Alaska Airlines begins nonstop service from Anchorage to Tokyo Narita on May 13, 2027, operating daily flights on a Boeing 737 MAX 8. The westbound flight departs Anchorage at 2:10 p.m. and arrives in Tokyo at 3:25 p.m. the next day, with a flight time of 8 hours and 15 minutes. The eastbound return departs Tokyo at 9:45 p.m. and lands in Anchorage at 12:00 p.m., taking 7 hours and 15 minutes. The summer schedule runs through September, with service resuming three times weekly starting in January 2028.
Alaska will configure the 737 MAX 8 with its standard recliner first class seats, not the lie-flat configuration planned for the MAX 10. The airline notes that the MAX 8's longer range makes it suitable for this transpacific route. First class passengers receive multi-course meals, Filson bedding, amenity kits, and Alaska Lounge access in Anchorage. Economy passengers get complimentary hot meals and dessert, with complimentary alcohol in Premium Class.
For Anchorage residents, the nonstop eliminates a connection through Seattle, avoiding a substantial geographic detour. The route makes particular sense in economy, where a larger aircraft does not necessarily provide a more comfortable seat than the narrowbody jet.
Alaska also announced three additional seasonal routes from Anchorage. Saturday service to Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Nashville operates June 12 through August 7, 2027. These additions give Alaska its largest-ever nonstop schedule from Anchorage.