PORTLAND- Seattle-based Alaska Airlines (AS) is expanding its destination offerings from Portland (PDX) with the introduction of the first nonstop flight to New Orleans (MSY), starting this January.
This daily service will operate until next spring, covering the period of Mardi Gras, New Orleans’ largest annual celebration. Tickets will be available for purchase starting June 19.
Alaska Airlines Portland to New Orleans Flight
When service begins in January, New Orleans will become Alaska Airlines’ 55th nonstop destination from Portland International Airport. The daily flight will depart from PDX in the morning on mainline aircraft, allowing guests to spend an afternoon in New Orleans before returning to Portland in the evening.
Alaska Airlines has expanded its presence at PDX with new routes, including daily nonstop flights to Nashville that began this spring, and to Atlanta, scheduled to start on October 1.
The airline has also increased the number of daily flights to popular destinations, bringing the total to an average of over 100 daily departures from Portland this summer, including routes to Anchorage, Ontario, Reno, and Santa Rosa.
Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines is excited about its future in Portland and is currently designing a new Alaska Lounge. Scheduled to open in 2026, this nearly 14,000-square-foot space will provide nearly double the seating of current lounge areas.
Lounge members and guests will enjoy a barista station with hand-crafted espresso beverages and drip coffee from Stumptown, complimentary beer, wine, and house spirits, signature Loungers, and a custom fireplace.
All guests, whether in Portland or across Alaska Airlines’ expanding network, can enjoy a premium travel experience on their next flight. As the premier airline on the West Coast, Alaska Airlines offers the most legroom in First Class and Premium Class, no change fees, multiple fare options, the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status, 30 Global Partners, and West Coast food and beverage on board.
Executive Remarks
As the largest carrier in Portland for over 20 years, Alaska Airlines emphasizes the importance of continuously expanding nonstop destinations to provide more travel options for its guests.
Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines, expressed enthusiasm about the new route, highlighting the convenience it will offer to guests traveling along the West Coast to New Orleans, a city celebrated for its rich history and culture.
Kevin Dolliole, Director of Aviation for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, expressed excitement about Alaska Airlines launching nonstop service from New Orleans to Portland.
He highlighted that Portland has been the top unserved destination from New Orleans and noted that this new route not only strengthens the connection between the vibrant cities but also emphasizes their commitment to improving the travel experience for both the local community and visitors.
Dan Pippenger, chief aviation officer at the Port of Portland, stated that Alaska Airlines’ continued investment in PDX is excellent news for the travel community. Further, He noted that New Orleans was one of the largest U.S. markets without a nonstop flight from PDX. With tens of thousands of travelers already flying between these two cities annually, Pippenger expects this number to increase with the introduction of the new nonstop service.
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