Alaska Airlines is now selling Seattle to Rome on their new Boeing 787-9 from the merger with Hawaiian Airlines. A plan that was only going to offer service a few days a week is now going to be daily starting April 28, 2026. The new route will be the longest route in the Alaska Air Group system, longer than anything previously from by Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines. This is an exciting chapter as Alaska builds up Seattle as a global hub and expands from currently long haul service from Honolulu to Asia and the South Pacific and recently new routes from Seattle to Seoul and Tokyo-Narita.
Seattle to Rome Goes Daily
As the battle for Seattle’s global hub dominance between Delta and Alaska heats up, Alaska is going to fly to Rome daily. When this route was initially announced by Alaska it was only going to be 4x a week. Yet per Alaska, due to strong demand (even though it just went on sale today), they are now moving the route to daily for summer 2026. I beleive that this is a direct response to Delta Air Lines own route announcement from Seattle to Rome which launches May 2026.
Seattle – Rome Schedule
Seattle to Rome Business Class amenities
The flight between Seattle and Rome will be on the newly delivered 787-9. These are by far the best planes in the Alaska Air Group fleet. Each plane offers 34 enclosed suites outfitted with fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 seating configuration, featuring privacy doors and direct aisle access from every seat. The seats feature an 18” HD monitors with hours of inflight entertainment. Guests enjoy the IFE with provided noise-reducing headsets. The seats also feature a power outlet at each seat and wireless charging, great for phones!
Business class flyers also can relaxing in any Alaska Airlines lounge. Alaska is building a business class only premium lounge in Seattle. Yet until that opens (likely end of 2026) guests can enjoy the Alaska Lounge with West Coast-inspired light meals, wines, brews and cocktails. There are three lounges to choose from in Seattle.
For business class meals and drinks, Alaska is trying to elevate the long haul flying experience. Alaska will offer Multi-course meals that dining on board with a variety of selections to choose from that can be pre-ordered, along with fine wines and inspired cocktails. Alaska teases us by stating they are trying to start a culinary journey by bringing the best of the West Coast to the world with our Chef’s (tray) Table program. Sounds fancy right? Yet, then they just tease current partnerships such as Salt and Straw, Straightaway Cocktails and Stumptown Coffee. Who will design the menu, that is yet to be shared.
Thankfully Alaska has the team from Hawaiian to help launch these new routes and Alaska can lean on the experience from their newly merged airline to help ensure the flying experience on this 11+ hour flight is comfortable for their business class flyers. After all, this flight is only slightly longer than Seattle to Seoul.
Premium Class and Main Cabin amenities
Alaska 787-9 other cabins include the Premium Class and main cabin. Feature typical arrangement of 3-3-3. Premium Class is really just a main cabin seat with additional legroom. Similar to what we see on the B737 fleet at Alaska. Premium class passengers will benjoy seating that offers more legroom, priority boarding and personal power outlets. Premium class passengers will also enjoy complimentary spirits. Whereas only beer and wine is complimentary for the main cabin. Of course all customers will still enjoy complimentary soda, juice, and water.
Long haul main cabin flyers will enjoy two chef-inspired meals served in Premium Class and the Main Cabin during the flight. One after takeoff and another before landing. Plus guests can enjoy filson blankets and and comfort kits with Salt & Stone products. Each seat
The 787 does offer seatback entertainment in every seat, including the main cabin. In addition, ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi is going to be rolled out on all 787-9 aircraft in fall 2026. The service will be free for Atmos Rewards members thanks to T-Mobile.
Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines is going to Rome this spring and will continue to serve Rome this summer daily. The new service marks the longest flight within the Alaska Air group and builds upon new service between Seattle and Seoul and Seattle to Tokyo. Alaska has a goal to serve 12 long-haul routes from Seattle by 2030. Other new routes includes Seattle to London and Seattle to Reykjavik.
