Alaska Airlines expands West Coast network with seven new California routes

Kirsten Armine, Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning for Alaska Airlines, commented on the expansion:

“We're the only global airline based on the West Coast, and we're proud to offer the most flights and seats between California, Washington and Oregon. These new additions further expand our ability to take our guests between growing markets in California and the Pacific Northwest for leisure and business travel.”

In addition to year-round routes, seasonal services will be introduced for winter travelers. Palm Springs-Santa Rosa flights will begin on October 6, running five times weekly with E175 aircraft through winter months. This route connects two popular Californian destinations; Palm Springs is now Alaska’s eighth destination served from Santa Rosa. Alaska operates a program allowing passengers traveling from 32 West Coast cities to check a case of wine for free.

Another seasonal route from San Diego to Sun Valley launches December 18 with three weekly flights during winter using E175s. Sun Valley joins other ski destinations served by Alaska out of San Diego. According to Armine in comments made to The Points Guy, this addition follows a successful strategy implemented in 2024 connecting Southern California with Vail, Colorado.

Two more year-round daily services—Boise-Ontario and Spokane-Orange County—will commence January 7, 2026. With Boise-Ontario added, Alaska will serve more destinations between Boise and Los Angeles Basin airports than any other airline. The Spokane-Orange County route addresses demand for travel options between eastern Washington and Orange County—the largest unserved destination from Spokane.

Alaska Airlines’ Embraer 175 fleet is operated by subsidiary Horizon Air as well as SkyWest Airlines under contract. Each E175 offers seating for 76 passengers across premium cabins suitable for short- or mid-range trips. Data provided by Cirium shows that currently there are 87 weekly departures by Alaska Airlines from Hollywood Burbank Airport utilizing both Boeing 737s (55 weekly) for longer-haul flights such as Portland or Seattle—and E175s (32 weekly), which will increase when new routes launch this winter.

Seattle remains Alaska’s top destination out of Burbank with up to 34 weekly departures.