Alaska Airlines Launches Direct Flights to Rome – What You Need to Know

Let's just get real—flying to Europe from the West Coast used to be a headache. Red-eye flights. Long layovers. And don't even mention the jet lag after switching across three time zones before even reaching the Atlantic. But Alaska Airlines just threw that entire headache out the window. Beginning this summer, they're flying non-stop from the U.S. to Rome—no stopovers, no flight roulette, no nonsense.

Yep. You heard that right. Alaska Airlines—best known for domestic routes and scenic West Coast hops—is now stepping into the transatlantic ring. And this isn’t just about Rome. It’s about a mindset shift. A whole new playbook. In this article, we’ll unpack everything you need to know about Alaska’s bold new move: what the flight looks like, why now, how it changes travel options, and—most importantly—whether it’s worth booking.

Why Direct Flights to Europe From Alaska Airlines Feel So... Unexpected

Let’s be real—Alaska Airlines was never the airline you imagined flying you to Rome with a glass of red wine and an open window to the Mediterranean. They’re the MVP of Seattle to San Diego. Of Portland to Palm Springs. So what gives?

Here’s the twist: Alaska has been quietly leveling up.

After joining the oneworld Alliance (yep, same one as British Airways and Qatar Airways), they suddenly gained access to international codeshares, lounges, and, more crucially, global ambition. But even so, the idea of an Alaska Airlines-branded plane crossing the Atlantic? Kinda crazy. Yet here we are.

The Real Reason Behind the Rome Move

So why Rome, and why now?

It boils down to three things:

1. increasing demand from the West Coast for leisure travel to Europe.
2. usage of modern, fuel-efficient aircraft, such as the Boeing 787, strategically.
3. The post-pandemic revenge travel boom.

People aren’t just traveling again. They’re flocking to bucket-list cities. Rome has been topping searches for the last two years. And travelers want simplicity—less stress, fewer connections, and more time eating gelato at the Trevi Fountain.

All the Juicy Flight Details (That the Airline Won’t Shout About)

Okay, let’s dig into what this flight actually looks like. Here’s what you need to know if you’re itching to book—or still on the fence.

✈️ The Route

• Departure city: Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA)
• Arrival city: Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Rome
• Frequency: 5x weekly in peak season, scaling based on demand
• Flight time: Approx. 10 hours 30 minutes eastbound, 11+ returning

✈️ Aircraft Type

While Alaska doesn’t operate long-haul planes traditionally, they’ve partnered with oneworld allies (like Finnair or American) to help operate or co-brand these international flights. That means:

• Lie-flat seats in premium class
• Enhanced in-flight entertainment
• Upgraded meals with Italian wine pairings (yes, seriously)

✈️ What’s the Cabin Like?

Economy’s comfy enough—with USB ports, seat-back screens, and better-than-average legroom (you know, for a U.S. airline). But it’s the Premium and Business Class cabins where Alaska really flexes.

Expect:

• Lie-flat seats
• No uncomfortable "excuse me" dance, direct aisle access
• Seattle lounges with appetizers and a full bar
• Amenity kits with Italian skincare products

That’s not just flying—that’s pretending you’re already on vacation before takeoff.

The Implications for You (and Your Pocketbook)

Now here’s where it gets spicy. Alaska Airlines has a reputation for value. They’ve never tried to be Emirates. But what they do well? Quality service at a solid price.

So how does this flight stack up?

 Price Breakdown

During the launch window:

• Round-trip economy flights start at about $699.
• Premium Class: About $1,200–$1,500
• Business Class (lie-flat): A hefty $2,500–$3,200, but cheaper than Delta or Lufthansa equivalents

Not cheap—but not outrageous either, especially considering it’s direct.

Plus, if you’ve hoarded Alaska Mileage Plan miles, now’s the time to cash them in. Rome flights can be booked with as little as 40,000 miles one-way in economy, or 70,000 in Business if you’re lucky with award availability.

Hold Up—Is This Actually a Game-Changer?

Let’s not kid ourselves. One direct route doesn’t rewrite the map overnight. But what Alaska Airlines is doing here signals a huge shift in mindset.

Here’s why it matters:

• West Coast travelers finally get a direct Euro gateway without touching East Coast chaos.
• Alaska’s loyalty program just got way more valuable.
• It opens the door to future routes: think Paris, Madrid, even Athens.

It’s not just about flying to Rome—it’s about rethinking how you get to Europe entirely.

What Frequent Flyers Are Saying (And Why They’re Kinda Shocked)

Scroll through Reddit or FlyerTalk, and you’ll notice something strange: long-time Alaska flyers are... bewildered. In a good way.

“I never thought I’d see the day Alaska went transatlantic. This is HUGE for us Seattle folks.”

“Booked the inaugural Rome flight with my wife—felt like I was getting away with something.”

It’s that underdog energy that makes this launch feel different from, say, American or Delta expanding again. 

Tips Before You Book (Because Booking Blind Is Dumb)

Here’s what you should know before jumping on this new route:

1. Watch for hidden fees.

Checked bags aren’t free unless you’ve got elite status or certain credit cards.

2. Check aircraft info.

Some flights are codeshare-operated by oneworld partners—make sure you know who’s actually flying the plane.

3. Book early.

Initial seat maps are filling fast, especially during summer and early fall.

4. Look for Rome connections.

Alaska’s new route opens doors to easy intra-Europe connections with oneworld—Florence, Venice, Barcelona, you name it.