Alaska Airlines adds 5 new routes

Alaska Airlines announces new nonstop flights

By Mark Reif Published October 4, 2024

Beach in San Diego — San Diego, California Frank McKenna via Unsplash

This week, Alaska Airlines announced five new nonstop routes. Starting Oct. 1, the flights fly between Las Vegas and both Santa Rosa/Sonoma County and San Diego, and between Los Angeles and both Reno and Pasco, Washington. The airline will also reintroduce nonstop service between Portland and Atlanta.

The new routes enhance Alaska Airlines’ West Coast presence

Welcome sign in Las Vegas — Las Vegas, Nevada David Lusvardi / Unsplash

By offering the new flights from Los Angeles, Alaska Airlines now has the most daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to West Coast destinations. The Reno flight embarks twice daily and is a guest-favorite. The Pasco route also flies twice daily. Both routes use a modern Embraer 175 aircraft.

Recommended Videos

The San Diego to Las Vegas route is the carrier’s 39th nonstop flight from the SoCal city. The Santa Rosa route provides a quick stop for Mexico-bound guests from the Bay Area. Also, those from Las Vegas are now a quick trip away from wine country. These flights also use Embraer 175 airplanes.

The reintroduction of the Portland to Atlanta route lets travelers take a cross-county trip via Boeing 737-900. Guests can also take in Portland International Airport’s (PDX) redesigned terminal, which features real trees and a Pacific Northwest design theme.

Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Revenue Management and Network Planning, said: “Travel demand continues to be strong, and we are excited to provide our guests with more options for their next business trip or autumn getaway. With the addition of these new nonstop routes, we also continue to strengthen our presence throughout the state of California and connect Pacific Northwest communities with our broader network.”

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

Travel

Emirates increases flights to this African country

Emirates increases flights to Madagascar

Madagascar mountains

To meet growing demand, Emirates will increase flights to Madagascar. The move follows the airline’s foray into the African island nation in September 24, and shows its interest in helping the country increase tourism from global visitors.
The new flights will meet increasing demand
Madagascar Stefano Intintoli via Unsplash

Beginning April 2, 2025, Emirates will increase flights between Dubai and Antananarivo from four to six weekly services. The extra trips are in response to strong passenger demand between the two cities. Since introducing the route in September 2024, Emirates has seen a robust need for both inbound and outbound flights, with the four weekly trips at almost full capacity. To temporarily meet travelers’ needs, Emirates has increased its frequency from four to five flights per week.

Travel

This airline now accepts surfboards (and more) as standard checked baggage

On Hawaiian Airlines you can check a surfboard as regular baggage

Surfer in barrel

A trip to the Hawaiian islands can involve chasing waves on the North Shore of Oahu or teeing off at a picturesque golf course on Kauai. The islands’ epic surf and natural beauty make them a natural fit for sports-minded travelers. But in the past, bringing a surfboard or golf clubs involved an upcharge beyond standard checked bags.

That changed this week when Hawaiian Airlines began accepting surfboards, golf clubs, and more as standard checked baggage.
Hawaii is a destination for adventurous travelers

Travel

Emirates introduces these creative dishes for vegan passengers

Emirates introduces creative vegan menu

Emirates chefs

To meet the needs of increasing vegan passengers, and accommodate those who prefer vegan cuisine’s light, digestible nature, Emirates is introducing a bevy of new recipes. The airline tapped into chefs’ creativity, producing dishes with egg substitutes made of legumes and vegan meals for kids. Here are some highlights.
Emirates chefs workshopped for the new recipes

To commemorate “Veganuary” — a decade-long initiative highlighting veganism’s benefits — Emirates brought together a collective of chefs at its Emirates Flight Catering Concept Development Kitchen. There, they experimented with ingredients and workshopped new dishes.