Alaska Airlines on April 28, 2026 marked a major milestone with the launch of its inaugural nonstop flight between Seattle and Rome, the first-ever direct connection between the Emerald City and the Eternal City.

The new service signals Alaska’s official expansion into Europe and reinforces its role as a global carrier, further establishing Seattle as a premier international gateway for Alaska Airlines.

Alaska’s seasonal service to Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is available through Oct. 23, offering guests the only daily nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rome. The flight departs Seattle at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Rome at 1:15 p.m., giving guests a full afternoon to begin exploring one of the world’s most sought-after destinations, from historic streets to rolling vineyards and iconic coastal views. Westbound flights depart from Rome at 3:25 p.m. and arrive in Seattle at 5:45 p.m., inviting Italian guests to experience the Pacific Northwest’s renowned food and wine scene and breathtaking natural landscapes.  

This new European service will also enable some of the best connectivity between Hawai‘i to and from Europe with just one stop through Seattle, benefiting Hawai‘i-based travelers and opening a new European visitor gateway to the Hawaiian Islands. 

The new Rome service also advances Alaska Airlines’ growing global cargo business. Beginning April 28, Alaska will become the first U.S. passenger airline to offer daily nonstop cargo service between Seattle and Rome, strengthening trade connections between the Pacific Northwest and Italy and expanding the airline’s cargo network to 109 destinations worldwide. 

More airline news:

• Alaska and American are moving closer: Alaska Airlines’ CEO Ben Minicucci has openly signaled that the carrier intends to deepen its partnership with American Airlines, aligning with multipl …
• Japan Airlines will begin testing Chinese‑built humanoid robots at Haneda Airport in May 2026 to help with baggage handling and aircraft‑cleaning tasks, a move driven by severe labor shortag …
• Emerald Airlines has pushed back the start of its 2026 summer schedule to early May 2026 because several ATR 72s were unavailable due to unexpected maintenance delays. Emerald Airlines, the …
• Turkish Airlines has announced a sweeping network adjustment for the northern summer 2026 season, suspending flights to 23 destinations from its Istanbul Airport (IST) hub. The cuts are driv …
• Operated by Air India. India's airline industry is in severe financial distress and has issued an urgent plea to the government of India for intervention. The Federation of Indian Airlines ( …

Alaska Airlines continues to strengthen our network with new nonstop routes from our key hubs in Anchorage and Portland to destinations across the country – offering our guests convenient travel options and improved connectivity.

Beginning in spring next year, we’ll fly three additional routes from Anchorage to Boise, Boston and Spokane, and four additional routes from Portland to Bellingham, Everett/Paine Field and Pasco in Washington state, and Jackson Hole in Wyoming.

New Anchorage Routes

Flights between Anchorage and Boise, Boston and Spokane begin in mid-June for service through mid-August – just in time for summertime adventures in the Land of the Midnight Sun, when the days are long and the air is warm. Those new flights add up to 17 nonstop destinations to the Lower 48 and Hawai‘i, the most we’ve ever served in the summer.

• The twice-weekly service connecting Anchorage to Boise is an all-new route for us, with roundtrips offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
• Our weekly flight between Anchorage and Boston will welcome guests from New England heading west to Alaska’s largest city for exploration, culture, food and maybe even a cruise.
• We’ll also serve Anchorage-Spokane twice a week. It has been 10 years since we last flew this route, so we’re excited to reconnect Eastern Washington to Alaska with a nonstop flight, along with convenient flight times.
• Due to strong demand, we’ve added a second weekly nonstop between Anchorage and both Sacramento and San Diego for the summer season.

New Portland routes

With four new routes next spring and summer, we’ll offer our guests convenient connections at PDX to more than 65 nonstop destinations, including Hawai‘i and Mexico.

• New flights begin as early as mid-March with all-new daily, year-round service between Portland and Bellingham, Washington.
• In mid-June, we’ll start flying twice daily between Portland and Pasco, Washington. The flights will be offered year-round.
• We’ll resume daily, year-round flights on June 10 between Portland and Everett, Washington, home of Paine Field Airport – the Seattle region’s second airport.
• For a long summer stretch, we’ll fly nonstop between Portland and Jackson Hole, Wyoming, twice a week starting June 10.
• Also of note: As we resume our daily Portland-Fairbanks service in the summer, it’ll be served by a larger 737 aircraft.

