United Airlines launches new Alaska routes for summer travel boom

United Airlines is expanding its service to Alaska with new and resumed seasonal routes. The carrier will introduce nonstop flights between Washington, D.C. and Anchorage, while also bringing back its Denver to Fairbanks route. Both are set to operate daily for the summer season. Starting on May 23, 2024, United will begin daily nonstop flights from Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD) to Anchorage (ANC). This route will run until September 2, 2024, with United as the sole operator. The airline will use Boeing 737 MAX 8 jets, each configured with 166 seats.

A day earlier, on May 22, 2024, United will resume its seasonal service from Denver (DEN) to Fairbanks (FAI). This route, first launched in 2012, has operated intermittently and was paused during the pandemic. It will run daily until September 9, 2024, also on Boeing 737 MAX 8 aircraft. Like the IAD-ANC route, United will have no competition on this connection. The new and resumed routes will use Boeing 737 MAX 8 planes with 166 seats. Both services are part of United’s push to increase connectivity between its continental US hubs and Alaska. The flights will provide seasonal options for travellers heading to the state.