Alaska Airlines starting Charleston to Seattle nonstop service
April 28, 2015
Nonstop flights begin this fall, introductory fares starting at $139* and $159* now on sale
CHARLESTON, SC – Charleston International Airport has reason to celebrate today. Charleston’s growing air service reached a milestone with the announcement that Alaska Airlines is adding direct, non-stop transcontinental flights between Seattle–Tacoma International Airport and Charleston International Airport starting Nov. 16.
“This is huge news for South Carolina and Charleston International Airport,” said Paul G. Campbell Jr., director of airports for the Charleston County Aviation Authority. “We are excited because this is our first West Coast connection. With this new service to Seattle on Alaska Airlines the door is open to expand passenger service and explore other West Coast destinations.”
Alaska Airlines will arrive about the time terminal redevelopment is wrapping up, giving CHS another reason to celebrate the airport’s continued growth and improvement to the terminal and the services provided to passengers, Campbell said.
Alaska Airlines is Seattle’s largest airline. In addition to nonstop service from its Seattle hub to Charleston, it will begin service to Nashville, Tenn., and Raleigh/Durham, N.C., beginning in the fall.
“We’re invading the Southeast from Seattle with new non-stop service to three top destination and business centers,” said John Kirby, the airline’s vice president of capacity planning. “Charleston has been named the top U.S. city by Conde Nast four years in a row, and the Boeing Company’s investment has served as a catalyst for economic growth and increased business synergies between Charleston and Seattle. Nashville, the music capitol of the south, is the largest market from Seattle not currently served by Alaska, and Raleigh/Durham service will connect two of the country’s top biotechnology hubs. “Offering new nonstop flights from Seattle to these cities, means shorter flight times and convenience for our customers.”
By this fall, Seattle’s hometown airline will serve 83 destinations from Seattle with 290 peak daily flights—two-and-a half times that of Alaska’s nearest competitor.
“Thanks to Alaska Airlines, Charleston is rolling out the welcome mat for visitors from the Pacific Northwest,” says Dan Blumenstock, Chairman of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “The introduction of non-stop transcontinental air service between Charleston and the West Coast is an exciting and significant development for our hospitality industry as we now have easy access from the highly populated Portland–Seattle–Vancouver corridor.”
Fuel-efficient Next Generation 737 aircraft will operate the flights to Charleston. Onboard, passengers will have an opportunity to enjoy an inflight menu created by Seattle chef Tom Douglas, a three-time James Beard Award-winner.
“Great food is a part of every adventure,” according to Alaska Airlines. “Whether you are a true foodie explorer, or just like your favorite comfort foods prepared in a new way, there will be something to savor on your flight.”
Inbound passengers to Charleston will have a chance to savor Southern flavor while en route thanks to Alaska Airlines’ biscuits and gravy breakfast option. Meanwhile, flights from Seattle are scheduled to arrive in Charleston at 4:50 pm.—just in time to enjoy dinner at one of the Charleston area’s many acclaimed restaurants.
“The Boeing Company continues to make a profound impact on the Charleston community,” says Helen Hill, Executive Director of the Charleston Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Boeing has not only been vitally important to the hospitality industry but it has also created positive impact by its generosity with organizations like the MUSC Children’s Hospital. Today is yet another day to celebrate the positive ripple effects credited to Boeing.”
Alaska Airlines’ route system spans more than 92 cities in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The airline also has codeshare agreements with British Airways, LAN Airlines, American Airlines, Air France, Korean Air, and Delta Air Lines.
Summary of new service:
| Start date | City pair | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
| Sept 23 | Seattle-Nashville | 9:30 a.m. | 4:05 p.m. | Daily |
| Sept 23 | Nashville-Seattle | 5:05 p.m. | 8:20 p.m. | Daily |
| Start date | City pair | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
| Oct 1 | Seattle-Raleigh/Durham | 8:40 a.m. | 4:50 p.m. | Daily |
| Oct 1 | Raleigh/Durham-Seattle | 5:50 p.m. | 9:00 p.m. | Daily |
| Start date | City pair | Departs | Arrives | Frequency |
| Nov 16 | Seattle-Charleston | 8:30 a.m. | 4:50 p.m. | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
| Nov 16 | Charleston-Seattle | 5:50 p.m. | 9:10 p.m. | Mon, Wed, Fri, Sun |
Introductory one-way fares starting at $139* to Charleston and Nashville and $159 * to Raleigh/Durham are on sale today at www.alaskaair.com. Tickets must be purchased by May 4 and travel completed by Nov. 18 for Nashville and Raleigh/Durham, and by Dec. 19 for Charleston.
Flights will be operated by fuel-efficient Next Generation 737 aircraft. Onboard, customers will get to enjoy more of what they love with free exclusive programming streamed to their own devices, Pacific Northwest-inspired food and beverages, custom power-equipped seats, and award-winning service as part of Alaska Beyond — a new flight experience designed to go above and beyond expectations.
Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group (NYSE: ALK), together with its partner regional airlines, serves more than 100 cities through an expansive network in the United States, Canada and Mexico. For reservations, visitwww.alaskaair.com. For more news and information, visit the Alaska Airlines/Horizon Air Newsroom atwww.alaskaair.com/newsroom.
