Alaska Airlines Introduces New Routes to Mexico from Los Angeles

This winter, Alaska Airlines will launch regular flights from Los Angeles (LAX) to two new destinations in Mexico: Baja California Sur’s ecotourism magnet La Paz (LAP) and busy Monterrey (MTY).

The airline, named after the coldest destination in the U.S., is now offering new routes to warm-weather destinations. Alaska Airlines claims to have the most flights, non-stop routes, and seats from the West Coast to Mexico compared to any other U.S. carrier.

Alaska Airlines will also be the only carrier flying non-stop from the U.S. to La Paz. American Airlines briefly served the city, with flights from hubs Dallas (DFW) and Phoenix (PHX), but pulled out in early 2023. Further back in time, Alaska itself flew non-stop to La Paz between 2006 and 2013.

Year-Round to La Paz

Known for its pristine white sand beaches and fresh seafood, La Paz is also a gateway to the Gulf of California’s hundreds of islands, many offering opportunities to scuba dive, sea kayak, snorkel, and spot marine life such as whales and dolphins. The city has gained a reputation for ecotourism and hopes a (new) non-stop flight from the U.S. can reel in more visitors.

Photo: La Paz, Mexico. Courtesy of Alejandro De Casso / Unsplash

“We appreciate Alaska Airlines’ confidence in investing in the virtues of La Paz and providing it with the opportunity to expand its borders by connecting with the United States. Especially with its flight to Los Angeles, California, which we are sure will be a success,” said Maribel Collins, minister of tourism and economy for Baja California Sur.

Raúl Revuelta Musalem, CEO of the Grupo Aeroportuario del Pacífico—owners of La Paz International Airport—added: “Connecting La Paz with Los Angeles is an important step for internationalizing this airport which has grown passengers significantly over the past three years.”

Alaska Airlines’ link to La Paz will take off on November 20 and operate three times weekly year-round.

Mexico’s Second Metropolis

In contrast to La Paz’s laid-back, beach-going vibe, Monterrey, in the northern Mexican state of Nuevo León, is a sprawling metropolis rich with skyscrapers, museums, and parks. Offering both Michelin-starred restaurants and the rugged peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental range, it has something for every tourist, from foodies to thrill-seekers.

Photo: Monterrey, Mexico. Courtesy of David Liceaga / Unsplash

Non-stop flights already take off from General Mariano Escobedo International Airport (MTY) to fourteen U.S. cities, including Miami (MIA) and Las Vegas (LAS). With the launch of its daily link between Los Angeles and Monterrey in February, Alaska Airlines will compete with Mexican budget carrier Viva Aerobus, which flies from its MTY headquarters to the City of Angels five times a week.

Airport owners Grupo Aeroportuario del Centro Norte welcomed the arrival of Alaska Airlines in Nuevo León. “Through LAX, this new route will offer access to new destinations on the West Coast as we continue to increase international connectivity from Monterrey to meet both business and leisure travel demand,” said group CEO Ricardo Dueñas.

With the new routes operational, Alaska will serve ten cities in Mexico.

“We recently celebrated 35 years of service to Mexico and are proud to connect travelers with the rich culture and natural beauty of the country,” Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning at Alaska Airlines, said.

“We look forward to continuing to serve as the carrier of choice from the West Coast, especially as we prepare to start service to these popular destinations in Mexico,” she added.

Photo: Embraer E175. Courtesy of Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines will operate both routes with Embraer 175 planes with seats for 76 passengers: 12 in First Class, 12 in Premium, and 52 in Economy. Tickets for flights to La Paz and Monterrey are already on sale.

Meanwhile, Alaska Airlines isn’t the only U.S. carrier with its eyes on Monterrey. United recently announced it will launch a 12-times weekly flight between San Francisco (SFO) and MTY in October.