Alaska Airlines Opens Seattle–Rome Nonstop Service — Tickets Now on Sale for Summer 2026

Image Credit: Gemini AI

Alaska Airlines has opened ticket sales for its first nonstop transatlantic service from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rome–Fiumicino (FCO), a major milestone as the carrier pushes into long-haul international flying. The airline will operate daily, seasonal service beginning 28 April 2026, using its wide-body Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and offering premium cabin options aimed at leisure and premium leisure travellers.

This route marks Alaska’s expansion beyond its traditional North American footprint and follows earlier moves to add intercontinental destinations. For Seattle, the nonstop link to Rome reinforces Sea-Tac’s growing status as a global gateway — saving travellers a transatlantic connection and giving West Coast flyers direct access to Italy’s capital for the first time from Seattle.

Route details: schedule, aircraft and fares

Alaska will operate the service daily on its 787-9 aircraft during the summer 2026 season. According to the airline’s schedule release, outbound flights will depart Seattle in the early evening and arrive in Rome the next afternoon local time; return services will leave Rome in the mid-afternoon and land in Seattle that same evening. Exact flight numbers, times and initial fares — advertised as starting around $599 round-trip in launch promotions — are posted on Alaska’s booking pages.

The Boeing 787-9 gives Alaska a flexible long-range platform with lower fuel burn and a passenger-friendly cabin (higher humidity, larger windows, and lower cabin altitude). Alaska’s 787-9 configuration includes a premium product with lie-flat seats in Business Class, premium economy/upgraded economy options, and main-cabin seating — positioning the airline to compete for both leisure travellers and business visitors on the West Coast–Europe market.

Why Seattle–Rome matters (for passengers and the region)

For travellers based in the Pacific Northwest, the nonstop service removes a common pain point: lengthy connections through major European hubs. Instead of routing through London, Paris or Amsterdam, flyers can now book a direct day-turn trip to Rome — a big convenience for holidaymakers, visiting family, students, and cultural travellers alike. The route also opens easier access for Italians and Europeans heading to the U.S. West Coast and Pacific Northwest.

For Sea-Tac and the greater Seattle economy, the new service strengthens tourism, business links and higher-value inbound traffic. Sea-Tac has been aggressively expanding international reach in recent years — adding destinations across Asia and Latin America — and Rome’s direct link adds a major European capital to that list, potentially increasing long-haul connecting traffic through the Pacific Northwest.

The business case: Alaska’s long-haul ambitions

Alaska’s entry into nonstop transatlantic flying is the logical next step after its steady international expansion. The airline has been beefing up Seattle as a long-haul gateway and recently added other major international destinations, signaling management’s intent to diversify revenue beyond the domestic leisure market. Executives say nonstops to Europe will let Alaska capture premium leisure demand and loyalty members who seek one-stopless access to iconic European cities.

Running a daily 787 on a seasonal basis reflects a cautious but optimistic strategy: Alaska can test demand during peak travel months, then scale frequency or convert the service to year-round if demand proves strong. Airlines often use summer seasonal flying to validate markets before committing to permanent schedules. If loads and yields are healthy, expect Alaska to expand frequency, add additional European cities, or explore interline and codeshare agreements to feed traffic.

Passenger experience & product highlights

Alaska’s 787-9 product is designed to compete with other carriers’ transatlantic offerings. Key passenger features highlighted in Alaska’s announcement include:

• Lie-flat Business Class suites for long-haul comfort.

• Enhanced in-flight dining and beverage services with regionally inspired touches.

• Modern inflight entertainment and connectivity options on the Dreamliner.

Mileage Plan members will be able to earn and redeem miles on the Rome nonstop; loyalty benefits are a significant motivator for frequent travellers choosing newly launched long-haul routes.

Competition and network effects

Alaska’s Seattle–Rome flight enters a market where legacy carriers — including Delta, American and various European airlines — have long served U.S.–Europe travel, but none have offered the specific nonstop Seattle–Rome pairing. That uniqueness gives Alaska a first-mover advantage for West Coast travellers specifically wanting Rome without connections. Competing carriers could respond with fare adjustments or new schedules, but Alaska’s premium product and loyalty program present a compelling alternative on the West Coast.

Sea-Tac’s expanding global connectivity also helps feed the route: passengers from other U.S. cities who connect into Seattle may find the nonstop to Rome appealing, creating new connecting flows that boost overall network revenues for Alaska and Sea-Tac.

Economic and tourism implications

Rome is one of Europe’s most visited cities, and easier nonstop access from the U.S. West Coast will likely translate into measurable tourism and business benefits. For Seattle, the route could help local tourism businesses, hotels and tour operators by opening a more direct corridor for Italian and European visitors. Conversely, it makes it simpler for U.S. travellers to reach Italy’s cultural sites, boosting outbound tourism and supporting transatlantic business ties in sectors such as tech, education, and trade.

Risks and what could change

There are always risks in launching long-haul routes:

• Demand variability: Seasonal demand can be unpredictable; weak load factors could prompt Alaska to reduce frequency.

  
  

• Fuel and operating costs: Long-haul routes are sensitive to fuel price swings and crew/maintenance costs.

  
  

• Regulatory or slot limits at busy European airports can affect schedule flexibility.

Alaska’s use of a seasonal, daily schedule reduces some risk, giving the airline an opportunity to test the market before committing to permanent year-round operations.

What passengers should know now

• Tickets are on sale now via Alaska’s website and travel agencies. Promotional fares were reported starting around $599 roundtrip.

  
  

• Service begins 28 April 2026 and runs daily through the summer season (dates and exact season window posted on Alaska’s schedule pages).

  
  

• Expect a 787-9 cabin with lie-flat seats in Business Class and standard Dreamliner amenities.