Travelers in the Seattle area will soon gain additional flight choices from Paine Field in Everett, Washington, as Alaska Airlines increases capacity at the airport by about 50 percent through next spring. The carrier is introducing a new route to San Jose and adding frequencies plus larger aircraft on several existing West Coast services. This move strengthens options for passengers who prefer the smaller airport north of Seattle over the busier Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. ([1])
New Daily Service to San Jose Begins in 2027
Alaska Airlines will launch two daily flights between Paine Field and San Jose Mineta International Airport starting April 14, 2027. The route will operate with 76-seat Embraer E175 aircraft and marks the carrier’s return to the market after a pause since 2020. San Jose serves as the primary airport for Silicon Valley and the southern Bay Area, where Alaska already ranks as the second-largest carrier behind Southwest.
The addition gives business and leisure travelers a direct link without needing to connect through Seattle-Tacoma or drive to another airport. Schedules show the flights will provide convenient morning and evening departures suited to same-day trips. Alaska remains the sole airline operating scheduled passenger service at Paine Field following the brief presence of other carriers in prior years.
More Flights and Larger Planes on Four Routes
Service will also grow to Los Angeles, Portland, San Diego, and San Francisco. A second daily flight is planned for both Los Angeles International and Portland International airports beginning next spring. The Los Angeles flights will switch to Boeing 737 aircraft, delivering at least a 63 percent increase in seats per departure compared with the current E175s.
The daily San Diego flight will move to a 737 starting November 1. Up to three daily flights to San Francisco may also transition to larger planes, though the exact timing has not been announced. These changes collectively expand seating and scheduling flexibility for passengers traveling along the West Coast.
Practical Benefits for Puget Sound Travelers
The expansion directly benefits Alaska’s large base of Atmos Rewards members in the region by offering more departures from a convenient secondary airport. Paine Field provides simpler access for many residents north of Seattle who otherwise face longer drives or connections at the main hub. The added capacity helps the airline maintain its dominant position in the Puget Sound market.
Seattle-Tacoma International remains capacity-constrained despite recent vertical expansions, with further major growth projects not expected until the early 2030s. Alaska’s moves at Paine Field therefore give travelers an alternative while the carrier competes with Delta Air Lines, which does not serve the Everett airport and holds roughly half the share Alaska commands at Seattle-Tacoma.
Timeline and Next Steps for Passengers
Most of the frequency increases and aircraft upgrades take effect in spring 2027, with the San Diego change arriving earlier in November. Travelers planning trips to California or Oregon can monitor Alaska’s website for exact schedules once they load closer to the dates. The new San Jose service opens booking opportunities well in advance for 2027 travel.
Andrew Harrison, Alaska’s chief commercial officer, noted that Paine Field forms an important part of the airline’s Puget Sound network and supports simpler access to its broader West Coast flying. The carrier continues to evaluate further adjustments as demand patterns evolve.
