Alaska Airlines has added three new routes, expanding its reach in San Diego.
The Seattle-based airline revealed on Monday that, starting later this year, it will add the following flights:
• Starting on June 15, San Diego International Airport (SAN) will be connected to Dulles International Airport (IAD).
• Starting on June 15, SAN-Eugene Airport (EUG).
• Starting on October 4, SAN-Tampa International Airport (TPA).
Boeing 737 aircraft will be used for transcontinental flights.
An Embraer E175 regional plane will fly the short 850-mile flight to Eugene, Oregon.
Each flight will operate every day.
Southwest Airlines left this market in September 2021, according to Cirium timetables, so Alaska will have a monopoly on the Tampa-bound route.
United Airlines, which has a significant East Coast hub in Dulles, will compete against the Dulles International aircraft on a number of daily frequencies.
Also run by low-cost airline Allegiant Air is the West Coast flight connecting San Diego with Eugene.
Nevertheless, Alaska seems to be attempting to establish itself as the carrier of choice for people based in California.
Years after acquiring Virgin America, which once held a large market share in the state, the move was made.
The nation's capital and Florida's thriving Gulf Coast will now be served by Alaska Airlines, according to Neil Thwaites, regional vice president of California. "Our passengers in San Diego asked for additional nonstops to the East Coast, and we're thrilled to introduce service to both," he said.
While this growth is unquestionably fantastic news for San Diego residents, the airline isn't just expanding its West Coast network.
This weekend, Alaska submitted intentions to discontinue service between Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), as initially indicated by Cirium timetables.
The airline had planned to start twice-daily summer service in this market on June 15, but those plans have already been abandoned.
Alaska is actively marketing its subscription-based Flight Pass, which enables you to pre-purchase a specific number of monthly trips for flights within California as well as to Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, and Phoenix. All of these route-map changes in California coincide with Alaska's busy sales efforts.
Another instance of the airline attempting to increase its relevance in what has historically been a very challenging market, this subscription appears to be targeted at California natives who frequently travel to the area.
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