Alaska Airlines has officially joined the ranks of Delta Airlines, American Airlines, United Airlines, JetBlue Airways, and Norse Atlantic Airways in a bold move that reshapes US-Europe travel. But this time, it’s different. Alaska Airlines launches new nonstop flights from Europe, and it’s not just any route—it’s historic. The airline introduces its first-ever nonstop flight from Seattle to Rome, using long-haul Hawaiian Dreamliners under its new transatlantic expansion.
The announcement stirs excitement and curiosity. Why now? Why Rome? And how does Alaska Airlines suddenly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Delta, United, and American in the global game? Meanwhile, JetBlue and Norse Atlantic may be watching closely as competition takes flight.
This is not just another route. It’s a strategic power play. The Seattle to Rome route opens doors to untapped demand and unmatched convenience. What does it mean for travelers, and what’s next for Alaska? You’re about to find out—every detail matters.
In a landmark move set to redefine West Coast travel, Alaska Airlines has officially announced its first-ever nonstop service to Europe, connecting Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) directly to Rome’s Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino International Airport (FCO). This isn’t just another route—it’s a bold statement.
For the first time, the Emerald City links nonstop with the Eternal City, giving millions of travelers from the Pacific Northwest access to one of Europe’s most requested destinations. The historic route begins this fall, operated by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, now part of Alaska’s growing long-haul fleet through its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
The Seattle-to-Rome route launches with four weekly flights, departing from SEA every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday, and returning from Rome on alternate days. The schedule is tailored to maximize comfort and connectivity, with evening departures and convenient daytime arrivals.
This route is not just an airline milestone—it reshapes the transatlantic travel map. Alaska Airlines positions Seattle as a major international hub, now serving Tokyo, Seoul, and Rome—all with widebody aircraft capable of meeting global demand.
This move comes at a time of surging leisure travel demand, especially from U.S. travelers eager to explore Europe post-pandemic. Rome had long ranked as Seattle’s most popular unserved international city, with demand outpacing available routes.
Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is more than just a destination—it’s a European mega-hub. Serving over 230 cities across 80 countries, it acts as a gateway to Southern and Central Europe. And it’s not just air travelers who benefit. Rome also hosts Civitavecchia, the second-largest cruise port in Europe, further enhancing its pull for global tourism.
Just in time for the 2025 Jubilee Year, Rome is undergoing a sweeping citywide restoration to elevate its visitor experience. From historic landmarks to public transport, everything is being refreshed—perfect timing for travelers seeking both ancient wonders and modern comfort.
FCO is one of only a dozen airports globally to earn Skytrax’s 5-Star hub rating. Backed by a €9 billion infrastructure upgrade, the airport now boasts biometric systems, enhanced guest services, and seamless traveler movement.
For U.S. and Canadian citizens, the experience gets even smoother with expedited e-gate passport control. This fast-tracked arrival process ensures Alaska passengers can go from air to adventure with minimal delays.
This Rome connection changes the game for West Coast travelers. Now, passengers from Los Angeles, Portland, San Francisco, San Diego, Honolulu, and Anchorage can reach Italy with just one stop through Seattle. The convenience is unprecedented.
Honeymooners heading to Venice, families exploring Florence, and wine lovers visiting Tuscany now have a faster, more efficient route. And as airline alliances continue to tighten, more code-sharing and loyalty rewards will soon sweeten the experience.
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner offers long-haul comfort built for modern travelers. Spacious cabins, lower cabin pressure, better humidity, and quieter engines turn the Rome flight into a more restful experience. With improved fuel efficiency, the Dreamliner also aligns with Alaska’s sustainability goals—a growing concern for eco-conscious flyers.
Launching international service isn’t just about route maps. It’s about vision, investment, and execution. Alaska’s move into Europe places it in direct competition with legacy carriers that have long dominated transatlantic skies.
However, the airline is not stepping in blind. The move is backed by solid data analytics, deep customer engagement from Mileage Plan loyalty members, and powerful brand equity in the West Coast market.
While flights haven’t opened for booking yet, travelers can sign up at alaskaair.com/rome for early access. With only four flights a week initially, seat availability will be limited, and demand is projected to be high—especially for peak holiday and event seasons.
Frequent flyers, honeymooners, cultural travelers, and cruise passengers alike are poised to make this route one of the hottest tickets of 2025.
Alaska Airlines’ expansion into Rome is more than a route launch—it’s a strategic transformation. It positions the airline as a serious player in the global market and opens new opportunities for tourism boards, travel agents, and hospitality brands on both sides of the Atlantic.
With air travel rapidly evolving, agility is key. Alaska Airlines has not only embraced change—it’s now leading it.
This is more than a connection between two cities. It’s a bridge between continents, cultures, and communities.
And it’s just the beginning.
Soruce: aviationa2z
