Alaska Airlines Expands International Routes with Seattle-Seoul Nonstop Flights
Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of a new nonstop flight from Seattle (SEA) to Seoul Incheon (ICN), commencing on September 12, 2025. This service will be operated by Hawaiian Airlines using a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The introduction of this route comes with special promotions, including a Buy One, Get One deal and award redemptions starting at 20,000 points for one-way travel.
Positioning Seattle as a Global Hub
The new route marks a crucial step in Alaska Airlines’ strategy to establish Seattle Airport as the premier global hub on the West Coast. The service, slated to operate five times a week, will strengthen connections between the Pacific Northwest and Seoul, the vibrant capital of South Korea. This move aligns with Alaska Airlines’ broader goal to offer 12 nonstop international destinations from Seattle by 2030. Earlier, on May 12, 2025, Alaska began daily flights from Seattle to Tokyo Narita (NRT).
Flight Schedule Details
| Flight | Departure | Arrival | Days of Operation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Outbound (HA871) | Seattle 2:50 PM | Seoul Incheon 6:35 PM (next day) | Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
| Return (HA872) | Seoul Incheon 8:35 PM | Seattle 2:45 PM | Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday |
This marks the first international operation from Seattle by the Boeing 787-9 for the Alaska Air Group. The aircraft features 34 enclosed Business Class suites equipped with lie-flat seats and other amenities like 18-inch HD monitors and wireless charging. In 2026, ultra-fast Starlink Wi-Fi will be installed to further enhance passenger experience.
Promotional Offers for Launch
- Buy One, Get One: Purchase one economy fare for the new route and obtain a companion ticket for just the applicable taxes and fees.
- Award Redemptions: Atmos™ Rewards members can redeem as low as 20,000 points one way or 40,000 points round-trip in the main cabin.
Travelers need to book tickets by September 12, 2025, to benefit from these offers. Participants in the Buy One, Get One promotion will earn Atmos Rewards points and status points based on miles flown. Award ticket travelers will earn approximately 5,200 status points for the one-way journey.
Atmos Rewards Program
The Atmos Rewards program merges Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Hawaiian’s Hawaiian Miles into a streamlined system. Features include:
- Redeemable points for flights, upgrades, and partner services.
- Status points earned on both paid and award tickets, acknowledging loyalty through miles flown.
- Access to over 1,000 destinations via partnerships with Hawaiian Airlines, the OneWorld alliance, and more than 30 other global carriers.
This program promises expanded options and meaningful rewards across Alaska’s long-haul network.
Strategic Growth and Market Expansion
The Seattle to Seoul route is central to Alaska Airlines’ expansion strategy, leveraging its merger with Hawaiian Airlines to broaden access to larger aircraft and global markets. Seattle remains the largest hub on the West Coast with 104 nonstop destinations, delivering extensive connectivity for travelers. This route supports both business and leisure travel, offering convenient connections to Asia and beyond.
Alaska Airlines plans to launch additional Boeing 787-9 routes, including Seattle to Tokyo Narita in January 2026, along with new services to London and Rome in spring 2026.
