Alaska Airlines Will Fly a 737 Nonstop from Anchorage to Tokyo Starting Next Summer

Updated: October 27, 2026, 3:37pm CDT

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Table of Contents

Alaska to Japan on a B737 — Alaska Airlines Route Details
What To Expect On Board
Final Thoughts

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Alaska Airlines is launching route that we certainly didn’t see coming: a nonstop flight from Anchorage to Tokyo on a Boeing 737 MAX 8.

This single-aisle aircraft (with no lie-flat seats) is now on sale with points and cash if you’re interested.

Let’s take a look at the details.

Alaska to Japan on a B737 — Alaska Airlines Route Details

Alaska Airlines just announced that it’s launching seasonal nonstop service between Anchorage (ANC) and Tokyo Narita (NRT) between May 13 and September 7, 2027. What makes this route particularly interesting is the fact that it will be operated by a Boeing 737 MAX 8 single-aisle aircraft.

That’s not necessarily the most comfortable option for an 8-hour flight.

Alaska ANC NRT — Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

This route is pending government approval, but it’s already bookable on AlaskaAir.com. There is no other airline currently serving this route.

Alaska Airlines has connected Alaskans to the people and places that matter since 1932, and we’re thrilled to connect Alaska and Japan. This long-requested route will open new opportunities for tourism and commerce, bringing our distinctive hospitality to more travelers and strengthen our growing global network.
Marilyn Romano, regional vice president, Alaska Airlines

Flights will operate 7 days per week during the summer of 2027 on the following schedule:

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Route	Departure Time	Arrival Time
Anchorage to Tokyo	2:10 p.m.	3:25 p.m. (+1 day)
Tokyo to Anchorage	9:45 p.m.	Noon

The outbound flight is scheduled to take 8 hours and 15 minutes, with the return taking 1 hour less thanks to tailwinds.

What To Expect On Board

The airline industry has seen a push toward narrow-body aircraft on long-haul flights, but that has mostly been on U.S. domestic flights and some European flights — and those often have lie-flat seating options.

Alaska 737 MAX 8 First Class Image Credit Alaska AIrlines — Alaska Airlines’ Boeing 737 MAX 8 First Class. Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

At roughly 3,400 miles, this route would rank among some of the longest 737 MAX 8 flights ever operated and could potentially be even longer in order to avoid Russian airspace.

However, this could be a great option for locals or visitors of Anchorage who don’t want a connection on the way to Japan.

Alaska’s B737 MAX 8 features 16 reclining first-class seats in a 2-2 configuration and 145 economy seats in a 3-3 configuration.

Alaska 737 seatmap — Screenshot: Alaska Airlines website

Prices start at around $1,000 round-trip or 30,000 Alaska Airlines Atmos Rewards points each way.

Alaska award rates ANC NRT — Screenshot: Alaska Airlines website

These flights are on sale now.

Hot Tip:

Need some more points? Here are the 20 best ways to earn more Alaska Atmos Rewards points.

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines flying a Boeing 737 MAX 8 nonstop to Tokyo isn’t something we had on our bingo card, but here we are. While spending 8+ hours in a 737 may be a lot, it could certainly be worth it if you’re trying to get between Tokyo and Anchorage without a connection.

Alaska continues to expand its route network, including just-announced weekly flights between Anchorage and Austin (AUS), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), and Nashville (BNA).