Alaska Airlines Surges in Popularity: Flash Fare Sale, New Routes, and Loyalty Perks Unveiled

Lead paragraph Seattle-based Alaska Airlines is kicking off 2026 with an aggressive triple-play: brand-new intercontinental routes, a comfort-food–focused spring menu and the most extensive refresh of its Mileage Plan loyalty tiers in a decade. Travelers eyeing Europe, foodies craving Pacific Northwest flavors in-flight and elite members hunting richer perks all have reasons to search—and book—right now. New nonstop flights to London and Reykjavík Alaska’s first two trans-Atlantic services will launch this spring from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, connecting the Emerald City directly with London-Gatwick and Iceland’s capital, Reykjavík. The airline says the pair of routes are the fourth and fifth legs of at least a dozen long-haul launches planned through 2028, expanding Seattle’s status as a true global hub. Introductory fares are expected to drop in the coming weeks, but seats in Premium Class are already selling fast as Pacific Northwest travelers pounce on the carrier’s first-ever Iceland service and its return to the United Kingdom. Comfort food takes flight: Beecher’s Mac & Cheese onboard Hot on the heels of route news, Alaska is rolling out a spring menu highlighted by Seattle icon Beecher’s Flagship Mac & Cheese in Main Cabin and Beecher’s cheese curds in First Class. The comfort-food favorite joins refreshed salads, vegetarian grain bowls and a new Kona Brewing Co. Big Wave Golden Ale partnership, cementing Alaska’s push to showcase local suppliers at 30,000 feet. The menu debuts February 25 on medium- and long-haul flights, perfectly timed for families flying spring break. Mileage Plan 2.0 rewards heavy flyers For road-warriors, the headline is “Titanium”—a brand-new elite tier positioned above MVP Gold 100K. Starting April 1, Titanium members will enjoy same-day standby across Alaska and oneworld partner flights, upgraded meal service in Main Cabin and two international guest lounge passes per year. Frequent flyers interviewed by the Anchorage Daily News say the added perks could keep them loyal at a time when ultra-low-cost carriers are tempting price-sensitive Alaskans. Why this matters for travelers now 1. Seats on brand-new London and Reykjavík flights qualify for double elite-qualifying miles during launch month. 2. Beecher’s Mac & Cheese is a limited-run dish; preorder via the Alaska Airlines app 20 hours before departure to guarantee availability. 3. Mileage Plan members have until March 31 to status-match into the new Titanium level based on 2025 flying. Bottom line Whether you crave nonstop access to Europe, crave comfort cuisine mid-air or crave more rewarding loyalty benefits, Alaska Airlines is serving up headline after headline in early 2026. Search fares soon—these first flights and first bowls of mac are likely to sell out fast.