Alaska Airlines teams up with world champion Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold to launch multi-year partnership celebrating Seattle, Alaska's loyal guests and its growing global network

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Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK) announced a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold to anchor a Seattle-focused campaign highlighting the airline's global expansion and guest experience enhancements. The first campaign will spotlight new nonstop routes from Seattle to Paris and Athens and promote the Atmos Rewards loyalty program and premium international offerings.

The partnership will feature Darnold alongside Alaska employees across social media, traditional advertising and in-airport experiences throughout the football season. Activations include select “Flight 1414” services awarding guests an automatic 1,414 Atmos Rewards points, game-linked flights for home and away matchups, and Group C boarding from Sept. 9 for guests wearing Darnold’s No. 14 Seattle jersey at participating SeaTac gates.

News Explained

As the multi-year partnership launches, Alaska is tying its guest-facing campaign to Atmos Rewards across Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld and other partners serving more than 1,000 destinations, with complimentary Starlink Wi‑Fi for Atmos members.

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• The multi-year partnership will feature Sam Darnold alongside Alaska employees in social content, traditional media and unique guest moments throughout the football season and beyond.
• The first campaign for this partnership will spotlight Alaska's new nonstop routes from Seattle to Paris and Athens as the airline continues expanding its global network from the Pacific Northwest.
• The partnership connects Seattle hometown pride with its next era of growth, including a more premium travel experience, Atmos™ Rewards and the broader evolution of the Alaska and Hawaiian brands. 

SEATTLE, Aug. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines today announced a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold, launching a Seattle-rooted campaign that uses football-season energy to spotlight the airline's global growth and newest nonstop routes from Seattle to Paris and Athens. 

The campaign showcases Seattle hometown pride, Alaska employees and a remarkable guest experience as the airline enters its next chapter of growth. With Paris and Athens joining Alaska's international lineup from Seattle, Darnold will help travelers see what's next, from new places to go, to new ways to engage through Atmos Rewards and a more premium global travel experience. 

"Sam knows how to compete on a global stage, and that play-to-win mindset totally aligns with our approach at Alaska Airlines," said CEO Ben Minicucci. "Partnering with a world champion like Sam is a fun way to celebrate Alaska Airlines' momentum as we build a global gateway in Seattle to connect our guests to the world." 

"Seattle knows what it feels like to reach new heights," said Sam Darnold. "After an unforgettable season, I'm excited to partner with Alaska to celebrate that same momentum beyond the field. From Paris to Athens and beyond, Alaska is bringing Seattle to the world in new ways, and I'm proud to be part of a campaign that highlights what's possible when a city keeps reaching farther." 

The campaign will roll out across Seattle, Portland and key regional markets, as well as Alaska's owned channels, with content featuring Darnold, Alaska employees and guest-facing moments tied to travel, loyalty and Seattle hometown pride. Throughout the season, guests will be able to engage with Sam-specific social content, gate experiences and special moments that bring the partnership to life. 

Throughout the regular football season, Alaska will delight guests with special travel and loyalty moments inspired by Darnold's No. 14 jersey. Select flights will be renamed "Flight 1414," giving guests onboard an automatic 1,414 Atmos Rewards points bonus. For away games, featured flights will connect Seattle-area fans with that week's host city. For home games, the moments will spotlight flights from Seattle to the opposing team's home market as a fun nod to the matchup and Alaska's deep Seattle roots. 

Atmos Rewards gives guests more ways to explore Alaska's growing global network, with the ability to earn and redeem rewards across Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld alliance members and additional global partners serving more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. Guests can also enjoy a more premium travel experience, from international business class Suites and premium onboard amenities to complimentary Starlink Wi‑Fi for Atmos Rewards members. 

Beginning Sept. 9, guests wearing Darnold's No. 14 Seattle jersey at participating gates at SeaTac Airport will also be invited to board with Group C, adding another game-day-inspired surprise to the travel experience. Alaska also plans to offer limited-time flight promotions through its social channels during the season, giving fans and travelers more ways to engage with the partnership. 

