Key Takeaways
• Alaska Airlines launches Seattle-Rome direct flights starting May 2026 using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
• Flights operate four times weekly, departing Seattle evenings and arriving Rome midday next day.
• Seattle-Rome route is Alaska’s first European service, supporting Seattle’s global travel hub strategy.
Alaska Airlines Announces First European Route: Seattle to Rome
Alaska Airlines has taken a major step in its international growth by announcing its first-ever European route. Starting in May 2026, the airline will launch direct flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport. This move marks a new chapter for Alaska Airlines, which has long focused on North American destinations. The decision to connect Seattle and Rome is not just about adding a new city to the map—it reflects a broader strategy to make Seattle a leading global travel hub and to meet the growing demand for direct flights between the United States 🇺🇸 and Italy 🇮🇹.
Let’s break down what this means for travelers, the airline industry, and the communities involved.
What’s Happening: The Key Details
Who: Alaska Airlines, in partnership with Hawaiian Airlines
What: Launching direct flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
When: Service begins in May 2026, with tickets going on sale in autumn 2025
Where: Flights depart from Seattle, United States 🇺🇸, and arrive in Rome, Italy 🇮🇹
How: Using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet, rebranded for Alaska Airlines
Why: To expand Alaska Airlines’ international reach, tap into high demand for Seattle-Rome travel, and strengthen Seattle’s role as a global gateway
Route and Schedule: What Travelers Need to Know
The new Seattle-Rome route will operate four times a week. Here’s the schedule:
- Outbound (SEA to FCO):
- Departs Seattle at 6:00 PM local time
- Arrives in Rome at 1:45 PM local time the next day
- Flight time: 10 hours and 45 minutes
- Inbound (FCO to SEA):
- Departs Rome at 3:45 PM local time
- Arrives in Seattle at 6:00 PM local time
- Flight time: 11 hours and 15 minutes
Days of Operation:
– Outbound flights: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays
– Inbound flights: Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays
Distance: 5,688 miles—making it the second-longest European route from Seattle after the Seattle-Istanbul service.
This schedule is designed to give travelers plenty of options, whether they’re heading to Italy for vacation, visiting family, or traveling for business. The timing of the flights also allows for a good night’s sleep on the way to Rome, which many travelers appreciate.
Aircraft and Onboard Experience
Alaska Airlines will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner for this route. These planes are known for their comfort on long flights, with features like:
- Larger windows for more natural light
- Quieter cabins
- Better air quality and humidity
- Modern entertainment systems
The aircraft will come from Hawaiian Airlines’ fleet, but they’ll be painted and branded for Alaska Airlines. This is a big change from Alaska’s current long-haul flights to Tokyo and Seoul, which use Hawaiian’s Airbus A330s with the original Hawaiian branding.
Seating and Comfort:
– About 300 seats per plane
– Alaska Airlines has promised “a new global experience,” which suggests they may update the interior to fit their own style and standards
– Frequent flyers and aviation experts are watching closely to see how Alaska will adapt these planes for their first European route
This move is possible because Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are working toward a single operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), expected in autumn 2025. This certificate will allow both airlines to operate more closely together, sharing planes and routes more easily. For more information on FAA certifications and airline operations, you can visit the Federal Aviation Administration’s official website.
Why Rome? The Strategic Choice
Choosing Rome Fiumicino Airport as Alaska Airlines’ first European destination was not random. According to analysis from VisaVerge.com, Rome was “consistently among the most-requested destinations for Mileage Plan members.” In 2024, about 43,000 round-trip passengers traveled between Seattle and Rome, making it Seattle’s largest unserved European market.
Key reasons for choosing Rome:
– High demand from Seattle’s Italian community and travelers wanting to visit Italy
– No other airline currently offers direct Seattle-Rome flights, giving Alaska a monopoly on this route
– Rome is a major gateway to Southern Europe, with easy connections to other cities in Italy and beyond
The new route will also make it easier for people on the West Coast and in Hawaii to reach Rome with just one stop, thanks to Alaska’s network.
Alaska Airlines’ Broader Expansion Plan
This new service is part of Alaska Airlines’ “Alaska Accelerate” plan, announced in December 2024. The goal is to make Seattle the “premier global gateway” on the West Coast by 2030. Here’s what the plan includes:
- Serving 12 long-haul destinations from Seattle by 2030
- Using Seattle’s location to its advantage—Seattle is closer to 90% of the world’s population than Los Angeles or San Francisco, and it’s about 10% closer to Rome than those cities
- Adding more widebody international routes, like the new services to Tokyo Narita (starting May 2025) and Seoul Incheon (starting September 2025)
By focusing on Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as its main hub for international flights, Alaska Airlines is betting that travelers will choose Seattle over other West Coast airports for trips to Europe and Asia.
Financial and Operational Context
Launching a new international route is a big investment. Alaska Airlines is making this move as part of a three-year plan to add $1 billion in profits after merging with Hawaiian Airlines. The Rome route is expected to attract mostly leisure travelers—people going on vacation or visiting family—so ticket prices may be lower than on business-heavy routes. However, because Alaska will be the only airline flying directly between Seattle and Rome, it can set its own prices and schedules.
At the same time, Alaska Air Group is being careful with its money. The company has delayed deliveries of new Embraer E175 planes for its regional airline, Horizon Air, because of possible import tariffs announced by President Trump’s administration. This shows that Alaska is watching its costs closely as it grows internationally.
Industry Reaction and Competitive Landscape
The announcement has caught the attention of the airline industry. Many experts have noticed that Alaska Airlines is not going head-to-head with Delta Air Lines, which also has a big presence in Seattle. Instead, Alaska is picking routes where it can be the only airline, like Seattle to Rome.