New routes from Anchorage and Portland

City pair	Start	End	Frequency	Aircraft
Anchorage – Boise, ID	June 10, 2026	Aug. 15, 2026	Wed/Sat	737
Anchorage – Boston, MA	June 13, 2026	Aug. 15, 2026	Saturday	737
Anchorage – Spokane, WA	June 10, 2026	Aug. 15, 2026	Wed/Sat	E175
Portland – Bellingham, WA	March 18, 2026	Year-round	Daily	E175
Portland – Everett, WA	June 10, 2026	Year-round	Daily	E175
Portland – Jackson Hole, WY	June 10, 2026	Sept. 30, 2026	Wed/Sat	E175
Portland – Pasco, WA	June 10, 2026	Year-round	2x Daily	E175

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.

This month, Seattle’s Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) expansion team gained an official name – and an official airline. As longtime tenants of Climate Pledge Arena, we’re thrilled to welcome the Seattle Torrent into our home and our hub as they hit the ice for their inaugural season.

The partnership celebrates the two brands’ hometown spirit and the synergy between the global nature of the game and Seattle’s role as Alaska’s global gateway. The partnership will also offer rewarding moments for fans through Alaska’s top-ranked Atmos Rewards loyalty program.

As of this year, Alaska proudly sponsors three professional women’s sports teams in Seattle. We have partnered with the Seattle Storm for over 10 years and teamed up with the Seattle Reign this past season. As a founding partner of Climate Pledge Arena, we are also so proud to sponsor every team that calls the arena home, through our partnerships with the Torrent, Storm and Kraken. And with the addition of the Torrent, Climate Pledge Arena is the only arena in the United States that is a permanent home to two professional women’s sports teams.

The last five years have made it clear: Seattle is a hockey city, and as the hometown airline, we’re thrilled to team up with the Torrent as they usher in a new era of hockey in Seattle. This partnership will provide us with new opportunities to engage with our local community, while sharing the excitement of the PWHL with our city and our guests.”

Eric Edge

Vice President of Brand and MarketingAlaska Airlines

As the number one airline in Seattle with the most daily flights, Alaska offers over 100 nonstop destinations, including flights to Tokyo and Seoul, with upcoming service to London, Reykjavik and Rome.

 Alaska Airlines has been a longtime supporter of women’s sports, and we’re thrilled they were eager to join the Seattle Torrent’s roster. With Alaska Airlines’ strong presence in Seattle and Climate Pledge Arena, this partnership was a natural fit and we’re grateful for their warm welcoming of the Torrent to the Pacific Northwest.”

Chelsea Purcell

Vice President, PartnershipsPWHL

The Torrent take the ice for their home opener at Climate Pledge Arena on Friday, Nov. 28 at 1 p.m. PT, followed by four consecutive home games for fans to get their fill of Torrent action live (December 3, 17, 21, and 23). Season Ticket Memberships, Partial Season Ticket Packages, 3-Game Mini Packs and Single Game Tickets are available now at thepwhl.com/tickets.

Stay tuned for special fan opportunities from Alaska and Atmos Rewards during games throughout the season.

Alaska Airlines is now selling tickets to Rome from our expanding global gateway in Seattle – another milestone as a growing global airline. We’ll offer daily, seasonal summer service between Seattle and Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport in Rome beginning on April 28, 2026.

Due to strong guest response, we increased the Seattle-Rome flight frequency from 4 times a week to daily. We’re the only airline offering the convenience of a daily nonstop. On board, guests will enjoy a reimagined global travel experience on our widebody, long-haul 787 Dreamliner aircraft.

Guests can purchase roundtrip airfares to Rome as low as $599 at alaskaair.com. We’ll soon begin ticket sales for our new daily, year-round service between Seattle and London Heathrow, which also starts flying next spring.

