Alaska Airlines Expands West Coast Network With 7 New Nonstop Routes Launching This Fall
In a bold move to deepen its West Coast presence and expand regional travel accessibility, Alaska Airlines has announced the launch of seven new nonstop routes across the western United States. Beginning this fall, the airline will roll out services connecting California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, in a strategic post-merger development following its union with Hawaiian Airlines.
The new city pairs will be served primarily by Embraer 175 jets, renowned for their comfort-focused 76-seat configuration with no middle seats—making them ideal for regional hops and short-haul business travel. The expansion not only reinforces Alaska Airlines’ commitment to enhancing connectivity but also supports tourism growth in wine country, ski resorts, and under-served regional hubs.
Overview of New Alaska Airlines Routes:
1. Hollywood Burbank (BUR) – Eugene, Oregon (EUG)
Starting this fall, travelers can fly nonstop from Los Angeles’ Hollywood Burbank Airport to Eugene, a thriving Oregon destination known for its outdoor recreation, collegiate spirit, and gateway access to the Oregon Coast and Willamette National Forest.
2. Hollywood Burbank (BUR) – Redmond/Bend, Oregon (RDM)
Adventure seekers heading to Bend—the hub for hiking, rock climbing, and skiing at Mount Bachelor—will benefit from this new direct connection, offering a seamless journey from Southern California to Central Oregon’s outdoors capital.
3. Hollywood Burbank (BUR) – Pasco, Washington (PSC)
This new link to Pasco, one of the Tri-Cities in southeastern Washington, gives travelers quick access to the region’s celebrated Columbia Valley wine country, Lewis and Clark historical sites, and thriving local economy.
4. Boise, Idaho (BOI) – Ontario, California (ONT)
The Boise-Ontario route opens direct air access from Idaho’s capital to Southern California’s Inland Empire, including Los Angeles and Palm Springs, without requiring a layover in a major hub airport.
5. Palm Springs (PSP) – Santa Rosa (STS)
Launching as a seasonal route, this service bridges Palm Springs with Santa Rosa, the heart of Sonoma County wine country. Operating five times weekly during peak travel months, it’s a timely addition for wine tourists and California vacationers seeking sun or vineyards.
6. Spokane, Washington (GEG) – Orange County, California (SNA)
This new connection between Spokane and Orange County brings easier access to Southern California’s beaches, Disneyland, and coastal lifestyle, while also catering to business travelers from Washington state.
7. San Diego (SAN) – Sun Valley, Idaho (SUN)
This seasonal ski route will fly three times weekly between San Diego and Sun Valley, offering winter travelers a direct path to Idaho’s premier ski resort, nestled in the Sawtooth Mountains. It’s a timely boost for snow-sports tourism and Southern California residents craving a winter escape.
Aircraft and Travel Experience
Each new route will be served by the Embraer 175, a regional jet chosen for its two-by-two seat layout, spacious cabins, and reliable performance on short routes. Passengers can enjoy Wi-Fi, streaming entertainment, and first-class upgrades, making these short flights a comfortable part of the travel experience.
According to Alaska Airlines’ official website, the E175’s design helps enhance customer satisfaction on regional routes, aligning with the airline’s strategy to bring “mainline comfort to shorter markets.”
Seasonal and Year-Round Access
While five of the new city pairs will operate year-round, two—Palm Springs–Santa Rosa and San Diego–Sun Valley—will be seasonal, targeting leisure demand in winter and spring. These routes are part of Alaska Airlines’ broader effort to match travel trends, offering flights during peak tourism seasons and tapping into regional lifestyle preferences.
Strategic Expansion After Hawaiian Airlines Merger
These new flights are the first major network enhancement announced after Alaska Airlines’ merger with Hawaiian Airlines, a deal that received regulatory approval in mid-2025. The combined airline now boasts an even more robust West Coast and Pacific Rim presence, strengthening its competitive edge against national carriers like Delta and Southwest.
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), regional air travel in the western U.S. has rebounded strongly post-pandemic, with domestic leisure traffic nearing pre-2020 levels. Alaska Airlines’ expansion is well-positioned to meet this demand, especially in under-served mid-sized markets and tourism-heavy corridors.
Why This Matters for Travelers
- Direct Flights: Bypass large hub airports with time-saving nonstop options.
- Outdoor Access: Easy reach to ski resorts, national parks, and coastal retreats.
- Wine & Culture Tourism: Sonoma and Columbia Valley routes fuel interest in local experiences.
- Seasonal Flexibility: Routes tailored to winter skiing and spring wine tours.
- Increased Comfort: The E175’s 2×2 seating and onboard amenities support traveler satisfaction.
Looking Ahead
Alaska Airlines continues to evolve its route map in line with shifting travel behaviors and regional growth. The addition of these seven routes underscores the airline’s commitment to accessibility, comfort, and regional tourism growth.
With strategic new connections and seamless travel experiences, Alaska Airlines is giving travelers—from business commuters to vacationing families—more reasons to choose regional air travel in the western United States. These new routes are expected to boost local economies, support tourism boards in destinations like Sonoma, Sun Valley, and Eugene, and offer more travel options than ever across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
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