Alaska Airlines is doubling down on its West Coast dominance with seven new routes launching between late October 2025 and early January 2026. For travelers who collect Alaska miles or use points and miles for West Coast travel, this expansion creates exciting new redemption opportunities—especially for ski season trips and California wine country getaways.

The News

Alaska Airlines officially announced seven new routes that will connect California, Oregon, Washington, and Idaho starting this fall. The expansion fills a void left by Avelo Airlines' recent departure from Burbank while strengthening Alaska's position as the dominant West Coast carrier.

Key highlights include:

• Three new daily routes from Hollywood Burbank Airport
• Seasonal ski service connecting San Diego to Sun Valley, Idaho
• New wine country connection between Palm Springs and Santa Rosa
• All routes operated by Horizon Air using Embraer 175 aircraft

What's Changing

For West Coast Award Travelers

The new routes create fresh redemption opportunities starting at just 7,500 Alaska miles one-way for economy seats. This is particularly valuable for travelers looking to explore smaller cities without connecting through major hubs like Seattle or Los Angeles.

For Ski Enthusiasts

The San Diego to Sun Valley route (launching December 18) follows Alaska's successful "ski strategy" that previously connected Southern California to Vail, Colorado. Winter sports lovers can now reach Idaho's premier ski destination using miles instead of expensive cash fares during peak season.

For Wine Country Visitors

The new Palm Springs to Santa Rosa route offers a unique opportunity to combine desert relaxation with Sonoma County wine tasting—and Alaska's Wine Flies Free program means you can bring your discoveries home at no extra charge.

Background & Context

This expansion represents Alaska's strategy of connecting West Coast cities with point-to-point routes rather than forcing passengers through major hub airports. "We're willing to fly these point-to-point routes, and believe it helps us gain loyalty with our guests," Kirsten Amrine, Alaska's vice president of revenue management and network planning, told The Points Guy.

"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."

– Kirsten Amrine
Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning at Alaska Airlines

The timing coincides with Alaska's ongoing integration of Hawaiian Airlines following their $1.9 billion merger. The combined carrier will offer 45 nonstop destinations from San Diego alone—more than any other airline.

Complete Route Details

October 26, 2025 Launches:

• Burbank to Eugene, OR - Daily year-round service
• Burbank to Tri-Cities, WA - Daily year-round service
• Burbank to Redmond, OR - Daily year-round service
• Palm Springs to Santa Rosa, CA - 5x weekly winter seasonal service

December 18, 2025 Launch:

• San Diego to Sun Valley, ID - 3x weekly winter seasonal service

January 7, 2026 Launches:

• Boise to Ontario, CA - Daily year-round service
• Spokane to Orange County, CA - Daily year-round service

All routes will be operated by Horizon Air using Embraer 175 regional jets featuring 76 seats with no middle seats—every passenger gets either a window or aisle seat. The aircraft includes 12 first-class recliners, 16 Premium (extra-legroom) seats, and 48 main cabin seats. For a detailed breakdown of what to expect onboard, check out our Alaska Airlines cabin classes guide.

What This Means for Travelers

Winners

Alaska Mileage Plan members gain access to seven new redemption opportunities at the carrier's standard award pricing. Since these are Alaska-operated routes, you'll earn full miles and elite qualifying segments.

West Coast leisure travelers can now reach previously difficult destinations without connections. The Burbank routes are particularly valuable since they avoid the congestion of LAX.

Ski trip planners have a new direct option to Sun Valley, which typically requires connections and higher fares during winter months.

Potential Challenges

Limited frequencies on seasonal routes (Palm Springs-Santa Rosa and San Diego-Sun Valley) may limit flexibility for award bookings during peak periods.

Competition from Breeze Airways on the three Burbank routes could mean Alaska adjusts capacity if demand doesn't materialize.

How to Maximize These New Routes

Award Booking Strategy

1. Book early: Seasonal routes to Sun Valley and Santa Rosa will have limited award availability
2. Consider positioning flights: Use these routes to position for international connections through Alaska's partner airlines
3. Leverage the companion fare: Alaska credit cardholders can use their famous $99 companion fare on these domestic routes

Elite Benefits

All routes qualify for Mileage Plan elite status benefits, including complimentary upgrades to first class and Premium seats for MVP Gold and MVP Gold 75K members.

Credit Card Considerations

If you're planning multiple trips on these routes, consider the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature Credit Card for the annual companion fare and bonus miles on Alaska purchases. The card's famous $99 companion fare works on all these new domestic routes, potentially saving hundreds on round-trip bookings.

Related Developments

Alaska's network expansion comes as the carrier prepares to launch a combined loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines by mid-August 2025. The integration will create even more redemption opportunities for travelers holding miles in either program.

The expansion also strengthens Alaska's position in key markets ahead of the busy winter ski season and summer 2026 travel period.

Looking Ahead

These seven routes represent just the beginning of Alaska's post-merger expansion. With Hawaiian's Pacific network now under the same corporate umbrella, expect more strategic route additions that connect the West Coast to leisure destinations.

The success of seasonal routes like San Diego-Sun Valley could lead to year-round service or additional ski destinations from Southern California. Alaska has already proven this strategy works with routes to Vail and other mountain destinations.

Watch for award availability to open up as Alaska releases schedule data to partner airlines. This could create opportunities to book these flights using partner miles from American, British Airways, or other oneworld carriers.

Bottom Line

Alaska Airlines' seven new West Coast routes create valuable new award redemption opportunities for miles collectors, particularly for seasonal travel to ski destinations and wine country. With economy awards starting at 7,500 miles one-way and no middle seats on the Embraer 175 aircraft, these routes offer solid value for both business and leisure travelers. Book early for the best award availability, especially on seasonal routes.

FAQ

When do the new Alaska Airlines routes start? The first routes (Burbank service and Palm Springs-Santa Rosa) launch October 26, 2025. San Diego-Sun Valley begins December 18, 2025, with the final two routes starting January 7, 2026.

How many Alaska miles do these routes cost? Most routes start at 7,500 Alaska miles one-way for economy seats, following Alaska's standard domestic award chart.

What type of aircraft operates these routes? All seven routes use Horizon Air's Embraer 175 regional jets with 76 seats and no middle seats. The aircraft features 12 first-class seats, 16 Premium seats, and 48 main cabin seats.

Can I use the Alaska companion fare on these routes? Yes, the famous $99 companion fare works on all domestic Alaska routes, including these seven new additions.

Do these routes earn elite status credit? Yes, all Alaska-operated flights earn full Mileage Plan miles and elite qualifying segments toward your annual status requirements.