Alaska Airlines Teams Up With Sam Darnold To Drive Seattle’s Exciting New Paris And Athens Travel Push

Written By: Binoy Mehera

Binoy Mehera

A curious mind driven by a passion for storytelling, I find inspiration in uncovering hidden perspectives, exploring diverse experiences, and shaping ideas into narratives that leave an impact. With three years of experience in journalism and content creation, I have developed a strong instinct for identifying meaningful stories, blending research with creativity, and presenting information in a way that connects with readers. My storytelling journey is guided by a fascination for culture, travel, lifestyle, and the human experiences that define our world. I aim to create narratives that not only inform but also spark curiosity, evoke emotions, and offer audiences a deeper understanding of every story.

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August 20, 2026 6:22 PM

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Alaska Airlines has made Seattle Quarterback Sam Darnold the face of their multi-year partnership. Along with the added sponsorship, they created their “Seattle Proud” campaign. The hometown promotion combines the thrill of football and the grow of Alaska’s international network. This sponsorship will debut as Alaska begins new direct flights to Paris and Athens.

The campaign celebrates the airline’s employees, Seattle roots and commitment to delivering an elevated guest experience as Alaska Airlines moves into a new phase of global expansion. Through Darnold’s involvement, travellers will discover new destinations, enhanced travel experiences and greater opportunities through Atmos™ Rewards, while experiencing Alaska’s growing premium international offering.

Ben Minicucci, CEO, Alaska Airlines, “Sam knows how to compete on a global stage, and that play-to-win mindset totally aligns with our approach at Alaska Airlines. Partnering with a world champion like Sam is a fun way to celebrate Alaska Airlines’ momentum as we build a global gateway in Seattle to connect our guests to the world.”

Sam Darnold, “Seattle knows what it feels like to reach new heights. After an unforgettable season, I’m excited to partner with Alaska to celebrate that same momentum beyond the field. From Paris to Athens and beyond, Alaska is bringing Seattle to the world in new ways, and I’m proud to be part of a campaign that highlights what’s possible when a city keeps reaching farther.”

The campaign will expand across Seattle, Portland and other important regional markets, along with Alaska Airlines’ digital platforms and owned media channels. It will feature Sam Darnold, Alaska employees and real guest experiences that highlight travel, loyalty benefits and the strong connection between the airline and its Seattle hometown. During the football season, travellers will have opportunities to interact with exclusive Sam-focused social content, airport gate activities and special experiences designed to bring the partnership closer to fans.

Throughout the regular football season, Alaska Airlines will introduce unique travel and loyalty surprises inspired by Darnold’s No. 14 jersey. Selected flights will transform into “Flight 1414,” rewarding passengers onboard with an additional 1,414 Atmos Rewards points. During away games, special featured flights will help Seattle-area supporters travel to the host cities where their team competes. For home games, the airline will highlight routes connecting Seattle with the visiting team’s home destination, creating a travel-focused celebration of each matchup and Alaska’s deep community connection.

Through Atmos Rewards, travellers gain expanded opportunities to earn and use points across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, oneworld alliance partners and other international airline partners covering more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. Members can also access an enhanced travel experience with premium international cabins, business class Suites, upgraded onboard services and complimentary Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity for Atmos Rewards members.

Starting September 9, travellers wearing Sam Darnold’s No. 14 Seattle jersey at selected gates at SeaTac Airport will receive a special travel perk by being invited to board with Group C. The game-inspired experience adds a new element of excitement for fans while highlighting Alaska Airlines’ connection with Seattle’s football culture. The airline will also introduce limited-time flight offers through its social media channels during the season, creating additional opportunities for travellers to participate and enjoy exclusive benefits.

This multi-year partnership continues Alaska Airlines’ tradition of collaborating with leading figures across sports, entertainment and culture to create memorable experiences for customers. The initiative represents the airline’s evolving brand journey, combining its strong West Coast roots with a growing global presence through Atmos Rewards and expanded international connectivity. With new destinations such as Paris and Athens joining its network, Alaska Airlines aims to bring Seattle closer to the world while delivering a more connected and elevated travel experience.