Alaska Airlines is cutting several seasonal Mexico routes this winter and shifting capacity toward Hawaii instead. On paper, that is a simple network adjustment. In practice, it says something more interesting about what Alaska Airlines has become after its Hawaiian Airlines acquisition.
According to Cirium schedule data cited by TPG, Alaska will increase seats from the continental United States to Hawaii by 6% in the fourth quarter versus 2025. Lihue (LIH) is set to see the biggest increase, with seats up 28%, while Honolulu (HNL), Maui (OGG), and Kona (KOA) will also see gains.
Cancun from Los Angeles is a route Alaska can fly, but it is not a route Alaska owns. Las Vegas to Puerto Vallarta and Los Cabos are not exactly natural Alaska strongholds either, especially with Southwest adding Mexico service from Las Vegas. San Francisco to Cancun is also a tough place for Alaska to make a stand when United is so dominant at SFO.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
