Growing competition between Alaska Airlines and Delta for international passengers in the Pacific Northwest centers on the SEA.
Things are heating up in a city known for its cool drizzle. Just weeks after Alaska Airlines revealed its maiden voyage across the Atlantic from Seattle to Rome in May 2026, Delta fired back with not one but two European routes of its own. Starting next year, travelers can hop on Delta’s four weekly flights from Seattle to Rome beginning May 6, or catch one of three weekly flights to Barcelona launching the very next day.
Delta’s global reach from Seattle already spans continents with service to Amsterdam, London, and across the Pacific to Tokyo Haneda and Seoul Incheon. Not to be outdone, Alaska Airlines just spread its wings to Tokyo Narita last month and is set to add Seoul this September, leveraging its new wide-body aircraft from partner Hawaiian Airlines.
The competition continues in the terminal at Seattle-Tacoma International. While Alaska boasts three lounges for its members, Delta just upped the ante this week with two premium club at SEA. Situated across from Gate A11, Delta’s impressive two-level complex spans a whopping 24,000 sf and was inspired by the Emerald City. Business travelers can now choose between the exclusive Delta One lounge (with room for 149 inside plus 72 on a scenic wraparound terrace) or the spacious Sky Club that welcomes 183 premium passengers.
Smoother Airport Transit
As for traveling through SEA, both Delta and Alaska just unveiled Touchless ID verification for TSA PreCheck members—freeing travelers from fumbling for physical IDs. Delta also elevated its premium experience with new concierge-style Delta One check-in service, offering the same VIP treatment already enjoyed at Boston, JFK and LAX.
JetBlue: It’s in the Bag
JetBlue announced two major enhancements to its baggage experience last week: a new mobile app feature that provides customers with real-time updates on the status of their checked bags, and a new option that allows customers to securely share the location of an Apple AirTag or Find My network accessory placed inside their checked luggage.
These new capabilities will give customers greater visibility into their bags’ journey and help expedite recovery in the event of a delay or mishandling. JetBlue consistently ranks among the top U.S. carriers for baggage handling, with fewer than 1 percent of customers experiencing a delay, according to U.S. Department of Transportation data.
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