I've flown on the Airbus jet Alaska will fly to Tokyo. It was a comfortable ride and I'm excited about the airline's new long-haul flights.

11.12.2024 - 11:15 / insider.com / Andrew Harrison

Fresh off a $1.9 merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines has big plans for using its new widebody planes with new routes to Asia.

The airline announced Tuesday plans to fly former Hawaiian Airbus A330 planes to Tokyo and Seoul from Seattle in 2025, utilizing operations infrastructure already in place under the newly acquired airline.

Seattle is a huge hub for Alaska, where it holds 55% of the domestic market — but its prior lack of overseas reach makes the Asia expansion a no-brainer.

Alaska chief commercial officer Andrew Harrison told The Points Guy that demand is stronger from Seattle than from Honolulu, where Hawaiian previously served Tokyo. Alaska can also take advantage of strong cargo and corporate demand from Seattle.

Leaving Seattle will also mean shorter flight times than from cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, where United Airlines and American Airlines operate.

The expansion will also put pressure on competing Delta Air Lines, which already flies nonstop from Seattle to both cities.

Delta has been investing in its Seattle hub for years as it tries to take advantage of the city's West Coast location and poach business.

But Alaska's new routes, which Harrison said will grow to 12 by 2030, are likely to maintain and grow Seattle locals' loyalty to Alaska — and those across the country who need more one-stop options to Asia.

I'm thrilled about Alaska's international expansion.

Seattle may be far from my local New York airports, but flyers now have more choice across the Pacific — and likely beyond, depending on where Alaska's next 10 routes will lead.

Alaska said the merger wouldn't lead to immediate changes on board Hawaiian's aircraft, meaning the A330 I flew on in economy to Honolulu in November 2023 will offer a similar experience to those flying to Japan in 2025.

In my experience, the coach seats were well-padded, offered enough legroom for my five-foot-three-inch self, and had an adjustable headrest — a must for me to sleep in economy.

I also appreciated the rows were fit with only two seats on the sides closest to the windows. There were four in the middle sections.

My only gripe was the deep recline. While I loved the comfort it offered, it meant every passenger had to recline, or the person in front would cut into your space if you were sitting upright.

If you're inclined to rest or sleep, it's great. But if you want to sit more upright to watch a movie, expect to feel a little cramped and have a slightly annoying viewing angle to the screen.

The planes do not offer premium economy, but Harrison said the aircraft would be retrofitted to add the popular cabin in the coming years.

Delta may earn business in the meantime thanks to having premium economy already