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Alaska Airlines is making history with its first-ever nonstop flights to Europe, launching direct Seattle–Rome service in May 2026. This bold move not only opens a new chapter for Alaska’s global ambitions but also gives West Coast travelers a fresh, premium way to reach the Eternal City. Here’s your in-depth, up-to-the-minute guide: latest news, route schedules, aircraft details, loyalty perks, and what this means for US transatlantic travel.
Alaska Airlines: Official Announcement – Seattle to Rome Nonstop
📰 Breaking News: Alaska Airlines’ First European Route – Seattle to Rome
🗓️ Launch Date: May 2026
🛫 Route: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
🔁 Frequency: 4 times weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun outbound; Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat inbound)
✈️ Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Alaska’s new flagship international experience and lie-flat Leihōkū Suites in business class
🕰️ Schedule:
Thrifty Traveler: Alaska Nonstop Rome Flights – What You Need to Know
🛫 Route: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rome Fiumicino (FCO)
🔁 Frequency: 4 times weekly (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun outbound; Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat inbound)
✈️ Aircraft: Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring Alaska’s new flagship international experience and lie-flat Leihōkū Suites in business class
🕰️ Schedule:
- SEA to FCO: Departs 6:00 p.m., arrives 1:45 p.m. next day
- FCO to SEA: Departs 3:45 p.m., arrives 6:00 p.m. same day
🌐 Why Rome? The Strategy Behind Alaska’s European Debut
💡 Customer Demand: Rome is the most-requested European city by Alaska’s Mileage Plan members and the largest unserved European destination from Seattle.
🏆 Competitive Edge: By choosing Rome, Alaska avoids direct competition with Delta’s entrenched London, Paris, and Amsterdam routes from SEA.
🌎 Connecting the West Coast: With 104+ North American destinations from Seattle, Alaska can funnel travelers from across the US and Hawaii to Rome.
🤝 Hawaiian Merger: Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines brought a fleet of long-range Dreamliners, enabling true transatlantic expansion for the first time.
🛬 Global Gateway Vision: Alaska’s CEO Ben Minicucci calls the move “a dream come true,” marking Seattle’s transformation into a global hub.
🏅 Airport Experience: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is a SkyTrax 5-Star hub, with US/Canadian e-gates for fast arrivals and a €9B modernization underway.
CNBC: Alaska Airlines to Make Europe Debut with Rome Flights
🏆 Competitive Edge: By choosing Rome, Alaska avoids direct competition with Delta’s entrenched London, Paris, and Amsterdam routes from SEA.
🌎 Connecting the West Coast: With 104+ North American destinations from Seattle, Alaska can funnel travelers from across the US and Hawaii to Rome.
🤝 Hawaiian Merger: Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines brought a fleet of long-range Dreamliners, enabling true transatlantic expansion for the first time.
🛬 Global Gateway Vision: Alaska’s CEO Ben Minicucci calls the move “a dream come true,” marking Seattle’s transformation into a global hub.
🏅 Airport Experience: Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is a SkyTrax 5-Star hub, with US/Canadian e-gates for fast arrivals and a €9B modernization underway.
🛫 Aircraft, Onboard Experience & Schedule Details
✈️ Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner: Alaska’s new flagship, offering a premium international experience, including new livery and interiors.
🛏️ Leihōkū Suites: Lie-flat business class seats, first introduced on Hawaiian’s Dreamliners.
🍽️ Premium Service: Expect upgraded dining, entertainment, and amenities tailored for long-haul travelers.
🕰️ Flight Times:
The Points Guy: Alaska Airlines Nonstop Seattle–Rome Route
🛏️ Leihōkū Suites: Lie-flat business class seats, first introduced on Hawaiian’s Dreamliners.
🍽️ Premium Service: Expect upgraded dining, entertainment, and amenities tailored for long-haul travelers.
🕰️ Flight Times:
- SEA–FCO: Departs 6:00 p.m. (Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun), arrives 1:45 p.m. next day
- FCO–SEA: Departs 3:45 p.m. (Mon, Tue, Thu, Sat), arrives 6:00 p.m. same day
🌍 What This Means for US Travelers: Loyalty, Connections & New Horizons
🎫 For Mileage Plan Members: Rome flights are a direct response to loyalty program demand, unlocking new award and upgrade opportunities.
🔗 West Coast Access: Travelers from cities across the West and Hawaii can now reach Italy with a single connection via Seattle.
🌎 Gateway to Europe: Rome opens up onward connections to dozens of European and Mediterranean destinations.
🧳 For Italians & Europeans: The new route offers direct access to the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii.
📈 Industry Impact: Alaska’s move may spur further West Coast–Europe routes and intensify competition with Delta, United, and American.
AviationA2Z: Alaska Airlines Seattle–Rome Flights
🔗 West Coast Access: Travelers from cities across the West and Hawaii can now reach Italy with a single connection via Seattle.
🌎 Gateway to Europe: Rome opens up onward connections to dozens of European and Mediterranean destinations.
🧳 For Italians & Europeans: The new route offers direct access to the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Hawaii.
📈 Industry Impact: Alaska’s move may spur further West Coast–Europe routes and intensify competition with Delta, United, and American.
📰 Community Buzz & Reactions: Why Travelers Are Excited
💬 Seattle Enthusiasm: Reddit and travel forums are abuzz with excitement, with users calling the route “incredible” and “long overdue.”
👨👩👧👦 Family Connections: Many Seattleites with family in Italy are thrilled for easier visits.
🗺️ Unserved Demand: Rome was Seattle’s largest unserved European city, with strong pent-up demand.
🤔 Strategic Choice: By choosing Rome over more saturated hubs like London or Paris, Alaska avoids head-to-head competition and fills a market gap.
🛫 West Coast Pride: Travelers see this as a milestone for Seattle’s global status.
Reddit: Seattle Community Reacts to Alaska’s Rome Flight
👨👩👧👦 Family Connections: Many Seattleites with family in Italy are thrilled for easier visits.
🗺️ Unserved Demand: Rome was Seattle’s largest unserved European city, with strong pent-up demand.
🤔 Strategic Choice: By choosing Rome over more saturated hubs like London or Paris, Alaska avoids head-to-head competition and fills a market gap.
🛫 West Coast Pride: Travelers see this as a milestone for Seattle’s global status.
💡 FAQ: What Travelers Want to Know About Alaska’s Rome Flights
💡 FAQ:
CBS News: Alaska Airlines Announces Rome as First European Destination
- When do flights start? May 2026, with tickets on sale fall 2025.
- How often do they fly? Four times weekly, both directions.
- What plane will be used? Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring new business class and premium cabins.
- Is this Alaska’s first Europe route? Yes, and Seattle’s first-ever nonstop to Rome.
- What about other Europe destinations? Alaska is considering further expansion, but Rome is the first step.
- Can I use Mileage Plan miles? Yes, award seats and upgrades will be available.
- How do I get notified? Register at alaskaair.com/rome for early access to booking.
- Why Rome, not London or Paris? Rome was the most-requested city and avoids direct competition with Delta’s SEA–LHR/CDG/AMS routes.
- What’s the onboard experience? New Dreamliner interiors, lie-flat business class, and upgraded dining/entertainment.
- Will this make Italy easier to reach from the West Coast? Absolutely — it’s a game-changer for Pacific Northwest and Hawaii travelers.
©️ 2025 | Alaska Airlines Rome Launch: Complete Guide for US Travelers, Aviation Fans & Loyalty Members