Alaska Airlines International Routes: Cities, Policies, and My Experience

Perhaps the most well-known aspect of Alaska Airlines is its vast domestic network, which is particularly well-established in areas like California, Washington, and Alaska. You might be shocked to hear, though, where does alaska airlines fly internationally. I'll go over the airline's policies, highlight the major places where you may fly with them overseas, and describe my own experience flying with them in this post.

Understanding Alaska Airlines International Destinations

While Alaska Airlines' primary focus is on North American routes, it has expanded internationally to include flights to destinations in Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. These routes offer travelers access to stunning cities and vacation destinations with the same excellent service and comfort the airline is known for domestically. The airline also partners with several international carriers, making it easy for passengers to book flights to even more destinations across the globe through codeshare agreements.

My Experience Flying Internationally with Alaska Airlines

I’ve flown internationally with Alaska Airlines several times, particularly to Vancouver in Canada and Cancun in Mexico. My experiences have generally been positive, and the airline’s policies around international travel are straightforward, though there are a few key details you’ll want to know before you book.

Popular International Destinations Served by Alaska Airlines

Canada

Alaska Airlines serves multiple cities in Canada, including:

Vancouver: This is one of the airline’s busiest international destinations, and my flight from Seattle to Vancouver was smooth and convenient. Vancouver offers a vibrant city experience, and the short flight time made it a great option for a weekend getaway.

Calgary: Another important destination for Alaska Airlines, Calgary is perfect for travelers interested in exploring the Canadian Rockies.

Toronto: Although not as frequently served as Vancouver or Calgary, Alaska Airlines provides seasonal flights to Toronto, which is ideal for those looking to explore Canada’s largest city.

Mexico

Mexico:It is a popular destination for vacationers, and Alaska Airlines offers flights to several Mexican cities. I’ve personally flown to Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, both of which provided excellent service and quick access to tropical getaways.

Cancun: As one of the busiest tourist destinations in Mexico, flights to Cancun are often full. I flew from Los Angeles to Cancun, and the service was excellent. Cancun’s white sandy beaches and Mayan ruins are a must-see for any traveler.

Cabo San Lucas: Another beautiful vacation spot, Cabo is well-served by Alaska Airlines. With its breathtaking coastal views, it’s a great destination for anyone looking to relax.

Mexico City: As the capital of Mexico, this bustling city is another destination where Alaska Airlines flies. I haven’t personally flown there with Alaska Airlines, but I’ve heard great things about the airline’s service on this route.

Costa Rica

Alaska Airlines also flies to San José, Costa Rica’s capital. This is a newer route for the airline, and it’s perfect for eco-tourism enthusiasts. I haven’t had the chance to visit Costa Rica yet, but it’s on my list, and I’m excited to try out Alaska Airlines’ service on this route in the future.

Connecting to Other International Destinations via Partner Airlines

One of the great advantages of flying with Alaska Airlines is their extensive list of partner airlines. While Alaska itself may not fly to places in Europe, Asia, or other parts of the world, they offer easy connections through their partners. I’ve used this service to book flights to Tokyo 

with Japan Airlines and London with British Airways.These partnerships allow you to earn and redeem miles through Alaska’s Mileage Plan, making international travel even more rewarding. You can book tickets to destinations beyond Alaska Airlines' network while enjoying the benefits of their loyalty program.

Key Policies to Keep in Mind for International Flights

Baggage Policy

When flying internationally with Alaska Airlines, you’ll want to familiarize yourself with their baggage policy. Based on my experience, the airline’s baggage fees and allowances are quite similar to those for domestic flights, but there are a few differences for international routes.

Canada and Mexico: Checked baggage fees are typically around USD 30 for the first bag and USD 40 for the second bag. On my flight to Vancouver, I found that my first checked bag was included as part of my fare, which was a nice bonus.

Costa Rica: The baggage fees and allowances are similar to those for flights to Canada and Mexico. I always recommend double-checking the airline’s website for any updates to their policy, as these can change depending on the season or route.

Travel Documents

One of the most important aspects of flying internationally is ensuring that you have the correct travel documents. For my flights to Canada, I needed a valid passport, and for Mexico, I was required to complete an immigration form before landing.

Passports: A valid passport is required for all international flights with Alaska Airlines. I made sure to double-check that my passport had at least six months of validity remaining before flying.

Visas: Depending on the country you’re flying to, you may also need a visa. For instance, U.S. citizens typically don’t need a visa for short trips to Canada or Mexico, but it’s always a good idea to verify this based on your nationality and destination.

COVID-19 Policies

Due to the pandemic, international travel policies have evolved. On my trip to Cancun in 2021, Alaska Airlines required passengers to present a negative COVID-19 test before boarding. These requirements have since relaxed in many countries, but I’d recommend always checking the airline’s latest health and safety policies before booking.

Boarding and Check-In Times

For international flights, Alaska Airlines recommends arriving at the airport at least three hours before departure. My experience flying out of Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) taught me the importance of this, as security lines for international flights can be long.

What to Expect In-Flight on Alaska Airlines International Routes

Flying internationally with Alaska Airlines is similar to their domestic flights, with a few added perks. On my flight to Cancun, I found the service to be friendly, and the onboard entertainment helped make the journey more enjoyable. Alaska offers Wi-Fi on many of their international flights, and I was able to stream movies and TV shows throughout the trip.

The seats in economy are fairly standard, but if you’re looking for extra comfort, I recommend upgrading to Premium Class. I did this on my flight to Vancouver, and the extra legroom and complimentary drinks made the experience even better.

Cities Where I’ve Flown Internationally with Alaska Airlines

Here are a few key cities where I’ve personally flown internationally with Alaska Airlines:

Vancouver, Canada: One of my favorite destinations, Vancouver offers stunning natural beauty combined with a vibrant city life. The flight from Seattle to Vancouver was quick, and the service was excellent.

Cancun, Mexico: As a major tourist destination, Cancun is perfect for a beach getaway. My flight from Los Angeles to Cancun was seamless, and I enjoyed the onboard experience.

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico: A quieter alternative to Cancun, Puerto Vallarta offers beautiful beaches and a more relaxed atmosphere. The flight from San Francisco was smooth, and the baggage process was hassle-free.

Conclusion

Alaska Airlines may not have the extensive global reach of some larger carriers, but it offers a solid selection of international flights to Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. My personal experiences flying with them have been overwhelmingly positive, and the airline’s policies make international travel easy and convenient. Whether you’re heading to the beaches of Mexico or exploring the natural wonders of Canada, Alaska Airlines provides a reliable and comfortable way to travel internationally. With great partnerships that extend your reach to other parts of the world, Alaska Airlines is a strong choice for both domestic and international travelers.

FAQs

Where does Alaska Airlines fly internationally?
Alaska Airlines flies to Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica, with destinations including Vancouver, Cancun, and San José.

Can I earn miles on international flights with Alaska Airlines?
Yes, you can earn miles through Alaska’s Mileage Plan on all international flights, including those operated by partner airlines.

What documents do I need for international flights with Alaska Airlines?
You’ll need a valid passport, and depending on your destination, you may need a visa or other travel documents.

How much does checked baggage cost on international flights?
For most international flights, the first checked bag costs around USD 30, and the second bag costs USD 40.

Does Alaska Airlines offer Wi-Fi on international flights?
Yes, many of Alaska Airlines’ international flights offer in-flight Wi-Fi for streaming and browsing.

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