Alaska Airlines is continuing its international expansion, with another route to Central America.
In this post:
Alaska adds Los Angeles to Guatemala City route
As of December 14, 2023, Alaska Airlines will add a new daily year-round flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and Guatemala City (GUA). The new route will operate with the following schedule:
AS1353 Los Angeles to Guatemala City departing 11:15PM arriving 6:00AM (+1 day)
AS1354 Guatemala City to Los Angeles departing 11:45AM arriving 3:10PM
The 2,194-mile flight is blocked at 4hr45min southbound and 5hr24min northbound. Alaska will use a Boeing 737-800 for the route, featuring 159 seats, including 12 first class seats.
How this fits into Alaska Airlines’ route network
This new service will be the first time that Alaska Airlines flies to Guatemala City. However, it’s not the carrier’s first service to Central America, as Alaska also flies to Belize and Costa Rica. From Los Angeles, Alaska claims to have the most destinations across Latin America of any carrier, which includes up to 18 daily nonstop flights this winter to 12 cities throughout the region.
Guatemala has become an increasingly popular tourist destination among Americans in recent years, and it’s a place I’ve been wanting to visit. Here’s how Alaska describes the allure of the destination:
Guatemala City is filled with history and architecture. Outside the capital, there’s plenty to explore. The town of Antigua boasts Baroque-style buildings, farm-to-table restaurants and a showcase of art and textiles. Lake Atitlán, formed inside a massive volcanic crater, is a popular destination with its blue waters, stunning hillsides and quaint villages that ring the lake. For adventure seekers, Guatemala is a nation of volcanoes with several that are accessible for hiking and exploring.
As far as the viability of this route goes, one major consideration is that this is a highly competitive market, as the same route is served by Avianca, Delta, and United, so Alaska will be the fourth airline to offer nonstop service.
I am a little puzzled by the aircraft utilization, though, as the plane will sit on the ground in Guatemala for 5hr45min every day. Since it’s a redeye to Guatemala, is the later return to the United States to allow for connections in Guatemala, or why not reduce the aircraft’s ground time by four hours or so?
Bottom line
Alaska Airlines has announced that its newest international destination will be Guatemala City, as the airline will offer daily service there as of December 2023. This will be the third country that Alaska flies to in Central America.
Alaska has historically been strongest domestically (including to Hawaii and Alaska), and to Mexico, and it’s nice to see the carrier’s continued growth to other countries.
What do you make of Alaska’s new service to Guatemala City?
I had heard that Alaska direct service to Guatemala City was going to begin between Boise, Idaho and Guatemala City with same day arrival after the 1st of January. Can anyone clarify this?
I'm excited for AS to open the LAX-GUA-LAX route! LAX-GUA have always been on the high side price-wise - as compared to other Central American countries when flying from LAX. I travel this route about 5 to 6 times each year - and usually rent an Airbnb in Zone 9 or 10. At least the fee creep hasn't reached the Airbnb condo I rent. As others have mentioned, Guatemala City - just like anywhere, you...
I'm excited for AS to open the LAX-GUA-LAX route! LAX-GUA have always been on the high side price-wise - as compared to other Central American countries when flying from LAX. I travel this route about 5 to 6 times each year - and usually rent an Airbnb in Zone 9 or 10. At least the fee creep hasn't reached the Airbnb condo I rent. As others have mentioned, Guatemala City - just like anywhere, you always have to watch your surroundings. Traffic for the most part throughout Guatemala City sucks.
For many years, it was only UAL and LACSA/TACA (Avianca) that flew this route. Spirit offered nonstop service for a short time - then dropped it. Later by DAL who continues the route today. Shortly after CAL and UAL married, UAL dropped the route in favor of connections through IAH - a real dumbo mistake.
As I have become older, I'm not a fan of red-eyes unless I do not have a better choice.
During COVID times, I was happy that UAL re-introduced nonstop service. I like the outbound flight time at 7:00 p.m. Uncrowded terminal (too early for check-in on the red-eyes), and the Red Carpet Club is basically uncrowded at that hour. UAL's terminal 7 is actually pretty quiet between 6 and 7 p.m.
