Ciao from Rome!
I just landed in Italy on Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight from Seattle. Want to know the craziest part? At one point, there were a record 1,732 non-rev employees listed for standby on this flight. (And you thought that upgrade lists were long…)
There’s a ton to unpack from the last 48 hours, so I’ll get right to it.
After all, who has time to write a newsletter when the Trevi Fountain is just steps away from your hotel?
📋 In this edition
Need your input: Where should I eat?
I have one free night in Rome, and I need your help.
Where should I go for dinner in Rome?
I’ve been to Rome a few times, and I’ll share my top things to do, see, and eat here on Friday.
But I love trying new places, so if you feel strongly about a spot, please click below to submit!
Alaska’s global era
Alaska Airlines is officially on the global route map with its stunning new livery. The inaugural flight to Rome marks the first time in the company's history that the carrier has landed in Europe.
But that's just the beginning.
Alaska will also inaugurate flights to London and Reykjavik next month, and it plans to offer at least 12 long-haul markets by 2030.
Seattle has long been Alaska's biggest hub, and with the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition (that came with Boeing 787 Dreamliners), it's turning the Emerald City into a global gateway.
That's not without the other airline with a Seattle hub putting up a fight. Delta is launching Seattle-to-Rome flights next week, and it only announced that new route after Alaska's big unveiling.
Alaska's network chief said that "it's no surprise that they copied us." But Kirsten Amrine reassured me that since Alaska is bigger than Seattle, it'll win.
Stunning new Suites, with a big catch
The route to Rome is also the first to launch with Alaska's new signature Suites business-class experience.
And having just experienced it myself, I'm very impressed.
The new Filson-branded amenities are the real deal: I slept like a baby for much of the flight, and I especially loved the plush mattress pad and large duvet that practically enveloped me as I dozed off.
The Suites experience also introduces a new West Coast-inspired dining offering. Aside from how slow the service was (I'll chalk it up to day-one growing pains), I was impressed.
Standouts were the appetizer soup and salad course, and the Salt & Straw sundae cart that I'm still dreaming about.
On the ground in Seattle, Alaska just opened a new VIP check-in area for Suites travelers (and top-tier Atmos Titanium members).
As for the seats themselves, it's the same top-notch product you'll find on the newest jets flying for American, United, and even Qatar.
The big miss? No Wi-Fi until free Starlink gets installed in the coming months. That's a hard pass for anyone hoping to stay productive, and a tough launch-day miss for Alaska’s flagship offering.
Goodbye passport stamps… hello EU
Everyone has been telling me that the new European Union automated entry system has been a mess.
Even American Airlines warned me to arrive 3.5 hours before my flight home due to long lines.
Well, here’s the bad news: I can confirm that your passport is no longer stamped when entering the EU via these automated gates.
The good news? Well, the entry process in Rome today was more seamless than I expected. There are two steps.
Enroll your passport, photo, and fingerprints at a kiosk — this is a one-time-only enrollment that you can skip on future visits
Go through an automated entry gate at the immigration counter. You’ll need to take a photo and scan your fingerprints. (Right four fingers in my case.)
We were lucky there was just one other international flight arriving around the same time (an Emirates A380). I can see this experience being much slower when many more North American red-eyes land in the morning.
Personally, I’m just glad to have my passport registered so my next EU entry is a bit faster.
Best domestic first class?
On my way to Seattle, I flew in Alaska’s domestic first-class recliner.
This wasn’t as snazzy as the Suites experience, but one thing stood out: the food.
Alaska consistently pulls off the best domestic catering (up there with JetBlue Mint) every single time I fly them.
Look closely, and you’ll see ahi tuna tataki — on a plane. The next time someone complains about United’s food, just show them what real investment in catering looks like.
💡 Tray Table Tip
While I’m on the Europe beat, it’s worth reminding you to always pay in local currency when you’re traveling. The same goes for taking out money from the ATM.
That’s not necessarily a unique tip — even mainstream outlets often share this recommendation — but did you know you can often book hotels in local currency?
Just go to the international version of the hotel or booking portal website. It’s saved me tons over the years, especially when traveling to Europe and Asia.
🗞️ News you can use
New Amex transfer bonus: There’s a new 20% transfer bonus from Amex Membership Rewards to Hilton Honors. It runs through May 30, so you have some time to move your points. With a specific use in mind, I wouldn’t hesitate to make a transfer.
Passports and planes, America 250 edition: Both President Trump and Southwest Airlines are celebrating the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Trump’s State Department is launching a limited-time passport design featuring his image and gold signature. Meanwhile, Southwest is flying a new Independence One special livery that looks great in photos and is aptly found on a Boeing 737 with registration N1776R.
Fiji Airways cancels Dallas flights: One of the most unique ways to get to paradise — flying from Dallas to Nadi — is being suspended due to poor demand and rising fuel prices. This is probably just one of many long-haul flights that’ll be cut if fuel prices don’t drop soon.
My apologies: On Monday, I wrote that the Hyatt Regency London - The Churchill would be changing categories in the World of Hyatt program. That’s not correct. It’ll remain a Category 7 property, with redemptions from 25,000 to 55,000 points starting on May 20. My apologies.
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