Delta and KLM Unveil Sub-$800 Roundtrip Fares from Seattle to Croatia.
Key Points
- 1Delta and KLM are offering roundtrip Seattle-Split (SEA-SPU) fares starting at $534 (Basic Economy) and $754 (Regular Economy) for 2026 travel.
- 2The Regular Economy fare includes one checked bag and advance seat selection, a key distinction from the restrictive Basic Economy ticket.
- 3The fare deal supports the SkyTeam alliance's presence in Croatia, a market that saw a 16% increase in US tourist arrivals in the first half of 2025.
The SkyTeam transatlantic joint venture of Delta Air Lines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Air France has released a competitive airfare deal for travel between the US Pacific Northwest and the Croatian coast. Roundtrip tickets from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Split Airport (SPU) are available starting at $534 for Basic Economy. The fare for Regular Economy, which includes more amenities, is priced at $754, including all taxes and fees.
Fare Details and Passenger Impact
This pricing is considered a strong sale for the route. Recent industry data shows average roundtrip fares from Seattle to Split often exceed $1,100, making the reported prices highly competitive. The deal is primarily valid for travel during the late spring 2026 shoulder season, such as in April, which is a popular time for European travel before peak summer pricing takes effect.
Key Fare Class Differences
Travelers must carefully review the fare class restrictions before booking. The lowest $534 Basic Economy fare comes with significant limitations, typical for transatlantic Basic Economy products. These restrictions generally include no advance seat assignment, no ticket changes, and no mileage accrual. Crucially, the first checked bag is not included and is typically subject to a fee, often around $60 to $75 each way for US-Europe routes, according to Delta's current policy.
In contrast, the $754 Regular Economy (Main Cabin) fare offers more value for many passengers. This price point includes one standard checked bag, a normal-sized carry-on, and the ability to select a seat in advance. For a roundtrip journey, the $220 price difference between the two fares effectively covers the cost of a checked bag both ways and provides greater flexibility and comfort.
Market Context: US-Croatia Travel Growth
This aggressive pricing strategy by the Delta-KLM partnership aligns with a major trend in European tourism. Croatia has become one of the fastest-growing destinations for American travelers. Between January and mid-June 2025, American tourist arrivals to Croatia increased by 16% year-over-year.
- Split is one of the most visited cities by US tourists, alongside Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
- The Croatian National Tourist Board has actively promoted enhanced air connectivity to sustain this growth.
- The US market is now ranked among the top five source markets for Croatia's tourism sector.
Increased competition on transatlantic routes, especially to secondary European hubs like Split, is a direct benefit to consumers. Airlines like Delta and KLM leverage their hubs—Amsterdam (AMS) and potentially Paris (CDG)—to offer one-stop service from the US West Coast. This fare deal helps solidify the SkyTeam alliance's presence on the popular US-Croatia corridor, ensuring competitive pricing against other European carriers. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.
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