Alaska Airlines continues its route expansion to the south with the addition of routes to Guatemala City and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo. The airline began its routes in Latin America thirty-five years ago when it started service to Mexico. They have since added Belize and Costa Rica to their Latin American route map. The new service to Guatemala City and Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo will launch in December. In addition to new Latin American routes, Alaska will also begin new seasonal service to Nassau, Bahamas.
Service To Guatemala City
Guatemala City is filled with history and architecture. Outside the capital, there’s plenty to explore. The town of Antigua boasts Baroque-style buildings, farm-to-table restaurants and a showcase of art and textiles. Lake Atitlán, formed inside a massive volcanic crater, is a popular destination with its blue waters, stunning hillsides and quaint villages that ring the lake. For adventure seekers, Guatemala is a nation of volcanoes with several that are accessible for hiking and exploring.
The new service to Guatemala City increases their international destinations. Alaska offers flights from LAX and SEA to neighboring Belize, and serve the San Jose and Liberia airports in Costa Rica. This December, they’ll fly from West Coast gateways to Mexico, Costa Rica, Belize, Guatemala and the Bahamas.
“As the fifth largest carrier in the U.S., we’re a growing airline that’s expanding to more international destinations. Guatemala is a dynamic new country for us and our guests – full of outdoor adventures, history and natural beauty. Our new service will allow families, friends and businesses to better connect between the West Coast and Central America,” said Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines.
“We’re very excited to welcome Alaska Airlines’ inaugural flight to our country this December,” said Francis Argueta, director general of civil aeronautics of Guatemala. “Guatemala has a lot to offer with its gastronomy, its nature and the beautiful corners of the Mayan world, which will all be a treasure trove of experiences for travelers.”
New Service To Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo
Alaska Airlines will also begin new seasonal service from San Diego and Chicago to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo in December. These new routes will increase its “sun and fun” leisure traffic during the winter months.
They will have four peak-day nonstops to Mexico from San Diego when the new service to Zihuatanejo begins, giving Southern California flyers even more options when deciding where to catch some rest and relaxation. The weekly flight between Chicago O’Hare and Zihuatanejo is in partnership with ALG Vacations.
“We’ve been flying to Mexico for 35 years. It’s a favorite with many of our guests for its culture, cuisine and beaches,” Amrine said. “Our new Saturday nonstops to Zihuatanejo from San Diego and Chicago add to our current Los Angeles and San Francisco service and provide guests with more choices as they plan their winter getaways.”
Flight Schedules
Year-round, daily service from LAX to Guatemala City will begin on December 14, 2023 using Boeing 737-800 aircraft.
Seasonal, weekly service from San Diego and Chicago to Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo begins December 23, 2023 using Boeing 737-900 aircraft.
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines began its route expansion to the south thirty-five years ago when it started flying to Mexico. As their network grows, so does their expansion to the south. The airline continues to capitalize on the “sun and fun” leisure market, especially during the winter months. The airline should have some competitive pressure on the daily Guatemala City route from several other airlines. It will be interesting to see it Alaska Airlines can make the daily, year-round route to Guatemala City work.