The multi-year effort builds on Alaska's history of working with partners across sports, entertainment and culture to create moments that matter for guests. It also reflects Alaska's next brand chapter: rooted in its West Coast history, connected through Atmos Rewards and focused on bringing Seattle to more of the world through destinations like Paris and Athens. 

Guests can learn more about Alaska's latest news, sign up for Atmos Rewards and follow along with the campaign at alaskaair.com. 

FAQ:

Q: What is Alaska Airlines announcing? 
A: Alaska Airlines is launching a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold as part of a Seattle-rooted campaign spotlighting Alaska's global growth, including new nonstop routes from Seattle to Paris and Athens, expanded Atmos Rewards benefits and a more premium travel experience. 

Q: Why is Alaska Airlines partnering with Sam Darnold? 
A: Alaska is partnering with Sam Darnold to connect the energy of Seattle's football season with the airline's next chapter of growth. The campaign features Darnold alongside Alaska employees and guest-facing moments to celebrate Seattle hometown pride while introducing travelers to Alaska's expanding global network. 

Q: How is Alaska Airlines becoming more global from Seattle? 
A: Alaska is growing Seattle into a broader global gateway with new nonstop routes to Paris and Athens, building on service to destinations including London, Rome, Reykjavik, Seoul and Tokyo. Through Atmos Rewards, oneworld airlines and additional global partners, guests can earn and redeem rewards across more than 1,000 destinations worldwide. 

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon
Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld alliance. Members of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,000 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what's happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK." 

 

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SOURCE Alaska Air Group

FAQ

What partnership did Alaska Airlines (NYSE: ALK) announce with Sam Darnold on August 20, 2026?

Alaska Airlines announced a multi-year partnership with Seattle quarterback Sam Darnold. According to Alaska, the deal supports a Seattle-rooted campaign spotlighting new Seattle–Paris and Seattle–Athens nonstop routes, Atmos Rewards benefits and a more premium global travel experience tied to football-season energy and hometown pride.

How does the Sam Darnold partnership support Alaska Airlines’ global growth strategy from Seattle (ALK)?

The partnership uses Darnold to highlight Alaska’s expanding global gateway from Seattle. According to Alaska Airlines, new nonstop routes to Paris and Athens and Atmos Rewards earning and redemption across 1,000-plus destinations reinforce its broader international and oneworld-connected network growth.

What are the special Flight 1414 Atmos Rewards benefits Alaska Airlines (ALK) is offering in 2026?

Alaska Airlines will rename select flights “Flight 1414” during the regular football season. According to Alaska, guests on these flights automatically receive 1,414 Atmos Rewards points, creating Sam Darnold jersey-inspired loyalty moments that tie game days directly to the travel experience.

What game-day boarding perks does Alaska Airlines (ALK) offer for fans wearing Sam Darnold’s No. 14 jersey?

Beginning Sept. 9, guests wearing Sam Darnold’s No. 14 Seattle jersey at participating SeaTac gates can board with Group C. According to Alaska Airlines, this football-themed perk adds a game-day surprise to the airport experience during the regular season campaign.

How does the Atmos Rewards program fit into Alaska Airlines’ (ALK) partnership with Sam Darnold?

Atmos Rewards is featured as a key campaign pillar. According to Alaska Airlines, members can earn and redeem rewards across Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld airlines and partners serving over 1,000 destinations, with added benefits like international business class Suites and complimentary Starlink Wi‑Fi for members.

Which new international routes from Seattle are highlighted in Alaska Airlines’ (ALK) 2026 Sam Darnold campaign?

The campaign highlights new nonstop routes from Seattle to Paris and Athens. According to Alaska Airlines, these additions expand its international lineup from Seattle and support its goal of building a larger global gateway tied to Seattle’s hometown pride and football-season momentum.