Alaska Airlines just did something it has never done in its 94-year history: it launched passenger flights to Europe. On April 28, 2026, Flight 180 departed Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for Rome-Fiumicino, marking the first time a U.S. West Coast carrier has offered daily nonstop passenger service between Seattle and the Italian capital. And that’s just the beginning — Barcelona starts June 2026. Here is exactly how to book, what it costs, and whether you should jump on these routes now.
The Two Routes: Rome and Barcelona
Alaska is starting small but smart. Both routes fly out of Seattle (SEA), the airline’s biggest hub and a city that has been underserved for nonstop European service relative to its size. Here is what is currently flying and what is coming.
Seattle to Rome (FCO)
- Start date: April 28, 2026 (daily service)
- Flight number: AS 180 (westbound), AS 181 (eastbound)
- Departure from SEA: 5:30 PM local
- Arrival in Rome: 1:15 PM the next day
- Aircraft: Boeing 737-900ER (fitted with 16 first-class seats, 24 premium class, and 138 main cabin seats)
Seattle to Barcelona (BCN)
- Start date: June 2026 (exact date expected to be announced soon)
- Flight number: Not yet assigned
- Schedule: Likely similar late-afternoon departure timing
- Aircraft: Same 737-900ER configuration
Both routes operate daily, which is a big deal for a narrow-body aircraft on transatlantic routes. The 737-900ER can make it because Seattle is closer to Europe than East Coast hubs, and the jet has an extended range of about 3,200 nautical miles. Rome is roughly 5,400 miles from Seattle, so they are pushing the limits — but Alaska has been operating cargo-only versions of this route since 2024, so the operational kinks are already worked out.
Pricing and Booking: What You Will Actually Pay
I checked real fares for May and June 2026 departures. Here is the honest breakdown — not the marketing numbers.
| Cabin Class | Seattle to Rome (Round Trip) | Seattle to Barcelona (Round Trip) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Main Cabin (Saver) | $680 – $850 | $620 – $790 | Budget travelers, solo trips, short stays |
| Main Cabin (Standard) | $850 – $1,100 | $780 – $1,050 | Couples, travelers who want seat selection |
| Premium Class | $1,400 – $1,800 | $1,300 – $1,700 | Tall travelers, anyone who hates tight seats |
| First Class | $2,800 – $3,800 | $2,600 – $3,500 | Business travelers, special occasions, mileage upgrades |
Key pricing notes:
- These are real prices from Alaska’s website as of May 3, 2026.
- Saver fares do not allow seat selection, changes, or same-day standby. You board last.
- First class on the 737-900ER is a 2-2 configuration with 40-inch pitch. It is not lie-flat. If you need to sleep horizontally, book a different airline.
- Premium Class gets you 35-inch pitch, free beer and wine, and dedicated overhead bin space. This is the sweet spot for most travelers.
When to book: Alaska opened Rome bookings in fall 2025. Barcelona bookings opened in early 2026. The cheapest fares I found were for Tuesday and Wednesday departures in late May and early June. If you want July or August, expect to pay 25-40% more.
Why This Matters Right Now
This is not just another route announcement. Alaska Airlines has been a West Coast regional carrier for its entire existence. Flying to Europe is a strategic pivot. Here is why you should care in May 2026:
- Seattle now has 58 international destinations across 36 cities, according to SEA Airport data from the Rome launch. Alaska is the only U.S. airline offering nonstop Seattle-Rome.
- Alaska’s Mileage Plan is one of the best loyalty programs in the U.S. No blackout dates on award travel. You can book these routes with miles starting at 40,000 miles one-way in main cabin.
- The 737-900ER has no premium economy lie-flat seats. This is a deliberate choice to keep fares low. You get a comfortable narrow-body experience, not a wide-body luxury product. If you want lie-flat, fly Delta or Emirates.
How to Book: Step-by-Step
Booking these routes is straightforward, but there are tricks to get the best deal.
Step 1: Go to alaskaair.com or use the app Do not use third-party sites like Expedia or Kayak for Alaska flights. Alaska often has exclusive fares on its own site, and if you need to change or cancel, dealing with a third party is a headache.
Step 2: Search from SEA to FCO or BCN Alaska’s system is good at showing you the lowest fares across a month. Use the “flexible dates” view. I found a $680 round-trip to Rome on a Tuesday in late May.
Step 3: Understand the fare classes
- Saver: Cheapest but restrictive. No changes, no advance seat selection.
- Main: You can pick your seat, change for a fee, and earn full miles.
- Premium: Extra legroom, priority boarding, free drinks.
- First: The best seat on the plane, but again, not lie-flat.
Step 4: Use miles if you have them Alaska Mileage Plan miles are worth about 1.2 to 1.5 cents each on these routes. A 40,000-mile one-way ticket to Rome is a solid deal. Compare that to cash fares. If you have an Alaska credit card, you also get a companion fare each year — that works on these routes too.
