Despite completely butchering their customer-friendly business plan with ‘bags fly free’ anywhere you go, American travelers have remained loyal to one of their favorite airlines.
Running ‘wanna getaway?’ sales practically every week, it’s not just the same-o, same-o destinations to choose from, ranging from some of America’s most iconic cities to pristine Caribbean paradises.
But the popular airline is slated to launch new flights an unsuspecting destination to the mix — one that could easily be considered the last frontier of the states.
Home to an array of diverse wildlife, stunning coastlines and glacial lakes, as well as lush forestry and perfect views of the Northern Lights, Southwest is excitedly venturing into new territory.
For the first time ever, Alaska will be added to their already impressive network of enticing vacation spots from a pair of major U.S. airports.
As we say here at Travel Off Path, it’s never too early to plan an epic adventure — and there are few places in the U.S. as adventurous as the rugged landscapes of Alaska.
There’s No Better Place To Avoid Crowds
Say what you want about Alaska, but there’s no better place to avoid crowds. While you might be able to see Russia from certain backyards, one thing you won’t see is hordes of tourists in your way.
The term “the great outdoors” has to have originated in Alaska as there’s no better place to immerse in seemingly untouched nature than here.
While not recommended, up-close encounters with wildlife such as bears, moose, and occasional whale sightings are commonplace, but you’ll want to practice your ninja skills to ward off mosquitos, the state’s unofficial state bird.
The good news is Southwest is flying direct to Alaska’s largest city, so you’re far more likely to see snow-capped peaks and unexpected urban delights instead of animals that could trample you with the force of a freight train.
Alaska’s vast wilderness and bucket-list wonders doesn’t tend to draw the crowds that numerous hotspots across the U.S. sees hence the fame of Into The Wild.
Yes, there are luxe resorts like Alyeska Resort and rustic lodges luring tourists, but when you fly into Anchorage, expect a raw, unfiltered trip into the unknown far from the usual overcrowded vacation scene.
Southwest’s 2 Groundbreaking Flights To Anchorage
So, Southwest is flying to Anchorage, but from where?
A pair of lucky iconic cities will soon fly to one of America’s most underrated gateways into unmatched postcard-worth natural settings.
Anchorage may not be Alaska’s capital, but it’s arguably the best gateway to explore crowd-free highways to visit underrated National Parks like Denali and Kenai Fjords.
The first lucky city is Las Vegas, set to welcome Southwest’s first-ever route into Alaska. For those burnt out on the neon cityscape, the boundless terrains and distant mountains may be exactly what the doctor ordered.
Second is Denver, another stunning mountainous city. However, Denver has seen unprecedented growth, enticing locals to seek new frontiers rather than venture up to nearby Golden with a “silver bullet” in-hand.
While Southwest has yet to provide exact dates for either of these cities, the expectation is a May 2026 launch, just in time for whale-watching season!
Though, keep in mind, it will be seasonal routes.
One of the most under-hyped aspects to exploring Alaska is doing so by train — and Anchorage is the best entry point.
The Alaska Railroad runs incomparable scenic routes from Anchorage to Seward, Whittier, Talkeetna, Denali, and Fairbanks.
Will Southwest’s New Route Work Out Long-Term?
Not to be a Debbie Downer, but new flights have shuttered to Anchorage in recent years.
Whether Southwest is truly a “budget airline” anymore is a different conversation for a different day.
However, inarguably true low-cost carriers Frontier and Allegiant have launched what should have been some of their most sought-after routes to Anchorage, but ultimately they ceased operations shortly after inaugural flights.
So, the question isn’t just if Southwest’s new route will “take off” so to speak, it’s if it will catch on — and that’s likely why Southwest has chosen to dip their toes into glacial waters seasonally rather than swipe right long term.
The truth is travelers have been flirting with Alaska for years, but many new routes like aforementioned Allegiant and Frontier have failed to stick.
Southwest has more name-brand notoriety (and loyalty), so it may have a better shot to stand the test of time.
Just remember, there may be no other state that requires the amount of packing you’ll need to do to prepare for ever-changing weather, so be sure to abide by Southwest’s new (unpopular) rules.
Sam Sears
Sam, our Lead Writer & Journalist based in San Diego has visited 36 countries and written over 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
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