It’s been just a month since Southwest Airlines started flying into Sonoma County, and already there’s an airline battle heating up in California’s wine country. Alaska Airlines, the area’s oldest carrier, is stepping up with three new routes to popular western destinations.
Starting on November 1, Alaska will connect Sonoma to Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Boise, Idaho. This is exciting news for travelers looking to explore the stunning vineyards and scenery of Sonoma County.
New Routes Overview
Here are the details of Alaska’s new routes from Charles M. Schulz Sonoma County Airport (STS):
STS to Boise Airport (BOI)
- Dates: Nov. 1 to April 19, 2027; service up to daily
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
STS to Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
- Dates: Nov. 1 to April 21; daily service
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
STS to Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
- Dates: Nov. 1 to April 21; service up to daily
- Aircraft: Embraer 175
Growing Air Traffic
This expansion isn’t happening in a vacuum. The airport has already seen a nearly 20% rise in departures in the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year, according to Cirium, an aviation analytics firm. By November, Alaska will offer flights to a dozen cities from Santa Rosa, making it easier for travelers to bypass busy cities like San Francisco.
User Feedback
Travelers are enthusiastic about these new options. A recent Twitter trend among users showcased excitement over quick access to wine country without the traffic hassles of major urban areas.
Alaska’s Broader Expansion
In addition to Sonoma County, Alaska Airlines is returning to Long Beach for the first time in over a decade. On September 8, they will launch nonstop flights from Long Beach to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. This service enhances connectivity, particularly for travelers heading to Hawaii through Hawaiian Airlines, also part of the Alaska Air Group.
Final Thoughts
The recent growth in air service shows a booming interest in Sonoma County. With multiple airlines competing for routes, travelers can expect greater convenience and options when planning their visits. Whether you’re after a relaxing wine tasting or a quick getaway, Sonoma is becoming more accessible than ever.
For those interested in keeping up with air travel trends, check out Cirium’s insights for the latest updates on flight data and statistics.
