Only 37% Full: Alaska Airlines' 11 Emptiest Routes From Seattle Revealed

Alaska Airlines is Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s dominant carrier, but new load-factor analysis highlights that some of its thinner markets are flying below the fleet’s overall average. Using U.S. Department of Transportation data for the 12 months to June 2026, Alaska’s average load from SEA is 83.2%, slightly above its system-wide 82.4%. The review lists 11 Seattle routes with the lowest loads, led by Vail at 36.7%, followed by Steamboat Springs (61.3%) and Sun Valley (63.4%). Several markets started recently or saw capacity increases, meaning low loads can still support network connectivity. Among other routes cited are Rome, London Heathrow, Walla Walla, Bozeman, Eugene and Redmond/Bend.