Travelers in the Emerald City will soon have two more stamps to aim for in their passports. Alaska Airlines plans to launch daily, year-round service from Seattle–Tacoma International Airport to London and a seasonal link to Reykjavik in May 2026, expanding the carrier’s transformation from a West Coast specialist into what executives call a “global gateway” airline. Seattle features prominently again and again in the company’s road map, with both routes operating from its hometown hub.
New Routes Mark the Midpoint of a 12-Destination Global Plan
The London flight will operate every day throughout the year on a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The Reykjavik service, timed for Iceland’s long-daylight “summer season,” will rely on the extended-range 737 MAX 8. Together they bring Alaska’s announced tally of new intercontinental destinations from Seattle to five—Tokyo (launched in May), Seoul (scheduled for September), Rome (slated for May 2026) and now London and Reykjavik—halfway toward the airline’s goal of 12 new long-haul routes by 2030.
Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison framed the moment as a milestone in Alaska’s evolution. “This market really helps establish us as a true global gateway into Europe,” Harrison said during an interview.
Why London and Reykjavik?
London is the most requested trans-Atlantic city among Alaska’s Mileage Plan members, according to internal surveys cited by the airline. The flight will plug directly into oneworld alliance partner British Airways’ vast European network at Heathrow, giving West Coast flyers one-stop access to dozens of onward cities. Reykjavik, meanwhile, opens an entirely new leisure corridor: think geothermal lagoons, waterfall-chasing road trips and easy onward hops to the Faroes or Greenland.
Alaska says demand indicators are strong. The company’s first newly launched wide-body route—Seattle to Tokyo—has already filled about 80 percent of its available seats, compared with an overall network average of 84 percent. Executives are betting similar enthusiasm will follow for Iceland and the United Kingdom.
Aurora-Inspired Dreamliners Take Center Stage
On Aug. 5 the carrier gave travelers a sneak peek at the look that will soon sweep across its long-haul fleet. The refreshed 787-9 livery draws inspiration from the Northern Lights, layering midnight blues and emerald greens with flowing aura lines. A prominent horizontal stripe, reminiscent of Alaska liveries from the ’70s and ’80s, runs the length of the fuselage.
The first aircraft will roll out in January, and all five Dreamliners currently flying should be repainted by next spring. Although the eye-catching design is reserved for wide-bodies, familiar icons remain: the smiling Alaska Native on Boeing 737s and Pualani on Hawaiian Airlines jets.
Why the Paint Matters
Alaska’s rebranding exercise is more than cosmetic. Last year’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines delivered a fleet of Airbus A330s and opened the door to true long-haul flying. The airline now expects to base 17 787s in Seattle and 24 A330s in Honolulu, effectively creating twin trans-Pacific and trans-Atlantic gateways.
The hardware shift is being matched by a human one. The company intends to grow its Seattle pilot base to as many as 600 aviators by 2030, positioning the city as the operational brain of its international network.
What Travelers Can Expect Onboard
- Cabin layout: The 787-9 will feature four cabins—first class, Premium Class, main cabin extra-legroom seats and standard economy. [Exact seat counts not specified in release]
- In-seat comforts: All cabins will include power at every seat, high-speed Wi-Fi and seat-back entertainment loaded with destination guides.
- Culinary touches: Menus will spotlight Pacific Northwest flavors on departures from Seattle and British or Icelandic specialties on the return legs.
- Arrival perks: Travelers connecting beyond Heathrow can through-check bags to final destinations on British Airways and other oneworld carriers.
Tips for Travelers
- Book early for peak season: Iceland’s summer daylight marathon draws crowds. Seats on the Seattle–Reykjavik route, flown by a smaller 737 MAX 8, likely will sell out fast.
- Watch award charts: Mileage Plan currently prices partner awards to Europe from 22,500 miles one way in economy. Availability on brand-new routes often drops just after schedules load.
- Coordinate alliances: Oneworld status benefits—priority check-in, extra bags, lounge access—apply on both Alaska and British Airways connections at Heathrow.
- Mind the time change: Reykjavik is seven hours ahead of Seattle. Landing in the morning lets you power through jet lag with a Blue Lagoon dip before hotel check-in.
- Pack a swimsuit and sweater: Even in July, Icelandic evenings can dip below 50°. Conversely, a rain shell is wise for London any time of year.
Beyond Flights: Credit Cards and Loyalty Merge
Later this month, Alaska and Hawaiian will roll out a joint premium credit card and an integrated loyalty program—an early step toward a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration. Until regulators sign off, the airlines will continue to sell and staff flights under separate brands, but customers will accrue points in a shared account.
FAQ
When do tickets go on sale?
Alaska says schedules will appear in its booking engine once final slots are confirmed, expected several months before May 2026.
Which London airport?
The carrier has not formally disclosed the airport, but executives referenced partner connectivity at Heathrow. Travelers should assume Heathrow until an alternate field is announced.
Is Reykjavik nonstop seasonal only?
Yes. The service is slated for Iceland’s late-spring to early-fall window. Exact start and end dates have not been published.
Will elite fliers receive lounge access?
Alaska Lounge members and oneworld Sapphire or Emerald elites can use partner facilities at Heathrow; lounge arrangements in Reykjavik are still being finalized.
How many 787s will Alaska operate?
The airline expects a Seattle-based fleet of 17 Dreamliners once deliveries are complete.
With planes painted in aurora hues and new continents on the map, the Pacific Northwest’s hometown carrier is leaning hard into its global ambitions. For Seattle travelers, a direct pint in a London pub or a midnight-sun selfie in Reykjavik will soon be just one boarding pass away.
