Alaska Airlines is adding four new nonstop routes across California later this year, including three seasonal services from Santa Rosa and the return of flights between Long Beach and Seattle after more than a decade. The expansion comes after increased demand for leisure travel on the West Coast.
Santa Rosa adds new winter connections
The airline will launch new seasonal routes from Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Boise, Phoenix (BOI) and Salt Lake City (SLC) from Nov. 1, 2026, all operated by Embraer E175 aircraft. These additions are designed to capture winter leisure demand, particularly for ski destinations in Idaho and Utah.
The move expands Alaska Airlines’ presence in Sonoma County, where it remains the largest carrier. Once the new services begin, the airline will serve 12 nonstop destinations from Santa Rosa.
Kirsten Amrine, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of revenue management and network planning, said the carrier sees continued demand for travel within the western United States:
“Alaska is committed to California, and we’re proud to offer guests across the state even more options for their next vacation or work trip.”
The expansion also follows Southwest Airlines’ recent entry into the Santa Rosa market, intensifying competition between carriers at smaller Californian airports.
Long Beach flights return after a decade away
Alaska will also resume service between Seattle (SEA) and Long Beach (LGB) on Sept. 8, 2026, marking its return to Long Beach Airport for the first time in 10 years. The route will operate twice daily year-round using Boeing 737 aircraft.
This restored route gives the airline direct Seattle connections to all five major airports in the Los Angeles Basin. Long Beach Airport has long been popular with travellers looking to avoid congestion at larger Southern California hubs such as Los Angeles International Airport (LAX).
West coast growth continues
The latest route additions come as Alaska Airlines continues to reshape its California operations. Whilst the airline has reduced some flying from San Francisco in recent months, it has increasingly focused on regional airports where competition is less intense.
Santa Rosa, in particular, has emerged as one of the fastest-growing airports in Northern California, driven by tourism demand and population growth in the wider Bay Area.
The airline has also confirmed that all new Santa Rosa services will feature Starlink Wi-Fi connectivity as well as the “Wine Flies Free” programme, which offers Atmos™ Rewards members the ability to check in up to 12 bottles of wine for free.
Will you be using these new routes for your future trips? Let us know in the comments below.
