Alaska Airlines Joins British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta Air Lines on the Seattle-London Route: Find Out Which Airline Offers the Best Comfort, Baggage, and Deals

Published on December 15, 2025

Travelers looking to fly from Seattle (SEA) to London (LHR) in 2025 have several major airlines offering different routes and options. Among these, Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, and Delta Air Lines are the primary carriers providing non-stop services on this transatlantic route. Each airline presents its own set of offerings, including seating configurations, baggage policies, fare options, and perks, making it essential to understand the specific details before booking a flight. In this guide, we explore the various services provided by these airlines for a seamless journey from Seattle to London.

1. Alaska Airlines: A New Transatlantic Service

Starting on May 21, 2026, Alaska Airlines will introduce its first-ever non-stop service from Seattle to London Heathrow (LHR), marking a significant milestone for the airline’s transatlantic operations. This new service will be operated on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, a modern wide-body aircraft designed for long-haul comfort.

Seating and Aircraft Details

• Business Class: Alaska Airlines will feature 34 lie-flat seats in its Business Class section, offering premium amenities for travelers seeking the utmost comfort.
• Economy Class: The aircraft will also have 266 Economy Class seats, ensuring a spacious and comfortable journey for those traveling in economy.
• This aircraft choice reflects Alaska’s commitment to providing modern amenities and comfort for its passengers on transatlantic routes.

Baggage Policy

Alaska Airlines’ baggage policy for the SEA-LHR route has not yet been fully disclosed, as the service is set to begin in 2026. However, based on existing long-haul policies, travelers can expect carry-on bags and checked bags to be included, particularly for higher fare classes. For Basic Economy passengers, baggage may incur additional charges. Travelers should check for updated baggage allowances closer to the travel date or during the booking process.

Fare Classes and Discounts

Alaska Airlines will offer multiple fare classes:

• Main Cabin
• Premium Class
• First/Business Class for long-haul travelers.
  The airline often offers introductory pricing for new routes, with early pricing advertised at approximately $699 for a roundtrip ticket. Frequent flyers can also take advantage of the Mileage Plan benefits, including mileage accrual and elite perks.

Traveler Notes

Alaska Airlines’ SEA-LHR route will be its first long-haul transatlantic flight, providing an exciting new option for passengers. Premium cabin seats will feature lie-flat options, multi-course dining, and enhanced service, ensuring an elevated travel experience.

2. British Airways: Established and Trusted Transatlantic Carrier

As a long-established carrier on the Seattle to London route, British Airways continues to provide reliable and comfortable service for travelers. British Airways operates non-stop flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and London Heathrow (LHR), utilizing a mix of Boeing 777s and Airbus A350s, both of which are equipped with modern amenities.

Seating and Aircraft Details

British Airways’ wide-body aircraft offer multiple cabin classes:

• Economy Class (World Traveller)
• Premium Economy (World Traveller Plus)
• Business Class (Club World)
• First Class on select aircraft.
  Each aircraft has different seat configurations, but all offer comfortable seating with sufficient space for long-haul flights.

Baggage Policy

British Airways’ baggage allowance for international flights is standard for long-haul routes:

• Economy Class passengers can check in 1 bag weighing up to 23 kg.
• Premium Economy allows for 2 checked bags, each up to 23 kg.
• Business Class (Club World) and First Class passengers are permitted 2 checked bags, each weighing up to 32 kg.
  All passengers are allowed 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item, ensuring convenience during their journey.

Fare Classes and Discounts

British Airways offers a variety of fare families, including:

• Basic, Standard, and Flexible options, each with different levels of flexibility, seat selection, and baggage inclusions.
• The Executive Club membership allows passengers to earn Avios points, which can be redeemed for upgrades or future discounts.
  Promotions and seasonal sales are often available, particularly during early booking windows and shoulder seasons.

Traveler Notes

As a member of the oneworld alliance, British Airways passengers can enjoy connections and benefits across partner airlines. The airline offers extensive flight options, both to and from Seattle, with additional benefits for frequent flyers.

