In 2017, Alaska Airlines introduced daily nonstop service from its Seattle (SEA) hub to Indianapolis (IND) and Wichita (ICT). “We continue to add more destinations from our hometown. With the addition of nonstop service to Indianapolis and Wichita, Alaska Airlines now offers nonstop service to a total of 89 cities from Seattle — more than twice as many as any other airline,” said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines. These new routes expanded the carrier’s Midwest presence to 20 daily flights serving nine cities.
Service to Wichita began on April 13. Flights depart Seattle daily at 11:55 a.m. and arrive in Wichita at 5:13 p.m. The return flight leaves Wichita at 6:10 p.m. and lands in Seattle at 7:55 p.m. Wichita is served by an Embraer E175 operated by SkyWest Airlines, configured to seat 76 passengers: 12 first-class seats, 12 business-class seats and 52 economy seats.
Service to Indianapolis started on May 11. The daily departure from Seattle is at 9:55 a.m., with arrival in Indianapolis at 5:10 p.m. The return flight departs Indianapolis at 6:10 p.m., arriving back in Seattle at 7:59 p.m. The Indianapolis route is operated with a Boeing 737. Passengers on this aircraft benefit from complimentary premium downloadable entertainment and power outlets at every seat.
Both routes reflect Alaska Airlines’ strategy to increase nonstop options from Seattle, providing more convenient connections for travelers across the Midwest and reinforcing the airline’s role as a major West Coast connector. The mix of aircraft and onboard amenities aims to accommodate different passenger needs, from regional travelers on the E175 to longer-haul customers on the 737.