Alaska Airlines Unveils New Route to Mexico From Southern California

Image: Kayaking in the clear waters off Loreto, Baja California Sur.
Image: Kayaking in the clear waters off Loreto, Baja California Sur.
Jessica Puckett
by Jessica Puckett
Last updated: 12:45 PM ET, Thu September 3, 2026

This winter, Alaska Airlines will hit a major milestone with its newest route launch from Southern California. 

The carrier just announced plans to begin seasonal service from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to the peaceful coastal destination of Loreto, Mexico, on the Baja Peninsula on December 19.

The destination is “one of Baja California Sur's hidden gems, known for its stunning coastline, pristine beaches and outdoor adventures,” the airline said.

The new route makes Loreto (LTO) the airline’s 50th nonstop destination from San Diego. 

The landmark flight launch also comes as Alaska celebrates 40 years of operations at the San Diego airport. The carrier offers more nonstop destinations at SAN than any other airline. 

"We're proud to be San Diego's leading airline, with deep roots in the community, the most extensive network, and the only carrier with both a pilot and flight attendant base in the region," said Neil Thwaites, Alaska Airlines’ VP of global sales & California commercial performance. 

To celebrate the milestone, Alaska is giving Atmos Rewards Gold status for 40 years to 40 winners. The carrier is also awarding 1 million Atmos Rewards points to one grand prize winner.

Alaska will operate flights from San Diego to Loreto twice weekly on Wednesdays and Saturdays aboard its regional Embraer 175 jets through April 28, 2027. 

The flights will be operated by Alaska subsidiary Skywest, and the carrier will be the only airline to connect San Diego and Loreto.

The new route is part of larger expansion Alaska has been undertaking at SAN, where it has been announcing new routes over the past year and unveiled plans to open one of its largest airport lounges in 2028. 


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