Alaska Airlines is adding three new seasonal nonstop routes to Santa Rosa and resuming year-round service to Long Beach [1, 2].
These expansions target the high-value wine-tourism market in Sonoma County and restore a previously discontinued connection to Southern California [2, 3]. By increasing its footprint in these regions, the airline aims to capture more leisure travel and meet growing competitive pressures in the state.
The new service to Santa Rosa, located in the Sonoma wine country region, will consist of three seasonal nonstop routes [1]. These flights are scheduled to begin Nov. 1, 2026 [2, 4]. The move allows the carrier to better serve travelers visiting California's northern wine regions during the peak autumn and winter seasons.
In addition to the Santa Rosa expansion, the airline is reinstating its connection between Seattle and Long Beach [1, 3]. This service is scheduled to resume in 2026 [3]. Unlike the seasonal flights to the north, the Long Beach route will operate on a year-round schedule with two daily flights [3].
The decision to return to Long Beach follows a period where the route had been discontinued [3]. By restoring this frequency, Alaska Airlines reconnects its primary Northwest hub in Seattle with the Southern California coast, a move designed to streamline travel for both business and leisure passengers.
While some reports suggested the addition of four routes to Santa Rosa, multiple sources confirm the number is three [1, 2, 3]. The airline is prioritizing these specific California markets to strengthen its regional presence as it navigates a competitive domestic landscape [2, 3].
“Alaska Airlines is adding three new seasonal nonstop routes to Santa Rosa”
The strategic focus on Santa Rosa and Long Beach signals Alaska Airlines' intent to diversify its California revenue streams. By targeting the Sonoma wine region, the airline is pivoting toward high-spend leisure tourism, while the restoration of the Seattle-Long Beach route restores a critical link between the Pacific Northwest and the Los Angeles basin, reducing reliance on larger, more congested hubs.
