Alaska Airlines has announced the latest travel trends for this fall, highlighting a rise in bookings to less frequented destinations as travelers seek unique experiences. The airline is preparing for the busiest travel period of the year, including Thanksgiving, with increased staffing and expanded flight options.
Thanksgiving is expected to be the peak travel time, with nearly half a million passengers flying between Friday and Sunday. December 1 is projected to be the busiest day of the year. The airline anticipates more passengers at its major West Coast hubs compared to last year. San Francisco expects a 15% increase in passenger numbers, Seattle foresees serving 230,000 guests (a 6% rise), and Portland predicts a 35% surge with 85,000 passengers during the holiday weekend.
There is strong demand for flights to Hawaiʻi as travelers support local recovery efforts following last year's wildfires. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer 66 daily flights from the continental United States to Hawaiʻi.