Alaska Airlines Launches Its First-Ever Transatlantic Flight to London Heathrow

Alaska Airlines is now flying nonstop from Seattle to London Heathrow for the first time — here is what UK travellers need to know.

Alaska Airlines has made aviation history. The Seattle-based carrier has launched its very first transatlantic service, operating a brand-new nonstop route between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport and London Heathrow Airport. Taking off for the first time in May 2026, the new route marks a defining moment for one of America's most established domestic carriers — and brings an exciting new travel option to passengers flying from the UK.

For a US airline that spent nearly nine decades focused on home soil, crossing the Atlantic for the first time is no small achievement. It is a bold, ambitious move — and London is where it begins.​​​​​​​

Alaska Airlines has been in operation since 1932. Over the decades, it built a well-earned reputation as a dominant force in American domestic aviation, particularly across the West Coast states. However, long-haul international flying was always a territory it had yet to enter — until now.

The launch of the Seattle to London Heathrow route marks the airline's first-ever transatlantic service, and it is being operated daily, year-round. This is not a limited seasonal trial. Alaska Airlines is making a full, long-term commitment to the London market, which speaks volumes about the confidence the carrier has in this new chapter of its growth.​​​​​​​

Alaska Airlines has invested seriously in the onboard product for this route across all three cabin classes. Business Class passengers travel in fully enclosed private suites, complete with lie-flat beds and sliding privacy doors — a premium experience designed to compete with the best on the transatlantic corridor. Dining in Business Class takes inspiration from Pacific Northwest food culture, with multi-course meals crafted in partnership with well-regarded West Coast culinary brands.

Passengers in Premium Class and the Main Cabin are equally well looked after. Both classes receive complimentary meals and drinks throughout the flight, alongside free seatback entertainment. For a carrier making its transatlantic debut, it is an impressively generous onboard offering from the outset.​​​​​​​

Alaska Airlines operates its London flights out of Terminal 3 at Heathrow — the dedicated hub for Oneworld alliance carriers, of which Alaska Airlines is a member. For UK travellers connecting to other destinations, this is a practical and well-positioned base. Terminal 3 provides easy access to onward flights across Europe, the Middle East, and further afield through Oneworld partner airlines. Business Class passengers and eligible frequent flyers can also access Oneworld alliance lounges within the terminal during their journey.

The arrival of Alaska Airlines at London Heathrow is welcome news for UK passengers looking to explore the American West Coast. Seattle is a city that has long deserved more attention from British travellers — a dynamic, culturally rich destination with a thriving food scene, stunning waterfront, and outstanding access to some of North America's most breathtaking natural landscapes, including the Cascade Mountains and the Olympic Peninsula.

Beyond the city itself, Seattle serves as an excellent gateway for wider West Coast adventures, with straightforward onward connections to Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and destinations across the western United States. Additional competition on the transatlantic route is also good news for fares and passenger choice — and with daily, year-round departures now confirmed, planning a trip has never been more straightforward.​​​​​​​

Thinking about visiting Seattle or exploring the Pacific Northwest? Speak to the travel experts at Crystal Travel today and let us help you make the most of this exciting new route.