New nonstop service to Finland from Seattle, Delta extends SkyMiles benefits, more airline news

As we approach the end of the year, airlines continue to be optimistic about leisure travel for the coming new year.

Evidence of this may be seen in new routes being introduced in Seattle, including a recent announcement of a new nonstop flight between Sea-Tac International Airport and Helsinki.

This week’s airline news also includes a reminder that Delta is rolling over elite qualifying miles into 2022 and extending status benefits yet again for frequent flyers. Add to this a variety of airfare deals from Alaska and Delta, and it’s a great week for air travel.

Keep reading to discover the latest airline news for Seattle and beyond.

Alaska Airlines partner Finnair announces nonstop service to Finland

Finnair, a oneworld alliance partner of Alaska Airlines, has announced new nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Finland’s Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL). The new route will begins June 1, with service three times weekly on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

“We’re excited to announce the new SEA-HEL route as the demand for international travel continues to grow exponentially,” said Caroline Borawski, general manager, North America at Finnair.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is just 20 minutes from downtown Helsinki, providing a seamless getaway for travelers exploring the capital city. Finnair’s European network from Helsinki offers additional travel possibilities with connections to more than 70 European cities, including flights to Amsterdam, Vienna, Berlin and a variety of Scandinavian and Baltic cities.

“We’re thrilled Finnair, a fellow oneworld member airline, will begin service from our hometown airport in Seattle, connecting our guests with new travel options to see the world,” said Andrew Harrison, chief commercial officer at Alaska Airlines. “The new nonstop service between Seattle and Helsinki will provide an easy, convenient way to visit Finland, and continue on to destinations across Europe, Asia and points beyond. And with our award-winning Mileage Plan program, our guests can earn and redeem miles for incredible journeys on Finnair.”

Alaska’s Mileage Plan members with MVP status receive reciprocal benefits with oneworld partners such as Finnair, including the ability to earn and redeem miles, priority check-in and access to preferred seating.

Alaska fare sale, seasonal aircraft

For domestic travelers, Alaska also has a number of airfare deals on offer. Book by Dec. 20 to take advantage of low fares from Seattle (SEA) including nonstop service to San Francisco (SFO) or San Jose (SJC) starting at $69, to Los Angeles (LAX) starting at $79, and to Austin (AUS) starting at $99 each way.

Travelers flying out of Sea-Tac Airport this season may also notice a special-edition aircraft, as one of the Boeing 737-900ER planes showcases signature holiday drinks from Starbucks.

Delta deals, status extension

Delta is once again extending Medallion Status for frequent flyers. Those holding 2021 status — even if extended from 2020 status — will see their Medallion Status extended through Jan. 31, 2023.

Delta flyers will also see their Medallion Qualification Miles completed from 2021 rolled over into 2022, giving travelers a greater chance of achieving status for 2023. Throughout 2022, Delta SkyMiles members will earn elite qualifying miles on award travel, an extremely rare occurrence travelers may benefit from for a second year with Delta.

For those looking to get away soon, there are a number of Delta airfare deals from Seattle (SEA). Travelers will currently find flight deals from Seattle to San Francisco (SFO) starting at $127 or 10,000 miles roundtrip, Seattle to Boise (BOI) starting at $133 or 13,000 miles roundtrip, and Seattle to Phoenix (PHX) starting at $135 or 9,000 miles roundtrip.