Alaska Airlines Launching Nonstop Service Between San Diego and Orlando, Fla.

SEATTLE, May 31, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Alaska Airlines announced today it will launch nonstop service between San Diego and Orlando, Fla., beginning Oct. 11, 2012. The carrier will fly between the two cities five times a week.

"We’re thrilled to announce our fourth new market in San Diego in just four months," said Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines’ vice president of marketing. "Our customers will not only enjoy nonstop access to one of the ‘Happiest Places on Earth,’ but they’ll also benefit from convenient connections to Honolulu and the Pacific Northwest."

Alaska Airlines previously announced new nonstop daily service from San Diego to Fresno/Yosemite, Monterey and Santa Rosa/Sonoma County, which starts June 4 and 5.

"Just after the exciting announcement of three intra-California routes, Alaska Airlines has done it again," said Thella F. Bowens, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. "Orlando was the largest market without nonstop service to San Diego, and today’s news is a welcome bridge between two beloved, sunny cities."

To kick off the new flights, Alaska Airlines is offering introductory one-way fares between San Diego and Orlando that start from $169*, including all government taxes and fees. Tickets must be purchased by June 14 and can be used for travel through Nov.14, 2012. Visit www.alaskaair.com to purchase a ticket or call 1-800-AlaskaAir (1-800-252-7522 or TTY/TDD line 1-800-392-0228).

Members of Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan can also earn double miles on the carrier’s nonstop flights between San Diego and Orlando through Nov. 15, 2012. To qualify, customers must first register at www.alaskaair.com.

The flights will be operated on Boeing 737-800 aircraft, accommodating 16 passengers in first class and 141 in the main cabin. All flights will offer Alaska‘s Northern Bites meal service, which provides passengers in the main cabin with a hot meal for $6 or a cheese and fruit platter for $7. The flights also will offer Alaska‘s digEplayer inflight entertainment system, a handheld video-on-demand device featuring first-run movies, television programs and other entertainment. The digEplayers are complimentary in first class and available for $10 in the main cabin.

Note to media: High-definition b-roll of Alaska Airlines aircraft in operation is available for download on the carrier’s FTP site at www.alaskaair.com/media. Photos are also available in the carrier’s online image gallery at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together serve more than 90 cities through an expansive network in Alaska, the Lower 48, Hawaii, Canada and Mexico. For reservations, visit www.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom at www.alaskaair.com/newsroom.

* General terms and conditions: A ticket purchased at an Alaska Airlines airport location or through a reservation call center will cost $15 more per person than the advertised fare. Tickets are nonrefundable. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or all days. Other restrictions—such as day of week and blackout dates—may apply. Visit www.alaskaair.com or call Alaska Airlines reservations at 1-800-AlaskaAir for more information.

Terms and conditions for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan double miles: Registration is required prior to the member’s first qualifying flight in order to receive double miles. Flight miles must be credited to the member’s Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account in order to earn double miles. All travel between San Diego and Orlando must be nonstop. Travel is valid from Oct. 11 though Nov. 15, 2012. Not valid on free or award travel. Double miles do not count toward MVP or MVP Gold status. Members should allow four to six weeks for travel and bonus miles to be credited. All terms and conditions of the Mileage Plan program apply. Offer subject to change without notice.

SOURCE Alaska Airlines