DAL'S flight is always a cattle car - all squished in with a 199 seat capacity 757-232 or old NWA 757-251. Thank goodness for first - but still not much legroom. The DAL red-eye more often than not departs due to issues at the gate. late equipment, problems with the plane, etc.
I have flown Volaris once - simply because of their later departure time from GUA in the evening (7:00 p.m.), but my oh my - talk about flying with the chickens - you certainly do that on this 5 hour flight in a stuffed A319. The only solace was snagging an extra cost emergency exit row for additional leg room. As many know, Volaris charges for everything - including water. The same owner of Frontier and Wizz Air, Bill Franke also owns Volaris - so now you know what you're getting - stuffed A319's and A321's! Good thing I had a bite before departing GUA. Volaris ahs recently added a second daily non-stop on the route with an A321.
Going back to AS flying this route - I'm guarded. It is a big VFR route and a small business travel route. For reference, look at upcoming flights for either the UAL/DAL flights on any day and drill down to the seat maps and review how many elite seats in coach are available for assignment right up to departure. It's many. On UAL, I'm able to purchase first at a reasonable cost.
Going back to AS, their challenge is selling and marketing the route on the return from GUA. Locals will be 'confused" as to why they would want to travel to Alaska when seeing the "Alaska" brand name. If Alaska has the patience, the load factor/fare level may improve to a very profitable level.
What hasn't been mentioned, either by Lucky or those posting replies is that the later return time is probably for connections to other Alaska flights, possible code-share flights with American, and connections with other Oneworld carriers at LAX - primarily to Asia. How many seats per day will that be? - probably in the single digits. However, it shows that Oneworld is willing to commit to this route and butt heads against Skyteam and Star Alliance. It gives Oneworld an alternative on the west coast in addition to DFW and MIA.
I will use the AS flight on the return because of the late morning departure time - and avoid the early morning crush of passengers and flights leaving GUA - Avianca, DAL, Volaris etc. and other routes in addition to LAX.
SO_CAL_RETAIL_SLUT
People who write for passengers sometimes ignore the importance of freight, especially to and from our Banana Republic colonies to the south. The plane is on the ground that long because it takes time to unload and load the goods that bring the constant revenue. This flight is probably profitable even when only half full of passengers. Fortunately, because there might be 280,000 Guatemalans living in the LA area, but how many of them have...
People who write for passengers sometimes ignore the importance of freight, especially to and from our Banana Republic colonies to the south. The plane is on the ground that long because it takes time to unload and load the goods that bring the constant revenue. This flight is probably profitable even when only half full of passengers. Fortunately, because there might be 280,000 Guatemalans living in the LA area, but how many of them have a visa that would allow them to come back if they went home for a visit?
It is a 737. Cargo is not the reason it is on the ground that long.
And also that is why they may lose money on passengers because they make enough on freight.
Before leaving, read the State Department advisory. " Violent crime such as extortion, murder, armed robbery, carjacking, narcotics trafficking and gang activity are common in Guatemala. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to criminal incidents resulting in a low arrest and conviction rate."
Sounds like LA.
Or Bakersfield - aka home district of Speaker of the House McCarthy (R)
I hope Alaska airlines have better prices and comfort than another s airlines competitor I fly to Guatemala city for Christmas I hope Alaska airlines give me at good deal
It’s interesting how Alaska is making Los Angeles its Central American and Caribbean hub and giving Seattle some Caribbean routes as well. Meanwhile, the Bay Area is the monkey in the middle that gets nothing. Unlike the rest of their hubs, they don’t fly any routes from SFO or SJC that they don’t already fly from one of their other hubs. They’ve been giving the Bay Area the short end of the stick dating back...
It’s interesting how Alaska is making Los Angeles its Central American and Caribbean hub and giving Seattle some Caribbean routes as well. Meanwhile, the Bay Area is the monkey in the middle that gets nothing. Unlike the rest of their hubs, they don’t fly any routes from SFO or SJC that they don’t already fly from one of their other hubs. They’ve been giving the Bay Area the short end of the stick dating back to when they bought Virgin America (which was based there) and proceeded to eliminate every last trace of it. It seems like they’re content letting United and Southwest rule NorCal.
