Alaska Airlines has been steadily growing its international footprint from Seattle with new routes to London, Reykjavik, and Rom since the merger with Hawaiian airlines. Alaska Airline has also relocated some flights between Honolulu and Tokyo and Seoul to Seattle as well. This being it’s first round of long haul flying from Seattle.
Last week after having serval conversations, I learned that Alaska Airlines next big leap could be into Southeast Asia! During the ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) conference, I had the chance to speak with an industry insider who confirmed that Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport is in talks with Alaska Airlines to launch service to Thailand. This is not only fascinating but VERY exciting!
Why Bangkok Makes Sense
Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, and yet, for travelers departing from the U.S. West Coast, nonstop options are virtually nonexistent. Today, most itineraries involve at least one stop. Most will travel via Tokyo, Seoul, or Taipei before reaching Thailand. That means Alaska could carve out a unique niche by offering a direct flight from Seattle or possibly on stop via the majority of the United States and Thailand.
Currently, Air Canada operates a successful YVR-BKK route, proving there’s strong demand for nonstop service from North America to Thailand. Beyond that, there’s no direct competition from U.S. carriers. Alaska would be entering a market with high leisure appeal, strong premium demand, and minimal nonstop competition. This is a rare trifecta in aviation
With the White Lotus effect in full swing as well, even more people than ever are considering Thailand. The land of smiles, white sand beaches, amazing food, and more has drawn travelers, and now Alaska could capitalize on the white lotus effect. Will it last? One can only guess but it could be a smart move.
Bottom Line
While talks are still preliminary, the fact that Bangkok airport officials are engaging with Alaska Airlines signals serious intent. Yet, we see these conversations happen all the time without ever actually coming to coming to fruition. If this route materializes, it would mark Alaska’s boldest international expansion yet. As even Hawaiian Airlines does not fly from from Hawaii to Southeast Asia.
For now, we’ll keep watching. But if you’ve been dreaming of Thai beaches and temples, you might soon have a new nonstop option from the Pacific Northwest. File this under speculation.
