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Alaska Airlines Introduces New Route Overview
Alaska Airlines is expanding its service in the United States by adding a new daily route from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) that begins flying on May 16, 2024. With this new route, Atlanta becomes Alaska’s 37th destination out of San Diego.
Alaska’s latest expansion into Atlanta comes after the carrier launched a new status match offer, which aims to entice loyal Delta flyers into Alaska’s frequent flyer program after Delta enacted some controversial changes to its program. Alaska currently only flies to Atlanta from its Seattle hub.
Until October 31, Alaska is allowing SkyMiles Medallion members to match within the Mileage Plan program, which also includes matches into Alaska’s top-tier MVP Gold 100K status. This tier has otherwise been historically difficult to reach through a status match.
DELTA
Delta recently overhauled its SkyMiles program (which might have been a mistake), now allowing customers to earn miles and Medallion status through how much money they spend rather than considering the amount of miles flown. The changes unleashed a firestorm on social media, with many decrying the new loyalty program and some even saying they’ll no longer fly with Delta.
Competitor airlines have been trying to court Delta flyers ever since the changes. JetBlue on Tuesday launched a similar status match offer for Delta loyalists.
Kirsten Amrine, Alaska’s vice president of revenue management and network planning, said in a statement that the carrier wanted to add the daily route because San Diego and Atlanta are both popular leisure and business destinations.
“We’re excited to connect the cities, especially since Atlanta is our largest unserved transcontinental market from San Diego,” Amrine said.
Kimberly Becker, San Diego County Regional Airport Authority’s president and CEO, lauded the new route.
“This new nonstop service to Atlanta offers Southern Californians direct access to Georgia’s capital and key economic center, while providing easy access for Georgians to the warmth and beauty of San Diego,” Becker said in a statement.
Overall, Alaska Airlines’ new daily route from San Diego to Atlanta is a strategic move to expand its service and offer more options for travelers. The new route also comes with a status match offer, which is a smart way to attract loyal Delta flyers to Alaska’s frequent flyer program.
