In Sonoma County, California, an airline competition is intensifying as Alaska Airlines announces three new seasonal routes starting November 1st. These routes will connect Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS) to Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Boise. The service aims to attract tourists to the region’s wineries, aligning with Alaska’s “wine fly-free” policy, which allows one free case of wine per passenger.
Alaska’s expansion comes just weeks after Southwest Airlines began servicing Sonoma, bringing increased flight options to the area. Notably, total departures from STS are projected to increase by nearly 20% in the first half of 2026, indicating rapid growth of air services.
Additionally, Alaska Airlines plans to return to Long Beach for the first time in over a decade with nonstop flights to Seattle-Tacoma, enhancing connectivity in Southern California. Overall, Alaska Airlines’ expansion reinforces its West Coast network, complementing its recent international growth efforts.
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