Two airlines announced new routes for Alaska travelers last week. It's always important to watch for new route announcements, as they are usually accompanied by fare sales.
JetBlue just announced a second nonstop flight between Anchorage and Seattle. Starting May 15, JetBlue is scheduled to offer two red-eye flights each day: one each to Seattle and Long Beach. Then, on June 18, the airline will add another red-eye flight to Portland. But this new flight to Seattle, starting July 1, departs for Seattle in the afternoon: 4:09 p.m. The return flight from Seattle leaves at 12:51 p.m., arriving in Anchorage at 3:54 p.m.
Here's the kicker: JetBlue is offering fares as low as $197 roundtrip on the new flight. This is great news for midsummer fliers who are used to paying high rates. The new flight will operate until Aug. 19. The other JetBlue flight will operate until Sept. 15.
Alaska Airlines also announced a new crop of departures for the fall: nonstop flights from Seattle to Raleigh-Durham, North Carolina; Nashville, Tennessee; and Charleston, South Carolina. This is great news for Alaska travelers who are used to flying through Atlanta, Dallas or Chicago to get to these destinations.
From Anchorage to Nashville, Alaska is offering a $498 roundtrip fare for travel between Sept. 23 and Nov. 18. You have to purchase by May 4. Delta has matched the $498 fare via Minneapolis. The flight time is a bit faster using that routing.
From Anchorage to Raleigh/Durham, Alaska is offering a rate of $538 roundtrip for travel between Oct. 1 and Nov. 18. Again -- travelers must purchase tickets by May 4.
From Anchorage to Charleston, tickets are available for as little as $498 roundtrip for travel between Nov. 16 and Dec. 19. All tickets must be purchased by May 4.
Delta has increased its schedule from Seattle to Anchorage and the carrier already has rolled out its low-priced flights from Sitka, Ketchikan, Juneau and Fairbanks to Seattle (starting May 15). But the carrier wants to woo Alaska travelers to their airline by offering two free checked bags (like Alaska Air's Club 49 program). To qualify, travelers have to sign up for a SkyMiles account and register for the promotion. The two-free-bags offer is available for up to eight people traveling on the same itinerary.
Also, Delta's special offer allows for a one-time 10 percent discount off a published fare (excluding E-class fares).
Delta also is offering a "fast track" to elite status in its SkyMiles program. When you fly two roundtrip tickets, you earn "Silver Medallion" status, which puts you in line for free upgrades and waived baggage fees. Again, you have to register for the program in advance with your SkyMiles number.
After four roundtrip flights, you earn 15,000 bonus miles. After six roundtrip flights, you earn "Gold Medallion" status, which boosts you higher on the upgrade list. After eight roundtrips, you earn another 15,000 bonus miles.
It's going to be a busy summer as airlines try to outbid one another for travelers during the peak summer season. This summer, it's not just Anchorage travelers that can reap these bonuses, but fliers from around the state.
Scott McMurren is an Anchorage-based marketing consultant, serving clients in the transportation, hospitality, media and specialty-destination sectors, among others. Contact him by email at zoom907@me.com. You can follow him on Twitter (@alaskatravelGRM) and alaskatravelgram.com. For more information, visit alaskatravelgram.com/about.