Monterey >> Alaska Airlines plans on filling the void left by American Airlines when it starts daily round-trip flights between Monterey and Los Angeles on Nov. 5.
American ended direct flights to Los Angeles in September.
In celebration of Alaska’s new service, the carrier is offering $59 fares to customers who purchase tickets by Monday — extending and lowering an offer first made in June.
“Alaska will fly to LAX once daily, leaving in the morning and returning at night,” said Jennifer Hickerson, Monterey Regional Airport marketing coordinator.
On Nov. 5, the first flight on Alaska’s new route is scheduled to leave Los Angeles for Monterey at 7:40 p.m. On Nov. 6, the first Alaska flight from Monterey to LAX leaves at 6 a.m. The flights will be about an hour and 15 minutes long.
To purchase a ticket at the sale price, visit bit.ly/1L0w2EA or call 1-800-ALASKAAIR (1-800-252-7522).
United Airlines also flies nonstop to L.A., but four times daily at prices ranging from $79 to $141 one way. Passengers on American Airlines can also reach L.A. by way of Phoenix for $169.
Alaska Airlines’ daily round-trip flights will be flown by Horizon Air, its sister carrier that flies 76-seat Bombardier Q400 turbo props.
“Due to the merger between American and U.S. Airways, American Airlines decided to discontinue the direct LAX flight and add more flights to Phoenix,” said Hickerson. “Their Phoenix flights are doing very well since they have no competition to that market.”
According to Hickerson, the airport is always looking to expand, and it hopes to get a flight heading east at some point.
Four carriers serve Monterey Regional Airport and fly to San Francisco (United Express), Los Angeles (United and Alaska), Las Vegas (Allegiant Air), Phoenix (American) and San Diego (Alaska).
United Airlines dropped its Monterey-to-Denver route in summer 2014.
James Herrera can be reached at 726-4344.
