(REYKJAVÍK) Alaska Airlines will launch new nonstop flights between Seattle and Reykjavík in summer 2026, opening a fresh gateway from the Pacific Northwest to Europe and deepening its partnership with Icelandair. The daily service begins May 28, 2026 (SEA→KEF) and runs through September 7, 2026, with return flights from Reykjavík to Seattle through September 8, 2026 (KEF→SEA). Tickets are on sale now on the Alaska Airlines website. This marks Alaska Airlines’ first direct service to Iceland, a clear sign of the carrier’s growing international focus.
The route will operate with Alaska’s new Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft, part of a fleet refresh designed to support longer missions while improving the onboard experience. The airline also confirmed a deeper codeshare partnership with Icelandair that lets travelers book single-ticket journeys connecting in Reykjavík to more than 35 European cities, with coordinated schedules and through-checked bags. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move positions Alaska Airlines to compete more directly on transatlantic flying by tapping Reykjavík’s role as a manageable, mid-Atlantic connection point for U.S. travelers.
Alaska Airlines said in its 2025 announcement that the route “expands our global footprint and reflects our ongoing investment in premium international travel.” For residents of the Pacific Northwest, the news means a shorter, more direct path to Iceland’s natural wonders and smoother links onward to the continent. For Iceland, it promises another steady stream of summer visitors and a stronger bridge to the U.S. West Coast, which has lacked a daily nonstop to Reykjavík on a U.S. carrier.
Route details and aircraft
- Service period: Daily departures from May 28 through September 7, 2026 (SEA→KEF); returns operate daily from May 29 through September 8, 2026 (KEF→SEA).
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-8 MAX, configured and refreshed for longer missions with upgraded cabins and amenities.
- Significance: Alaska’s first direct service to Iceland and part of broader international expansion.
The airline is equipping the 737-8 MAX with new cabins, extra power outlets, and refreshed materials across the 737 fleet to create a more consistent onboard experience.
Partnerships and booking benefits
The expanded codeshare with Icelandair is central to the plan and includes:
- Single-ticket itineraries that combine Alaska’s Seattle leg with Icelandair onward connections.
- Through-checked baggage for codeshare journeys, reducing transfer hassle.
- Coordinated schedules to protect connections and provide clearer protections if delays occur.
Passengers can book joint itineraries and manage trips via the Alaska Airlines website. For onward European connections, schedules are also available through Icelandair.
“This expands our global footprint and reflects our ongoing investment in premium international travel.” — Alaska Airlines (2025 announcement)
Onboard experience and cabin upgrades
Alaska says travelers can expect upgrades across cabins on the Reykjavík flights:
- First Class
- New serveware, premium pillows and blankets
- Complimentary Wi‑Fi
- Access to Icelandair’s Saga Lounge at KEF
- Premium Class
- More legroom and upgraded seating
- Curated snack basket and reserved overhead bin space
- Main Cabin
- Complimentary snacks and drinks
- Refreshed interiors with expanded USB‑C power and device holders at every seat
Alaska is also rolling out free Wi‑Fi through Starlink, with full coverage expected by 2027, and plans a new international lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport set to open in 2027. Travelers can track airport updates via Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Loyalty program changes
Alaska’s Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles will fold into Atmos Rewards, a combined program promising:
- Faster status earning
- Richer international perks
- Eight annual Alaska Lounge passes for Visa Infinite cardholders
- Expanded lounge access at key international gateways
Members booking these nonstop flights will have new ways to earn and redeem rewards across the transatlantic network.
Travel practicalities and immigration considerations
U.S. citizens traveling to Iceland for tourism or short business trips can usually enter visa-free for up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended date of departure from the Schengen Zone is generally required.
Always check current rules before departure; the U.S. Department of State maintains an official country page with entry details for Iceland at the U.S. Department of State – Iceland Country Information.
Practical recommendations for passengers booking Alaska’s nonstop flights to Reykjavík:
- Ensure your passport is valid and has blank pages.
- Review the 90/180-day Schengen rule if planning side trips after Iceland.
- Keep your tickets on a single reservation when possible to enable through-checked bags and schedule protection.
- Consider lounge access via First Class, elite status, or credit card benefits for early departures or tight connections.
Benefits for families and travelers
- A single daily departure from Seattle fits school calendars and the prime summer travel window.
- Reykjavík offers a calmer connection hub than many large European airports, easing transfers for families and students.
- Extra power outlets and device holders on the refreshed 737 help keep devices charged during long travel days.
- Free Wi‑Fi rollout across the fleet will improve connectivity once available on each aircraft.
Competitive and operational context
- The summer-only schedule reduces weather risks and aligns with Iceland’s busiest tourism season.
- The route is expected to put downward pressure on fares from the Pacific Northwest to Europe during peak season, especially on itineraries pairing Alaska with Icelandair.
- Analysts see the move as part of Alaska Airlines’ strategy to balance a strong domestic network with efficient international routes using single-aisle aircraft.
- Coordinated schedules with Icelandair aim for dependable connections rather than a novelty route.
Operational and industry impacts:
- New summer flying opportunities for Seattle-based crews trained on longer overwater operations.
- A steady summer pipeline of U.S. visitors to Iceland’s tourism sector.
- Through-checked bags and lounge access at KEF reduce the chance of misconnects and increase traveler comfort.
Booking and airport resources
Passengers can:
- Book nonstop flights to Reykjavík and manage trips via the Alaska Airlines website.
- Explore European onward connections through Icelandair.
- Check SEA airport facility updates and international travel guidance at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Final reminders and planning tips
- Rules can change; flights remain subject to standard government approvals and operational readiness.
- Before flying, check your passport, review travel advisories, and confirm entry conditions for Iceland and any onward Schengen destinations.
- With these steps in place, Alaska Airlines’ summer service offers a clear, single-hop path to Iceland—and, through Reykjavík, a wide network of European cities under one ticket.
This Article in a Nutshell
Alaska Airlines will begin daily nonstop Seattle–Reykjavík flights May 28–September 7, 2026 (returns through September 8), its first direct service to Iceland. The route will use Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft with refreshed cabins, USB‑C power, and planned Starlink Wi‑Fi fleetwide by 2027. A deeper codeshare with Icelandair allows single-ticket connections and through-checked baggage to over 35 European cities via Reykjavík. Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles will combine into Atmos Rewards, offering faster status earn and expanded lounge benefits. The summer-only schedule targets peak tourism, simplifies transfers for families, and may lower transatlantic fares from the Pacific Northwest. Travelers should verify passport validity, Schengen rules, and book single reservations for protected connections; tickets are available now on Alaska’s website.
