ANCHORAGE- Alaska Airlines (AS), headquartered in Seattle, has expanded its summer 2025 network to include nonstop flights from Anchorage (ANC) to Detroit (DTW) and Sacramento (SMF), as well as the reinstatement of service between Fairbanks (FAI) and Portland (PDX).
The new Detroit and Sacramento flights will begin weekly roundtrip service on June 14, 2025, expanding Alaska Airlines’ nonstop destinations between Anchorage and the Lower 48 and Hawaii to an unprecedented 15 summer itineraries. The Fairbanks-Portland route will commence operation on May 15, 2025.
Alaska Airlines New Routes
Kirsten Amrine, Alaska Airlines’ Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management, highlights that these flights improve vacation accessibility to Alaska.
The direct flights from Detroit and Sacramento avoid layovers, giving passengers instant access to Alaska’s heart.
The expansion benefits both incoming tourists and inhabitants. Marilyn Romano, Regional Vice President of Alaska at Alaska Airlines, discusses the state’s summer attractions, which include longer daylight hours, cultural events, and fresh seafood.
Anchorage serves as a strategic base for exploring numerous Alaskan settlements and reaching cruise destinations.
The extended network also benefits Alaskans by giving more direct routes to see friends and family throughout the summer months.
New Nonstop Routes
The Detroit-Anchorage and Sacramento-Anchorage routes will operate weekly on Saturdays from June 14 to August 16, using Boeing 737 aircraft.
From May 15 to August 19, Embraer E175 aircraft will fly daily between Fairbanks and Portland.
Anchorage’s new summer network establishes it as a key hub, with 15 nonstop destinations.
These links extend to major urban regions such as Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Honolulu, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Minneapolis, New York JFK, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, San Diego, San Francisco, and Seattle.
| City Pair | Start Date | End Date | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Anchorage – Detroit | June 14 | Aug. 16 | Saturday | 737 |
| Anchorage – Sacramento | June 14 | Aug. 16 | Saturday | 737 |
| Fairbanks – Portland | May 15 | Aug. 19 | Daily | E175 |
The airline simultaneously launches seasonal routes to warm-weather destinations. New nonstop flights from Sacramento will connect to Mexico’s Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta, as well as domestic connections to Orlando and Tucson.
Alaska Airlines expands its winter service with a Boise-Orlando route that serves theme park locations. The company also adds new connections between New York JFK and Puerto Vallarta.
Start of New Service in January 2025
| City Pair | Start Date | End Date | Frequency | Aircraft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento – Los Cabos | Jan. 6 | April 21 | 5x/week | 737 |
| Sacramento – Tucson | Jan. 6 | April 21 | Daily | E175 |
| Sacramento – Orlando | Jan. 6 | April 21 | 4x/week | 737 |
| Portland – New Orleans | Jan. 6 | May 14 | Daily | 737 |
| Boise – Orlando | Jan. 7 | March 23 | 3x/week | 737 |
| New York JFK – Puerto Vallarta | Jan. 8 | April 20 | 4x/week | 737 |
| Sacramento – Puerto Vallarta | Jan. 11 | April 19 | Weekly | 737 |
| Kansas City – Cancun | Jan. 18 | Aug. 9 | Weekly | 737 |
| Kansas City – Puerto Vallarta | Jan. 25 | April 5 | Weekly | 737 |
| St. Louis – Puerto Vallarta | Jan. 25 | April 5 | Weekly | 737 |
Premium Services
Alaska Airlines changes the aviation environment with its extensive portfolio of passenger-focused facilities. The airline provides flexibility through its no-change-fee policy, while also providing industry-leading legroom in first and premium class cabins.
The airline’s Mileage Plan program helps members reach elite status faster, setting it apart from other loyalty programs.
The airline improves the in-flight experience with a vast entertainment library that delivers hundreds of free movies and TV series directly to guests’ devices.
Satellite with streaming capabilities Wi-Fi keeps passengers connected at cruising altitude, while power plugs at each seat ensure that electronics stay charged during the flight. Passengers can personalize their dining experience using a pre-order meal selection system.
Alaska Air Group, headquartered in Seattle, has expanded its operational presence with the recent acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Horizon Air, and McGee Air Services are now all part of the company’s portfolio.
This strategic development broadens the airline’s reach across North America, Central America, Asia, and the Pacific, covering over 140 destinations.
What new routes has Alaska Airlines launched from Anchorage and Portland?
Alaska Airlines has introduced new direct routes from Anchorage to cities in the Lower 48 and new seasonal routes from Portland to popular destinations across the United States.
When will these new routes begin operation?
The new routes are scheduled to begin in the summer of 2025, with exact start dates varying by destination.
Why is Alaska Airlines expanding routes from Anchorage and Portland?
Alaska Airlines is expanding routes to meet increased demand for travel from both Anchorage and Portland. The new routes aim to offer more direct travel options to popular destinations.
What destinations are included in Alaska Airlines’ new routes?
While the full list of destinations hasn’t been disclosed, major cities on the West Coast and select locations in the Midwest and East Coast are expected to be part of the new route expansion.
Will Alaska Airlines offer promotional fares for these new routes?
Yes, Alaska Airlines is likely to offer promotional fares and discounts during the launch period. Passengers can check the airline’s website for special deals and early booking options.
Are these routes seasonal or year-round?
Some of the new routes will be seasonal, primarily operating during peak travel months, while others will be offered year-round based on demand.
