Carrier Expands California Network With New Santa Rosa Seasonal Flights and Year-Round Seattle–Long Beach Service
SEATTLE — Alaska Airlines is expanding its California network with four new nonstop routes, including three seasonal services from Santa Rosa and a return to Long Beach Municipal Airport after more than a decade away.
The airline announced that tickets are now on sale for all routes through its booking platform. Beginning November 1, 2026, Alaska will launch seasonal nonstop flights from Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa to Boise, Phoenix, and Salt Lake City. In addition, the carrier will begin year-round twice-daily flights between Seattle and Long Beach on September 8, 2026.
The expansion strengthens Alaska’s footprint in California, a market where the carrier has continued to invest heavily amid growing competition among major U.S. airlines.
Santa Rosa Expansion Targets Winter Travel Demand
Alaska Airlines has maintained a strong presence in Santa Rosa since becoming the first commercial airline to introduce service at the airport nearly 20 years ago. The airline remains the airport’s largest carrier.
The new routes are designed to capitalize on winter leisure demand, particularly among ski travelers. Direct service to Salt Lake City and Boise will provide Northern California passengers with easier access to major mountain destinations ahead of the 2026–27 ski season. The Phoenix route adds a warm-weather option for travelers seeking desert destinations during colder months.
With the additions, Santa Rosa will offer nonstop service to 12 destinations through Alaska Airlines. All three routes will be operated using Embraer E175 regional jets and are scheduled to run through mid-to-late April 2027.
“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,” said Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines.
Wine Flies Free Program Continues To Support Sonoma Tourism
Alaska Airlines is also continuing its long-running “Wine Flies Free” program, a benefit aimed at travelers visiting California wine country.
Under the program, Atmos Rewards members can check a full case of wine, containing up to 12 bottles, at no additional cost. Introduced in 2007, the initiative has become closely associated with Sonoma County tourism and remains a competitive advantage for the carrier in the region.
The airline said the program continues to resonate with both tourists and local travelers, helping reinforce Alaska’s connection to Northern California’s wine industry.
Alaska Airlines Returns to Long Beach Municipal Airport
Alaska’s return to Long Beach Municipal Airport marks the airline’s first operation there in more than 10 years.
Starting September 8, 2026, the carrier will operate two daily year-round flights between Long Beach and Seattle using Boeing 737 aircraft. The move adds another option for Southern California travelers looking to avoid congestion at larger airports such as Los Angeles International Airport.
Currently, Hawaiian Airlines serves Long Beach with flights to Honolulu and Maui. Alaska’s new Seattle service increases competition while further integrating the airline’s West Coast network following its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024.
With the addition of Long Beach, Alaska said it will become the only airline operating nonstop flights between Seattle and all five major airports in the Los Angeles Basin. The carrier also noted that it serves more California airports year-round than any competing airline.
Starlink Wi-Fi Expansion Continues Across Fleet
The new Santa Rosa routes will feature Starlink satellite internet service, which Alaska says is installed across its entire regional fleet.
Passengers traveling on the Embraer E175 aircraft will have access to gate-to-gate connectivity through a new onboard portal powered by T-Mobile. Complimentary Wi-Fi access is included for Atmos Rewards members.
Alaska is also rolling out Starlink connectivity across its Boeing 737 fleet throughout 2026, meaning passengers on the new Long Beach–Seattle service are expected to receive the upgraded internet experience as installations continue.
Alaska Accelerates International Premium Strategy
The California route expansion comes as Alaska Airlines pushes deeper into long-haul international operations following its merger with Hawaiian Airlines.
The airline recently launched its first nonstop European route between Seattle and Rome using Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Alaska executives say the carrier is now focused on building a more competitive premium product to support its growing global ambitions.
Premium Economy Planned for Boeing 787 Fleet
Although Alaska’s Boeing 787 aircraft currently feature business-class suites, the airline does not yet offer a traditional premium economy cabin.
Chief Executive Officer Ben Minicucci confirmed that retrofits adding a dedicated premium economy product will begin in 2028.
“I think that’s really going to enhance the product. That’s one of the most popular products on long-haul, it’s one of the most profitable products on long-haul,” Minicucci said while speaking from Rome.
The planned upgrades will also extend to Hawaiian Airlines’ Airbus A330 fleet, which is expected to receive new business-class suites and premium economy seating beginning in 2028.
New Premium Lounge Planned for Seattle Hub
As part of its broader premium strategy, Alaska Airlines is planning a flagship lounge at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport.
The approximately 40,000-square-foot facility will be located on the airport’s C Concourse and designed primarily for premium cabin passengers and high-tier Atmos Rewards members.
“If you’re going to charge for the product, we want the entire end-to-end experience to be fantastic,” Minicucci said.
The lounge, which will include shower facilities and multiple levels, is expected to open within the next two years.
Atmos Rewards Program Continues to Expand
Alaska’s Atmos Rewards loyalty program, which now spans both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, continues to grow across multiple business segments.
The airline confirmed that a new “choice accrual” feature allowing members to earn rewards based on spending, miles flown, or flight segments is expected to launch later in 2026.
The carrier also recently surpassed 100,000 cardholders for its premium Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Card.
According to Alaska executives, loyalty program growth is increasingly influencing network planning decisions, particularly in key California markets such as San Diego.
“We’re seeing really good passenger growth, but what we also need to see is, are we seeing the loyalty program growing, are we seeing the card — both members and spend — improve,” Amrine said. “We’re really encouraged by what we’re seeing.”
