Alaska Airlines Launches Longest Boeing 737 Nonstop Flight to Iceland

Alaska Airlines has made aviation history by launching the longest nonstop flight ever operated by a US carrier using a Boeing 737. The new route, AS355, connects Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with Keflavík Airport (KEF) in Iceland, covering 3,611 miles in just under eight hours aboard a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The westbound leg from KEF to SEA typically lasts 7 hours and 55 minutes, making it the second-longest scheduled 737 route in the world, just behind GOL Airlines' flight from Brasília to Orlando.

The route was initially introduced as a seasonal service but has proven so popular that Alaska Airlines extended it through September 7, 2026. Data from the US Department of Transportation shows that the airline carried 8,320 round-trip passengers on the route through June 2026, with an overall seat occupancy rate of 77.2%. The flight's success can be attributed to a drop in traffic for Icelandair, its main competition, and the unique appeal of Iceland as a tourist destination.

Iceland's allure, especially during summer, draws adventure seekers with its unique landscapes, wildlife, and the phenomenon of the midnight sun. The route also capitalized on the total solar eclipse that occurred on August 12, 2026, which further boosted travel demand. Alaska Airlines has a convenient codeshare agreement with Icelandair, allowing passengers to easily connect to 35 European destinations from Reykjavík.

Despite being a narrowbody jetliner, the Boeing 737 MAX 8 offers a comfortable long-haul experience. The aircraft features a quiet cabin, 'Sky Interior' LED lighting to help with jet lag, and faster boarding and deplaning compared to widebody jets. The smaller plane size also means cabin crew can provide smoother and faster service in flight. For Seattle-based flyers, the nonstop service to Iceland and Europe streamlines the journey, avoiding chaotic layovers in major hubs.