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Airline Guide · AS

Alaska Airlines: the West Coast, done properly

From Seattle to San Diego and up to Anchorage, Alaska is the airline the West Coast actually flies. Here is how to book it well.

Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 climbing through scattered clouds
Boarding Pass
IATAAS
ICAOASA
BaseSEA
ProgramAtmos Rewards

Popular Alaska Airlines routes

Search any route

Fares are indicative one-way economy prices and change with dates and availability. Click a route for live prices.

Five hubs down one coastline

Alaska runs a north–south network along the Pacific, with Seattle as the anchor and Anchorage as the lifeline to towns you can only reach by air.

Since joining forces with Hawaiian Airlines, Honolulu has become a second long-haul gateway for the group.

SEA Seattle Seattle-Tacoma International Largest hub
PDX Portland Portland International Pacific Northwest
ANC Anchorage Ted Stevens Anchorage Gateway to Alaska
SFO San Francisco San Francisco International Bay Area
LAX Los Angeles Los Angeles International Southern California
SAN San Diego San Diego International Fast-growing base
Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 banking against a clear blue sky 737 MAX 9

A big airline that still feels small

Alaska is the fifth-largest U.S. airline, but it has kept the habits of a regional carrier: friendly crews, local food on board and a loyalty programme that still rewards distance flown.

  • Now flying overseasWide-body flights from Seattle to Asia and Europe have joined the network.
  • oneworld benefitsStatus is recognised on American, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas and more.
  • West Coast menusFood and drink sourced from Pacific Northwest and California producers.
Atmos Rewards

One programme for Alaska and Hawaiian

Atmos Rewards replaced Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles in 2025. Points are earned and spent across both airlines and their oneworld partners, and each elite level maps to a oneworld tier — so your status follows you onto partner flights.

Status levels, lowest to highest
Silver
Gold
Platinum
Titanium

Status levels and qualification rules are set by Alaska Air Group and can change.

Four ways to fly Alaska

Every mainline Alaska jet has the same three cabins. The Saver fare sits at the back of the Main Cabin and is the one with the tightest rules.

Lowest fare

Saver

  • Carry-on included
  • Seat assigned from limited options
  • Boards last
  • No changes after 24 hours
Standard

Main

  • Choose your seat in advance
  • No change fees
  • Power at most seats
  • Earns full points
More legroom

Premium Class

  • Extra legroom
  • Early boarding
  • Complimentary beer, wine and cocktails
  • Seats at the front of Main
Front cabin

First Class

  • Wide recliner seat
  • Meals on flights of about 2 hours and up
  • Two free checked bags
  • Lounge access on longer routes

Alaska baggage basics

Carry-on22 × 14 × 9 inIncluded on every fare
Personal itemUnder the seatPurse or laptop bag
Checked bag50 lb / 23 kgFee on most Main fares
Size limit62 in / 158 cmLength + width + height

Alaska has a baggage service guarantee: if your checked bag takes too long to reach the carousel you can ask for compensation. Check the current terms at the airport.

Six tips for cheaper Alaska fares

01

Read the Saver rules first

Saver is not changeable after the first 24 hours. If plans could shift, pay the small step up to Main.

02

Try a nearby airport

Burbank, Orange County, Oakland and Everett are often cheaper and quicker than the big hubs.

03

Go to Alaska off-peak

Fares to Anchorage and Fairbanks drop sharply outside June to August.

04

Compare Hawaii from every hub

Alaska and Hawaiian both fly to the islands — price Seattle, Portland and California departures.

05

Connect on oneworld

American and British Airways flights can be booked on the same ticket as Alaska.

06

Book one to three months out

That window usually has the best choice of fares on West Coast routes.

Your AS ticket in four steps

  1. Step 1

    Search

    Enter your cities and dates and filter results to Alaska.

  2. Step 2

    Compare

    See fares, stops and cabins side by side with taxes shown up front.

  3. Step 3

    Add details

    Enter traveller names exactly as on ID and add your Atmos Rewards number.

  4. Step 4

    Fly

    Get your confirmation by email, then check in with Alaska before you fly.

Alaska Airlines FAQs

Can't find your answer? Our team is on the phone 24/7.

+1 (888) 356-6085
Is SkylineSparrow the same as Alaska Airlines?
No. SkylineSparrow is an independent travel agency. We help you search, compare and book Alaska Airlines flights, but we are not owned by or affiliated with the airline.
Where does Alaska Airlines fly?
Mostly up and down the U.S. West Coast and to Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico, Costa Rica and Canada, plus cross-country flights and a growing set of long-haul routes from Seattle.
What is Atmos Rewards?
It is the loyalty programme shared by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. It replaced Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles in 2025, and existing miles were carried over as points.
Does the Saver fare include a carry-on?
Yes. Saver fares include a carry-on and a personal item, but they board last and cannot be changed after the first 24 hours.
Is Alaska Airlines part of an alliance?
Yes, Alaska joined oneworld in 2021. Partners include American Airlines, British Airways, Japan Airlines, Qantas and Qatar Airways.
Are Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines the same company?
They are separate brands owned by the same group. You can book both on one ticket and earn the same Atmos Rewards points on either.
Is it cheaper to book Alaska Airlines over the phone?
Sometimes. Our travel experts can see phone-only fares and alternative routings. Call +1 (888) 356-6085 any time — we're available 24/7.

Planning a West Coast trip?

Tell us where you are going — we will compare Alaska, Hawaiian and partner flights and find the best fit.

SkylineSparrow is an independent travel agency and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or sponsored by Alaska Airlines. Airline names and programme names are trademarks of their respective owners and are used here only to describe the flights we help you book. Fares shown are indicative; airline policies change, so always confirm details with the airline before you travel.