Alaska Airlines Adds Nonstop Service Between Portland and New Orleans

Alaska Airlines has announced an exciting network expansion: a new, nonstop, seasonal route between Portland (PDX) and New Orleans (MSY).

Let’s take a look at all the details of this brand-new route!

Alaska’s New Service From Portland to New Orleans

Alaska Airlines will launch a new nonstop seasonal service between Portland (PDX) and New Orleans (MSY) in January 2025.

The service from PDX to MSY will be operated on the Boeing 737, featuring a 3-class cabin, including first class, premium class (extra legroom economy), and economy.

This new daily service from Portland to New Orleans will be operational on a seasonal basis from January 6, 2025, until May 14, 2025. This timing coincides perfectly with the beginning of New Orleans’ carnival season and the exciting Mardi Gras festivities.

“Alaska’s continued investment in PDX is great news for our travel community,” said Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland. “Until now, New Orleans was one of the largest U.S. markets without a nonstop from PDX. Tens of thousands of travelers already fly between these 2 great cities every year, and we expect that number to only grow with this new nonstop service.”

When service commences in January, New Orleans will be Alaska’s 55th nonstop destination from Portland International Airport.

How To Earn and Redeem Alaska Mileage Plan Miles

Of course, you’ll be able to earn and redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles on this new route.

At the time of writing, the tickets for this route were not available on Alaska’s website. However, if the airline’s direct, nonstop service from Seattle to New Orleans is any indication of pricing, cash fares will likely start at around $149 each way, and one-way awards should set you back between 10,000 and 15,000 miles.

If you’re booking with cash, make sure to book using a credit card that rewards you for airline purchases. If you’d prefer to book with miles and your balance is running low, you can also transfer Marriott Bonvoy points at a 3:1 ratio. (For every 60,000 points you transfer, you’ll get a bonus of 5,000 Alaska miles.)

Otherwise, a good option to earn Alaska miles is with the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® Credit Card, which offers a generous welcome offer: Get 50,000 bonus miles plus a $0 Companion Fare ($0 fare plus taxes and fees from $23) after you make $3,000 or more in purchases within the first 90 days.

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines is expanding its route network with the introduction of new service between Portland and New Orleans. Starting on January 6, 2025, and continuing until late spring, travelers seeking to immerse themselves in the vibrant Mardi Gras festivities will now be able to take advantage of Alaska’s new direct service.