Alaska is our carrier of choice domestically. Flying to Iceland we have always used Iceland Air, but they are partners so we could use our miles. That was great, but now Alaska themselves are flying to Iceland. I have been waiting to buy my husband's ticket for August, as the Alaska website said it was pending government approval of the route. This morning when I checked, that notice is gone and I was able to book it! He flies out of SEA in August/September and the r/t ticket was only 62,500 points plus $218. Two years ago that same ticket was 70,000 points. He does have a layover on the way home, but it is at PDX, so pretty close to home if anything goes awry.
Posted by
Portland, OR
127 posts
I'm glad to hear this. I am a frequent flyer on Alaska too, being from PDX it's been our air carrier of choice for domestic flights. I am impatiently awaiting for the SEA to London flights to open up. Have you seen that schedule open up yet?
Posted by
OP
Snohomish, WA
3724 posts
The only thing I have read about that is "early spring".
Honestly, I think my husband scored with doing a layover at PDX. One, it is such a nice airport and two, much more pleasant than coming in on international flights back to SEA.
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12171 posts
We love Alaska Air and have had unfortunate luck with Iceland Air to the point we would not use them under any circumstances so this is great news!
FYI, PDX International arrivals are no picnic. Hoping the remodel will ultimately eliminate the bus ride to a “back door” into the terminal. Right now it feels like an after thought.
Posted by
OP
Snohomish, WA
3724 posts
Laurel--We have had great experiences on Iceland Air. We have used them for 8 trips to Iceland so far, and another this spring. The one thing I really hate at SEA with the new international arrivals is the nearly vertical escalator. I just have to breathe deep and hold on tight, lol.
Posted by
Seattle, WA, USA ☔️
7606 posts
Thanks for the heads-up on this. It seems some prices on Alaska have dropped. We booked our flight home from Iceland weeks ago (for a July trip). I just checked and the award ticket price for that flight has dropped (37.5K to 32.5K). I called Alaska Airlines, had a nice chat with an agent, and they refunded me the 10K points difference. Did have to pay an extra 64 cents because the taxes have gone up a bit. But I'll trade 64 cents for 10,000 Alaska miles all day long.
That's twice this week you've saved me some money. Thanks again!
Posted by
OP
Snohomish, WA
3724 posts
David—Nice!!!
Posted by
Portland, OR
845 posts
"Hoping the remodel will ultimately eliminate the bus ride to a “back door” into the terminal."
@Laurel The "shuttle bus ride" for International is still on their website
Posted by
Forest Grove, OR
12171 posts
Yes, Robert, I know all too well it is still there. Came home 5 weeks ago.
Just hoping it gets changed before I am too old to enjoy walking into the arrivals area and not having to be bussed.