Volaris also flies this route non-stop, so Alaska will actually be the 5th carrier with non-stop service between these cities.
I would like to see Alaska add Panama to its network, and then add Copa as a partner, thus opening Seattle to all of South America. Currently travel between Seattle and SA is a challenge, often a three flight, 24 hour adventure.
Can't wait!!!
I will b a regular.
I actually love Guatemala having been 5x and lived there 6 months (antigua) ---I also second the vote that if one is coming from outside the capital, stay overnight at an airport hotel.
I still can't quite figure out why it's a red eye -- would love a standard daytime flight.
Another vote for Guatemala as a leisure destination. I too find the aircraft utilization odd however. If you are flying out of GUA and you are coming to the airport from any further away than Antigua, I would recommend that you stay at an airport hotel (of which there are many in a nice neighborhood) the night before. Highways are crowded and traffic jams are common, so play it safe.
The departure time is probably due to the amount of time it can take to get to the airport from areas across Guatemala. If I remember correctly, It took a few hours to get from Lake Atitlan and security/exit customs took a bit of time too. If they left earlier, it may impact their bookings out of GUA
Surprised you still haven't visited Guatemala. It's awesome and VERY easy to get to and easy to explore once you're there. Amazing high cuisine scene developing, as well.
Yes, most of Guatemala wants to travel to Alaska via Los Angeles to build igloos with the eskimos. Sounds like a good reason to fly there.
You are obviously pretty stupid. LA also has a huge Guatemalan diaspora of around 280,000 and a lot of traffic between the two
Alaska flies to many more places than it's namesake. Where have you been the last 30 years?
Adding GUA before reinstating MEX? Go home Alaska you're drunk.
This was my first thought! Does anyone know why they exited MEX in the first place?
Because MEX is pretty saturated and costly to fly to.
Guatemala is a beautiful area, but also be aware of the dangerous side. Venturing anywhere alone is inviting trouble, so be sure to use reputable guides. I'm only seeing the "good" in the post and comments, so it's important to recognize the danger.
Another "danger" comment about an entire country.
Always the Americans calling anything and everywhere dangerous when their plane ol’ country is even more dangerous than most places
Hi Ben! Alaska’s 800s only have 12 seats in first.
a redeye from LAX has to leave by midnight to be marketable but leisure travelers are not going to want to take a flight before 9 am.
UA's flight times have a 2.30 am return to LAX from GUA
DL's departure is before 8 am which probably means they get a higher percentage of business travelers
La Antigua is the Learn Spanish capitol of the world and it's a popular destination. It's a bus ride from GUA and young backpackers won't use the Alaska flight if they have to overnight in Guatemala City. The noon departure makes sense for anyone who has to get up in the morning in Antigua and travel down to GUA.
So true. 30 years ago I spent 3 months in Antigua learning spanish, 1:1 tutoring for 6 hours, 5 days a week and living with a family. All for the ridiculously low cost of $300/week. I sent my son last summer to do the same, only a bit more expensive. Weekend bus trips to Tikal, Lake Atitlan (I'll never forget the Circus Bar - wonder if it's still there), Copan...wonderful memories. Ideal climate in the high mountains.
I have done this 4x as well. PLFM in Antigua and believe it or not, the weekly language school prices are still about the same - -really cheap!
Thanks for sharing this. I'm very interested in going to Guatemala. Although I'm coming from the East Coast, always interesting to see new service.
One grammar issue - and you said you appreciate these things! You wrote this: Alaska Airlines has announced that it’s newest international destination will be Guatemala City, as the airline will offer daily service there as of December 2023.
it should say "its" not "it's". "It's" is a contraction for...
Thanks for sharing this. I'm very interested in going to Guatemala. Although I'm coming from the East Coast, always interesting to see new service.
One grammar issue - and you said you appreciate these things! You wrote this: Alaska Airlines has announced that it’s newest international destination will be Guatemala City, as the airline will offer daily service there as of December 2023.
it should say "its" not "it's". "It's" is a contraction for "it is", which would not make sense. "its" is the correct way to make this possessive here. No apostrophe needed!
You should definitely put Guatemala on your travel list! Guatemala is one of the most beautiful countries I've ever visited (only Kamchatka rivals it, in my experience).