New partner routes to Australia and UK from Seattle, holiday travel tips, more airline news

With the holiday season in full swing, Seattle travelers can expect a busy airport these next few weeks. 

But along with an increase in airport traffic, comes announcements of new international routes thanks to partnerships with both Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. Seattle travelers will also find excellent fare deals for January travel this week thanks to a seasonal sale at Delta.

Keep reading to discover the latest airline news for Seattle and tips for avoiding airport congestion and lengthy lines at Sea-Tac Airport this holiday season.

Sea-Tac International Airport offers holiday travel tips

Sea-Tac International Airport is anticipating nearly two million travelers this week and next as holiday merrymakers enjoy the season. Want to avoid traffic congestion? Sea-Tac suggests using alternative ways to get to the airport, including Link light rail, rideshares and public transit.

To curb lengthy wait times within the airport, it’s recommended travelers arrive two hours prior to domestic flights or three hours prior to international flights. Passengers may also use SEA Spot Saver to speed through security.

When picking up guests at the airport, remember Sea-Tac has a new cell phone lot with improved flow for entry and exit.

Alaska Airlines expands international oneworld partnerships

Alaska Airlines recently announced a new Seattle (SEA) to Helsinki (HEL) route with partner Finnair. And now Alaska is enhancing its international routing to London's Heathrow Airport.   

Through its oneworld partnership, Alaska passengers can take advantage of a new British Airways nonstop flight between Portland (PDX) and London Heathrow (LHR). The nonstop service begins June 2022 and will operate five days a week.

Travelers next summer will also have two options for nonstop flights from Seattle (SEA) to London (LHR) with Alaska oneworld partners. British Airways will fly twice daily to Heathrow and American Airlines will fly daily.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan members can earn and redeem miles with more than 20 oneworld partner airlines, while MVP elite flyers will enjoy reciprocal status benefits on partner airlines.

Delta winter airfare deals

Delta has released a number of airline deals for Seattle travelers this winter.

For January travel, Seattle passengers will find nonstop deals to Tucson (TUS), San Jose (SJC), Orange County (SNA) and San Diego (SAN) all offered at $167 roundtrip in Main Cabin.

Additional January deals includes SEA to Palm Springs (PSP) for $176 roundtrip, Seattle to Anchorage (ANC) for $185 roundtrip, and Seattle to New Orleans (MSY) for $247 roundtrip.  

United Airlines and Virgin Australia Group announce new partnership

In early 2022, United Airlines flyers can access convenient one-stop connections to Australia’s top destinations thanks to a new partnership with Virgin Australia Group. 

United currently offers daily direct flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Sydney, and in 2022 United’s customers will now also have easy access to Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.

The partnership also adds reciprocal benefits for United’s MileagePlus premier members including priority check-in, priority boarding and lounge access.