Key Takeaways
• Frontier Airlines will launch flights from Paine Field to Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Denver starting June 2, 2025, with fares from $29.
• Alaska Airlines will increase Phoenix flights to 140 monthly and Las Vegas flights to 120 monthly by June 2025.
• Paine Field’s rise as a regional hub benefits travelers with competitive fares, more options, and improved air connectivity.
The skies over Everett 🌲🇺🇸, Washington, are witnessing a significant shift as Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines go head-to-head in a spirited competition. This rivalry is more than just about airline preferences—it’s shaping travel, economics, and the role of Paine Field as a growing regional hub. Frontier Airlines’ entry into Everett has triggered Alaska Airlines to bolster its position, marking a key moment for the future of air travel in this region.
Frontier Airlines Steps Into Paine Field
On March 4, 2025, Frontier Airlines made headlines by announcing its new services from Paine Field ✈️, set to begin on June 2, 2025. Frontier will operate flights to three major destinations: Las Vegas 🎰, Phoenix 🌵, and Denver ⛰️. Known for its budget-friendly fares, the airline introduced tickets starting as low as $29 for its Las Vegas and Phoenix routes, with Denver fares beginning at $39.
Frontier’s expansion into Paine Field marked the first real challenge to Alaska Airlines, which held a monopoly on the airport’s commercial passenger services since it began operations in 2019. The move underscores Frontier’s strategy of targeting growing yet underserved regional travel hubs. Paine Field’s proximity to burgeoning residential areas and business centers makes it an attractive entry point for an airline known for its low-cost offerings.
Frontier is making a clear statement: it plans to break into the Everett market with aggressive pricing and a commitment to increasing connectivity for this rapidly growing region. For decades, Paine Field was overshadowed by Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (Sea-Tac) 🛬, but things are changing. Its smaller, efficient setup and convenient location have made it a compelling option for travelers frustrated with overcrowded alternatives. Frontier’s entry is tapping into this potential.
Alaska Airlines Responds with Strength
Since launching services from Paine Field in 2019, Alaska Airlines has become synonymous with air travel in Everett. Faced with competition from Frontier Airlines, Alaska is not standing idly by. Instead, it has swiftly increased its capacity for two of its most popular routes out of Paine Field: Phoenix and Las Vegas. Starting in June 2025, Alaska will offer 140 flights per month to Phoenix, up from 82, providing nearly 22,000 seats. For Las Vegas, monthly flights will jump to 120 from 82, accommodating over 14,500 travelers.
By expanding these routes, Alaska Airlines is playing to its strengths: frequent service, full-service offerings, and a reputation for reliability. While Frontier Airlines may attract budget-conscious travelers, Alaska predicts that many passengers will prioritize comfort, perks, and its wider array of benefits. The airline’s history of customer satisfaction and loyalty programs, coupled with its membership in the Oneworld alliance, ensures it retains a solid foothold even as competitors like Frontier enter the market.
This rapid response from Alaska Airlines highlights its intent to stay ahead in Everett. By committing to higher seat availability and flight frequencies long before Frontier’s first flight takes off, Alaska aims to deter its passengers from even sampling the competition.
Key Differences Between Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines
To truly appreciate what this rivalry means for Paine Field and its travelers, it helps to break down the distinct business models of each carrier:
- Alaska Airlines: Headquartered in SeaTac, Washington, Alaska Airlines is a full-service airline known for its robust operations across North America. Serving over 100 destinations—including Alaska, Hawaii, and Mexico—Alaska’s focus is on quality and reliability. It offers services like complimentary snacks, in-flight entertainment, and a premium loyalty program (Mileage Plan). Alaska Airlines appeals to customers willing to pay a reasonable amount more for a comfortable flying experience.
Frontier Airlines: Based in Denver, Colorado, Frontier operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC). Its pricing model strips down the base airfare to the essentials, with additional fees for options like seat selection, baggage, and snacks. This à la carte approach enables Frontier to offer some of the lowest flight prices in the industry and appeals greatly to price-sensitive travelers. Frontier focuses on affordability and operational efficiency, utilizing modern Airbus aircraft to keep costs low while reaching new markets.
