Alaska Airlines Is Spreading Its Wings: Seattle to Rome, Here We Go!
Alaska Air Group is clearly not sitting still—it’s making some bold moves that have everyone talking. The airline recently snapped up Hawaiian Airlines and is on a mission to transform Seattle-Tacoma into a major global hub. This is not just the stuff of dreams but part of an ambitious plan to roll out a dozen long-haul routes by 2030.
We’ve witnessed Alaska Airlines expanding its wingspan toward the East—adding flights to Tokyo Narita and soon Seoul Incheon in 2025. And yes, everyone has been on tenterhooks waiting for that European announcement. Well, good folks, it’s here, and it won’t knock your socks off with surprises; it’s what we all anticipated.
In 2026, Say “Ciao” to the New Seattle-Rome Route
Drumroll, please! Come May 2026, Alaska Airlines is set to launch its brand-spanking-new Seattle to Rome service, just in time for a cheeky summer jaunt. Four times a week, you’ll be soaring over 5,688 miles with these times in your pocket:
- Seattle to Rome: Depart at 6:00 PM, arrive at 1:45 PM (+1 day)
- Rome to Seattle: Depart at 3:45 PM, arrive at 6:00 PM
The eastbound crew will handle travel on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, with journey clocking in at 10 hours and 45 minutes. Heading west? That’s on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, taking a slightly longer 11 hours and 15 minutes.
While everyone’s eager to snag their tickets, we’re left playing the waiting game until fall 2025 when they go on sale. Until then, keen travelers can sign up for “early access” and be among the first to say “Andiamo!”
Our ride for this transatlantic journey? None other than the sleek Boeing 787-9; it’s packing 34 business class seats and 266 economy spots. Get ready to experience Alaska’s long haul routes on their Dreamliner for the first time.
Why Rome, You Ask?
- Rome tops the list of must-go places without a nonstop Seattle service.
- For West Coast adventurers, it’s the perfect one-stop gateway to Italy.
- Rome has no tangled slot restrictions making it an easier affair than somewhere like Heathrow.
Ben Minicucci on the Big Move
“Serving Rome nonstop from Seattle is a dream come true. As an Italian American whose parents emigrated from Italy, this is a particularly meaningful addition to our network. Rome has been at the top of the list ever since we announced our new global gateway out of Seattle. Our guests have been asking for an easy way to get to Italy for years, and we’re thrilled to provide it to people in the Northwest and beyond. Andiamo – let’s go!”
Almost an inevitability with those travel titans—will Delta mirror this announcement with their own Seattle-Rome route? Stick around to find out if there will be some friendly skies competition.
A New Era for Alaska’s Long Haul Flights
A heartfelt cheer for Alaska Airlines launching its inaugural European route! But arguably more exciting is the fact this is the debut of the Boeing 787 for long haul routes, marking Alaska’s journey with its own branding.
Right now, Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330s are the aircraft of choice for these long routes out of Seattle, but it’s a bit of a mismatch in experience. They come with a 2-2-2 business class configuration and a soft product familiar to Hawaiian regulars.
This route heralds a change. Alaska and Hawaiian are set to unite via a single operating certificate. Consequently, this will be the first long haul Alaska endeavor under its own flag, flight number included.
With that comes Alaska’s new long-haul service offering. The Boeing 787 does have some Alaska’s presence in gorgeous planes like those at Hawaiian, and it’ll be intriguing to witness Alaska’s imprint on its Dreamliner fleet. This shift could phase out some of the Hawaiian vibes for a more Alaska-esque experience.
Looking Forward: The Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines’ forthcoming route from Seattle to Rome—hitting the runways in May 2026—marks a slew of firsts: first European route, first full-blown Alaska 787 service, and a significant leap for Alaska’s long-haul ventures.
It’s going to be quite the spectacle seeing a 787 donning the Alaska livery, as we eagerly await the refreshed service these flights promise. As Alaska expands its international reach, shaking up the inflight experience becomes crucial. The leap from A330 to the more luxurious Dreamliner? Absolutely necessary.
So, is this new Seattle to Rome route getting your travel juices flowing?