Imagine exploring the sun-splashed ancient landmarks of Rome or strolling along the vibrant Thames in London. Alaska’s 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. Rome and London are two of the most popular and requested nonstop destinations from Seattle.

With our nonstop service from Seattle to Rome and London, we’re opening the door to two of the world’s most iconic regions with the style and care our guests expect from us. These new routes mark a tremendous step in our global expansion and reflect our commitment to delivering a premium international experience from Seattle. We’re elated to connect the Pacific Northwest to more of the world.”

Andrew Harrison

Chief commercial officerAlaska Airlines

With Atmos™ Rewards, our award-winning loyalty program designed to deliver more choice, more rewards and more global access than ever before to our members, trips to Rome and London will earn big points: 1 point and 1 status point per 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.

New nonstop service to Italy

City pair	Start	End	Departure	Arrival
Seattle – Rome	April 28, 2026	October	5:30 p.m.	1:15 p.m. +1
Rome – Seattle	April 29, 2026	October	3:25 p.m.	5:45 p.m.

All times local 

A new Alaska global experience

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. What we’re sharing today is the first glimpse of the world-class experience we’re curating.

This is the Alaska experience our guests already love – taken to an entirely new level. We’re building the most extraordinary guest experience of any U.S. airline flying internationally. Our guests will feel the difference from the moment they take off to the moment they arrive.”

Todd Traynor-Corey

Vice president of guest products and experienceAlaska Airlines

Business Class amenities

• Ultimate comfort with 34 enclosed suites outfitted with fully lie-flat seats in a 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 to kick off your journey in style with West Coast-inspired light meals, wines, brews and cocktails in a relaxing space
• 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 products by 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 with Filson 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 show

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

Our Seattle Global Gateway: Home base for the Dreamliner

In addition to serving Rome and London from Seattle next spring, we currently fly the Dreamliner to Seoul Incheon. The aircraft will begin serving Seattle-Tokyo Narita in 2026, a route that has been flown with the A330 since May. (We start flying to Reykjavik, Iceland, on May 28, 2026, with a 737 MAX 8 aircraft.)

Future Plans

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 787-9s in our fleet; a fifth is scheduled to be delivered by the end of this year.

To support Alaska’s transformation, we’re establishing a 787 hub in Seattle, deploying up to 17 Dreamliners across our global network. Our Seattle home base is the largest airline hub on the West Coast, serving 109 nonstop destinations across our network for convenient travel options and connections.

Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody A330s, dedicated to long-haul flights to and from Hawai‘i and based in Honolulu, will undergo substantial upgrades over the next few years, including all-new interiors, updated lie-flat seats and refreshed main cabin seating.

• Alaska Airlines launches Chef’s (tray) Table, a new rotating First Class dining experience featuring seasonal menus crafted by celebrated West Coast chefs, starting with James Beard Award-winner Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams of Seattle’s Tomo restaurant.
• Born from the success of last year’s collaboration with Chef Brandon Jew, the program will spotlight regional culinary talent and culturally rooted cuisine, reflecting the West Coast’s rich food scene and deepening Alaska’s commitment to community and quality.

Alaska Airlines is further elevating inflight dining with the launch of its newest culinary initiative, Chef’s (tray) Table, a First Class dining program designed by celebrated chefs up and down the West Coast. The program debuts with a thoughtfully crafted menu by Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams, the James Beard award-winning talent behind Seattle’s renowned Tomo restaurant.

Alaska Airlines’ new Chef’s (tray) Table program was born from the overwhelming success of its collaboration with San Francisco’s Chef Brandon Jew that launched last year. What began as a single partnership to elevate the onboard dining experience made it clear: guests are hungry for meals that reflect the West Coast’s rich, diverse culinary culture.

That success laid the groundwork for an expanded, rotating chef series featuring menus that change seasonally and spotlight regional talent. As a natural next step, Chef Jew is now part of the official Chef’s (tray) Table program, which will grow into a lineup of top chefs whose signature styles and culinary stories are thoughtfully woven into the inflight experience.

