Alaska Airlines Grows Global Network with Europe Routes, Lounge Investment

SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines (AS) on Thursday launched daily nonstop service between Seattle (SEA) and London Heathrow (LHR), expanding its international network as the carrier accelerates its transatlantic growth ahead of the peak summer travel season. The new year-round route marks the airline’s second European destination introduced this year, following the recent launch of nonstop service to Rome (FCO), with flights to Reykjavík (KEF), Iceland, scheduled to begin May 28.

“As we connect the West Coast to Europe in new ways, our focus is on delivering a meaningful experience that feels distinctly Alaska – warm, thoughtful and elevated at every touchpoint,” said Alaska Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Harrison. “For our guests in the U.S., we’re opening more convenient access to Europe with the airline they know and love, and for our guests in Europe and beyond.”

The daily flights will operate from Terminal 3 at LHR, providing U.S.-based travelers with onward connections to destinations across Europe and other international markets through Alaska’s oneworld alliance partners. The route also gives UK travelers direct access to Seattle and the broader Pacific Northwest, while linking them to Alaska Airlines’ extensive West Coast network, including destinations in Hawaii.

International travelers flying with Alaska Airlines will also have access to an expanded lounge network through the carrier’s global partnerships. Alaska Lounge+ members can use select partner lounges worldwide, including the Admirals Club at LHR, while passengers traveling in the airline’s international business class suites, along with oneworld Sapphire and Emerald status holders, are eligible for partner lounge access regardless of cabin class.

Ross Baker, Alaska’s Chief Customer Officer said, “Every new route launched from Heathrow gives passengers and businesses more choice and stronger connections to the world. Alaska Airlines’ new service to Seattle further strengthens our transatlantic network, opening opportunities for travel and trade between the UK and the U.S. West Coast.”

Further expansion

Alaska Airlines is set to expand its European network further on May 28 with the launch of nonstop seasonal service to Reykjavík, Iceland, marking the carrier’s third destination in Europe. The daily flights are scheduled to align with Iceland’s busy summer tourism season and are expected to appeal to travelers seeking access to one of the world’s prime viewing locations for the total solar eclipse in August 2026.

From Iceland, guests can easily connect to Alaska’s many partner airlines to continue exploring Europe, including Icelandair (FI). Guests traveling on FI in First Class or as Atmos™ Rewards Gold, Platinum or Titanium elites will also have access to Icelandair’s Saga Lounge at KEF.

Coming soon: Alaska’s largest landmark lounge investment

Alaska Airlines (AS) is introducing a new, world-class lounge at Seattle–Tacoma International Airport (SEA), a key part of its broader investment in the global guest experience.  

Opening in late 2027, the new global Alaska Lounge will become not only the largest airline lounge in Seattle, but also one of the largest in the country. Approximately 700 seats across two levels will fill the 41,000+ square foot space. The design will feature showers, multiple premium bars, à la carte dining, and chef-curated seasonal menus.  

Alaska Lounge members, day–pass guests, and eligible First Class guests will be welcomed at the main level. The upper level will be dedicated to international long-haul travelers, serving Suites and lie-flat guests as well as eligible Atmos Titanium members traveling internationally. Both floors will feature freshly prepared, locally inspired food, Pacific Northwest beers and craft cocktails, and handcrafted espresso beverages.

The new Alaska Lounge, located in Seattle’s recently renovated C Concourse, will feature sweeping views of the Olympic Mountains and the airport airfield as part of AS’s broader investment in expanding and upgrading its lounge network.

The Suites experience

The lounge in SEA builds on AS’s previously announced international business class Suites experience on the airline’s growing fleet of 787-9 Dreamliners.  

Now flying to Incheon (ICN), London (LHR), and Rome (FCO), the Suites experience will also debut on the Seattle–Tokyo (NRT) service this fall with the 787's return to the market. With 34 international business-class seats, guests traveling in the Suites enjoy a refined journey.

The Seattle Suites lobby, which is now open, is an exclusive experience with a dedicated entrance to TSA and is extended to immediate family or up to two guests on the same reservation. Dedicated Suites and Titanium member check-in lanes will soon be seen in additional airports across Alaska’s network.  

Ultra-fast Wi-Fi on the Boeing 737-8

Also, Alaska is currently installing ultra-fast Wi-Fi across its entire Boeing 737-8 fleet so guests can stay connected on their way to Reykjavík, complimentary thanks to T-Mobile and powered by Starlink. Alaska recently became the first airline in the world to equip its entire regional fleet with Starlink, and together with Hawaiian Airlines (HA), it will become the first U.S. carrier to offer Starlink on 100% of its wide-body fleet this fall when installation of Starlink is complete on its Dreamliner fleet.