Alaska just did something nobody expected — it’s adding nonstop flights from Seattle to two of Europe’s most iconic cities, Athens and Paris, beginning in May 2027. The carrier will operate the routes on its 787‑9 Dreamliner, which sports a modest 34‑seat business class cabin, so you won’t be stuck in an economy‑only product.
Why does this matter? First, Seattle‑Athens will be the only nonstop connection from the Pacific Northwest to Greece. That saves you the usual detour through a hub like LAX or a transatlantic layover, shaving off at least six hours of travel time. The Paris service isn’t brand‑new for Alaska, but adding a third weekly frequency gives you more flexibility when hunting for award seats.
For Mileage Plan members, the news is a sweet spot. Alaska’s award chart still treats Europe as a “zone 2” destination, meaning you can snag a round‑trip business‑class award for as low as 70,000 miles on a 787‑9 (if you’re lucky with availability). With three weekly departures, the odds of finding a seat improve dramatically compared with the airline’s once‑or‑twice‑a‑week routes.
Practical tip: start monitoring the flight numbers now—Alaska usually opens award inventory 330 days out. If you have a trip in mind for summer 2027, set a calendar reminder for early March 2027 to begin the search. Also, consider leveraging Alaska’s partners (e.g., American, British Airways, Cathay Pacific) to hop on the same flight if you have elite status or want to use a different mileage currency.
Keep in mind the service is seasonal. Alaska has labeled the routes “summer‑only,” so expect them to pause in the off‑peak months. If you need a winter connection to Greece, you’ll still have to route through a European hub.
Bottom line: for West Coast travelers who crave a direct hop to the Mediterranean or a more convenient Paris gateway, Alaska’s new 787‑9 routes are a genuine upgrade. The limited‑seat business class might feel exclusive, but that’s exactly why it’s worth flagging now and planning ahead.