Alaska Airlines unveils top Fall travel trends: Hawaiʻi and hidden gem destinations dominate

Rhea-AI Summary

Alaska Airlines (ALK) reveals fall travel trends and prepares for the busiest travel period of the year. Key highlights include:

1. Thanksgiving remains the peak travel period, with Dec. 1 expected to be the busiest day of the year.

2. Strong year-over-year bookings to Hawaiʻi as guests support local economy recovery efforts.

3. Increased bookings across California hubs due to rebounding business travel.

4. Rising popularity of smaller destinations like Bellingham, Missoula, and Santa Rosa.

5. Special events driving travel demand, including Veterans Day weekend and Austin City Limits.

6. Unique trend of 'Swifties' traveling to Taylor Swift concert destinations.

Alaska Airlines is enhancing its service with increased staffing, expanded flight options, and improved amenities to provide an elevated travel experience.

Positive

• Projected increase in passenger numbers across major West Coast hubs (San Francisco +15%, Seattle +6%, Portland +35%)
• Strong year-over-year bookings to Hawaiʻi, supporting local economy recovery
• Added capacity to California hubs in response to increased business travel demand
• Expansion of routes to Latin America destinations
• Increased capacity to smaller, trending destinations (e.g., Bellingham-Seattle +40%)
• Launch of new nonstop flight from Santa Rosa to Las Vegas

Negative

• None.

This season includes the busiest travel day of the year and emerging trends driven by popular cultural events

SEATTLE, Oct. 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines is revealing unique trends that are shaping the airline's bookings across its network this fall, including a rise in bookings to smaller, off-the-beaten path markets driven by guests seeking exclusive experiences. Alaska is prepared to welcome guests this season, which includes the busiest travel period of the year, with increased staffing, expanded flight options and enhanced service for an elevated and seamless travel experience.

Thanksgiving: The Peak Travel Period
Thanksgiving remains the busiest travel period of the fall with flights projected to be nearly full. We estimate nearly a half million guests will fly between Friday and Sunday with Dec. 1 expected to be the single busiest day of the entire year. Across our major West Coast hubs, we expect to fly more passengers than last year. In San Francisco, passenger numbers are anticipated to increase by 15%. In Seattle, we expect to serve 230,000 guests, a 6% increase from last year. Portland is expected to see the largest surge in passenger volume with a 35% increase -- or 85,000 passengers during the holiday weekend.

Hawaiʻi Leads Fall Travel Surge
This fall, we're seeing strong year-over-year bookings to Hawaiʻi with guests eager to support the local economy amid continued recovery efforts from last year's wildfires. Through the combined network of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines, we offer 66 daily flights to the Islands from the continental U.S.

Travel at Major Hubs on the Rise
A rebound in business travel is driving an increase in bookings across California. In response to the demand, we've added capacity to our hubs this fall, including San Francisco and San Diego. Latin America is also becoming a popular fall and winter getaway as guests look for an escape from the cold. In response to this trend, we're thrilled to offer several routes to exciting Latin America destinations for the first time during the fall season, including Guatemala, Nassau, expanded service to Mexico destinations from Las Vegas and our new route to La Paz from Los Angeles.

Rising Popularity of Smaller Destinations
More and more guests are seeking unique and authentic experiences that stand apart from well-known tourist destinations. This fall, we're seeing strong bookings to small destinations, such as Bellingham, Missoula and Santa Rosa. To respond to the rising trend to these hidden gems, we've increased capacity between Bellingham and Seattle by 40%, adding one additional flight each way compared to last year. We're also now flying mainline aircraft to increase our capacity up to 40% between Seattle and Missoula. Starting Oct. 1, we launched our seventh nonstop from Santa Rosa, now connecting to Las Vegas, making it easier for guests to reach California's wine country. 

Special Events Driving Travel Demand
November continues to be a popular time for travel with Veterans Day weekend driving bookings for guests seeking a long-weekend getaway. Special events like Austin City Limits and the F1 Grand Prix are also contributing to increased demand in Austin, Texas throughout October. Meanwhile, the fall foliage is drawing guests to Boston, making it a popular destination for leaf peeping.

Emerging Travel Trends: Swifties on the Move
A unique travel trend this fall is the influence of Taylor Swift's concert tour, which is drawing travelers to destinations like New Orleans, Toronto, Indianapolis and Vancouver. These markets are seeing strong demand from Swifties following the pop star's performances.

Committed to Providing an Elevated Travel Experience
As guests travel this fall and winter, Alaska Airlines is committed to providing an elevated travel experience. Guests across our expanding network can take advantage of our award-winning service on their next Alaska flight, including the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class; no change fees; multiple fare offerings; the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, the most generous loyalty program with the fastest path to elite status; 30 Global Partners; and West Coast food and beverage on board.

We're also making it easier for our guests to buy tickets with our domestic and Global Partners directly at alaskaair.com.

* Out of any U.S. airline excluding lie-flat seats  

About Alaska Air Group
Alaska Air Group, Inc. is based in Seattle and comprised of subsidiaries Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Holdings, Inc., Horizon Air and McGee Air Services. With our recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, we now serve more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Central America, Asia and across the Pacific. We are committed to safety, remarkable customer care, operational excellence, financial performance and sustainability. Alaska Airlines is a member of the oneworld Alliance. With oneworld and our additional global partners, our guests have more choices than ever to purchase, earn or redeem on alaskaair.com across 30 airlines and more than 1,000 worldwide destinations. Book travel throughout the Pacific on Hawaiian Airlines at hawaiianairlines.com. Learn more about Alaska Airlines at news.alaskaair.com and Hawaiian Airlines at newsroom.hawaiianairlines.com/blog. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK."

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SOURCE Alaska Air Group, Inc.

FAQ

What is the busiest travel day for Alaska Airlines (ALK) in 2024?

According to the press release, December 1, 2024, is expected to be the single busiest day of the entire year for Alaska Airlines (ALK).

How many daily flights does Alaska Airlines (ALK) offer to Hawaii?

Through the combined network of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, they offer 66 daily flights to the Hawaiian Islands from the continental U.S.

Which smaller destinations are gaining popularity for Alaska Airlines (ALK) in Fall 2024?

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is seeing strong bookings to smaller destinations such as Bellingham, Missoula, and Santa Rosa in Fall 2024.

How has Alaska Airlines (ALK) responded to increased demand for flights to Bellingham?

Alaska Airlines (ALK) has increased capacity between Bellingham and Seattle by 40%, adding one additional flight each way compared to the previous year.

What unique travel trend is Alaska Airlines (ALK) observing related to Taylor Swift's concert tour?

Alaska Airlines (ALK) is seeing strong demand from 'Swifties' traveling to destinations like New Orleans, Toronto, Indianapolis, and Vancouver, following Taylor Swift's performances.