choice for supporters heading to matches in the hosting countries United States, Mexico and Canada.

With daily departures from Scandinavia to major U.S. gateways, SAS offers fans flexible travel options to all host cities in the States. Through partners such as Delta Air Lines, travelers have access to extensive onward connections across the U.S., including direct services to Mexico City and Guadalajara from hubs like Atlanta, Washington D.C., and New York. The new codeshare agreement with Aeromexico further strengthens connectivity, adding seamless travel opportunities to Mexico City and Guadalajara from North America.

SAS also operates direct flights to Canada, now further supported by a new codeshare agreement with WestJet that strengthens connectivity between Scandinavia and Canada.

“The FIFA World Cup is a once in a lifetime experience for many fans, and SAS is proud to make the journey simple and reliable. With our strong Scandinavian hubs and extensive transatlantic network, supporters can reach the stadiums in the U.S., Mexico and Canada with ease. SAS is the obvious choice for travelers from Norway, Denmark, and Sweden heading to the World Cup,” says Paul Verhagen, Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at SAS.

Norway

Norway has already secured its place at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and supporters can look forward to following the team across the East Coast of the United States. SAS offers two daily flights from Oslo to New York (JFK and Newark), making it easy to reach MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Fans can also travel to New York via SAS’ hubs in Stockholm Arlanda and Copenhagen Kastrup, with onward connections to Boston.

In addition, SAS operates direct flights from Scandinavia to Boston, and also offers direct service to Washington Dulles International Airport, which is a convenient starting point for both Boston and New York.

June 17: vs Playoff winner (Bolivia/Surinam/Iraq) – Boston Stadium, Boston
June 22: vs Senegal – MetLife Stadium, New York/New Jersey
June 26: vs France – Boston Stadium, Boston

Denmark

Denmark’s qualification is still to be decided, with the decisive playoff final scheduled for March 2026. Should Denmark qualify, the team will join Group A alongside Mexico, South Korea, and South Africa.

SAS makes it simple for Danish fans to attend matches. The airline operates direct flights from Copenhagen to Atlanta (ATL) five times a week, where Denmark’s potential match against South Africa will be played. In addition, Atlanta serves as an excellent hub for onward travel to Mexico, with convenient connections to both Mexico City and Guadalajara.

Travelers can also fly directly from Copenhagen to Washington D.C. or New York. Both cities offer direct services to Mexico City and Guadalajara through SkyTeam partners, providing flexible options for reaching the host cities.

The new codeshare agreement with Aeromexico further strengthens connectivity, offering seamless access to major Mexican host cities.

June 12: vs South Korea – Guadalajara Stadium, Guadalajara
June 18: vs South Africa – Atlanta Stadium, Atlanta
June 25: vs Mexico – Mexico City Stadium, Mexico City

Sweden

Sweden also faces a crucial playoff in March 2026 to secure its place at the tournament. If successful, Sweden will join Group F with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia.

SAS offers direct flights from Stockholm to New York (Newark Liberty International Airport), with onward travel options to host cities. Fans can also reach New York conveniently via Oslo and Copenhagen, ensuring flexibility across Scandinavia.

In addition, SAS operates direct service to Atlanta (ATL), which on a general basis is a perfect hub for onward travel to Mexico and other destinations. In addition, the new codeshare agreement with Aeromexico provides seamless access to Monterrey, while SAS’ membership in SkyTeam alongside Delta Airlines ensures extensive domestic and international connectivity across the U.S. and beyond.

June 14: vs Tunisia – Monterrey Stadium, Monterrey
June 20: vs Netherlands – Houston Stadium, Houston
June 25: vs Japan – Dallas Stadium, Dallas

Avianca Introduces Business Class Service on Domestic Routes

After announcing an investment of more than $800 million to strengthen its fleet and improve the customer experience, Avianca is launching its “More for Everyone” campaign, which introduces new features in comfort and connectivity.

More comfort:

Starting Jan. 15, 2026, the Business Class Américas experience will be available on 47 domestic routes in Ecuador, Colombia and Guatemala. The experience has also expanded significantly, now offered on more than 80 international routes, and will extend to 18 additional routes, completing coverage across the continent.

On the ground, the hospitality standard is also elevating with the new Insignia by Avianca Check-in service at El Dorado, exclusive to Lifemiles Diamond and Concierge members, as well as the renovation of the Diamond VIP Lounges for domestic flights and soon for international flights in Bogotá.

More connectivity:

The airline is moving forward with the progressive installation of onboard Wi-Fi through Avianca On Air, which is now available on 10 aircraft. Passengers currently have access to more than 300 movies, series and documentaries from HBO Max, Formula 1 TV and more.

Overall, Avianca closes a year in which it continued expanding its network to more than 155 routes connecting over 80 destinations in more than 25 countries across the Americas and Europe, with recent openings including Guayaquil–Miami, Bogotá–Belém and Bogotá–Monterrey. These additions contribute to a 13% increase in the connectivity the airline provides to the region.

With more than 27 million passengers transported on more than 195,000 flights during the first three quarters of the year, Avianca closed a year of solid, efficient operations, demonstrating consistency across its key performance and service indicators.

