Alaska Airlines Unveils Major Network Expansion with New Routes and Long Beach Comeback, What This Means for You!

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Alaska Airlines Unveils Major Network Expansion with New Routes and Long Beach Comeback, What This Means for You!

Published on
May 11, 2026

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Alaska Airlines is enhancing its California network with four new nonstop routes and the return of a long-awaited service to Long Beach Municipal Airport (LGB) after a ten-year hiatus. The airline is expanding its reach by offering three seasonal routes from Santa Rosa’s Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) and a year-round service between Seattle and Long Beach starting in 2026. This expansion is a part of Alaska Airlines’ broader strategy to increase service options for both leisure and business travelers in the Golden State.

New Routes from Santa Rosa: Connecting Ski and Sun Destinations

Alaska Airlines has announced three new seasonal flights from Santa Rosa, aimed at meeting the increasing demand for winter and year-round travel. Beginning November 1, 2026, the airline will introduce nonstop routes to Boise, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City, offering passengers direct access to ski destinations and a sunny escape during the colder months.

Santa Rosa to Boise (BOI): A seasonal route operating daily, this flight offers North Bay residents easy access to the popular ski resorts of Idaho and beyond. The service runs until mid-April 2027.

Santa Rosa to Phoenix (PHX): A daily route offering convenient connections to the warmer destinations of Arizona, operating until late April 2027.

Santa Rosa to Salt Lake City (SLC): Another winter-friendly service that will run up to daily, providing direct access to ski resorts in Utah, operating until late April 2027.

These routes are operated by the Embraer E175 aircraft, which offers a comfortable travel experience while maintaining efficient service.

Long Beach Returns to Alaska Airlines’ Network After Ten Years

Alaska Airlines is making a significant return to Long Beach Municipal Airport, marking a milestone in its expansion efforts. Starting September 8, 2026, the airline will resume nonstop flights between Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Long Beach, offering two daily services. This move signals Alaska’s commitment to California and Southern California in particular, by providing travelers with more options than ever before.

The Long Beach service will be operated using the Boeing 737 aircraft and will run year-round. With this addition, Alaska becomes the only airline offering nonstop flights between Seattle and all five major Los Angeles Basin airports, providing greater convenience for passengers who seek alternatives to busier airports like LAX.

Alaska’s Strategic Focus on Wine Country

Alaska Airlines has long been a key player in the region, especially for wine country travelers. As part of the airline’s dedication to California, its Wine Flies Free program, which began in 2007, continues to be an attractive perk for Santa Rosa residents. This program allows travelers to check a full case of wine at no additional cost, supporting the local wine tourism industry.

Atmos Rewards members benefit from this program, with additional perks such as free Wi-Fi on nearly all flights. This initiative underscores Alaska Airlines’ commitment to connecting wine lovers with one of the most renowned wine regions in the world.

Expanding Reach with Starlink Wi-Fi and Enhanced Customer Experience

Alaska Airlines continues to innovate with its onboard services, introducing Starlink Wi-Fi on all new flights, including those on the Embraer E175 aircraft. This provides customers with fast and reliable internet access, allowing them to stay connected during their journey. The service will be available on all three Santa Rosa routes, and Alaska plans to expand Starlink Wi-Fi across its mainline Boeing 737 fleet throughout 2026.

Additionally, Alaska has introduced a variety of customer experience enhancements for the summer travel season. The airline’s mobile app now includes features that provide real-time updates on delays and cancellations, as well as self-service rebooking options. Passengers flying between Long Beach and Seattle can expect access to high-speed Wi-Fi and seamless connectivity, thanks to the ongoing rollout of Starlink technology.

Conclusion: A Stronger Network for California Travelers

With the introduction of new routes from Santa Rosa, the return of service to Long Beach, and enhanced customer services, Alaska Airlines is positioning itself as a key player in California’s air travel landscape. The airline’s investment in new routes and technology reflects its ongoing commitment to providing the best possible travel experience for customers. Alaska Airlines continues to be the airline of choice for those seeking convenient and reliable service from California to both domestic and international destinations.

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