Alaska Airlines Just Launched Its First-Ever Flight to London — Here’s What It Was Like

Just last month, Alaska Airlines launched its first-ever flight to Europe (a nonstop between Seattle and Rome), and now, it’s time for the airline’s second European destination: London.

The inaugural Alaska Airlines flight to London took off from Seattle on May 21, 2026, and I was there to partake in the festivities and see what the onboard experience is like.

Let’s jump into the details about this new Alaska Airlines route to Europe.

Celebrating Alaska Airlines’ First Flight to London

Move over, Delta, United, and American, there’s a new big player in town: Alaska Airlines. What was once a niche carrier with a primarily West Coast route network is now a true global airline. Thanks to the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, Alaska now has a brand-new fleet of Boeing 787 Dreamliners, enabling these long-haul international flights.

Alaska Airlines’ first flight to London took off just under a month after launching its first flight to Rome and just a week before its first flight to a third European destination, Reykjavík (KEF).

Alaska Airlines Seatle to London inaugural ribbon cutting — The ribbon-cutting at the inaugural celebration for Alaska’s new Seattle to London route.

I sat down with Shane Jones, senior vice president of fleet, product, and guest experience at Alaska Airlines, to ask if 2026, and specifically these new flights to Europe, are the turning point for Alaska.

“It’s a moment for sure. We’re now calling ourselves the fourth global carrier in the U.S.”, said Jones. “Uniquely, we have the largest West Coast hub and are positioned to be the global premium carrier of choice for West Coast travelers. “

Alaska Airlines Seattle to London Inaugural Flight — Passengers got some Alaska-branded goodies on the inaugural flight to London.

Jones also emphasized the importance of securing London as one of the airline’s first European destinations. “London is a fantastic destination and connection point. Any customer can get anywhere in Europe year-round now. That is a huge unlock for us.” In fact, 15% of bookings are itineraries that continue beyond London, utilizing Alaska’s Oneworld partner, British Airways.

Bottom Line:

Alaska Airlines launched nonstop service from Seattle to London on May 21, 2026. This new daily route will be flown on a 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the new business class suites cabin.

Onboard Alaska Airlines Inaugural Flight from Seattle to London

I was one of the lucky passengers to experience this historic flight. When we touched down in London on May 22, it was the first time Alaska Airlines had ever landed in the U.K.

Here’s what you can expect on this new Seattle to London route:

AS100 leaves Seattle (SEA) at 9:40 p.m. and arrives in London (LHR) at 3:05 p.m. (+1 day)
AS101 leaves London (LHR) at 5 p.m. and arrives in Seattle (SEA) at 6:50 p.m.

This flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to London Heathrow Airport (LHR) is on Alaska’s 787-9 Dreamliner, which features 2 cabins: economy and business class.

There’s not currently a dedicated premium economy cabin. However, the economy cabin features Premium Class seats, which offer 4 extra inches of legroom.

Alaska 787 9 Dreamliner economy cabin — The economy cabin on Alaska’s 787-9 Dreamliner.

This inaugural flight featured Alaska Airlines’ business class suites — 34 lie-flat seats with privacy doors. International business class passengers will receive a mattress pad, 2 pillows, a duvet, slippers, and noise-reducing headphones. The amenity kits and bedding are part of a partnership with Seattle-based brand Filson.

Alaska Airlines 787 9 business class suites

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The new business class suites have closing doors.

Additionally, passengers flying in the business class suites or who have Atmos Rewards Titanium status can use the new dedicated check-in space in Seattle.

Alaska Airlines Suites and Titanium Check In Area in Seattle — Suites passengers and those with Atmos Rewards Titanium status can use the new, private check-in area in Seattle.

My Experience Flying Alaska’s New Business Class Suite

I was so excited to try out Alaska’s business class suite, and it did not disappoint.

Katie on Alaska Airlines 787 9 business class suites — I was happy to try out Alaska’s business class suites on this flight.

The meal service began with beverages and Alaska’s signature fruit-and-cheese platter. Next was a delicious asparagus soup and mixed berry and almond salad, served with a mini baguette. I preordered my meal, a chicken cottage pie that was served with carrots and green beans. As much as I wanted to try dessert — Salt + Straw ice cream sundaes — I needed to get some sleep, so I skipped it.

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The soup and salad were excellent.

After dinner, I laid out the mattress pad on my seat, closed my door, and got a solid 4 hours of sleep. I woke up just in time for the final meal service, which started with a refreshing mixed berry smoothie. I was sitting in row 7 (out of 9), and unfortunately, they ran out of my meal choice (overnight oats) right before they got to me.

The only option that was left was the traditional English breakfast, which was on-theme but not something I particularly enjoy. The flight attendants were very apologetic and said they’d make a note to adjust the numbers of each type of meal brought on board.

How To Book With Atmos Rewards Points

You can book this new Alaska Airlines route from Seattle to London starting at 30,000 Atmos Rewards points plus $6 in taxes and fees. Business class tickets are currently priced at 150,000 points or more on most days this summer. Hopefully, we’ll see some lower prices on those in the coming months. Use a tool like Roame or Seats.aero to help find good deals on award tickets.

Alaska Airlines Seattle to London cost in points — There’s lots of availability in economy starting at 30,000 points. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines is making moves. The Seattle-based airline just launched its first-ever flight to London less than a month after its first flight to Rome and just a week before its first flight to Iceland. This new daily route between Seattle and London will be flown on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring the new business class suites.