3. Virgin Atlantic: Premium Service Across the Atlantic

Virgin Atlantic is a key player in the Seattle-London route, offering an exceptional travel experience with a focus on premium service. Virgin typically operates its transatlantic flights using Boeing 787 and Airbus A330neo aircraft, ensuring comfort and style throughout the journey.

Seating and Aircraft Details

Virgin Atlantic offers multiple cabin classes to cater to different passenger preferences:

• Upper Class: The premium business class features fully flat beds and premium service, perfect for those looking for luxury.
• Premium Economy: This cabin provides extra space and enhanced service for passengers who prefer a bit more comfort than economy.
• Economy Class (Light, Classic, Delight): Virgin’s economy cabins offer standard seating options, with varying baggage and service perks based on the fare class.

Baggage Policy

Virgin Atlantic’s baggage policy differs depending on the fare class:

• Economy Light: Passengers are allowed 1 cabin bag (10 kg) but no checked baggage.
• Economy Classic/Delight: These fare classes include 1 checked bag up to 23 kg.
• Premium Economy: Travelers in this class are allowed 2 checked bags, each weighing up to 23 kg.
• Upper Class: The premium class allows 2 cabin bags (totaling 16 kg) and 2 checked bags up to 32 kg each.

Fare Classes and Discounts

Virgin Atlantic offers multiple fare levels within Economy, with added perks such as:

• Priority boarding and seat selection options for higher fare classes.
• Flying Club members earn points with every flight, which can be used for upgrades or discounts on future bookings.

Traveler Notes

Upper Class passengers enjoy exclusive access to Virgin lounges, priority boarding, and premium dining service, ensuring a first-class experience throughout the journey.

4. Delta Air Lines: A Consistent Choice for Transatlantic Travel

Delta Air Lines provides another established option for travelers flying from Seattle to London. Delta’s fleet of Airbus A330, Boeing 767, and Boeing 777 aircraft offers various cabin configurations and services on this popular route.

Seating and Aircraft Details

Delta’s aircraft for transatlantic flights are equipped with multiple cabin classes:

• Delta One: Business class with lie-flat seats on many of Delta’s transatlantic flights, offering premium service.
• Premium Select: Located between Economy and Business, offering extra space and comfort.
• Main Cabin: Standard economy seating, with sufficient legroom and comfort for long-haul travel.

Baggage Policy

Delta’s baggage allowances for flights to and from Europe generally include:

• 1 cabin bag and 1 personal item for all passengers.
• Main Cabin passengers typically have 1 free checked bag, with charges for additional baggage in certain fare classes (e.g., Basic Economy).
• Overweight or oversized baggage will incur extra fees based on Delta’s published rates.

Fare Classes and Discounts

Delta offers various fare classes on its long-haul routes:

• Basic Economy: The most restrictive fare, with no seat selection or baggage included.
• Main Cabin: Standard economy seating with more flexibility.
• Comfort+: Extra legroom with priority boarding.
• Premium Select: Additional space and enhanced amenities.
• Delta One: Lie-flat seating with premium service.
  Delta’s Medallion Status and SkyMiles cardholders often enjoy free checked bags and priority services.

Traveler Notes

Delta One offers premium services such as priority boarding, lie-flat seats, and exclusive dining options on long-haul flights. Medallion members also receive added benefits such as upgraded seating and additional baggage allowances.

Conclusion: Which Airline to Choose for Your SEA-LHR Journey?

Each airline offers its own advantages, whether it’s Alaska Airlines with a new route offering modern amenities, British Airways with a trusted, established service, Virgin Atlantic with its premium offerings, or Delta with consistent long-haul reliability. When selecting an airline for travel from Seattle to London, consider factors like baggage policies, premium cabin options, frequent flyer benefits, and ticket prices. Understanding each airline’s offerings ensures travelers make an informed decision for their journey across the Atlantic.

[Image Credit: Alaska Airlines, British Airways, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines]