Alaska Airlines announces new flights between Portland, Oregon and Sun Valley, Idaho; increases Sun Valley-Seattle flying

SEATTLE, July 13, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Portland, Oregon ski and sun enthusiasts will soon have a direct connection to some of the West's best slopes, when Alaska Airlines launches twice-weekly, seasonal nonstop flights to Sun Valley, Idaho later this year.

"With our well-timed mid-morning flight, customers can enjoy a locally sourced breakfast at the airport in the morning, and be on the lift by the afternoon," said John Kirby, Alaska's vice president of capacity planning. "With convenient, twice-weekly round-trip flights, your next family ski vacation is just a booking away."

All times based on local time zones.

Alaska offers more flights than any other airline from Portland International Airport, with 122 average daily departures to 48 destinations. Portland is among the top five origin markets for visitors to Sun Valley, and the new flight will be Alaska's first nonstop flight from the Rose City to a destination primarily known for its ski resort.

"We believe this new Alaska Airlines nonstop service from Portland will be well used by visitor, business and local resident travelers and expect it to expand in the future," said Carol Waller, director of Fly Sun Valley Alliance, the non-profit organization engaged in strategic air service development efforts for the Sun Valley area.

Additionally, Alaska is ramping up flying between Seattle and Sun Valley for the 2016 holidays and the 2017 winter ski season, with twice-daily flights from Dec. 16, 2016 - Jan. 2, 2017 and two flights each Saturday and Sunday from Feb. 18 – March 26, 2017. The airline will also launch its regular seasonal flying earlier than usual this year, to offer Seattle-area customers convenient travel options for the Thanksgiving holiday beginning Wednesday, November 23.

The flights will be operated by Alaska's sister carrier Horizon Air, using a 76-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Customers flying on flights operated by Horizon can enjoy free soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, a la cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older. Horizon has served Sun Valley since 1982, and also operates flights between Sun Valley and Los Angeles.

Tickets are available for purchase starting today at alaskaair.com.

Alaska Airlines, together with its regional partners, flies 32 million customers a year to more than 110 cities with an average of 970 daily flights throughout the United States, including Hawaii, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. With Alaska's 17 global airline partners, customers can earn and redeem miles to more than 800 destinations worldwide. Onboard, customers are invited to make the most of their flight with amenities like power outlets at every seat, streaming entertainment direct to your device, Wi-Fi and an inspired food and beverage selection featured on most flights. Alaska Airlines ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction Among Traditional Carriers in North America" in the J.D. Power North American Airline Satisfaction Study for nine consecutive years from 2008 to 2016. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan also ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Airline Loyalty Rewards Programs" in the J.D. Power Airline Loyalty/Rewards Program Satisfaction Report for the last three consecutive years. Alaska Airlines is a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK). Learn more on the airline's newsroom, blog, alaskaair.com, @AlaskaAir, facebook.com/alaskaairlines and linkedin.com/company/alaska-airlines.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines

Related Links

http://www.alaskaair.com