In an effort to meet the growing demand for travel, Alaska Airlines has announced significant expansions to its West Coast network. The carrier will be adding more frequencies to several routes and introducing new destinations, including Las Vegas and Reno-Tahoe International Airport (RNO). These developments are set to take effect on October 1, 2023.

The addition of Las Vegas will allow Alaska Airlines to offer a total of 39 nonstop destinations from San Diego, further strengthening its presence on the West Coast. Furthermore, the airline will restart its LAX to RNO route, which was previously operated during the summer season. This route, which will now operate twice daily year-round, aims to cater to the demand for travel between Los Angeles and Nevada.

In addition to these new routes, Alaska Airlines is increasing frequencies on nine different routes out of LAX, including major hubs such as Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) and Portland International Airport (PDX). The airline will also provide more flights to cities like Eugene, Oregon; San Jose and Santa Rosa, California; Boise; and Las Vegas. With these changes, Alaska Airlines is set to boost its LAX capacity by a quarter, offering passengers greater flexibility and options for their travel plans.

These expansions highlight Alaska Airlines' commitment to growth in Southern California. Neil Thwaites, the regional vice president of Alaska Airlines, expressed his excitement about offering the largest schedule out of the region in recent years. These developments come as the airline experiences a positive bounce-back in business travel, particularly within the tech sector. Corporate travel on Alaska Airlines saw significant growth, with a surge of 30% in February 2023 compared to the same period in 2022, and a 22% increase in the first quarter overall.

This rebound in business travel has surpassed the gains recorded by other major carriers, including Delta Air Lines and United Airlines, both reporting a 14% increase in corporate travel. The strong return of business travelers is seen as a positive sign for Alaska Airlines and reflects a renewed confidence in business activities in the coming months.

Overall, these expansions and frequency adjustments are set to enhance the travel experience for passengers in the West Coast region, allowing for easier connections and increased options for both leisure and business travel. Alaska Airlines continues to adapt to the evolving travel landscape, ensuring convenience and flexibility for its customers.