Alaska Airlines ups Mexico service with new routes to La Paz and Monterrey

12.07.2024 - 23:07 / thepointsguy.com

Alaska Airlines is bolstering its footprint in Mexico with two new nonstop flights launching for the winter season.

In November, the Seattle-based carrier will launch service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to La Paz International Airport (LAP). With up to three weekly round trips, Alaska said it will be the only U.S. airline to serve La Paz, the capital of the Mexican state of Baja California Sur. The city sits about 100 miles north of the popular Los Cabos resort area.

Then, in February, Alaska will begin daily nonstop flights from LAX to Monterrey International Airport (MTY), joining a handful of other airlines serving the city from the U.S.

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Here are the details on the two new routes Alaska will launch:

Both routes will be operated with Embraer E175 aircraft, which feature 12 seats in first class, 16 in Alaska's Premium class, and 48 seats in the main cabin.

In launching service to Monterrey, Alaska will join a handful of U.S. and Mexican carriers that operate nonstop service from that city to the U.S.

The "Big Three" U.S. carriers (American Airlines, Delta Air Lines and United Airlines) all operate flights from Monterrey to their hubs. There's also a nonstop on Aeromexico to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL), the home base of its joint-venture partner Delta.

And Mexican low-cost carrier Viva Aerobus operates flights to close to a dozen U.S. cities from Monterrey, per Cirium.

Though this La Paz service is novel for Alaska, it's technically flown to the city before.

Alaska most recently flew to the city in 2013 and prior, with its regional affiliate Horizon Air operating a Dash 8 turboprop aircraft at the time, according to data from aviation analytics firm Cirium.

Located on the east side of the southern Baja California peninsula, La Paz is close to a 2 1/2-hour drive from Los Cabos International Airport (SJD), the busiest airport in the region.

The city is set on the water, and is home to a few hotels you can book on points — including one property that just opened and another that will soon.

Travelers with IHG One Rewards points may want to consider the 115-room Hotel Indigo La Paz Puerta Cortes, which opened in January and features a spa, infinity pool, beach club and two restaurants. It's part of the Hotel Indigo brand's fast global expansion.

Meanwhile, the 90-room Perla La Paz is set to join Hilton's Tapestry Collection following a $10 million renovation of the property, which dates back to the 1940s. The hotel should open in January, according to Hilton's booking channels.

With these two flights, Alaska will offer service to a total of 10 Mexico destinations from LAX in