dailynewsnblog
Alaska Airlines will add two new routes from its Portland International Airport (PDX), as it looks to add a regional service to Wenatchee (EAT), Washington, and a seasonal link to Tampa International Airport (TPA), Florida. Both services run daily, making it easier than ever to fly to Portland.
Horizon Air will operate the regional service to Wenatchee, which will complement Alaska’s existing service to 
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) from the Washington airport. Services to Tampa will support the airlines’ existing network at the Florida airport, which already sees year-round services from Seattle and 
San Diego International Airport (SAN), with seasonal services added from 
San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
Daily Flights To Wenatchee And Tampa With Alaska Airlines
Focusing first on Wenatchee, the service to Pangborn Memorial Airport will operate every day from October 3. As first reported by Aeroroutes, the airline will fly a Horizon Embraer E175 on the city pair, departing from Portland late morning for a lunchtime arrival. The return flight will leave after just 40 minutes on the ground, arriving back in Portland early afternoon.
The flight time between Portland and Wenatchee is 57 minutes on the outbound and 54 for the return. This route is currently expected to operate year-round, giving those traveling to and from Wenatchee more options with an additional air service now added to Portland.
Wenatchee is a city in Chelan County, located in the middle of Washington state. It is approximately two and a half hours by road to Seattle, or five hours to Portland. This new link to Portland will cut travel time by a fifth, making it appealing for those who are traveling for business.
Tampa Returns With Alaska Airlines From Portland
Portland will once again be connected to Tampa, as Alaska adds this seasonal service from November 20. It is expected to operate daily through until March 28, a welcome return as previously this route was only served once weekly by the carrier. The resumption of services to Tampa is the first time the cities will be connected with daily flights. As reported by KGW9 News, Tampa Airport Director of Air Service Development, Alex Heiter, celebrated the new route and shared the following statement:
“Portland is one of our largest air travel markets on the West Coast, and the introduction of our first-ever daily nonstop flights will appeal to business and leisure travelers alike.”
The route will instantly appeal to those in the Greater Portland area and the state of Oregon who are looking for winter vacations, heading to Tampa for the sun-soaked beaches and year-round sun. Alaska will be one of the only airlines operating non-stop routes from Tampa to the US West Coast, with other competitors noted in the table below:
Airline | West Coast Destination |
|---|---|
Delta Air Lines | Los Angeles, Seattle |
United Airlines | Los Angeles, San Francisco |
Southwest Airlines | Los Angeles, San Diego |
A New Alaska Airlines Lounge For Portland Travelers
Just last month, Alaska opened its newest lounge on June 4, as it continues its investment in premium travel and further cements itself as a major player at Portland. The new lounge has been under construction for over two years and covers 14,000 square feet (1,300 square meters) and has 200 seats. Inside, the lounge boasts the airline’s Signature Loungers, open high ceilings, and views across Portland’s new airport terminal. Locally inspired food, drinks, and cocktails are on offer, with ample privacy booths and power plugs for those needing to take important calls or remain charged.
The investment was part of the airline’s plan to elevate its global guest experience and its ambitions to expand its lounge footprint in airports like Seattle, San Diego, and Honolulu International Airport (HNL). Alaska remains the largest airline at Portland, with more than 100 daily departures to 60 destinations across North America and beyond.
This fall, Alaska will offer around 50% more flights from Portland than it did two years ago, with new services being added across the country. The $18 million investment in the new lounge will continue to enhance the travel experience, while also giving travelers more options for travel, with the addition of two new routes to Tampa and Wenatchee.
