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Alaska Airlines is taking significant strides to enhance connectivity in California by launching three new flight routes from Santa Rosa and resuming operations to Long Beach after a hiatus of ten years. This expansion comes just in time for winter travel and aims to facilitate easier access to popular ski resorts and warmer destinations for travelers from the North Bay region as the 2026-27 ski season approaches.
The newly introduced routes from Santa Rosa include Salt Lake City, Boise, and Phoenix. The Salt Lake City and Boise connections will offer North Bay travelers direct access to some of the most renowned ski areas in the country. Meanwhile, the addition of Phoenix provides a warm-weather alternative, bringing the total number of nonstop destinations available from Santa Rosa to twelve.
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All three routes will be serviced by the Embraer E175 aircraft, with operations scheduled to run through mid to late April 2027, thus enhancing the travel choices available for winter expeditions.
The service from Santa Rosa to Boise will commence on November 1, 2026, operating up to daily flights until April 19, 2027. This route connects Sonoma County with Idaho’s top ski sites. In the same vein, the Santa Rosa to Salt Lake City route also launches on November 1, 2026, running daily through April 21, 2027, and directing passengers straight to Utah’s famous ski resorts, including Park City, Alta, Snowbird, and Solitude.
For those seeking a warmer climate, the Santa Rosa to Phoenix route will operate daily from November 1, 2026, to April 21, 2027, providing a sunny escape from California’s winter chill. This seasonal route pair effectively caters to both the ski enthusiasts and those looking to bask in the desert sun, offering year-round travel versatility.
In addition to the new Santa Rosa routes, Alaska Airlines is reestablishing service to Long Beach Municipal Airport, beginning September 8, 2026. The airline will operate two daily flights between Long Beach and Seattle aboard modern Boeing 737 aircraft, marking a significant reconnection for Southern California travelers after more than a decade. This move positions Alaska as the only airline providing nonstop service between Seattle and all five major airports in the Los Angeles Basin.
The return of Alaska Airlines to Long Beach offers Southern California passengers a convenient alternative to nearby, often congested airports such as LAX, Burbank, Orange County, and John Wayne. Currently, Hawaiian Airlines is the only other airline serving Long Beach with ongoing flights to destinations in Hawaii, marking Alaska as the second carrier enhancing intercontinental travel options from the region.
Those embarking from Santa Rosa can benefit from Alaska Airlines’ Wine Flies Free program, which has been a significant asset for travelers since its inception in 2007. This program allows Atmos Rewards members to check a full case of wine—up to twelve bottles—without additional charges. This service highlights Alaska’s dedication to supporting the region’s rich wine tourism culture.
With Sonoma County recognized as a premier wine destination that draws thousands of visitors each year for wine tastings and vineyard tours, this unique offering enhances Alaska Airlines’ appeal for wine enthusiasts traveling in and out of Santa Rosa. As the gateway to Sonoma County, Santa Rosa benefits greatly from direct flights combined with wine transportation, solidifying Alaska Airlines as the top carrier for wine tourism.
Alaska Airlines sets itself apart with the world’s only regional fleet equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi across all its aircraft, ensuring superior internet connectivity on the new Santa Rosa routes. Passengers can enjoy gate-to-gate connectivity thanks to a dedicated onboard portal powered by T-Mobile, allowing uninterrupted online access.
Joining the Atmos Rewards program, which is free, grants members complimentary Wi-Fi along with the opportunity to accumulate points for future travel—making fantastic connectivity accessible to all passengers without any added expense. The rollout of Starlink is also expanding to Alaska’s mainline 737 fleet throughout 2026, meaning Long Beach travelers will soon reap the same high-speed benefits.
Kirsten Amrine, Vice President of Network Planning and Revenue Management at Alaska Airlines, emphasizes the airline’s ongoing dedication to California, underscoring their goal to enhance travel options for visitors. Alaska Airlines has been a substantial presence at Charles M. Schulz-Sonoma County Airport, having initiated commercial services there nearly twenty years ago. Today, it remains the largest airline serving Santa Rosa, a testament to its commitment to the region.
This latest expansion not only bolsters local tourism but also enhances access to ski resorts, warmer getaways, and Pacific Northwest connections, fostering a robust travel environment for both residents and visitors. It opens up new possibilities for diverse vacation experiences across California, further supporting regional tourism development.
Image Credit: Alaska Airline
Source: The post Alaska Airlines Adds New Santa Rosa-Long Beach Flights, Boosting California Tourism: What You Need to Know first appeared on www.travelandtourworld.com.