U.S. Operational Highlights:

The company also announced that between January and September 2025, it transported more than 3.7 million passengers to and from the United States, a 5.4% increase compared with the same period last year, when it carried 3.5 million customers.

In the same period, the airline recorded a 9.4% increase in the number of flights operated compared with 2024, for a total of 25,719 departures. This performance reflects Avianca’s key role in connectivity between the United States and the Americas.

Avianca also closed the third quarter of the year with more than 38 routes in operation and more than 360 frequencies serving U.S. travelers and the millions of tourists who visit the country.

Lufthansa Group launches new brand identity

The Lufthansa Group is presenting itself with a new design starting today. The goal of the new brand identity is to make the strength of the Lufthansa Group more visible. For customers, service offerings will be bundled under the Group brand, making them even more clearly recognizable.

Dieter Vranckx, Chief Commercial Officer Lufthansa Group:
“The Lufthansa Group is evolving from a group of airlines into an integrated airline group. The new brand identity is therefore more than just a redesign; it is a strategic milestone. In a challenging environment, this step creates a visual anchor of trust for our customers. A visual identity in aviation must do much more than just create an eye-catching appearance. It will reflect our strategic brand values and a promise we want to make to our passengers across all our brands. The new brand identity enables a holistic brand experience, provides orientation, and strengthens identification with the Lufthansa Group”.

The new brand identity is recognizable by the iconic crane logo, which will be used for the Group in the future without the surrounding circle. In addition, there is a new font and a color palette expanded by six new tones. The latter represents different heights from the ground to the sky to reflect the diversity of the Lufthansa Group. The airlines of the Lufthansa Group will keep their own brands under the umbrella of the strengthened group brand. The endorsement of “Member of Lufthansa Group,” which will appear on all aircraft belonging to the Group’s airlines, signals the unity of the individual airlines that operate under a brand name other than Lufthansa. The addition was already introduced this year on digital boarding passes, websites, and 160 aircraft of various Lufthansa Group airlines. Next year, the Lufthansa Group brand will also be visible at lounge entrances worldwide, as is already the case in Rome, Milan, and Brussels. The “Member of Lufthansa Group” label will also be visible on materials at airports, such as baggage tags, and on board of aircraft.

The Lufthansa Group is the fourth-largest airline group in the world in terms of revenue and fleet size. It operates five national airlines, other private travel-oriented airlines, Lufthansa Cargo, Lufthansa Technik, and over 300 subsidiaries and affiliated companies under one roof.

Air Canada Holiday Spot Highlights Dreams Take Flight and The Thousands of Volunteers including Employees Who Bring it to Life

Air Canada made this announcement:

In keeping with tradition, Air Canada is celebrating the holiday season with a heartwarming new spot, Holiday Dreams Take Flight. This year’s live-action spot focuses on Dreams Take Flight, a long-running initiative powered by Air Canada employees, volunteers, sponsors and the Air Canada Foundation. Holiday Dreams Take Flight launches today in multiple forms. A combination of 90-second, 30-second and 15-second versions will be shown on social media and digital platforms.

The video follows Kaiennenhawi (Hawi), a seven-year-old girl from the Kanien’kehà:ka community of Akwesasne, on a life-changing journey. From the thrill of boarding her first flight to the wonder of exploring Walt Disney World Resort, Hawi’s experience unfolds in a series of joyful moments that highlight how Dreams Take Flight creates unforgettable memories for deserving children.

“We pour our heart and soul into every holiday spot we make – and this one has extra special meaning for all of us at Air Canada,” says John Xydous – Director, Brand Strategy & Content Marketing at Air Canada. “With Holiday Dreams Take Flight, we’re showcasing the trips we’re proud to help make possible for more than a thousand children each year, while paying tribute to the many employees and volunteers, both active and retired, who continue to donate their time and energy to Dreams Take Flight.”

For more than 35 years, Dreams Take Flight has given thousands of children aged six to 13 facing physical, mental or social adversity the chance to take a dream trip to incredible destinations, such as Walt Disney World Resort. Eight annual charity-chartered flights depart from cities across Canada, providing participants with an unforgettable experience filled with laughter, wonder and adventure.

The initiative is 100 per cent volunteer driven, with thousands of Air Canada employees at the forefront. From flight crews decorating aircraft to volunteers planning every detail on the ground, teams work tirelessly all year long to ensure every child feels safe, celebrated, and supported throughout the journey. As proud partners, Air Canada and the Air Canada Foundation provide each chapter with an aircraft, along with additional support and services, to ensure every trip is a success.

This busy holiday season, Air Canada expects to welcome more than a million customers onto over 5,000 flights to 180+ destinations worldwide. From serving festive holiday meals in airport lounges and on select flights between December 24 and 25, to adding seasonal touches at airports and onboard, Air Canada teams are focused on making every holiday journey feel special and exciting for customers and families. The airline has also expanded its in-flight entertainment selection to include a wider range of holiday films, giving customers more ways to relax and enjoy the season while in the air.

