Southwest Airlines: Alaska-Bound?

Southwest Airlines offers affordable flights to Alaska, the majestic US state known for its rugged wilderness and pristine glaciers. While the airline is more renowned for its domestic routes, it has expanded its reach to include several Alaskan cities, providing a valuable option for travellers seeking accessibility and reliability.

Southwest Airlines stands out for its commitment to providing affordable fares without compromising on quality. Its unique business model and transparent pricing structure cater to budget-conscious travellers. The airline is also known for its exceptional customer service, with a strong reputation for friendly and accommodating staff.

Another advantage of choosing Southwest Airlines for your Alaskan adventure is its generous baggage policy. You can check up to two bags for free, making it convenient for those planning to bring extra gear or equipment.

So, if you're planning to explore the breathtaking wonders of Alaska, including the scenic coast of Ketchikan and the wilderness of Denali, Southwest Airlines offers a convenient and budget-friendly option to embark on your journey.

Southwest Airlines' route map and destinations

Southwest Airlines does not fly to Alaska. However, it does have a presence in the Pacific Northwest, with flights to destinations such as Bellingham, Washington, and Eugene, Oregon.

Destinations

As of October 2023, Southwest Airlines flies to 121 destinations across the United States, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean. The airline has 15 focus cities and operates over 4,000 flights each day.

Route Map

Southwest Airlines does not use the "hub and spoke" system of other major airlines. Instead, it prefers the point-to-point system with focus cities. It has large operations in certain airports, with an average of 80% of passengers being local and only 20% being connecting passengers.

International Service

Southwest Airlines began planning international service when it acquired AirTran Airways. It debuted its international reservation system on January 27, 2014, and its first international flights began on July 1, 2014, to Aruba, Montego Bay, Jamaica, and Nassau, Bahamas.

Examples of Destinations

• Chicago (O'Hare), IL
• Colorado Springs, CO
• Destin/Fort Walton Beach, FL
• Fresno, CA
• Miami, FL
• Myrtle Beach, SC
• Palm Springs, CA
• Santa Barbara, CA
• Savannah/Hilton Head, GA
• Steamboat Springs, CO
• Syracuse, NY

Cheap flights to Alaska

There are many options for finding cheap flights to Alaska. Here are some tips and recommendations to help you get started:

Flight Booking Websites:

• Expedia: Offers rewards and allows you to compare prices for flexible dates and times. One-way flights to Southwest Alaska can start as low as $143, while round-trip flights typically range from $277 to $1,035.
• Travelocity: Provides 24/7 support and free flight cancellations within 24 hours of booking. Round-trip flights to Southwest Alaska can start from $277, with one-way flights as low as $143.
• Cheapflights: Features a user-friendly interface and provides real-time updates on flight prices. One-way flights to Alaska can start from $200, with round-trip flights ranging from $191 to $330.

Booking Tips:

• Book in Advance: It is recommended to book your flights well in advance, as early bookings tend to have lower prices.
• Flexible Dates: Flight prices can vary depending on the day of the week. Typically, Tuesdays and Mondays offer cheaper fares, while Saturdays tend to be more expensive.
• Compare Prices: Compare prices across different websites and airlines to find the best deals.
• Consider Layovers: Flights with layovers are often cheaper than direct flights.
• Seasonality: The cheapest months to fly to Alaska are typically February and June, while December is usually the most expensive.

Popular Routes and Airlines:

• Popular Routes: Flights from Seattle, San Francisco, Minneapolis, and Denver to Anchorage are among the most popular routes to Alaska.
• Airlines: Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Sun Country Air are some of the top-rated airlines for flights to Alaska.

By following these tips and recommendations, you can find cheap flights to Alaska that fit your budget and preferences. Happy travelling!

Airlines that fly to Southwest Alaska

Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines are the two major competitors for the best airline on the West Coast. While Southwest Airlines is the country's largest low-cost carrier, Alaska Airlines has a greater West Coast route network.

