Alaska Airlines Shakes Up Summer Travel With Flash Fare Sale—See the Cheapest Routes Before They're Gone

UPDATE: Alaska Airlines tackles cyber-security scare while charting bold trans-Atlantic expansion Introduction Alaska Airlines is in the spotlight this week after confirming a cyber-security event and, almost simultaneously, unveiling plans for its first nonstop service between Seattle and Rome. Here is what travelers, loyalty-program members and aviation watchers need to know. Cyber-security event contained • On 26 June 2025 the carrier disclosed that “a serious cyber-security event” had been detected and isolated. Operations at Seattle-Tacoma, Spokane, Missoula and Bozeman continued on schedule, and no safety issues were reported. • The airline engaged federal authorities and internal IT responders, emphasizing that flight-safety and customer-data protections remain “top priority.” • Travelers are advised to monitor the carrier’s app and @AlaskaAir social channels for real-time updates. Seattle–Rome nonstop announced • Earlier in June, Alaska confirmed it will launch daily Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner service from Seattle to Rome–Fiumicino in May 2026, with tickets on sale this fall. • Rome was the most-requested European destination among Mileage Plan members and fills the largest unserved trans-Atlantic gap from Seattle. • The flight will anchor Alaska’s push to transform SEA into the “West Coast’s premier global gateway,” following new Tokyo-Narita and Seoul-Incheon routes. Why the Rome route matters 1. Tourism surge – Italy expects a record Jubilee Year in 2025; nonstop access from the Pacific Northwest positions Alaska to capture leisure demand. 2. Business links – Seattle’s tech and life-science sectors gain same-day connectivity to EU partners. 3. Network synergies – With FAA single-certificate approval pending for Hawaiian Airlines, passengers from Honolulu, Maui and Kona will gain one-stop Rome access via Seattle. Fleet & cabin upgrades continue • Alaska is retrofitting nearly its entire 737 fleet with new slimline leather seats, USB-C power at every seat and redesigned bulkheads by year-end 2025, promising a “consistent, premium feel” across domestic routes. • The wide-body 787-9s slated for Rome will feature 32 lie-flat seats, 42 Premium Class recliners and 213 Main Cabin seats, plus free fast Wi-Fi from gate to gate. What travelers should do now • Join Alaska’s early-access list at alaskaair.com/rome to get first dibs on introductory fares and Mileage Plan promotions. • Enable two-factor authentication on your Alaska profile and update passwords in light of the recent cyber event. • Track sale alerts for fall 2025; introductory round-trip pricing is expected to undercut legacy-carrier fares by 10–15 %. Bottom line Alaska Airlines is juggling crisis management and ambitious growth at the same time. With the cyber threat reportedly contained and a headline-grabbing Rome route on the horizon, the Seattle-based carrier is signaling both resilience and global aspiration—developments that could reshape West Coast travel options in 2026 and beyond.