Alaska Airlines launched daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow Airport (LHR) on May 21, 2026, cementing its rapid European expansion following the April 28 inauguration of Seattle–Rome — making London the carrier's second European destination.
The route operates year-round on Boeing 787-9 aircraft. The westbound leg carries a maximum scheduled block time of 10 hours and 5 minutes, placing London among Alaska's longest services. Alaska entered long-haul transatlantic flying in 2026 following Alaska Air Group's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, which provided the widebody fleet necessary for such routes.
Seattle–London places Alaska in direct competition with British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic on the corridor, where those three carriers already combined for approximately 14,700 two-way weekly seats at the time of Alaska's entry according to OAG Schedules Analyser data. As a oneworld member, Alaska's Heathrow service opens reciprocal loyalty connections with British Airways and other alliance partners.
The launch came one week before Alaska's third European route — Seattle–Reykjavik (May 28, narrowbody) — giving the carrier three European points from its Seattle hub within a single month. According to Aviation Week, the London launch broadens Delta's competitive calculus as well: Delta launched its own Seattle–Rome service on May 6 and Seattle–Barcelona on May 7 in a direct response to Alaska's European push.
Sources: Business Travel News | Aviation Week | Simple Flying
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