SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) launched daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) today, reinforcing its position as the fourth largest global airline in the United States and marking its second European route of 2026.
The carrier will begin seasonal service to Keflavík International Airport (KEF) in Reykjavík on May 28, weeks after launching its first transatlantic route to Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO).
Alaska also unveiled a flagship two-level lounge at SEA, opening in late 2027, anchoring a multimillion-dollar investment across its lounge portfolio.
Alaska Airlines Strengthens Transatlantic Network
The year-round Seattle to London service launched ahead of the busy summer travel season and operates from Heathrow’s Terminal 3, enabling seamless onward connections across Europe and beyond on oneworld member and partner airlines.
The new route gives United States travelers convenient access to one of the world’s most iconic cities, while opening the door for United Kingdom travelers to explore the Pacific Northwest and connect beyond Seattle to Alaska’s extensive West Coast network, including the Hawaiian Islands.
Andrew Harrison, Chief Commercial Officer at Alaska Airlines, said the airline’s focus is on delivering a meaningful experience that feels Alaska distinctly, described as warm, thoughtful, and elevated at every touchpoint.
He added that the carrier is opening more convenient access to Europe for its United States guests and bringing its signature West Coast hospitality to travelers in Europe and beyond.
Ross Baker, Chief Customer Officer at London Heathrow Airport, said every new route launched from Heathrow gives passengers and businesses more choice and stronger global connections.
He added that working closely with airline partners like Alaska helps deliver the connectivity passengers and businesses want and keeps the United Kingdom competitive globally.
Cargo Capacity
The Seattle to London route connects two cities with vibrant business communities that extend beyond technology and finance workers.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner deployed on the service delivers significant belly cargo capacity, which Alaska Air Cargo will use to move seafood from Alaska and Hawaii, Pacific Northwest hops, and other regional exports across the Atlantic.
The combination of 787 capacity and Alaska Air Cargo’s customer service reputation supports growing trade opportunities for businesses across North America and the United Kingdom.
Alaska Airlines Europe Expansion
Alaska Airlines will launch nonstop seasonal service to Reykjavík on May 28 as its third European destination.
The daily route is timed to coincide with Iceland’s peak summer season and will position guests at one of the best viewing locations worldwide for the August 2026 total solar eclipse.
From Iceland, guests can connect to Alaska’s many partner airlines to continue exploring Europe, including Icelandair (FI), which operates more than 35 daily departures from the country’s capital.
Through the partnership with Icelandair, guests traveling in First Class or as Atmos™ Rewards Gold, Platinum, or Titanium elites will access Icelandair’s Saga Lounge at KEF.
The Reykjavík service operates on the Boeing 737-8 MAX. First Class guests will receive Filson-designed blankets, pillows, and travel amenity kits filled with Salt & Stone products.
Main Cabin guests will enjoy a complimentary meal service including a hot main, a small salad, and dessert, with vegetarian options available.
Premium Class guests can also choose from Alaska’s new Premium Snack Basket to complement their meal.
The onboard experience features a curated lineup of West Coast beverages, including Cloud Cruiser IPA from Fremont Brewing of Seattle and Canoe Ridge Chardonnay from Walla Walla, Washington.
Flagship Seattle Lounge
Alaska’s flagship lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will open in late 2027 in the newly refreshed C Concourse.
The two-level facility will be among the largest airline lounges in the country and offers expansive views of the Olympic Mountains and the airfield below.
The project anchors a multimillion-dollar investment across Alaska’s expanding lounge network.
The investment also includes a new lounge at Portland International Airport (PDX) opening this summer, the carrier’s first lounge at San Diego International Airport (SAN), and an expanded lounge at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu. The San Diego and Honolulu lounges are slated for early 2028.
When traveling internationally, Alaska Lounge+ members also enjoy access to select partner lounges worldwide, including the Admirals Club at LHR.
Guests in Alaska’s international business class Suites and oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members can access partner lounges regardless of cabin.
More Connected Global Journey
The Seattle lounge builds on Alaska’s international business class Suites experience on its growing fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
The Suites represent the beginning of Alaska’s next era in long-haul travel, designed as a thoughtful journey from curb to cabin, with additional enhancements to be unveiled soon.
The Suites experience currently operates on services to Incheon International Airport (ICN), London, and Rome.
The product will debut on Seattle to Tokyo flights this fall with the return of the 787 to that market.
The cabin features 34 international business class seats, plush Filson-designed bedding, travel amenity kits with Salt & Stone products, multi-course dining, a customizable Salt & Straw dessert service, and a regionally inspired meal before landing.
A new exclusive check-in lobby for Suites and Atmos Titanium guests is now open at SEA, providing a seamless start to the journey with a dedicated TSA entrance. Access extends to immediate family or up to two guests on the same reservation.
Dedicated Suites and Titanium check-in lanes will also roll out across Alaska’s key hubs, including Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC), Portland (PDX), San Francisco International Airport (SFO), and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), and internationally in Rome, Tokyo, and Seoul, with London starting today and Reykjavík to follow.
Starlink Wi-Fi Rolls Out Across Fleet
Alaska is currently installing ultra-fast Wi-Fi across its entire Boeing 737-8 MAX fleet, complimentary thanks to T-Mobile and powered by Starlink.
The carrier recently became the first airline in the world to equip its entire regional fleet with Starlink.
Together with Hawaiian Airlines (HA), Alaska will become the first United States carrier to offer Starlink across 100 percent of its wide body fleet this fall when installation on the Dreamliner aircraft completes.
Atmos Rewards members enjoy gate to gate connectivity for streaming, browsing, and messaging throughout the journey.
Membership is free and allows guests to earn miles for future travel on Alaska and its oneworld partner airlines.
Alaska’s Global Growth
With new service to Rome, London, and Reykjavík, Alaska Airlines brings together expanded international flying and a powerful combined network with Hawaiian Airlines.
These investments mark a new chapter in Alaska’s global growth, designed to connect guests to more of the world with comfort and care, the Alaska way.
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