Step 5: Check your connection if you are not in Seattle Alaska flies to Seattle from 100+ cities. If you are in Portland, Spokane, Boise, or Anchorage, you can book the whole trip on one ticket. If you are in Denver, Chicago, or New York, you will need to connect through Seattle. The layover in SEA is usually 1-2 hours.
Pros and Cons: Is This the Right Flight for You?
Pros:
- Nonstop from Seattle. This saves you 3-5 hours compared to connecting through a European hub.
- Low fares. Alaska is undercutting Delta and United on these routes by $200-400 round-trip.
- Great loyalty program. Mileage Plan is generous with upgrades and award availability.
- Daily service. You are not stuck with a three-times-a-week schedule. Every day, a plane goes.
- Seattle is a nice airport. SEA has good food, free Wi-Fi, and a new international arrivals facility.
Cons:
- No lie-flat seats. If you are in first class and expect to sleep flat, you will be disappointed.
- Narrow-body aircraft. The 737-900ER is comfortable but not spacious. If you are over 6 feet tall, spring for Premium Class.
- Limited routes. Only Rome and Barcelona for now. No Paris, London, or Amsterdam.
- Saver fares are restrictive. No changes, no refunds, no seat selection. Buy Main or Premium if you value flexibility.
Best for:
- West Coast travelers who want a direct, affordable flight to Italy or Spain.
- Alaska Mileage Plan members looking to use miles.
- Travelers who prioritize price over luxury.
- Anyone visiting Rome or Barcelona for the first time.
Not ideal for:
- Business travelers who need to arrive rested and ready to work.
- Travelers who want lie-flat beds or premium economy pods.
- Anyone flying from the East Coast or Midwest (you will have to backtrack through Seattle).
What to Expect on Board
Alaska’s 737-900ER is not a new plane, but it is well-maintained. Here is what you get:
- Seats: 16 first class (2-2), 24 premium class (3-3 with extra legroom), 138 main cabin (3-3).
- Entertainment: Seatback screens with free movies, TV, and music. Alaska’s inflight Wi-Fi is $8 per flight for messaging, $15 for streaming.
- Food: Alaska serves complimentary meals on transatlantic flights. You get a hot meal shortly after takeoff and a breakfast or snack before landing. First class gets a better menu with wine pairings.
- Power: USB-A and USB-C ports at every seat. No AC outlets on the 737-900ER, so bring a battery pack if you need to charge a laptop.
- Baggage: One carry-on and one personal item included. Checked bags are $35 for the first bag in Main Cabin, free in First and Premium.
FAQ: Real Questions Travelers Are Asking
Q: Can I book a one-way ticket to Rome and fly back from Barcelona? Yes, but you will book two separate one-way tickets. Alaska does not have multi-city booking for these routes yet. A one-way to Rome and a one-way from Barcelona will cost about the same as a round-trip to either city.
Q: Is the 737 safe for a 10-hour ocean crossing? Yes. The 737-900ER is certified for extended overwater operations (ETOPS). Alaska has been flying cargo-only versions of this exact route since 2024 with no issues. The plane has extra fuel tanks and redundant systems. It is safe.
Q: What happens if my flight is delayed or canceled? Alaska has a generous change policy. If your flight is delayed more than 2 hours, you can rebook at no cost. If canceled, you get a full refund or rebooking. Alaska also has interline agreements with Delta and American, so they can put you on another airline if needed.
Q: Can I use my Alaska companion fare on these routes? Yes. The annual companion fare from the Alaska credit card works on any Alaska-operated flight, including these Europe routes. You pay the fare for the first ticket and only taxes/fees for the second. This can save you $300-500.
Q: When will Alaska add more European cities? Alaska has not announced anything yet, but industry insiders expect Paris (CDG) and London (LHR) in 2027. The airline is testing the market with Rome and Barcelona first. If these routes are profitable, expect more.
Q: Do I need a visa for Italy or Spain? U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days in the Schengen Area. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months beyond your departure date. Starting in 2025, you also need an ETIAS authorization (€7, valid 3 years). Apply online before you go.
The Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines launching Europe routes is a genuine game-changer for West Coast travelers. The Seattle-Rome flight is already running daily, and Barcelona starts in June. The fares are competitive, the schedule is reliable, and the Mileage Plan program makes it easy to use points.
Is it the best way to get to Europe? If you are in Seattle or a nearby Alaska hub, yes. If you are flying from New York, you are better off with a direct flight on Delta or JetBlue. But for the West Coast, this is the most affordable nonstop option to Italy and Spain in years.
Book early for summer 2026. The cheap seats are going fast.
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Last updated: 2026-05-04