Alaska Launches New Routes to Houston and San Diego, Expands Service to Eugene

Updated: June 6, 2026, 5:20am CDT

Edited by:

Jump to Section

Table of Contents

Alaska Airlines Launches 3 Routes From Portland
How To Earn and Redeem Mileage Plan Miles
Final Thoughts

We may be compensated when you click on a link, when an application is approved, or when an account is opened from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Update:

Alaska Airlines changed its program from Mileage Plan to Atmos Rewards in August 2025, and launched new credit cards. For more information, go here.

Alaska Airlines just announced 3 new routes that are likely to please Oregonians. Beginning this spring, the Seattle-based carrier will operate a new route between Portland and Houston, add 2x daily flights from Portland to Eugene, and debut a new route between Medford, Oregon, and San Diego.

Let’s explore the brand-new routes.

Alaska Airlines Launches 3 Routes From Portland

Portland and Houston

Alaska Airlines will launch a new nonstop service between Portland (PDX) and Houston (IAH) starting on May 15, 2025.

Thompson Houston POST Houston Skylawn skyline view — You’ll soon be able to fly to Houston from Portland with Alaska Airlines. Image Credit: Jessica Merritt

The new route will be the third nonstop option from Portland to Texas, adding to the existing connections to Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) and Austin (AUS). Houston is Alaska’s largest unserved city from Portland, so this addition will be great for business and leisure travelers between the 2 cities.

“We’re based in Seattle, but Portland is a second home for us where we’ve been the largest carrier for more than 20 years,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of network planning and revenue management at Alaska Airlines.

Portland and Eugene

Alaska is increasing its frequency between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, which is home to the University of Oregon, a vibrant arts scene, and stunning natural beauty.

The airline is increasing its service by scheduling a second daily departure at 5:30 a.m. from Eugene alongside a 9:55 p.m. return flight from Portland. This setup allows passengers in Eugene to enjoy a full day in Rose City without needing to stay overnight if they wish to return the same day.

Service is expected to commence on May 15, 2025.

Medford and San Diego

Beginning May 15, Alaska will operate a new route between Medford, Oregon (MFR) and San Diego (SAN). Once the route officially launches, Alaska will have the most seats available from Medford. This new service also broadens Alaska’s route network in San Diego, making it the carrier’s 41st destination from Medford.

How To Earn and Redeem Mileage Plan Miles

Fortunately, you can earn and redeem Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles along these new routes.

For example, a one-way economy ticket from Portland to Eugene in June will only cost you 5,000 miles plus $5.60 in taxes. Flights to Houston and between Medford and San Diego are priced higher, given the longer distances on these routes.

Alaska PDX EUG miles cost — Image Credit: Alaska Airlines

If you’re new to the Mileage Plan program or need to top up your balance, you have a few options:

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature^® Credit Card (no longer available; replaced with the Atmos™ Rewards Ascent Visa Signature^® card)
You can transfer Marriott Bonvoy points to Alaska Airlines at a transfer rate of 3:1. For every 60,000 Marriott points that you transfer, you’ll receive an extra 5,000 Alaska Airlines miles bonus.
You can also make purchases through the Mileage Plan Shopping portal to earn bonus miles.
You also can transfer Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines at a 1:1 ratio.

Update:

In October 2025, the HawaiianMiles program was discontinued and absorbed into Alaska Airlines’ Atmos Rewards program.

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines is expanding its route network from Oregon, adding service between Portland and Houston, Medford and San Diego, and increasing frequency to 2 flights per day between Eugene and Portland. Beginning May 15, 2025, these year-round flights will be a welcome addition for Oregonians wishing to visit new destinations or travel inside the state.