Some questions remain:
– Will Delta or ITA Airways (Italy’s main airline) start their own Seattle-Rome flights in response?
– How will Alaska’s new service affect ticket prices and travel options for people in Seattle and the Pacific Northwest?
So far, the response from Seattle’s Italian community has been very positive. One Italian resident in Seattle said they were excited to finally have a direct connection to Italy. The timing of the flights also works well for people who want to sleep on the overnight journey to Rome.
What This Means for Travelers
For travelers, this new route brings several benefits:
- More Choices: Direct flights mean less time spent in airports and fewer chances for missed connections.
- Easier Access to Italy: People in Seattle, the Pacific Northwest, and even Hawaii will have a simpler way to reach Rome and other parts of Italy.
- Better Travel Experience: The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner is one of the most comfortable planes for long flights, with features that help reduce jet lag and make the journey more pleasant.
- Loyalty Program Perks: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn and use miles on the new route, making it easier to plan trips to Europe.
Implications for Immigrants and the Italian Community
This new route is especially important for immigrants and families with ties to Italy. Direct flights make it easier for people to visit relatives, attend family events, or handle personal matters in both countries. For the Italian community in Seattle, having a nonstop flight to Rome means staying connected to their heritage and culture is simpler and more affordable.
For people considering moving between the United States 🇺🇸 and Italy 🇮🇹, the new route could make the process less stressful. Whether you’re a student, a professional, or a family member, easier travel means more opportunities to explore, work, or study abroad.
Impact on Seattle and Rome
The new Seattle-Rome route is likely to boost tourism and business in both cities. For Seattle, it means more visitors from Italy and other parts of Europe, which can help local hotels, restaurants, and attractions. For Rome, it opens up the Pacific Northwest as a new source of tourists and business travelers.
Local businesses in both cities may also benefit from easier travel for trade, meetings, and cultural exchanges. The route could encourage more partnerships between companies, universities, and cultural organizations in Seattle and Rome.
What’s Next: Timeline and Ticket Sales
- Autumn 2025: Tickets for the Seattle-Rome flights go on sale, about 6-8 months before the first flight
- May 2026: Inaugural flight takes off from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Rome Fiumicino Airport
Travelers who want to be among the first to fly this new route should watch Alaska Airlines’ website and sign up for updates. As the launch date approaches, more details about the onboard experience, ticket prices, and special offers will become available.
How to Prepare for International Travel
If you’re planning to take advantage of the new Seattle-Rome route, here are some practical steps:
- Check Your Passport: Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months after your planned return date.
- Understand Visa Requirements: U.S. citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business. If you plan to stay longer or for other reasons, check the U.S. Department of State’s Italy travel page for the latest information.
- Book Early: New routes often have special deals when tickets first go on sale.
- Join Loyalty Programs: Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can earn miles on the new route, which can be used for future travel.
- Stay Informed: Watch for updates from Alaska Airlines about the onboard experience and any changes to the schedule.
Looking Ahead: Alaska Airlines’ International Future
The launch of the Seattle-Rome route is just the beginning for Alaska Airlines’ international ambitions. With plans to serve 12 long-haul destinations from Seattle by 2030, travelers can expect more options to Europe and Asia in the coming years.
Alaska Airlines is positioning itself as a major player in global travel, using Seattle-Tacoma International Airport as its main hub. By focusing on routes that are in high demand and not already served by other airlines, Alaska is creating new opportunities for travelers, businesses, and communities on both sides of the Atlantic.
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines’ decision to connect Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport is a bold move that reflects the changing landscape of international travel. For travelers, it means more choices, better connections, and a more comfortable journey. For the airline, it’s a chance to grow and compete on the world stage. And for the communities involved, it’s an opportunity to build stronger ties across continents.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this new route is a win for travelers, the airline industry, and the cities of Seattle and Rome. Whether you’re planning a vacation, visiting family, or exploring new opportunities, the direct link between Seattle and Rome opens up a world of possibilities.
For more information on international travel requirements and updates on the new route, visit the U.S. Department of State’s travel page for Italy.
Key Takeaways:
– Alaska Airlines will launch direct flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and Rome Fiumicino Airport in May 2026
– The route will use Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft from Hawaiian Airlines, rebranded for Alaska Airlines
– Flights will operate four times a week, offering new options for travelers between the United States 🇺🇸 and Italy 🇮🇹
– The move is part of Alaska Airlines’ plan to make Seattle a top global gateway
– Tickets go on sale in autumn 2025—plan ahead to take advantage of this exciting new route
Stay tuned for more updates as Alaska Airlines prepares to make history with its first European destination.
Learn Today
Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner → A modern widebody airplane known for comfort, efficiency, and advanced technology on long international flights.
Mileage Plan → Alaska Airlines’ frequent flyer program that allows members to earn and redeem miles for flights and upgrades.
FAA → Federal Aviation Administration; U.S. agency regulating civil aviation and airline operations nationwide.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport → Main airport serving Seattle, Washington, acting as a major domestic and emerging international hub.
Fiumicino Airport → Also known as Leonardo da Vinci Airport; Rome’s primary international airport and key gateway to Europe.
This Article in a Nutshell
Alaska Airlines will start direct flights from Seattle to Rome in May 2026. Boeing 787-9 planes will fly four times weekly on this first European route, boosting Seattle’s global connectivity and serving high demand from travelers between the U.S. and Italy. Tickets go on sale autumn 2025.
— By VisaVerge.com
