United States: Alaska Airlines Expands Its California Network with New Seasonal Routes and Marks a Decade of Return to Long Beach with Year-Round Service to Seattle

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United States: Alaska Airlines Expands Its California Network with New Seasonal Routes and Marks a Decade of Return to Long Beach with Year-Round Service to Seattle

Published on
May 11, 2026

Beach and city skyline in long beach, california, with palm trees and ships.

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Alaska Airlines is broadening its reach within California by introducing three seasonal routes from Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) in Santa Rosa and adding a year-round connection to Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB) after more than a decade. The move signals a renewed commitment to expanding access to the state’s top destinations, making it easier for travelers to head to some of the most sought-after locations in the region. The airline has set its sights on not only providing convenience but also tapping into the growing demand for both winter and warmer weather travel options. With flights now available for booking, these routes are set to kick off in the second half of 2026.

New Seasonal Routes From Santa Rosa to Ski and Sun Destinations
Starting November 2026, Alaska Airlines will offer new seasonal routes from Santa Rosa to Boise, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. These destinations are tailored to cater to diverse traveler needs: Boise and Salt Lake City will provide quick access to ski resorts, while Phoenix offers a warm getaway. The routes will run until April 2027, allowing travelers ample opportunity to visit the ski slopes or enjoy the sunny skies of Arizona.

The routes include:

Santa Rosa to Boise: Operating up to daily on the Embraer E175 from November 1, 2026, until April 19, 2027

Santa Rosa to Phoenix: Operating daily on the Embraer E175 from November 1, 2026, until April 21, 2027

Santa Rosa to Salt Lake City: Operating up to daily on the Embraer E175 from November 1, 2026, until April 21, 2027

Alaska Airlines continues to reinforce its presence in Northern California, where it has been a key player at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, having introduced commercial service to the airport nearly two decades ago.

A Major Milestone: Alaska Returns to Long Beach After Ten Years
After a ten-year hiatus, Alaska Airlines is making a significant return to Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB). Starting September 8, 2026, Alaska will operate two daily flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Long Beach using the Boeing 737. This return solidifies Alaska Airlines as a key player in the Southern California market, offering travelers a direct, convenient route between Seattle and one of the area’s most popular airports. This new route also makes Alaska the only airline offering nonstop flights between Seattle and all five major Los Angeles Basin airports.

Benefits for California Travelers
The new routes provide travelers with diverse options, whether for business, leisure, or family travel. These seasonal and year-round connections will make it easier for passengers from California to access popular ski destinations or enjoy a sun-soaked break in the southwest. Additionally, with the return to Long Beach, passengers can bypass the region’s busier airports, offering a more relaxed travel experience.

Wine Flies Free: A Signature Program for Santa Rosa Travelers
As part of its longstanding commitment to wine country, Alaska Airlines continues to offer its popular Wine Flies Free program, which allows Atmos Rewards members to check a full case of wine—up to 12 bottles—free of charge. This perk is particularly appealing to travelers from Santa Rosa, where wine tourism is a major draw. By capitalizing on this benefit, passengers can easily bring home their favorite wines without worrying about extra baggage fees.

Starlink Wi-Fi: Connectivity for All Passengers
Alaska Airlines is also pioneering the inclusion of high-speed Wi-Fi with its Starlink service. Passengers on the new routes from Santa Rosa will be able to enjoy gate-to-gate connectivity thanks to T-Mobile’s onboard portal. As the airline expands its fleet, Starlink Wi-Fi will be installed on all Boeing 737s, including those operating the Seattle to Long Beach route, ensuring that passengers enjoy reliable internet access during their travels.

Alaska Airlines’ Global Expansion Plans
The addition of new routes within California comes as part of Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to increase its domestic and international footprint. The airline is also enhancing its premium offerings, with an upcoming rollout of premium economy cabins across its Boeing 787-9 fleet by 2028. This move is aimed at catering to the growing demand for upgraded travel experiences on long-haul flights, including the airline’s new European services between Seattle and Rome.

Alaska Airlines’ expansion into Santa Rosa and the return to Long Beach mark important milestones in its California network. These new routes cater to a diverse range of travelers, from skiers heading to the mountains to those seeking sunshine in Phoenix. With the added benefit of Wine Flies Free, the convenience of Starlink Wi-Fi, and the return to Long Beach, the airline is well-positioned to further solidify its leadership in the Californian market. For travelers planning trips from Northern and Southern California, these new routes offer unmatched convenience and connection to some of the region’s most iconic destinations.

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