• Alaska Airlines is the most popular option for travellers heading to Southwest Alaska. The airline offers 459 flights to or near Southwest Alaska each month, including 377 flights to Fairbanks International Airport (FAI).
• Wright Air offers 437 flights to or near Southwest Alaska each month, including 437 flights to FAI.
• Island Air Service provides 247 flights to or near Southwest Alaska each month, including 247 flights to Kodiak Airport (ADQ).
• Sun Country operates flights to FAI.
• American Airlines flies into FAI and Juneau International Airport (JNU).
• Delta Airlines flies into FAI and JNU.
• United Airlines flies into FAI.
• Smaller regional carriers such as Raven, Alaska Seaplanes, and Penn Air also service Alaska.

Tips for finding cheap flights to Southwest Alaska:

• Book during the off-season. The cheapest months to fly to Southwest Alaska are February and June, while December is the most expensive.
• Be flexible with your travel dates. Generally, flights are cheaper at the beginning of the week, with Tuesdays and Mondays being the cheapest days to fly.
• Compare multiple travel sites and set price alerts.
• Bundle your flight with a hotel or car rental.
• If you're not tied to a specific destination within Alaska, fly into Anchorage International Airport (ANC). It's the largest airport in the state and has the most flights.
• If you're looking for outdoor activities in Alaska, consider flying into FAI or JNU instead of Anchorage.
• If you're travelling with dogs, FAI, JNU, and ANC all have outdoor pet relief areas.

Travel to Alaska during COVID-19

Southwest Airlines does not appear to fly to Alaska. However, if you are considering travelling to Alaska, it is good to be aware of the COVID-19 guidelines and requirements.

As of May 2023, international passengers travelling to the United States, including Alaska, are no longer required to show proof of vaccination against COVID-19. However, travellers can help reduce the spread of illness by remaining up to date with their vaccinations and considering wearing masks in crowded or enclosed areas. It is also recommended to get a COVID test before travelling to ensure your trip starts off well.

Additionally, masks may be requested or required in certain venues or private businesses. Self-administered "at-home" tests are widely available, and many local pharmacies, clinics, and healthcare facilities offer low- or no-cost lab tests when needed.

When planning a trip to Alaska, it is important to consider the region and the best type of travel to suit your interests. For example, if you want to visit Denali, you can access it by car, bus, and/or train, while a cruise is necessary for places like Glacier Bay.

There are no current travel restrictions or advisories for the state of Alaska, and it is considered a very safe state to visit. However, it is always important to follow safety protocols when interacting with wildlife, driving on icy roads, and practising common sense when visiting cities such as Anchorage.

When booking your trip, consider purchasing travel insurance that covers trip interruptions or cancellations due to COVID-19 or other unforeseen events.

Alaska Airlines' in-flight experience

Alaska Airlines In-Flight Experience

First Class

First Class offers the most legroom in its class across any U.S. domestic airline, as well as priority boarding and a dedicated flight attendant. Passengers can check in two bags for free and enjoy complimentary food and drinks, with lounge access on select flights.

Premium Class

Premium Class elevates the Main Cabin experience with early boarding and extra legroom. Passengers can enjoy free beer, wine, and cocktails, as well as early access to overhead storage.

Main Cabin

The Main Cabin experience includes choosing your own seat and earning Mileage Plan miles. The Main Cabin also offers freshly prepared food options, such as the Signature Fruit & Cheese Platter, and hot meals available for pre-order on most flights over 1,100 miles.

Saver Fare

Saver Fare provides the budget-friendly essentials, including earning Mileage Plan miles and bringing a free carry-on. This option excludes seat selection and flight changes but offers Main Cabin inflight amenities at the lowest rates.

In-Flight Entertainment

Alaska Airlines offers endless streaming with 800+ movies and TV episodes, as well as USB and outlet seat charging on most flights.

Customer Service

Alaska Airlines is known for its exceptional customer service, with friendly and helpful flight attendants and gate agents. The airline also takes customer feedback seriously and has a user-friendly app and website.

Frequently asked questions