These striking differences between the two airlines set the stage for a competition that benefits a diverse range of travelers. Those who prefer inclusive fares and in-flight comfort will likely stick with Alaska, while budget-conscious flyers can explore Frontier’s down-to-basics option.
The Rise of Paine Field as a Regional Hub
Key to this rivalry is Paine Field itself, which has rapidly grown as an alternative to overcrowded Sea-Tac. Located just 30 miles north of Seattle 🌧️, Paine Field has gained fame for offering a more streamlined passenger experience. Since the introduction of commercial flights in 2019, the airport has served as a convenient gateway for residents of Snohomish County.
Paine Field’s development has also brought wider economic benefits to the region. Local leaders estimate that the airport’s commercial operations contribute nearly $300 million annually to Snohomish County’s economy. Beyond making travel easier for residents, it has attracted new businesses and expanded tourism opportunities. For an area long overshadowed by Seattle, Paine Field’s emergence as a travel hub is reshaping its identity.
Benefits of Competition for Travelers
While the rivalry between Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines appears intense, it brings multiple advantages to travelers and the regional economy:
- Lower Prices: With Frontier Airlines aggressively pricing flights at $29 and Alaska Airlines ramping up availability, costs are expected to drop further. Travelers can benefit from affordable options for both budget and premium experiences.
- Better Accessibility: Increased frequencies by Alaska Airlines and new routes added by Frontier mean passengers have more departure time options and destinations to choose from.
- Economic Growth: A competitive air travel market often attracts businesses and tourism, boosting local economies. Everett may see an uptick in conferences, events, and other activities fueled by improved air connectivity.
- Flexibility for Travelers: For passengers flying to popular destinations like Phoenix, Las Vegas, or Denver, the choice between a low-cost carrier and a full-service airline allows for customizable travel experiences.
What Lies Ahead
The Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines rivalry represents a turning point not only for Paine Field but for travelers across the Pacific Northwest. As June 2025 approaches, both airlines are doubling down on their strategies. Alaska Airlines is expanding services to retain its loyal customer base, while Frontier Airlines prepares to disrupt the market with its incredibly low prices and no-frills model.
For travelers, this means the advantages are clear: lower fares, more options, and better service across the board. Budget-conscious adventurers and experience-focused flyers alike have reason to celebrate.
Paine Field’s growing role in Everett’s economic and social fabric is equally significant. Once viewed as a limited regional airport, it now stands as a strategic hub attracting not just travelers but investments and businesses. Local residents and the wider community gain from the improved air connectivity, which promises to open new doors for everything from short-haul vacations to transcontinental travel plans.
June 2025 will see this rivalry intensify, and passengers flying out of Everett are at the center of it all. Whether drawn to Frontier Airlines for its unbeatable prices or to Alaska Airlines for its premium comfort offerings, one thing is certain—Paine Field is poised to transform into a vital player in regional and national air travel. More than ever, the choice rests in the hands of the flyers, as competition fuels better travel options from this rapidly growing hub.
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Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) → An airline offering basic services with low base fares, charging extra for add-ons like baggage and seat selection.
Loyalty Program → A rewards system by airlines offering points, perks, and benefits for frequent flyers to encourage customer retention.
Connectivity → The range and ease of access to destinations provided by an airport or airline through increased routes and flight frequencies.
Regional Hub → A smaller airport serving as a key center for travel in a specific geographic area, enhancing local transportation options.
À la Carte Pricing → A pricing model where customers pay separately for optional services, allowing flexibility but increasing overall costs for added features.
This Article in a Nutshell
Paine Field’s skies are buzzing as Alaska Airlines and Frontier Airlines clash in Everett, Washington. Frontier’s low fares challenge Alaska’s full-service dominance, sparking fierce competition. Travelers win big—cheaper flights, more choices, and better service. Once overshadowed by Sea-Tac, Paine Field is emerging as a thriving regional hub reshaping Pacific Northwest travel.
— By VisaVerge.com
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