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As leisure travel continues to surge, airlines are rolling out new routes and services for flyers eager to experience the world once again.
This week’s airline news includes new Seattle routes to Calgary and Miami, with a renewed connection to Sydney thanks to Hawaiian Airlines.
Keep reading to discover the latest airline news for the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Sea-Tac Airport welcomes service from WestJet
Canadian carrier WestJet is the latest airline to join the offerings at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA). This is WestJet’s first service in Seattle, offering nonstop service to and from Calgary (YYC), Alberta’s largest city and a gateway for visiting the Canadian Rockies.
“As travel options continue to re-start from the last year, we’re excited to see an airline like WestJet show the confidence they have in the Puget Sound region as a positive choice for them to serve visitors, business and residents of both regions,” said Lance Lyttle, managing director at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
Initial service in Seattle will include four weekly flights using WestJet Encore’s Q400 aircraft, with service increasing to two daily flights by May 19, 2022. As a partner of Delta Air Lines, passengers on WestJet will be able to earn miles and enjoy reciprocal elite loyalty benefits on either airline.
Alaska Airlines adds nonstop to Miami
Alaska Airlines has announced a new nonstop Miami flight for Sea-Tac Airport travelers, marking the airline’s 100th nonstop destination from its home airport.
The new route between Miami International Airport (MIA) and Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) begins daily nonstop service on June 16, 2022.
“We’ve landed on a perfect location for our 100th nonstop from our home airport in Seattle,” said Brett Catlin, vice president of network and alliances at Alaska Airlines. “Miami is a cultural hub for travelers around the world with its incredible nightlife, art, music, architecture and food. With our new daily nonstop launching in June, we’ll be connecting two cruise capitals just in time for summer while teeing up easy fall getaways to South Florida, the Caribbean and beyond.”
American releases new flyer resources
As borders reopen, American Airlines is aiming to take the guesswork out of international travel by offering two new traveler resources.
American’s Prepared for the Air resource is an interactive travel planning tool detailing travel guidelines for destinations around the world. Guests may use the tool to find their desired destination and determine what restrictions or guidelines are in place before booking a ticket.
The Ready to Fly checklist assists guests once booked, providing an outline of everything travelers need to know and have prepared for their specific itinerary, inclusive of testing and vaccination requirements.
The portal also allows digital submission of vaccination records and test results. The Ready to Fly checklist becomes available after booking, both when logged into the website or when viewing the American Airlines mobile app.

Emirates Boeing 777-300ER aircraft as seen early morning flying on final approach for landing at Amsterdam Schiphol AMS EHAM international Airport. (Photo by Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty ImagesEmirates promotion includes tourism perk
Through Nov. 12, Seattle travelers booking flights to Dubai will find promotional rates and an exciting perk as part of The United Arab Emirates 50th anniversary celebration.
During the promotional period, passengers will receive access to Ain Dubai, the world’s highest observation wheel and a popular attraction for tourists. The Ain Dubai perk is offered for travel now through Feb. 28, 2022. Guests should use promo code USAIN21.
Hawaiian Airlines resumes nonstop Sydney-Honolulu service
Beginning Dec. 13, travelers will once again be able to connect to Australia’s Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD) via Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) with Hawaiian Airlines.
The five-times-weekly service was suspended in March 2020 due to travel restrictions. As a common connection for Sea-Tac Airport travelers, the route’s return is welcome news.
Hawaiian will operate the SYD-HNL route with its 278-seat, spacious wide-body Airbus A330 aircraft, which features 18 Premium Cabin lie-flat leather seats, 68 of its popular Extra Comfort seats, and 192 Main Cabin seats.
Hawaii Governor David Ige recently welcomed back visitors now that public health efforts have resulted in among the lowest rates of COVID-19 infection in the United States.
https://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/travel/article/new-westjet-service-from-seattle-to-calgary-16604095.php