Alaska Airlines is beginning nonstop flights from Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) to New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport as a way to make it easier than ever to reach sunny vacation spots.
Alaska Airlines said in a press release on Thursday the new flights are aimed at meeting the strong demand from travelers for a connection to sun-infused destinations, an effort the airline is pursuing coast to coast.
"The introduction of Alaska Airlines' nonstop service from Palm Springs to New York's JFK airport is a welcome addition for Palm Springs International Airport," PSP Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett said in the release. "The new service not only strengthens our ties with one of the world's most influential cities but also contributes to the economic growth and vitality of our region."
Palm Springs is one of several airports on the West and East coasts targeted to receive these new Alaska Airlines flights, according to the airline. The new route connecting Palm Springs and New York will launch on Dec. 14 just prior to the holidays, when it will help meet the goal of getting tourists to sun-bathed resort areas, the press release said. To maximize vacation time, the flight will feature a morning departure from New York, which lands vacationers in Palm Springs early enough to enjoy the day.
“We believe our guests are going to love these new nonstops. We continue to see strong demand by travelers who want to go to leisure destinations stretching into next year,” Kirsten Amrine, vice president of revenue management and network planning for Alaska Airlines, said in the release.
The new flight benefits not only Alaska Airlines but Palm Springs airport by fortifying the link between Coachella Valley and "one of the world's most influential cities," Barrett said.
Today, Alaska Airlines has the most flights to Palm Springs and connects to more than 120 destinations across the United States, Belize, Canada, Costa Rica and Mexico. Besides Palm Springs, the other new vacation-oriented flights link Portland, Oregon, to Miami, Florida, as well as San Luis Obispo, California, to Las Vegas, Nevada. All are targeted to kick off on Dec. 14, the announcement said.
"We extend our sincere gratitude to Alaska Airlines for their commitment to enhancing travel options and choosing Palm Springs International Airport as a key part of their expanding network," Barrett said.