After more than 90 years of flying, Alaska Airlines is doing something it has never done before: crossing the Atlantic.

On April 28, 2026, the carrier will operate its first-ever commercial flight to Europe — a nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Rome’s Fiumicino Airport. It’s a genuine milestone, and for travelers on the West Coast, it could open up a much more convenient path to one of the world’s most beloved destinations. According to the official Alaska Airlines announcement, round-trip fares start at $599 — a price point that makes this route worth a serious look.

A Historic First for a Beloved Carrier

Alaska has long been a West Coast favorite, but until now, international long-haul flying was left to the major legacy carriers. That changes this spring. The airline will operate the Seattle–Rome route on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner — a wide-body aircraft known for its fuel efficiency, large windows, and smoother ride at altitude — with daily seasonal service running through October 2026.

The Seattle-to-Rome flight departs at 5:30 p.m. and arrives in Italy at 1:15 p.m. the following day. The return departs Rome at 3:25 p.m. and lands back in Seattle at 5:45 p.m. For West Coast travelers, those are genuinely convenient departure times compared to the red-eye transatlantic flights that originate on the East Coast.

What to Expect Onboard

The 787-9 is configured with 34 business class suites in a 1-2-1 layout — meaning every seat has direct aisle access — plus fully lie-flat beds, 18-inch HD monitors, and multi-course dining with a pre-order option. Premium and main cabin passengers receive two chef-inspired meals and complimentary beer and wine, plus free seatback entertainment.

For those enrolled in Alaska’s Atmos Rewards loyalty program, there’s additional good news: Titanium-tier members will receive complimentary upgrades to lie-flat business class on intercontinental routes starting this spring, and free Starlink Wi-Fi is coming to these flights in fall 2026.

Rome Is Just the Beginning

Alaska isn’t stopping at Rome. On May 21, the airline adds nonstop Seattle–London Heathrow service on the same 787-9 aircraft, followed by seasonal flights to Reykjavík, Iceland on a Boeing 737 MAX 8 beginning May 28. By 2030, Alaska has plans to serve at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle, with a fleet of up to 17 Dreamliners establishing the city as a major international hub on the West Coast.

Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison put it plainly in the announcement: “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.”

Why This Matters for Your Travel Plans

For families and couples planning a European trip, new competition on transatlantic routes is always good news. More carriers means more schedule options, more pricing pressure, and — in this case — a genuinely exciting product from a carrier that has built a loyal following for its customer service.

If Italy or the UK is on your radar for summer 2026, this route is worth exploring. And if you’re already holding Alaska miles, now is a great time to think about how to put them to work on an intercontinental itinerary.

We’re happy to help you map out a Rome or London trip around these new routes. Reach out and let’s start planning something memorable.