Alaska Airlines announced this week that they will begin service to San Luis Obispo Regional Airport early next year to San Diego Lindbergh Field and Portland International Airport. (Alaska already offers existing service from Seattle.) San Luis Obispo is on the Central California coast and is host to universities, wineries, and a short drive to the beautiful coastline.
What’s Near San Luis Obispo?
“We are excited to add nonstop service to San Diego and Portland, Oregon from San Luis Obispo, furthering our commitment to California’s Central Coast,” said Brett Catlin, Alaska Airlines managing director of capacity planning and alliances. “Whether visiting nearby Paso Robles to experience the renowned food and wine scene, cycling through hills and vistas or enjoying our on-board West Coast-inspired food and beverage menu, Alaska guests can look forward to experiencing our award-winning service.”
Sam Luis Obispo is right in the middle of two other Alaska Airlines regional destinations: Monterey and Santa Barbara in California’s central coast. Other areas to visit nearby are:
- Hearst Castle in San Simeon
- Morro Bay
- Pismo Beach
- Solvang
The Madonna Inn
One of the most interesting hotels in the area is the Madonna Inn in San Luis Obispo. This hotel is known for being a little “over-the-top” as it features 66 different-themed rooms. If you are feeling adventurous, I recommend booking the “caveman” room.
Flight Schedule
Alaska Airlines will offer once-daily flights between San Diego and San Luis Obispo beginning January 7, 2020 using E-175 regional jets.
Alaska Airlines will offer once-daily flights between Portland, OR and San Luis Obispo beginning June 18, 2020 using E-175 regional jets.
| Effective Date | City Pair | Departs | Arrives | Frequency | Aircraft |
| Jan. 7, 2020 | San Diego – San Luis Obispo | 11:55 a.m. | 1:07 p.m. | Daily | E175 |
| Jan. 7, 2020 | San Luis Obispo – San Diego | 1:50 p.m. | 2:57 p.m. | Daily | E175 |
| June 18, 2020 | Portland – San Luis Obispo | 1:10 p.m. | 3:18 p.m. | Daily | E175 |
| June 18, 2020 | San Luis Obispo – Portland | 3:55 p.m. | 6:03 p.m. | Daily | E175 |
The Aircraft: E-175 Regional Jet
I am happy to see that Alaska will be using the E-175 regional jets on these flights. The E-175 is an exception plane with 12 first class seats (1 + 2 seating), 12 premium class seats (2 + 2 seating) and 52 economy seats (2 + 2 seating). The windows are 6% larger than the windows on the Boeing 737 and produce 6.4% less CO2 emissions than comparable aircraft. I have flown this aircraft 1,100 miles from Portland, OR to Albuquerque, NM. The flight was smooth, quiet and comfortable.
Alaska Airlines continues to add regional airports to their California destination map. In addition to San Luis Obispo, Alaska Airlines serves four other California regional airports:
- Santa Rosa
- Monterrey
- Fresno
- Santa Barbara
Alaska Airlines continues their west coast expansion to allow more people to experience the Alaska Airlines award-winning service.