Alaska Airlines is now selling tickets for new nonstop flights between Seattle and London Heathrow on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft

Alaska Airlines has made this announcement:

Beginning today, Alaska Airlines is selling tickets to our fifth intercontinental destination from our growing global gateway in Seattle: Hello, London! We’ll offer daily, year-round service between Seattle and London Heathrow* starting on May 21, 2026, on board our widebody, long-haul 787 Dreamliner aircraft – reimagined for a global travel experience.

Guests traveling from the U.S. can now purchase airfares to London for as low as $699 roundtrip at alaskaair.com, just in time for planning summertime travel in Europe. We recently announced that our new service from Seattle to Rome is now available for booking, along with new nonstop flights to Reykjavik, Iceland.

Atmos™ Rewards, our award-winning loyalty program, is designed to deliver more choice, more rewards and more global access than ever before to our members. Intercontinental flights earn big points: 1 point and 1 status point for each mile flown. (Points can be redeemed for flights, hotels and more, and status points track progress toward status levels and milestones.) Later in 2026, members can choose how they earn based on distance traveled, price paid or segments flown – whichever works best for them.

Plus, Atmos Titanium status holders will receive complimentary lie-flat upgrades on our intercontinental routes on the day of departure, beginning in spring 2026, subject to availability. We’re the only airline loyalty program to offer this upgrade type without requiring a certificate or points.

Our new Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® card is designed for the global traveler. Cardholders earn 3 points for every $1 spent on all eligible foreign purchases, and that’s in addition to earning 3 points for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines purchases. Plus, earn 1 status point for every $2 spent on eligible purchases, making the card the fastest path to earning status. A key benefit: A 25,000-point Global Companion Award that’s earned after qualifying purchases on a new account and annually after each card anniversary – cardholders can redeem it for up to 25,000 points off a companion award ticket.

Flight times for our Seattle-London route will allow guests to spend a whole day in either city before boarding their flights – a potential benefit for business travelers. London is the largest corporate market from Seattle. Alaska will operate out of London Heathrow’s Terminal 3 (gate leased from American Airlines), which facilitates convenient connections to additional destinations across Europe and beyond on oneworld member airlines and our additional global partners.

Alaska’s expansion into the London market presents significant opportunities. Facilitated by American Airlines and British Airways and based on an anticipated deepening of their alliance with Alaska, this expansion will offer even greater value and connectivity to consumers.

Our new international flights can take you to the heart of all the action – infused with the award-winning service, comfort and care that you expect from us as we connect the Pacific Northwest and Europe. Alaska is introducing a new curb-to-cabin experience on our widebody aircraft that will set the bar for international journeys from the U.S.

Business Class amenities

Ultimate comfort with 34 enclosed suites outfitted with fully lie-flat seats in 1-2-1 seating configuration, privacy doors, direct aisle access from every seat, 18” HD monitors to enjoy inflight entertainment with noise-reducing headsets, a power outlet at each seat and wireless charging.
Enjoy Alaska Lounge access in Seattle to kick off your journey in style with West Coast-inspired light meals, wines, brews and cocktails in a relaxing space. Guests departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3 will have access to oneworld lounges.
Multi-course, elevated dining on board with a variety of selections to choose from that can be pre-ordered, along with fine wines and inspired cocktails.
We’re creating a culinary journey by bringing the best of the West Coast to the world with our Chef’s (tray) Table program, and partnerships with Salt and Straw, Straightaway Cocktails and Stumptown Coffee, to name a few.
Enhanced comfort and care with Filson bedding and blankets, and amenity kits with products from Salt & Stone – collaborations with our West Coast partners.

Premium Class and Main Cabin amenities

Premium Class seating that offers more legroom, priority boarding and personal power outlets.
Two chef-inspired meals served in Premium Class and the Main Cabin during the flight, along with complimentary beer and wine (complimentary spirits are also offered in Premium Class).
An extra layer of comfort withFilson blankets and comfort kits with Salt & Stone products.
Free onboard entertainment provided with seatback monitors showcasing new release movies and classic films, as well as dozens of TV shows.

Alaska is set to bring ultra-fast Wi-Fi to our 787-9 aircraft in fall 2026, thanks to T-Mobile and powered by Starlink. The service will be free for Atmos Rewards members.

With London flights now available for booking at alaskaair.com, guests can purchase Alaska-operated flights to five intercontinental destinations in Europe and Asia from our expanding global gateway in Seattle:

London Heathrow, United Kingdom: Daily, year-round flights beginning May 21, 2026
Rome, Italy: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning April 28, 2026
Reykjavik, Iceland: Daily, summer seasonal flights beginning May 28, 2026
Tokyo Narita, Japan: Daily, year-round flights that are now flying
Seoul Incheon, South Korea: five-times-weekly, year-round flights that are now flying

By 2030, we plan to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle, with additional routes to be announced in the years to come. We currently have four Boeing 787-9s in our fleet, with a fifth aircraft recently delivered.

*Subject to government approval. Sales available for U.S.-originating fares in U.S. dollars only.

The Atmos Rewards credit card program is issued and administered by Bank of America, N.A. Visa and Visa Infinite are registered trademarks of Visa International Service Association and are used by the issuer pursuant to license from Visa U.S.A. Inc.