For those of you who wish to fly between Seattle and Rome, there’s excellent news – Alaska Airlines has confirmed its plans to operate the route, with a start date set.
The airline will commence operations from Seattle on 28th April 2026, with the airline scaling the service to Rome-Fiumicino from four times a week to a daily operation due to demand.
Planned operations are as follows:
DEPART SEA 17:30 ARRIVE FCO 13:15+1 DEPART FCO 15:25 ARRIVE SE 17:45 Seattle - Rome-FCO commences 28th April Rome-FCO - Seattrle commences 29th April Operates Daily Booked Equipment: Alaska Airlines Boeing 787-9
Tickets are on sale now for this route, with lead-in fares starting at $599 return. Alaska Airlines will start sales on its planned Seattle – London-Heathrow route soon.
Seating
Three classes of travel will be offered:
- Business Class – 34 enclosed suites based on the Adent Ascent – These are fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 seating configuration, privacy doors, direct aisle access from every seat, 18” HD monitors to enjoy in-flight entertainment with noise-reducing headsets, a power outlet at each seat and wireless charging.
- Premium Class – 79 Extra-Legroom Seats, offering more legroom, priority boarding and personal power outlets compared to Main Cabin in a 3-3-3 formation. Complimentary Spirits, wine and beer too.
- Main Cabin – 187 Seats in a 3-3-3 formation, with complimentary alcoholic beverages (except spirits)
Boosting the passenger experience.
Alaska is going in with the passenger experience, with promises for all cabins.
For Business Class, the airline is promising Lounge Access, Multi-course dining on board with a variety of selections to choose from that can be pre-ordered, with partnerships with Salt and Straw, Straightaway Cocktails and Stumptown Coffee, to name a few, Filson bedding and blankets, and amenity products by Salt & Stone.
Those in the back are not left out, with two chef-inspired meals served in Premium Class and the Main Cabin during the flight. Filson blankets and comfort kits with Salt & Stone products
In all classes, there will be free onboard entertainment provided with seatback monitors, with plans to deploy Starlink Wi-Fi to their 787-9 aircraft in fall 2026 (free for Atmos Rewards members).
Use the power of Atmos.
For those who have points in Atmos rewards, there’s good news with redemption opportunities, as well as the ability to earn points: 1 point and 1 status point per mile flown.
Later in 2026, members can choose how they earn based on distance travelled, 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
In Quotes
Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines, said@
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.
Delivery is going to be important.
With this being Alaska’s first long-haul route out of Seattle, getting this right is going to be so important. Whilst the airline can lean on its Hawaiian Airlines unit for help, this new route is going to be an important stage for Alaska to show its product and how the soft and hard elements will combine to make up its product.
With London on the horizon too, the airline is going to find out about long-haul life… fast.
With Delta shoving its nose in, we have the makings of a very interesting few months ahead in Seattle.
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