Alaska Airlines announces more direct flights to this PNW state

Alaska Airlines announces new nonstop flights to Oregon

By Mark Reif Published January 15, 2025

Portland, Oregon — Elena Kuchko / Unsplash

This week, Alaska Airlines announced two new direct routes from Oregon, along with the resumption of an interstate route. Beginning on May 15, 2025, the airline begins service from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH). There’s also a new flight from Oregon’s Rogue Valley International Medford Airport (MFD) to San Diego International Airport (SAN). Additionally, flights between Portland and Eugene, Oregon, resume service, for a quick in-state trip.

Alaska Airlines is the largest carrier in Portland

Houston, Texas — Houston, Texas Kevin Hernandez via Unsplash

Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines, said: “We’re based in Seattle, but Portland is a second home for us where we’ve been the largest carrier for more than 20 years. Our new flights out of Portland, Eugene and Medford show our continued focus on connecting Oregon with the rest of the country.”

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The Houston route adds a connection to Alaska’s largest unserved city from Portland. It’ll take off from Portland at 10:30 a.m. and depart Houston a little before 6:00 p.m.

For the Portland to Eugene flight, Alaska considered travelers’ needs, particularly those connecting out of Portland. Besides that, there’s a 5:30 a.m. flight from Eugene, and a 9:55 p.m. return trip, allowing for a full day in Portland.

The Medford to San Diego route offers convenient departure times, with a mid-afternoon take-off from Medford, and a late-morning trip from San Diego. Starting in mid-May, Alaska will offer the most seats and daily departures from Medford.

Dan Pippenger, Chief Aviation Officer at the Port of Portland, added: “As passenger traffic at PDX continues to grow, so does the opportunity for airlines. We appreciate the continued partnership with Alaska that gives travelers more options to connect to major markets and more flights within our state.”

Mark Reif is a writer from Stowe, Vermont. During the winter, he works as a snowboard coach and rides more than 100 days. The…

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Have you ever found yourself wondering, how much is a first-class flight? I know I did. Before I had the chance to experience it myself, first class always felt like a luxury that was just out of my reach. But now that I know what it actually costs, I’m here to share what I’ve learned about the true price of flying first class. So, here’s how much a first-class flight really costs.
Factors that affect the price of first-class flights

First things first, the price of a first-class ticket can vary depending on the different factors at play. But there is a general range, so let’s break it down a bit.
The airline and route
The cost of a first-class ticket depends mainly on the airline and the route you’re taking. For example, on a popular international route like New York to London, a first-class ticket can range from $4,000 to $7,000, sometimes even more. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to Tokyo, that price tag can jump to $14,000 or more. These prices fluctuate based on the airline’s pricing structure and the demand for seats on that specific flight.
The flight duration
Another big factor is the length of the flight. The longer the journey, the more expensive the first-class ticket tends to be. A shorter domestic flight might cost somewhere in the range of $1,000 for a first-class seat, while international flights that can last 10 hours or more could easily push into the $8,000-$15,000 range for first class.
When you book your flight
Timing also plays a big role in the cost of your first-class ticket. The Luxury Travel Expert recommends booking your flight as early as possible to secure the best deals. So if you book months in advance, you’ll probably find better fares. However, airlines do occasionally offer last-minute discounts or promotions to fill seats, although this isn’t always the case. It’s always best to plan ahead, but keep an eye out for any deals, especially during off-peak travel seasons.
The time of year
Airline ticket prices also vary depending on the time of year. Traveling during peak times, like the holidays or summer vacation, will typically result in higher prices. Airlines usually raise prices to accommodate the increased demand during these periods.
What do you get for the price of first class?