This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Airlines and additional market data.

Alaska Airlines Launches Daily Nonstop Service to London Heathrow, Debuts “Atmos Rewards” Program

Alaska Airlines has officially opened ticket sales for a new daily nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow (LHR), scheduled to launch on May 21, 2026. This announcement marks a significant milestone in the carrier’s integration with Hawaiian Airlines, as the route will be operated using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners acquired through the merger.

According to the airline’s announcement, this route represents Alaska’s fifth intercontinental destination from its Seattle hub, joining Rome, Reykjavik, Tokyo, and Seoul. The move signals a strategic shift for the airline, transitioning from a primarily domestic and regional carrier into a global operator utilizing its own widebody metal.

In conjunction with the route expansion, the airline has provided details on its unified loyalty program, “Atmos Rewards,” and the introduction of a new “Global” livery for its long-haul fleet.

Flight Schedule and Operational Details

The new service will operate year-round, connecting the Pacific Northwest directly to one of the world’s busiest international hubs. Alaska Airlines has confirmed that the flights will operate out of London Heathrow’s Terminal 3, a strategic location that facilitates connections with fellow oneworld alliance partners, including British Airways and American Airlines.

The schedule for the new route is as follows:

• SEA to LHR: Departs at 9:40 p.m., arriving at 3:05 p.m. the following day.
• LHR to SEA: Departs at 5:00 p.m., arriving at 6:50 p.m. the same day.

Introductory roundtrip fares for the route have been set at $699. To secure access to the slot-restricted Heathrow airport, industry data indicates that Alaska Airlines is leasing slots from its partner, American Airlines.

The “Atmos Rewards” Loyalty Transformation

Following the merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska has restructured its loyalty offering. On August 20, 2025, the carrier officially rebranded the Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles programs into a single unified entity known as Atmos Rewards.

According to the airline, the new program introduces four elite tiers: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium. A key differentiator for Atmos Rewards, starting in 2026, is the flexibility offered to members regarding status qualification. Members will be able to choose their preferred method of earning status based on three metrics:

• Distance flown
• Dollars spent
• Segments flown

This “choice” model is designed to accommodate different types of travelers, from long-haul road warriors to frequent short-haul commuters. To support the program, the airline has also introduced a premium credit card, the “Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite.”

Fleet Modernization and Onboard Experience

The Seattle-London route will be flown by Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These aircraft, originally ordered by Hawaiian Airlines, are being integrated into the Alaska fleet to support the carrier’s goal of serving at least 12 intercontinental destinations from Seattle by 2030.

The aircraft will feature a new “Global” livery inspired by the Aurora Borealis. The first aircraft to receive this design, tail number N784HA, is currently flying in a temporary white scheme and is scheduled for painting in January 2026.

Cabin Configuration

The interior of the 787-9s has been configured to compete in the premium trans-Atlantic market:

• Business Class: 34 lie-flat suites arranged in a 1-2-1 configuration, featuring privacy doors and multi-course dining.
• Premium Class: Economy seating with additional legroom.
• Main Cabin: Standard economy seating.
• Connectivity: The fleet will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, which will be complimentary for Atmos Rewards members beginning in 2026.

AirPro News Analysis

The launch of the SEA-LHR route places Alaska Airlines directly into one of the most competitive long-haul corridors in the world. By Summer 2026, we estimate there will be approximately five daily departures on this route, with Alaska competing against British Airways, Delta Air Lines, and Virgin Atlantic.

This move is strategically significant for two reasons. First, it demonstrates the immediate synergy of the Hawaiian Airlines merger; rather than restricting widebody aircraft solely to leisure routes in Hawaii, Alaska is deploying them on high-yield corporate routes. London is cited as the largest corporate travel market from Seattle, making this a necessary play for business contracts.

Second, the “Atmos Rewards” program appears to be a direct response to the revenue-based models adopted by competitors like Delta and United. By retaining a “distance flown” option while adding spend-based qualifiers, Alaska is attempting to retain its loyal base of mileage runners while simultaneously courting high-spend business travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the new Seattle to London flight start?

Service begins on May 21, 2026. Tickets are currently on sale.

What aircraft will operate the route?

Alaska Airlines will use the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, featuring lie-flat Business Class suites.

What is Atmos Rewards?

Atmos Rewards is the new unified loyalty program replacing Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles. It officially launched in August 2025.

Will Wi-Fi be available on the flight?

Yes, the aircraft will be equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi, which is free for Atmos Rewards members starting in 2026.

Sources

• Alaska Airlines Newsroom