This winter, we’re expanding our guests’ options with nonstop service to two exciting international destinations 

Alaska Airlines is excited to announce an expansion of our international network with two new Mexico destinations starting this winter. We’ll soon start flying between Los Angeles and breathtaking La Paz, as the only U.S. carrier serving the coastal Mexican destination. We’ll also become the only U.S. airline to offer daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and the bustling city of Monterrey when we begin service in February. 

During the winter months, our guests search for warm-weather travel destinations. Our new nonstop service to La Paz (LAP) and Monterrey (MTY) caters to that demand by offering our guests the perfect escape to sunny skies, a vibrant city experience and warm hospitality. It’s never too early to start booking your winter vacation. Tickets are available starting the afternoon of July 3 on alaskaair.com.  

We’re proud to be the #1 U.S. carrier with the most flights, seats and nonstop routes to Mexico from the West Coast. This announcement continues our longstanding commitment and plans for growth in the region.

Our new nonstop service to LAP and MTY from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) enables guests to easily connect from cities across our network. From our hub at LAX, we continue to offer the most flights to the most destinations across Latin America and the Caribbean of any carrier – which includes almost 16 average daily departures this winter to 15 cities throughout the region. 

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La Paz, Mexico 

This year, we will become the only carrier offering nonstop service between the United States and La Paz where you’ll find some of the world’s best diving and sport fishing. We’re excited to offer flights year-round with service up to three times weekly. 

“We appreciate Alaska Airlines’ confidence in investing in the virtues of La Paz and providing it with the opportunity to expand its borders by connecting with the United States. Especially with its flight to Los Angeles, California, which we are sure will be a success,” said Maribel Collins, minister of tourism and economy of Baja California Sur.  “For the Government of Baja California Sur, tourism is one of the pillars that drives the state’s economy. Therefore, we are highly committed to promoting actions that benefit this important sector through our tourism trusts, which day by day seek alliances for the benefit of all.” 

“Connecting La Paz with Los Angeles is an important step for internationalizing this airport which has grown passengers significantly over the past three years.  We thank Alaska Airlines for offering this flight to one of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico and look forward to welcoming travelers to La Paz and continuing to provide greater ease for foreign tourists to visit this city,” said Raúl Revuelta Musalem, CEO of the Pacific Airport Group. 

Monterrey, Mexico 

We’re adding daily service from Los Angeles to Monterrey, Mexico’s second-largest metro area. The popular destination offers dramatic peaks of the Sierra Madre Oriental Mountain range and a vibrant food scene, including several Michelin-starred restaurants. Immerse yourself in history with a visit to one of the city’s many museums or satisfy your love for the outdoors with a visit to the Huasteca Canyon, a popular rock climbing area located on the outskirts of the city. 

Whether traveling for pleasure or business, our guests can take advantage of a premium travel experience on any Alaska flight with no change fees, the most legroom in First Class* and Premium Class, the most generous Mileage Plan with the fastest path to elite status, high-quality West Coast-inspired food and a premium selection of beverages. Our guests can also buy tickets and earn Mileage Plan miles with our domestic and Global Partners directly at alaskair.com.  

Alaska Airlines is making it easier for you to plan your next trip while saving money and earning Mileage Plan miles. Bundle flights, hotels, car rentals and experiences at Alaska Vacations, find deals car rentals on Alaska Car Rentals and book your next adventure while earning 4 miles for every $1 spent on GetYourGuide. 

*Out of any U.S. legacy airline excluding lie-flat seats  

Related

If you see a foreboding cloud of bats flood the night sky this summer, don’t be spooked. This mass migration is not a bad omen but a glimpse at some of Arizonan’s most interesting creatures.

The National Weather Service reported a large emergence of bats from the Phoenix bat cave at about 9 p.m. on Sunday, drawing closer attention to the many bats in metro Phoenix and Arizona.

Bats are an important part of Arizona’s ecosystem and are much more common than you may think.

Here’s everything about the Phoenix bat cave and the creatures that reside there.

What is the Phoenix bat cave?

Angie McIntire, a bat biologist at the Arizona Game and Fish Department, said in an interview with The Arizona Republic there could be between 10,000 to 20,000 bats living in this unsuspecting storm drain.

But this tunnel is actually the ideal home for many species of Arizona bats. Insectivorous bats, whose diets rely heavily on insects, prefer to stay by long water sources that make skimming the water to catch prey easy, according to the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Since bats spend their downtime hanging upside down, the flood control tunnel’s rough concrete ceilings is the perfect surface to hang from.

Where is the Phoenix bat cave?

The Phoenix bat cave is located north of 40th Street and Camelback Road. Conveniently, you can walk to the top of the tunnel by following the Arizona Canal. Take the path on the north side of the canal for about 200 yards, past the office buildings and parking garage, to reach the perfect spot to watch the bats.

If you need to find parking, you can find the bat cave parking lot on Google Maps.

What is the best time to see the bats in Phoenix?

Every year, from May through October, thousands of bats migrate to Mexico. They start their journey southbound just before dusk, or 8 p.m. in the summer months, and continue into the night.

What is the most common bat in Phoenix?

Of the 28 different species of bats found in Arizona, Mexican free-tailed bats are the most common. The United States has a Mexican free-tailed population of over 100 million, according to the National Park Service.

According to another interview with The Republic with McIntire, Mexican free-tailed bats have been found congregating in huge numbers under several bridges in the Phoenix area. McIntire said the Gilbert Road bridge, where Gilbert Road crosses the Salt River, has approximately 30,000 in its structure.

Mexican free-tailed bats can be identified by their reddish to dark brown or gray fur, forward-pointing ears and wrinkled lips. These bats have narrow wings that typically span 12 to 14 inches, allowing them to fly at speeds of 60 miles per hour, according to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum.