Eclipse chasers in Washington state will have a new way to get to Iceland, which will be one of the best places in the world to view the total solar eclipse in August 2026.
Alaska Airlines has launched a new seasonal route from Seattle to Reykjavik, the island nation’s capital, with flights set to take off next spring. Bookings are already open for the journey, which the airline says will be “the longest nonstop 737 flight operated by a U.S. carrier” at more than 3,600 miles.
“The addition of Reykjavik expands Alaska’s global footprint, connecting our guests with even more of the world through the elevated service they know and love,” Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning at the airline, said in a news release. “We’re excited to launch our new nonstop route next summer, bringing travelers closer to the natural magic of Iceland and providing a seamless gateway to Europe.”
Here’s what you need to know about when the new route begins, how often flights will depart, and when the 2026 total solar eclipse will happen.
An Alaska Airlines 737 Max 9
When does the new Alaska Airlines route begin?
The nonstop route will take travelers from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Keflavik International Airport starting on May 28, 2026, according to Alaska Airlines. Flights will happen daily.
A related nonstop route from Keflavik International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport will begin May 29, 2026, according to the airline. Daily departures are planned.
When does the seasonal route end?
Service of the daily route from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport to Keflavik International Airport will end on Sept. 7, 2026.
The daily route from Keflavik International Airport to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is scheduled to end on Sept. 8, 2026.
When can flights be booked for the Seattle-Reykjavik route?
Reservations have opened for the new Alaska Airlines route. Guests can book their flights at alaskaair.com.
“[G]uests can book today to discover Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes, with daily summer flights from our global gateway in Seattle, all while enjoying an elevated travel experience thoughtfully upgraded from curb to cabin,” according to the airline’s news release.
Free Wi-Fi is being offered as a “special perk” for the route.
When is the total solar eclipse in 2026?
A total solar eclipse will happen on Aug. 12, 2026, according to NASA. It’ll be visible from Greenland, Iceland, Spain, Russia, and parts of Portugal.
A total solar eclipse happens when the moon blocks out the face of the sun as it passes between the star and Earth.
“The sky will darken, as if it were dawn or dusk,” according to NASA. “Weather permitting, people in the path of a total solar eclipse can see the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere, which is otherwise usually obscured by the bright face of the Sun.”
Where are the best places in Iceland to view the 2026 total solar eclipse?
Some of the best places to view the total solar eclipse will be in western Iceland, including Reykjavik, Budir, the Reykjanes Peninsula and the Snaefellsnes Peninsula, according to Space.com.
This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Alaska Airlines flights: Company adds Seattle to Iceland nonstop route