Delta and Alaska Are Fighting Over Seattle, but Politely

Seattle has become the most interesting front in a US airline rivalry. Alaska Airlines is the largest carrier at Seattle-Tacoma, with about twice as many flights as Delta this year, and now wants to grow far beyond its home turf with long-haul international service.

Alaska’s chief commercial officer told investors it expects to be the number one international carrier in Seattle by 2030. The airline plans service to Athens and Paris next summer, at least 15 long-haul destinations by the end of the decade, lie-flat suites on key transcontinental routes, and an Aurora Lounge at SeaTac.

Delta already has the bigger long-haul network from Seattle, including Shanghai, Taipei, Barcelona and Amsterdam, none of which Alaska flies. It added a Seattle to Rome route after Alaska announced its own Rome and London plans, and has launched discounted fares aimed at Alaska-based SkyMiles members. Its CEO called Alaska’s moves smart and said Seattle is large enough for both.

The tone contrasts with Delta’s more aggressive stance at Los Angeles. For travelers, more routes and better lounges are good news, though The Points Guy notes that the effect on fares remains uncertain.

Sources: The Points Guy, KSL