Alaska Airlines: Connecting Seattle to the World

Beginning in the spring of 2026, Alaska Airlines will expand its west coast, transcontinental and international flight network.  As Bellevue High School looks forward to mid-winter break, spring break and summer break, this new expansion creates endless possibilities for travel.

On a domestic scale, Alaska is revamping its services and adding two new routes: Seattle to Tulsa, Oklahoma, starting March 18, and Arcata-Eureka, California, starting April 8. These additions are part of a 13-route network-wide expansion, increasing travel options from the Pacific Northwest.

“California is a popular place for students and their families, so adding more flights there makes sense,” said junior Emma Darko, “It’s nice that Alaska Airlines is focusing on places that people actually want to visit.”

Not only are they offering new, national flight schedule changes, but they are also introducing daily, nonstop flights to international destinations including London, Rome and Reykjavik. After expanding their direct flights to Asian destinations such as Tokyo and Seoul, following their partnership with Hawaiian Airlines in 2025, their new European agenda is something many people look forward to.

“I have family in Europe, so traveling there means long flights and layovers,” said junior Ada Floyd, “Having nonstop flights to places like London and Rome would make visiting them a lot easier and way less stressful.”

In addition to flight routes, Alaska is creating a new look for its global flight experience. Their 787-9 Dreamliner aircrafts, used for long-haul flights, are getting an exterior update with a striking new design. The design draws inspiration from the northern lights, displaying deep blues and greens, flowing lines and a classic horizontal stripe. Even though the design’s debut was in January, it’s projected that by spring, all the Dreamliners in their fleet will showcase the new design.

From domestic routes to international travel and plane design, Alaska Airlines is introducing some big changes for the spring and summer travel season this year. Students and families can enjoy faster, more convenient travel with fewer layovers. These updates make Alaska Airlines’ 2026 expansion an exciting opportunity for anyone planning a getaway or a visit abroad.