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Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) has become a focal point for competition between Alaska Airlines and Delta Air Lines. Since 2014, Delta has made Seattle a major hub, increasing departures and expanding its international routes to Asia and Europe. The airline has also invested in premium lounges and services aimed at corporate travelers.
Alaska Airlines remains the primary carrier at SEA, but until recently lacked long-haul capabilities. This changed after acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, which brought Boeing 787s into Alaska’s fleet and enabled the launch of nonstop flights to Tokyo Narita Airport (NRT) and Seoul Incheon Airport (ICN). Plans are underway to add European destinations such as London Heathrow (LHR), Reykjavík (KEF), and Rome (FCO). Alaska is also preparing to open a flagship lounge in Seattle and introduce upgraded amenities like Starlink Wi-Fi and lie-flat business class seats on retrofitted aircraft.
The airport itself features a single terminal with multiple concourses connected by an underground people mover system. A recent addition is the 450,000-square-foot International Arrivals Facility (IAF), linked by a 780-foot aerial walkway. Opened fully in May 2022, this facility was designed to streamline customs procedures and support increased widebody traffic as both airlines expand their international operations.
