Alaska Airlines Adds Destinations and Expands Schedule Amid Summer Travel Demand

Alaska Airlines has announced it will offer its largest summer schedule ever in response to the growing demand for travel. The Seattle-based carrier is introducing new nonstop routes and expanding its international destinations just in time for the peak summer travel period.

Beyond expanding its destinations and adding almost 1 million more seats than last year to provide greater convenience for passengers, the airline will also introduce new technology to enhance the overall travel experience for flyers.

Let’s explore the details of Alaska’s expansive plan to prepare for the busy summer travel season ahead.

Alaska Airlines Adds New International Destinations

Last fall, Alaska Airlines unveiled a range of new routes to popular warm destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. In addition to new routes operating for the first time this summer to Guatemala City, Guatemala, and Nassau, Bahamas, Alaska Airlines will offer daily, year-round flights between Seattle (SEA) and Toronto (YYZ).

On this new route, tickets start at just $199 one-way in economy.

And if you’re using Alaska Mileage Plan miles, you’re in luck. Tickets are a solid deal at just 12,500 miles each way in economy.

In addition to its new international destinations this summer, the airline will continue to offer more flights to Mexico from the West Coast than any other U.S. carrier, with stops in Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, and other popular cities around the country.

Expanding Network Frequencies To Accommodate More Passengers

Alaska says it took more than 500,000 people to their destinations over the Memorial Day weekend, 6% more than at the same time last year. The airline says it will carry more than 160,000 people every day during the busiest flying time of the summer, around the July Fourth holiday.

To ensure there are enough flights this summer to meet anticipated demand, Alaska will add 16% more flights in Portland, 10% more flights in Seattle, 23% more flights in San Diego, and 13% more flights in Anchorage, Alaska.

In addition to the increased frequencies, the airline intends to expand its flight offerings by 16% to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, the gateway to Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks.

The airline aims to expand its East Coast operations, despite its primary focus on West Coast cities, Hawaii, and Mexico. That’s why, this summer, it plans to add direct flights between Anchorage (ANC) and New York (JFK); Portland (PDX) and Nashville (BNA); and San Diego (SAN) and Atlanta (ATL).

Flyers Can Pre-Order Meals Up to 2 Weeks Before Flying

In addition to expanding its summer travel options with new destinations and more routes, Alaska Airlines is now offering a convenient pre-order system for hot meals to passengers in Premium Class and economy.

Passengers will have the convenient option to pre-order their inflight meal on flights that are 1,100 miles or more. They can do this through the Alaska Airlines mobile app (iOS, Android) or alaskaair.com, starting from 2 weeks up to 20 hours before their flight.

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines has exciting new flights planned for this summer, connecting its hub in Seattle with captivating destinations like Guatemala City, Nassau in the Bahamas, and Toronto in Canada.

If you’re seeking a summer getaway, these fresh destinations and expanded flight options by Alaska Airlines might be exactly what you’re after.