Honoring Heritage and Community: The Story Behind Chef Brady’s Tomo

Chef Brady’s Seattle restaurant, Tomo, is named in honor of his grandmother, Tomoko Ishiwata Bristol, whose cooking deeply influenced his culinary journey. A self-taught chef, Brady got his start in his grandparent’s diner before rising through the ranks to become executive sous chef at a Michelin-rated restaurant in Brooklyn, and later, executive chef at Seattle’s iconic Canlis where he earned a James Beard Award for Best Chef. He opened Tomo in 2021 to much anticipation in the vibrant, diverse neighborhood of White Center, aiming to offer the community a rich culinary experience that reflects his Japanese American heritage and creativity.

“Every dish and ingredient carries a story, and I’m incredibly proud to partner with an airline that champions local business owners like me to bring elevated and culturally rooted cuisine to the skies,” said Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams. “This collaboration has shown me how deeply Alaska cares about every detail — from carefully selecting its partners to food sourcing — and how committed they are to transforming your tray table into the chef’s table. These are dishes I make in the kitchen, and thanks to Alaska, I now get to share them with guests in the sky.”

“We know that food connects people to the world, different cultures and a sense of place. The Chef’s (tray) Table brings that connection to life onboard, before our guests even reach their destinations,” said Traynor-Corey. “We’re thrilled to kick off our next culinary chapter with Chef Brady, who brings the flavors of the Pacific Northwest and his Japanese American heritage to the skies in a way that’s both innovative and delicious.”

Last month, Alaska unveiled Chef Jew’s new spring menu and expanded his Cantonese-inspired First Class dishes to more East Coast routes from San Francisco, building on a successful partnership that launched last year to an overwhelmingly positive response from guests.

Preorders begin today.

The exclusive menu launches in First Class on June 5 with preorders starting today.

Available on flights between Seattle and John F. Kennedy International Airport, Newark Liberty International Airport and Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

No matter where our guests sit, Alaska delivers a premium dining experience with a variety of chef-curated cuisine. That includes our Main Cabin.

Alaska also recently unveiled its newest 100% plant-based and gluten-free The Best Laid Plants grain bowl for Main Cabin guests on most flights over 1,100* miles. Created in collaboration with the culinary team at Seattle-based Evergreens™ — The Best Laid Plants grain bowl features Chimichurri Tofu, avocado, quinoa, and a side of Mango Habanero Dressing.

Fueled by Alaska’s industry leading pre-order program, the airline continues to offer more inflight dining choices than any other U.S. carrier. Guests can now choose from up to five chef-curated dishes, including at least one hot meal option on flights over 1,100* miles. In addition to Alaska’s freshly prepared selections—like the guest-favorite Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter—fresh meals are available exclusively through pre-order purchase.

For Alaska’s spring menu available in First Class, Premium Class and Main Cabin, click here.

Full Chef Brady Ishiwata Williams First Class Menu:

Route: SEA to EWR/JFK; EWR/JFK to SEA; SEA to DCA; DCA to SEA

Departures 5-9:59 a.m. 

Breakfast: Mochi Waffle & Fried Chicken: rice flour bubble waffle topped with crispy tempura fried chicken. Served with an apple miso butter and a tamari-maple syrup.

Routes: SEA to DCA/EWR/JFK

Departures 10 a.m. – 11:59 p.m. 

Dinner: Klingemann Farms Glazed Short Rib: Klingemann Farms Short Rib, from Central Washington, glazed with a balanced serrano jaew sauce. Complemented with soy and Shaoxing Wine stir-fried rice cakes, spinach, & hon-shimeji mushrooms and steamed baby bok choy. Served with tangy pickles and radishes.

Route: DCA/EWR/JFK to SEA

Departures 10 a.m. – 10:59 p.m. 

Dinner: Buckwheat Soba with Ahi-tuna Tataki: buckwheat soba noodles in a cold ponzu broth, served chilled and topped with edamame, scallions, pickled seaweed, tofu, cucumber and shiso leaf. Seared ahi-tuna tataki served on the side with a spicy chili crisp.

*Certain meal options may not be available on some flights, including redeye flights or where catering is not available

Alaska Airlines aircraft photo gallery:

Both new books now available on Amazon:

FedEx:

Boeing 727 Part 1: