Alaska Airlines launches new service from West Coast cities to top winter destinations starting today

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is launching ten new nonstop routes connecting West Coast cities to winter destinations across North and Latin America. Starting November 20, 2024, with Los Angeles to La Paz service, the airline will expand its network throughout December with routes including Fresno-Guadalajara, Boise-Bozeman, Los Angeles-Kelowna, and connections to Vail and Liberia from multiple cities. The expansion reinforces Alaska's position as the leading U.S. carrier from the West Coast to Mexico. The new routes will operate with varying frequencies using E175 and 737 aircraft, with some seasonal services extending into spring 2025. The airline is also offering Alaska Alpine Getaways benefits for Mileage Plan members at select ski destinations.

Positive

• Network expansion with 10 new routes strengthening market presence
• Maintains leadership position as #1 U.S. carrier from West Coast to Mexico
• Strategic mix of year-round and seasonal routes optimizing aircraft utilization
• Enhanced connectivity to both leisure and winter sports destinations

Negative

• Several routes are seasonal, limiting year-round revenue potential
• Some routes operate at low frequencies (1-3x weekly), potentially affecting route profitability

Insights

Market Research Analyst

The launch of 10 new routes represents a strategic expansion of Alaska Airlines' network, particularly strengthening its presence in key markets. The year-round routes to Mexico and seasonal winter destinations indicate a calculated move to capture both leisure and tourism revenue streams. The timing aligns with peak winter travel demand, potentially driving higher load factors and revenue during traditionally slower periods.

The expansion leverages ALK's recent Hawaiian Airlines acquisition, creating a more robust West Coast network. The focus on both sunny and ski destinations diversifies revenue streams and reduces seasonal dependency. Most routes utilize E175 aircraft, suggesting efficient capacity management and route economics. The partnership with ski resorts through Alaska Alpine Getaways adds an ancillary revenue stream through loyalty program engagement.

This winter, we're enhancing connectivity to exciting nonstop destinations for adventure and warmth

SEATTLE, Nov. 20, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines is ready to connect guests from key West Coast cities to vibrant destinations across North and Latin America this winter with ten exciting nonstop routes.

Starting today, guests can travel between Los Angeles and La Paz, Mexico, solidifying our position as the #1 U.S.-based carrier with the most flights from the West Coast to the most destinations in Mexico.

In December, we'll debut additional nonstop routes between Fresno and Guadalajara; Boise to Bozeman and Orange County; Los Angeles to Kelowna, B.C.; San Diego to Reno; Vail (Eagle County) from San Diego and Seattle; and Liberia from Seattle and San Francisco.

These added destinations will make it easier than ever for our guests to reach some of the most popular winter getaways – whether for sunny escapes or snowy mountain adventures.

"We're excited to provide our guests with easier access to these sought-after destinations where they can experience winter on their own terms," said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines.

As the only West Coast-based airline, our expanded winter schedule is part of our ongoing commitment to expand service in the region and deliver a seamless and remarkable travel experience for our guests.

Route	Start Date	End Date	Frequency	Aircraft
Los Angeles -- La Paz	Nov. 20	Year-round	2-3x weekly	E175
Fresno -- Guadalajara	Dec. 3	Feb. 12, 2025	Daily	737
Boise -- Bozeman	Dec. 19	April 21, 2025	5x/week	E175
Boise – Orange County (Santa Ana)	Dec. 19	Year-round	Daily	E175
Los Angeles – Kelowna, BC	Dec. 19	March 18, 2025	Daily*	E175
San Diego -- Reno	Dec. 19	April 21, 2025	Daily	E175
Seattle – Vail (Eagle County)	Dec. 20	March 16, 2025	3x/week	E175
San Diego – Vail (Eagle County)	Dec. 20	March 16, 2025	3x/week	E175
Seattle – Liberia (Guanacaste)	Dec. 20	May 11, 2025	1x/week	737
San Francisco – Liberia (Guanacaste)	Dec. 21	May 10, 2025	1x/week	737

 

For the 2024-2025 ski season, we've partnered with snowy destinations around the country to take your getaway to new heights.

Alaska Alpine Getaways unlocks extra benefits for Mileage Plan members with a valid boarding pass, just for flying Alaska. On our new routes, Boise visitors can explore Bogus Basin for rental shop discounts. Kelowna, B.C. passengers can enjoy on-mountain benefits with Sun Peaks Resort, such as extra savings on hotel stays (terms and conditions apply; see resort pages for offer details). Wherever your next world-class mountain adventure takes you, our network and global partnerships are your gateway to the finest resorts around the globe.

*Frequency varies—see AlaskaAir.com for the latest schedule information

About Alaska Air Group
Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK."

 

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SOURCE ALASKA AIRLINES

FAQ

When does Alaska Airlines (ALK) start its new Los Angeles to La Paz route?

Alaska Airlines begins its Los Angeles to La Paz route on November 20, 2024, operating 2-3 times weekly year-round using E175 aircraft.

How many new routes is Alaska Airlines (ALK) launching in winter 2024-2025?

Alaska Airlines is launching ten new nonstop routes connecting West Coast cities to destinations across North and Latin America during winter 2024-2025.

What aircraft types will Alaska Airlines (ALK) use for these new winter routes?

Alaska Airlines will operate the new winter routes using E175 aircraft for most routes and 737 aircraft for services to Guadalajara and Liberia.

Which new international destinations is Alaska Airlines (ALK) adding in winter 2024?

Alaska Airlines is adding new services to La Paz and Guadalajara in Mexico, Kelowna in British Columbia, and Liberia in Costa Rica.